wbbb] ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORRIS BASIN \%l 



very fertile and has been in cultivation down to the river edge for a 

 long time. 



The soil contains mussel and periwinkle shells in abundance, to- 

 gether with broken potsherds, chipped flint, and the usual other evi- 

 dences of the prehistoric village. No post-mold patterns or other 

 evidences of structures were found on this site. If structures had 

 once existed here, the post molds would probably have been destroyed 

 by the periodic overflow and by the cultivation of the soil. Sandy 

 soils do not readily retain post molds; and, further, since there was 

 no well-defined humus line on this site, post molds, if they existed, 

 and were filled with loose soil, would be undistinguishable for prac- 

 tical purposes. 



Chief interest attaches to this site because it was used as a burial 

 ground. No extensive investigation was possible, since the owner 

 desired to begin the planting of corn about the time the investigation 

 was begun. Since the time of investigation was limited to 3 days, 

 the exploration consisted in running trenches about 5 feet wide and 

 3 feet deep, approximately parallel to the river's edge along the 

 highest part of this terrace. The soil was quite black and sandy at 

 the top, but, upon removal of the upper 2 feet, the lower sand was 

 somewhat lighter in color and more compact. Where graves had 

 been made the original black topsoil had been filled in over the body, 

 which made a dark area in the floor of the trench. The trenches were 

 thus extended and the floor swept clean, and an endeavor made to find 

 dark patches on the trench floor which would reveal disturbed earth 

 and possible burials. 



A deposit of mussel and periwinkle shells with small stones was 

 found 2 feet under the surface. This deposit was 8 feet by 11 feet 

 and was 6 inches thick. It is thought to have been the result of a 

 storage bin on the old village site which after use had been filled with 

 shell and other rubbish. Excavation under it revealed no disturbed 

 earth. 



Burials 



Burial No. 1. — At a depth of 16 inches below the ground surface 

 the burial of an infant, extended in the flesh, was found. The body 

 had been placed on the right side with the head to the northwest. 

 The preservation of the bones was poor. No artifacts were found in 

 association with the burial. 



Burial No. 2. — At a depth of 17 inches below the ground surface 

 the fully flexed skeleton of an adult female was found. The body 

 had been buried on the right side with the head to the south. The 

 hands were placed between the legs. The preservation was good. 

 Two clay vessels were found in association ; one between the face and 

 the knees and the other touching the right temporal bone. 



