ANCIENT WORKS NEAR THE TISUTAKA RIVER. 31 



feet; being nearly double the usual dimensions. Three of them are remarkable for 

 their curved tails, a feature here first observed. (Plate XXIV. Nos. 2, 3, and 4.) 

 One of the smallest has the tail turned back by the side of the body. (Plate XXIV. 

 No. 4.) These curved figures have another peculiarity in the obtuseness of the 

 extremity ; the end being round and flat, instead of a sharp point, as in most other 

 similar mounds. While these have a width of about four feet at the end, others 

 so gradually diminish in height and breadth that it is almost impossible, as before 

 observed, to determine the precise point of termination. One has a rectangular 

 bend at the extremity of the tail, and in each there is a change of direction in pass- 

 ing from the body to the tail. 



The excavation, Plate IX. Fig. 6, is quite similar to those found on the Mil- 

 waukee River, in form and dimensions; except that the extremity is deflected, and 

 it does not appear to be associated with the principal mound by pointing towards 

 it. The oblong structure adjoining the excavation is in the most conspicuous place, 

 and may be styled the "observatory." 



This interesting group occupies a secure position, being on a ridge flanked by 

 marshy grounds on either side. At the remote period when these mounds were 

 built, the marshes may have been lakes, since filled up or dried away to their pre- 

 sent condition.^ A diligent search did not reveal any evidence of breastworks, or 

 other means of defence, across this ridge at either end of the mounds. About 

 half a mile off, in a northwest direction, is a very high hill (probably two hundred 

 feet above the level of the marshes), on which are one lizard and three circular 

 mounds. From these there is a fine view, extending over much of the adjacent 

 country. 



It will be noticed that there are no round or burial mounds among those repre- 

 sented on Plate XXIII. The cemetery was in some other place, probably on the 

 hill just mentioned. The grounds about the former are covered with scattered oak- 

 trees, commonly called " oak openings," and thickly overgrown with small bushes, 

 rendering it diflicult to perform the work of surveying. Such was the density of 

 this undergrowth, that we seldom could see a mound until we were directly 

 upon it ; and we are not sure that all were detected. At the time of our visit a 

 fire was raging through the woods about us, consuming the dry leaves and brush, 

 and filling the air with smoke ; and our clothes and persons soon became blackened 

 by the charred bushes, nor were we entirely free from danger arising from falling 

 trees. The peculiar noise made by the fire as it entered the marsh, caused by the 

 bursting of the hollow stems of coarse grass and weeds, was very great. 



Traces of a few other mounds were noticed at the eastern exti'emity of Pewaukee 

 Lake, immediately north of the village. They were too much injured in the pro- 

 cess of making roads, and by the dam, by which the lake has been I'aised four feet 

 above its original level, to admit of their precise nature being ascertained. 



No other ancient works could be found in the valley of the Pishtaka and its 

 branches ; nor could we hear of any more upon inquiry among those familiar with 

 the localities in that part of the country. 



' They are 260 feet above Lake Michigan, as ascertained by levelling. 



