ANCIENT WORKS NEAR ROCK RIVER. 45 



Within this inclosure the ground descends towards the river more abruptly near 

 the western wall, forming a kind of second bank, and then with a smooth even 

 surface. This slope is interrupted only by a natural swell or eminence, shown at 

 c, Plate XXXIV. The highest point in the interior is at the southwest corner, and 

 is occupied by a square ti'uncated mound, that, when seen from the high ground at 

 c, presents the appearance of a pyramid, rising by successive steps like the gigantic 

 structures of Mexico. (See section on Plate XXXIV.) This was doubtless the 

 most sacred spot, as well as the highest. It will be observed that the inclosing 

 walls curve around this pyramid, as if constructed afterwards, and made to conform 

 to the shape of the ground. It is also further guarded by the two outer walls before 

 described. 



The level area on the top was fifty-three feet wide on the west side, where, in 

 consequence of the slope of the ground, it has the least elevation ; and it was ori- 

 ginally, in all probability, a square of this size. On other parts of the mound the 

 sides are high and steep ; and the abrading effects of time have acted most upon 

 the summits. There appears to have been a sloping way leading from the top of 

 this mound towards the east ; but if so, it has now dwindled to a slight elevation 

 or swell on that side. This road-way was connected with a ridge before alluded to, 

 extending towards the prominent point c. From this last point there is a gradual 

 and easy descent to the river. These level-topped mounds may have been the 

 foundation only of some structure of more perishable materials. From the summit 

 of the two high places, and especially from that at a, the whole works, and quite an 

 extent of surrounding country, can be seen. 



At the northwest angle of the inclosure (Z>) is another rectangular, truncated, 

 pyramidal elevation, of sixty by sixty-five feet level area on the top, with remains 

 of its graded way, or sloping ascent, at the southeast corner, leading also towards a 

 ridge that extends in the direction of the river. This mound occupies the summit 

 of the ridge or bank before spoken of, though it rises but little, if any, above the 

 top of the adjacent walls. It has been partially destroyed by persons curious in 

 antiquarian research, and by one who, it is said, had been supernaturaUy convinced 

 that a large amount of money was deposited in it! 



There is another square structure (at d), which is level on the top ; but as it 

 stands on sloping ground, and has but little elevation, it runs to a grade even with 

 the surface on the upper side. Just at this point a small mound has been erected, 

 perhaps at a subsequent time, and by a different tribe or nation of people. 



The analogy between these elevations and the " temple-mounds" of Ohio and the 

 Southern States, will at once strike the reader who has seen the plans and descrip- 

 tions. They have the same square or regular form, sloping or graded ascent, the 

 terraced or step-like structure, and the same position in the interior of the inclosure. 

 This kind of formation is known to increase in numbers and importance as we pro- 

 ceed to the south and southwest, until they are represented by the great structures 

 of the same general character on the plains of Mexico. 



In this inclosure are ridges usually about two feet high, as represented on 

 the plan. The rings or circles connected with them constitute a very peculiar 

 feature, and are supposed to be the remains of mud houses ; the materials of the 

 walls having fallen, leaving only a circular mound of earth to mark their original 



