158 



not a third as large as the average of these, Avhich I am 

 inclined to class as Avar-clubs. Local traditions have considered 

 them war-clubs, and I think that it is reasonable to assent. 



Indian Axes. These weigh from three to seven pounds. 

 In shape, many of them are very like the common axe ; others 

 combine the form of the broad-axe with the rounded edge of 

 the common axe. Was not the ancient Pilj!;rim axe straight 

 edged l if so, then may not the stone axe of the Indian have 

 been the model after which our modern axes have been 

 fashioned 7 The rounded edge economized the power applied, 

 by bringing all to bear on a small cutting surface. Did the 

 Indian originate this important improvement? — certainly a 

 very interesting question. The axes and tomahawks have 

 uniformly a groove worked around them, doubtless for the 

 reception of the handle. And this may be a fitting place to 

 state the way in which tradition says handles Avere attached 

 to axes, tomahaAvks, hoes, &c. Two methods are stated, 

 and the first Avas probably in use for such as Avere groo- 

 ved, viz : A Avithe Avas twisted firmly around the instru- 

 ment, as a blacksmith puts a handle to his chisel; or a 

 sapling was split, and the instrum.ent, having been placed in the 

 cleft, was secured by binding with AA'ithes or sinews. Another 

 method, Avhich we have on the authority of an intelligent man, 

 Avho received it traditionally from his ancestors, Avho had seen 

 it practised Avhile prisoners among the Indians of Canada, Avas, 

 to select a youg sapling of a suitable size, pierce it, and, giv- 

 ing it a short split down, thrust in the Aveapon, and leave the 

 securing of it to mother nature. 



Chisels and Gouges. These are not very rare relics, and 

 their names explain their forms. Tradition says they Avere 

 principally used to Avork out charred Avood and trunks of trees, 

 to some rough shape desired. Some of them have grooves, to 

 receive handles. They are rather common relics. 



Sktn Dressers. Tradition says that these were used to 

 skin the animal, and afterAvards to Avork the skin pliant. These 

 are not grooved. 



Indian Hoes. These Avere found principally on the mead- 

 ows of the Connecticut. They Avere made from trap-rock, 

 being fragments of much the shape and the curvature of the 

 common hoe, though longer in proportion to their Avidth. They 

 are usually notched on their sides, and bear evident marks of 

 the use to which they Avere put. 



