CERTAIN MOUNDS OF ARKANSAS AND OF MISSISSIPPI. 599 
sometimes to have served as points for the arrows of aborigines of the lower Mis- 
sissippi region. Certain it is that the ganoid scales of the alligator-gar, a fish 
which sometimes reaches a length of from 8 to 10 feet, would be admirably suited 
for use as projectile points. 
Mound H, five trial-holes. 
Mound I, which had been much dug into previously, received four trial-holes. 
Mound J, summit plateau 76 feet by 80 feet. Nine trial-holes were sunk into 
the summit plateau of this mound, resulting in the discovery of a badly decayed 
skeleton of an adult, at full length on the back, 2.5 feet below the surface. 
Ten trial-holes were put into Mound K. A number of fish-scales were found, 
probably belonging to a young alligator-gar. These scales were too small to have 
served as arrow points, and, moreover, they lay one overlapping the other as if a 
portion of the fish had been present originally. 
Just below the surface of Mound K were three small, coarse, undecorated pots 
of earthenware, all with flat bottoms. Near these, together, were two small pots, 
one with two loop-handles, the other with loop-handles on two opposite sides and 
projections below the rim on two other sides. 
With these pots was a small fragment of excellent yellow ware, having part 
of a design in low relief, painted red. 
Ten trial-holes were dug into Mound L. A much-decayed skeleton of an infant 
was met with about 2 feet below the surface. 
Mound M, five trial-holes. 
Mound N, ten trial-holes. 
Mound O, nine trial-holes. 
In the level ground five trial-holes were dug at each of the following sites: 
Ridge ESE. of mound J. 
Ground adjacent to the SW. corner of Mound С. 
Dwelling-site about 40 feet NNE. of Mound D. 
Dwelling-site about 100 feet from W. side of Mound J. 
Field W. of Mound J. 
Field E. of Mound J. 
Ground NE. of Mound N. 
Field W. of Mound O. 
Dwelling-site NE. of Mound С (across the road). 
Throughout the digging, sherds were rarely met with. Such as were found 
in the trial-holes, and those encountered on the surface, were mainly of com- 
mon ware, though a few, including one we have already described, were of 
excellent material—one fragment of black ware having an especially high polish 
on both sides. 
Decoration, when present, almost invariably consisted of simple designs rudely 
incised. Decoration with red paint was several times found. Two specimens 
tested by Dr. H. F. Keller showed the pigment to be red oxide of iron. 
On the surface were a small chisel wrought from a pebble of chert, and a dise 
