ERIE COUNTY. 



Erie county ranks next to Jefferson in the number of its ascertained aboriginal 

 monuments. The topographical features of the two counties are much the same, 

 although the former is by far the least elevated. Along the shores of Lake 

 Erie and bordering Buffalo Creek are low and fertile alluvials ; back of these we 

 come to the limestone formation, and the country rises, forming a second grand 

 terrace, along the brow of which most of the ancient works are situated. Within 

 the limits of the late Seneca Reservation, which has been only in part brought 

 under cultivation, there are a number of ancient works, which are unimpaired 

 except by the operation of natural causes. It is extremely difficult, however, to 

 find them, in consequence of the forest and the thick undergrowth. As the Reser- 

 vation is cleared up, no doubt new ones will be discovered ; and it is to be hoped 

 sufficient interest in these matters may be found to exist among the citizens of 

 Buffalo, to secure their prompt and careful investigation. 



PLATE IX. No. 1 



ANCIENT WORK NEAR BUFFALO. 



One of the most interesting works in this county is that here represented. It 

 derives much of its interest from the associations connected with it. The site 

 which it occupies was a favorite spot with the Senecas, and one of their largest 

 cemeteries occurs within its walls. Here is buried an Indian chief whose name is 

 inseparably interwoven with the history of the Five Nations. He was a man who 

 possessed a rare combination of talents, which, developed under different circum- 

 stances, would have secured for him a high position among the greatest statesmen 

 and proudest orators of the world. This is hardly a proper place to speak of his 

 character ; but his devoted patriotism, his inflexible integrity, the unwavering firm- 

 ness, calm and lofty dignity, and powerful eloquence with which he opposed the 

 encroachments of the whites, notwithstanding that he knew all resistance was 

 vain and hopeless — command an involuntary tribute to the memory of the last and 

 noblest of the proud and politic Iroquois, the haughty and unbending Red Jacket, 



