Ancient Villages Among Emblematic Mounds. 157 



examine. In reference to these there is, perhaps, more 

 uncertainty than in reference to the existence of vil- 

 lages. The study of the native life of the wild tribes may 

 furnish us some information in reference to their char- 

 acteristics and from our knowledge of the later tribes we 

 may ascertain what were the elements of the village con- 

 dition, but it is mainly by analogy that we predicate that 

 such elements existed among the mound builders. We carry 

 with us information from the living races to the extinct and 

 by one picture learn to interpret another filling up the out- 

 lines which have become obscure by the wear of time and 

 interpreting many things which would otherwise be inex- 

 plicable. > 



Again, II. The characteristics of village life are exhib- 

 ited or made known. These characteristics are as we have 

 seen, the selection of a locality favorable to subsistence, 

 the selection of a spot which would be convenient of access, 

 "well guarded by its natural surroundings, and which should 

 be dry and favorable for the erection of houses. The tokens 

 that a village was located would be found in the existence 

 of mounds, earthworks and effigies around an enclosure, 

 in such a position as to give the idea of defense. The addi- 

 tional discovery of caches, springs of water, and other signs 

 of permanent residence, would be additional proof. The 

 existence of burial mounds in the vicinity of outlooks which 

 might serve as defenses and of altar mounds m the vicinity, 

 would prove that the locality had been occupied as 

 a place of residence. The existence of game drives and 

 of trails and gardens would be still further evi- 

 dent. The early explorers and travelers all speak of vil- 

 lages. It is very seldom that Indians were met with outside 

 of their villages, but there were many localities where vil- 

 lages were prevalent. The early maps have given the loca- 

 tion of many of the villages. According to these maps the 

 villages were situated on the water courses and lakes, and 

 were connected to one another by trails. Several villages 

 were situated on Green Bay, others on Lake Michigan, and 

 still others on the Mississippi river. 



The study of these villages may give to us some hints as 



