ABORIGINAL OCCUPATION OF NEW YORK 23 
weak. In such cases a favorite place was on a ridge between two 
deep ravines. When peace came, or the nation grew strong, more 
accessible towns were built on lower lands. This was notably the 
case with the Mohawks and Onondagas. In any event due regard 
was had to the soil. Highland or lowland, our aborigines always 
shunned a stiff clay when possible, and chose a sandy or gravelly 
loam. ‘This was the common rule even in temporary camps. Shal- 
low lakes and bays, or their shallow parts were preferred to deep 
water as usually affording the best fishing grounds, and the fords 
and rifts of rivers were chosen for the same reason. Around such 
spots successive camps or village sites may appear, covering quite 
an extent of time. In a similar way the Huron-Iroquois were af- 
fected by geological conditions. Fishing and hunting advantages 
determined their camps, but their towns had regard to the culture 
of the fields. A fertile soil, easily worked but in a secure situation, 
was one of the first requisites. Of course water must always be 
near. 
Ancient earthworks, of which but two or three exist near the 
Mohawk, increase in frequency westward, becoming numerous in 
the territory of the Onondagas, and of their probable ancestors in 
Jefferson county. They are often of a generally elliptic or circular 
form, more or less irregular according to the nature of the ground, 
but sometimes a single straight or curving bank defends a point 
between two ravines. Usually there is an outside ditch, and one 
or more gates. It has now been definitely ascertained that some 
of these banks, at least, supported palisades. Of course there was 
no ditch at the gateways. 
Mounds of earth are extremely rare in the eastern counties, and 
the few known seem much older than the Iroquois occupation. 
Only one of importance has been definitely reported east of Onon- 
daga lake, and some small ones near the early trails on and about the 
St Lawrence river. From Onondaga lake to the western line of 
the state they increase in frequency. A few ossuaries occur in Jef- 
ferson county, but they are most common from Cayuga lake west- 
ward, though not frequent in any place. Instances of a common 
symmetrical or radiating burial are occasionally found. Rarely is 
