SKULLS FROM THE MOUNDS, 223 



discovered, all in the sitting posture, but in so fragile a state as to defy all attempts 

 at preservation."* 



The antiquity of the skull from the lovrer vault is sufficiently established by 

 the preceding circumstances ; and I add it to these illustrations vv^ith the greater 

 satisfaction on account of the authentic character of all the facts mentioned by 

 Dr. Clemens. The occurrence of ivoryf beads is a matter of much interest ; for 

 it w^ill be at once inquired, w^here did the ancient Americans procure this material? 

 A glance at the drawling reveals the characteristic traits of the American skull, as 

 seen in the full superciliary ridge, the salient nose, the rounded head, the flattened 

 occiput, and the broad and ponderous lower jaw^. Every tooth in this head is 

 perfect ; but a part of the occipital bone is deficient, and the dotted line is probably 

 an approximation to the original outline. The follow^ing are the only measure- 

 ments I have been able to obtain. 



Longitudinal diameter, . . . . . 6.6? inches. 



Horizontal diameter, (from superciliary ridge to occiput,) 6.5 inches. 



Parietal diameter, ...... 6. inches. 



Vertical diameter, ...... 5. inches. 



Facial angle, about . . .... 78 degrees. 



PLATE LIV. 



SKULL FROM A MOUND ON THE ALABAMA RIVER. 



This very interesting cranium has been already mentioned in this w^ork, 

 (page 162,) where three views are given in wood outlines. It is there mentioned 

 as the property of Dr. O. H. Fowler, who, having politely allowed me the use of 

 it, I have gladly made room for it in this place. It is supposed to be a Natchez 

 head, which is altogether probable ; but I insert it here as a genuine mound skull. 

 It is flattened on the occiput and os frontis in such manner as to give the whole 

 head a sugar-loaf or conical form, whence also its great lateral diameter, and its 



* Mr. Tomlinson, the proprietor, has been at great pains and expense to fit up the lower vault of 

 this mound, in which the articles found in it are preserved for the gratification of strangers. 



tl am also informed by Dr. Clemens, that he has found porcelain beads in a small mound a mile 

 and a half from the greater one.— For an early and interesting account of this mound, see Dr. J. 

 Morton's memoir in the Amer. Jour, of Science and Art, VI, p. 166. 



