CAYUGA COUNTY. 



PLATE V. No. 1. 



ANCIENT WORK NEAR AUBURN, NEW YORK. 



One of the best preserved and most interesting works in the State, is that over- 

 looking the flourishing town of Auburn. It is situated upon a commanding emi- 

 nence, which rises abruptly from the level grounds upon which the town is built, 

 to the height of perhaps one hundred feet. It is the most elevated spot in the 

 vicinity, and commands a wide and very beautiful prospect. The ground occupied 

 by the work subsides gently from the centre of the area ; but exterior to the walls 

 are steep acclivities and deep ravines, rendering approach in nearly every direc- 

 tion extremely difficult. These natural features are indicated in the plan, which 

 obviates the necessity for a detailed description. Upon the south are several deep 

 gulleys, separated by sharp, narrow ridges, rendering ascent at this point, in the 

 face of determined defenders, entirely impracticable. It has been conjectured by 

 some that the walls here have been washed away ; but it is clear that there was 

 slight necessity for any defences at this point, and that none ever existed beyond 

 what may still be traced. 



The number and relative proportions of the gateways or openings are correctly 

 shown in the plan. That upon the north is one hundred and sixty feet wide ; that 

 upon the east sixty feet, and that upon the west thirty feet. These wide, unpro- 

 tected spaces would seem to conflict with the supposition, so well sustained by its 

 remaining features, that the work had a defensive origin. It is not improbable, 

 however, that palisades extended across these openings, as well as crowned the 

 embankments ; for without such additions, as has been already observed, the best 

 of these structures could have afforded but very slight protection. 



The embankments of this work are now between two and three feet in height, 

 and the trenches of corresponding depth. The area of the work and the ground 

 around it are covered with forest-trees. There are several depressions, which 

 probably were the caches of the ancient occupants.* 



It is said that a number of relics have been recovered here from time to time. 



* This work has an accidental approach to regularity ; but it is far from being a true ellipsis, as lias bei'n 

 supposed by some who have visited it. 



