26 Human Foot-Prints in Solid Limestone. 



each foot is ten inches and a half, the spread of the toes four 

 inches, indicating the usual stature ; and the nature of the im- 

 pression shows that the feet were unconfined by shoes or sandals. 

 This phenomenon, unique of its kind, is fraught with so much 

 importance, that I have requested Prof Silliman to ascertain the 

 nature of the sandstone, and the period of its formation." 



The shrewd Leonhard, though of a country where traditions 

 of the marvellous commonly find no little favor, is utterly scep- 

 tical in regard to this matter. His remarks are brief, and some- 

 what tinged with severity. He says : 



" Impressions of the human foot are also said to exist in rocks 

 of a calcareous nature on the banks of the Mississippi, in the state 

 of Missouri. As is said, the impressions partly must have been 

 made by a man while standing still, who, judging from the form 

 and extended spread of the toes, could not have been accustomed 

 to having his foot protected, and partly, there are evident marks 

 about the impressions indicating that the feet were covered after 

 the fashion of the Indians. The reporter of the story mentions 

 expressly, of course, that the tracks are so distinct, that the im- 

 pressions of the least muscle can be recognized ; but this very 

 circumstance casts suspicion on the whole narrative ; and it ap- 

 pears probable that these marks were artificially cut in the rock. 

 But that which excites the greatest doubt in this and other in- 

 stances is, that such phenomena, until now, have occurred so 

 isolated ; the footsteps of the walking man cannot be followed 

 farther." 



With opinions so variant before me, and such names arrayed 

 on either side of the question, it is with diffidence that I shall 

 proceed, after describing the slab in my possession, to venture my 

 opinion as to the probable origin of the impressions it contains. 



While I cannot unite with the learned German professor in the 

 implication conveyed by the italicising of the words "of course," 

 in the above extract, not doubting that Mr. Schoolcraft sought 

 faithfully to embody the impressions made upon him by the ap- 

 pearance of the phenomenon, yet I must be permitted to remark, 

 that I am unable fully to endorse the unqualified expressions of 

 admiration in regard to the matchless workmanship and inimita- 

 ble fidelity of execution which the inspection of these foot-prints 

 has called forth in various quarters. I may be supposed to regard 

 the specimen which is the subject of these eulogiums, certainly 



