64 WISCOlsSI^s" ACADEMY SCIENCES, AETS, AXD LETTERS. 



at or after this time. In liini we find an original barbarian with 

 no signs of ever being connected with civilization. Besides, his 

 traditions connect him with the northwest, from which direction 

 he is snpposed to have entered North America. 



A strong fact in support of this view is that there are several 

 tribes, the nomadic Koraks and Chookchees, found in Eastern Si- 

 beria, throughout the region that extends to Behring's Strait, who 

 have a strong resemblance to the wild Indian, and may well repre- 

 sent the common parent stock. 



A few words in regard to the points relied upon to establish the 

 antiquity of the mound-builders. 



1. As no mounds are built upon the lowest formed of the river- 

 terraces, it is presumed the mounds were built prior to their forma- 

 tion. These rivers show four successive terraces in their subsi- 

 dence to their present channels. It is not possible to say what an- 

 tiquity this would indicate, but at least a great one. 



2. Sound and well preserved skeletons known to be two thous- 

 and years old have been taken from burial places in England and 

 other European countries, less favorable to their preservation than 

 the burial places of the mound-builders. Hence, it is supposed 

 that the decayed skeletons taken from the mounds are more than 

 two thousand years old. 



I. The great age of the mounds are shown by their relation to 

 the forests which must have sprung up after the disappearance of 

 this eminently agricultural people. In conclusion, I will merely 

 add that many theories, some plausible and others very absurd, have 

 been invented as to the origin of the ancient civilization of Central 

 America, and Peru. Authorities differ as to whether these two are 

 distinct and if not which is the oldest. The weight of authority 

 inclines to the opinion that they were originated by the same peo- 

 ple and that of Central America is the most ancient. 



Mr. Baldwin, an eminent writer on Archeology, after reviewing 

 the principal theories as to the origin of this ancient civilzation, ar- 

 rives at the conclusion that it was an original civilization. This is 

 certainly a very safe theory and till more light is thrown upon this 

 subject, seems to have as much to be said in its favor as any other 

 hypothesis. 



