SOME ABORIGINAL SITES ON RED RIVER. 525 
There seems to be no history of discovery of bones or of artifacts at this place, 
and with the exception of a few sherds, probably exposed by wash of rain on the 
surface of the largest mound, nothing was found by us either superficially on the 
plantation or in numerous trial-holes put down in the summit-plateaus of the two 
largest mounds and in two smaller mounds, on all four of which dark soil indicated 
former aboriginal abode. 
Dwelling-site material, probably indicating the presence of cemeteries at this 
place, no doubt lies beneath layers of deposit from periods of overflow. 
In some of the mounds of this important site probably interesting burials might 
be found did not the presence of buildings upon the mounds make a careful investi- 
gation impossible. 
MOUND ON CEDAR BLUFF PLANTATION, Cappo PARISH, La. 
Cedar Bluff Plantation is the property of Mr. J. S. Swann, whose residence is 
on Cedar Bluff immediately across the river and opposite the plantation. 
About one-quarter mile in a northwesterly direction from Cedar Bluff Planta- 
tion Landing, in full view from the levee as it was at the time of our visit, was a 
mound of sand, 4.5 feet in height, having a very irregularly circular outline, due 
probably to tillage. Its basal diameter is 73 feet. 
Eight trial-holes came upon a layer of dark sand, having a maximum thickness 
of 3 inches. This layer was 3.5 feet below the highest parts of the mound and 
proportionately less under more marginal parts. In places in the layer was midden 
debris, including fragments of shells, parts of bones of lower animals, and several 
fragments of pottery, two of them of excellent ware, having decoration conferred 
with a fine point but somewhat lacking in regularity. No burials or artifacts other 
than pottery were encountered. 
MOUND ON THE THOMPSON PLACE, Cappo PARISE, La. 
On the plantation of Mr. A. R. Thompson, who resides on it, is a mound 
slightly more than 7 feet in height, about three-quarters of a mile W. by N. from 
the landing. This mound, which has been quadrangular, has been under cultiva- 
tion, so that the corners are somewhat rounded. IEs sides almost exactly face the 
cardinal points. The basal diameter N. and $. is 105 feet; the minor diameter, 
72 feet. The diameters of the summit-plateau are 53 feet and 20 feet respectively. 
Eight trial-holes sunk into this mound, the soil of which was dark and had a 
promising appearance, soon penetrated sand of a raw, yellow shade, in which was 
found no indication of the presence of burials. The surrounding area showed no 
sign of having served as a place of abode in aboriginal times. 
MOUNDS NEAR Byram FERRY, Bossier PARISH, La. 
About one mile ESE. from Byram Ferry, in woods belonging to Mr. A. L. 
Byram, who resides some distance back in the hills, are two mounds within a few 
yards of each other. 
