SOME ETHNOGRAPHIC PHASES OF CONCHOLOGY. 



397 



interesting series of disclosures of ancient relics and sepulchral re- 

 mains in Tennessee. The crania of the graves were characterized 

 by remarkable artificial compression, as in the example figured by 

 Dr. Morton, plate 55, Crania Americana. These ancient graves 

 abounded with relics, " Cases, trinkets, and utensils; all of a very 

 rude construction, and all formed of some natural product, none 

 of metal." From an examination of these. Dr. Troost was led to 

 the conclusion that the race to whom they pertained came from some 

 tropical country. Numerous beads were formed of tropical marine 

 shells of the genus marginella, ground so as to make a perforation 

 on the back, by means of which they could be strung together for 

 purposes of personal ornament. Plain beads were made from the 

 columellas of the strombus gigas ; and such columellas were found 

 worn to a uniform thickness, perforated through the centre, and in 

 all stages of manufacture, from the rude state in which such are 

 found on the island shores of the West Indies, to their condition as 

 perfected beads and links of the much prized Wampum. But another 

 conchological relic of the same locality possesses a much greater 



interest. Dr. Troost describes and figures various rudely modelled 

 and sculptured idols found in the same locality; from some of which 



