CHAUTAUQUE C O UN T Y — E A RT H - W ORKS , ETC. 57 



striking the limestone ledge at Tonawanda Creek, followed along its brow to 

 Buffalo Creek. It diverged inwardly at the point under notice, so as to escape 

 the impassable ravine already mentioned. Kirkland, missionary to the Senecas in 

 1787, passed along this trail on his way to- Buffalo, and incidentally refers to a 

 work which he encountered after crossing Tonawanda Creek, and which is 

 probably the one here figured. 



Besides the ancient remains here noticed, there are no doubt many others of 

 which no information has yet been obtained. It is not probable, however, that 

 they possess any novel features, or differ materially in any respect from those 

 already described. Some " bone-pits " in addition to those already mentioned 

 occur in Clarence township, and will be noticed in another connection. 



This county abounds in traces of recent Indian occupancy ; in fact the rude 

 cabins of the aborigines have scarcely crumbled away, since they deserted their 

 favorite haunts upon the banks of the Buffalo Creek and its tributaries. A small 

 band are at bay upon the borders of the Tonawanda, sullenly defying the grasping 

 cupidity of those who Shylock-like, sustained by fraudulent contracts, are impatient 

 to anticipate the certain doom which impends over this scanty remnant, and would 

 deny these the poor boon of laying their bones beside those of their fathers. 



CHAUTAUQUE COUNTY. 



This county abounds in ancient monuments ; but no opportunity was afforded of 

 examining them during the progress of the investigations here recorded. It is 

 probable they are but a continuation of the series extending through Erie county, 

 (which adjoins Chautauque on the northeast,) and it is not hkely they present any 

 new features. 



One of the most remarkable occupies an eminence in Sheridan township, four 

 miles east of Fredonia, on the banks of Beaver Creek. It corresponds in all 

 respects with the hill-works already described. Another of like character occurs 

 in the southern part of the same township. 



