Aiitiquities and Plaiycnemism. 



191 



long and circular mounds. One mound in this vicinity represents- 

 an animal whose genus and species could not be ascertained. 



^j> 4_ While many animal mounds- 



are found near Lake Mendota^ 

 there are also circular and ob- 

 long mounds. On the follow- 

 ing page there is a diagrara 

 showing the location and ele- 

 vation of eight ancient mounds 

 on the northern shores of this- 

 lake. Their elevation varies- 

 from 93 to 96 feet above the 

 lake, and on some of tnem 

 trees are growing, measuring: 

 five and a half feet in circum- 

 ference. [F'ig. 5.] The larg- 

 est circular mound of this 

 group measures 188 feet in 

 circumference, and 85 feet 

 from the base to its summit" 

 It is the highest mound in this group, and from its elevated posi- 

 tion, could have been used for observation, and as a means of com- 

 munication bj signal with other mounds in the adjacent country. 

 From its summit you have an extended view of the surrounding; 

 country for many miles in all directions. 



This mound was the first one of the series explored, and on the- 

 following page a diagram of the manner of exploration is given, 

 together with the location of the skeletons and other relics found? 

 therein. {^Fig. 6.] 



In commencing the work, it was thought best to sink a perpen- 

 dicular shaft, about six feet square, through the centre of the- 

 mound, from the apex to the bottom of the tumulus. After re- 

 moving the surface, a black earth, similar to what is found on the- 

 shore of the lake when muck accumulates, or on the prairie bot- 

 tom, was removed to the depth of five feet. At this depth, and 

 on the western side of the shaft, a group of stones, consisting of 

 magnesia limestone, yellow and red sandstone were found. Some- 



