24 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS OF NEW YORK, 



PLATE IV. No. 2. 



ANCIENT WORK, LE RAY TOWNSHIP, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Three miles to the westward of the enclosure last described, near " Sandford's 

 Corners," was formerly another work of similar character, but larger size. Only a 

 small portion of the embankment is yet visible ; the dotted lines, however, show 

 the original outlines, according to the recollection of those who were acquainted 

 with the work before it was disturbed. The walls then measured not less than 

 six feet in height, measuring from the bottom of the trench. 



Within the ai-ea are found great numbers of the shells of the fresh-water mol- 

 luscas, accumulations of burnt matter, quantities of pottery in fragments, with 

 broken pipes, etc. Some of the pipes are of good workmanship and fine finish. 

 In this vicinity, also, have skeletons been found ; all buried in a sitting posture. 



Several other works formerly existed in this township, but they have been either 

 entirely or in great part obliterated. One is spoken of near Felt's Mills, but no 

 opportunity was afforded of examining it. 



PLATE IV. Nos. 3 and 4. 



ANCIENT WORKS IN ELLISBURGH TOWNSHIP, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



A NUMBER of ancient works formerly existed in Ellisburgh, one of the southern 

 towns of the county. Plate IV., No. 3, is one of those which are yet perfect. It 

 presents no novel features, is protected in the usual manner, and has the usual 

 relics and traces of occupancy within its walls. Three quarters of a mile to the 

 eastward is another similar, but larger work (Plate IV., No. 4), which has been 

 very nearly obhterated by the plough. The sections indicated in the engraving 

 are yet quite distinct ; nor can the parts supplied differ very materially from 

 the original lines. Perhaps no work in the State has more decided evidences 

 of aboriginal occupation. The entire area is covered with traces of ancient habi- 

 tations, and with relics of art, — pottery, ornaments, and implements. Exterior to 

 the walls, in all directions, but particularly on the level grounds between the two 

 works, the same indications are abundant. Indeed, the artificial accumulations 

 are so great as materially to augment the fertility of the soil. Caches have been 

 observed here, in some of which the present proprietor of the grounds has found 

 a number of bushels of parched corn, carbonized by long exposure. It is scattered 



