CHAPTER VII. 



CONTENTS OF THE MOUNDS; REMAINS OP ANCIENT 

 WORKMANSHIP. 



We have already stated, in their proper connection, the results of the examina- 

 tions of the mounds at various places ; but some general facts remain to be men- 

 tioned. 



It is important to determine with certainty whether the relics found buried are 

 the work of the original mound-builders, and placed there at the time of the erec- 

 tion of the mounds, or have been deposited subsequently. This can usually be 

 done with a reasonable degree of certainty by one accustomed to such investigations. 



So far as I have had opportunity to observe, there are no original remains in the 

 mounds of imitative form, beyond a few scattered fragments that may have gained 

 a place there by accident. Many of the mounds have been entirely removed, 

 including the earth beneath for a considerable depth, in the process of grading 

 streets in Milwaukee ; and it is usually found that the natural surface had not been 

 disturbed at the time of the erection, but that the several layers or strata of mould, 

 clay, gravel, &c., are continuous below the structure as on the contiguous grounds. 



Great numbers of the smaller conical tumuli are also destitute of any remains ; 

 and if human bodies were ever buried under them, they are now so entirely 

 " returned to dust" that no apparent traces of them are left. If we assume that each 

 mound was a place of burial, we must infer from the absence of utensils that the 

 common practice of depositing with the dead the implements to be used in the other 



Fig. 37. 



Fig. 38. 



One-quarter size. 



One-quarter size. 



world, is of comparatively recent origin ; since some of these, at least, would have 

 resisted decay. The middle-sized conical mounds, and tliose of larger dimeu- 



