ABORIGINAL OCCUPATION OF NEW YORK 2^ 



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 w^orked 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 Hne 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 



