No. 89.] 45 



small stream which flows through a ravine, which lies near by. In a central posi- 

 tion of ihis inclosure, occurs a cauldron-shaped pit, fifteen feet in diameter, by eight 

 feet in depth. The forest extends over this work — and trees, Betula papyracca, 

 Acer saccharinum, F.ferruginca^ several feet in diameter, were growing within 

 the pit, and upon the ancient redout. 



The vestiges of aboriginal occupancy, of which some outline is given, (plate 

 Till., No. 2,) are, in several respects, among the most interesting embraced in this 

 exploration. The fortification is situated upon an eminence, or rather, range of 

 hills, at a distance from the Cassadaga creek of some hundred and sixty rods; 

 while only about thirteen rods, in a southern direction from the work, another 

 stream flows by. The embankment is three feet in height, with trench, some two 

 feet in depth; a portion of this work lies in the woods. Within this inclosure, and 

 particularly near the circumvaliations, numerous skeletons have been disclosed; 

 they were buried in a horizontal position. In the north-eastern section of the 

 work occurs an entrance or gateway, from which a well defined Indian trail leads 

 to an ancient cemetery, situated at a distance of fifty rods from the fortification. 

 These Indian graves— formerly three in number, but only two of which can now 

 be found — are of rectangular form, some nine feet in diameter, with the surface of 

 the pits depressed about a foot below the level of the surrounding field. These 

 vaults were excavated, nearly forty years since, and it was variously estimated 

 that from thirty to sixty skeletons were exhumed from each pit; they were buried 

 in a sitting posture. These remains were of large size; one of the skeletons mea- 

 sured seven feet and five inches in length. Detached portions of crania disclosed 

 here, which have come to my notice, are of unusual thickness. Thickness at 

 superciliary ridges, one inch; and of the occipital bone at occipital protuberance, 

 half an inch. It is known that a custom prevailed among the aborigines, of gather- 

 ing their dead at stated intervals, and burying within their cemeteries; but here 

 were evidences to denote that a sanguinary battle had once ensued. Within the 

 redout, and in area surrounding its entrenchments, vast numbers of warlike imple- 

 ments have been observed ; it was estimated that several bushels of arrow heads 

 had been found here. Several very large caches also occur in the neighborhood of 

 these works. 



The most extensive work included in this surve}'- — and perhaps the most exten- 

 sive within the State — is represented upon plate IX. The redout is one hundred 

 rods in length, and extends, in a slightly curved line, from the brow of lofty and 

 precipitous bluff's, across a nearly level plateau, and intersects with the steep banks 

 of a stream whose waters form a junction with the larger creek in the valley. 

 The area thus inclosed is about one hundred rods in width, and flanked by the 

 precipitous ravines, which answer every purpose of defense upon the north and the 

 south; the banks of a wide stream forming the boundary upon the west, and the 

 line of fortification intersecting with ravines referred to, successfully cut off" ap- 

 proach in every direction. The parapet formerly had an elevation of eight feet, 

 and a breadth of fifteen feet at its base, with trench of corresponding dimensions. 

 Within the inclosure may be observed a large boulder, with a cavity in its surface, 

 and which had from other indications, been used for the purpose of pounding corn, 

 &c. Numerous rem.ains of ancient workmanship, stone tomahawks, lance-heads, 

 fragments of vases, have been found here. The site of this interesting fortification, 

 which is not only the most extensive, and its position admirably chosen, but in its 

 artificial defenses was the strongest in this section, is now occupied by the village 

 of Sinclairville, and all traces of the work will soon be obliterated. 



