I08 SMITHSOXIAX MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 72 



reaching fruni wall to wall, a width varying from 45 to 70 feet. This 

 bed was so loose as to be almost like a snow bank ; but for the most 

 part they were as compact as if much trampled over while wet. When 

 solidly packed, the mass would measure fully 800 cubic yards in 

 volume ; but when loosened by excavation, 200 culjic yards more. 

 All the wood had to be carried from either the top or the bottom of 

 the hill, which is about 400 feet high, and passed through the small 

 opening from the other cave. It is safe to say no more fuel would l)e 

 used than was strictly necessary, ^^'hen it is considered how little 

 fire is requisite for the needs of an Indian household, and that the 

 limited space suital)le for residence would not i)rovide sufficient room 

 for more than half a dozen families at a time, it is quite clear that this 

 amount of ashes meant a very long occupancy. Even with continuous 

 habitation, several centuries would be required for such a quantity to 

 accumulate; and if residence was desultory and intermittent, as is 

 customary with roving or hunting tribes, or if it was only a winter 

 home for some of those living in the villages mentioned, the period 

 would be greatly lengthened. Yet the remains found in these ashes 

 were of the same character from top to bottom. The artificial objects 

 founfl numbered about 75 mortars, more than 200 pestles, hundreds of 

 flint knives or spear heads, numerous implements of bone, antler, and 

 shell ; quantities of crude pottery fragments, a few tomahawks, and 

 two pipes. \\ hile the many mortars and pestles indicate much use of 

 grain, seeds, and nuts, at the same time the great amount of mammal, 

 bird, and fish bones showed that a large part of their sustenance was 

 derived from animal food. Of more than 20 skeletons found in 

 various stages of decay, only two were of aged individuals, most being- 

 remains of children or yoimg persons. The skulls were of low type. 

 Xot an ornament of any sort was found except a few rude ones of 

 bone or shell. Some of the human bones, mostly those of children, 

 were charred and broken, and mingled with the debris of food animals 

 and ashes as if the flesh had been used for food, and the l)r(jken bones 

 thrown aside with the refuse. There was no evidence of the crema- 

 tion of bodies; the condition of these bones points to the practice of 

 cannibalism. 



The second cave explored is situated a mile south of Waynesville, 

 on land belonging to Dr. J. W. Sell, and was probably a temporary 

 camping place. Its opening is on a hillside facing Roubidoux creek, 

 and is easily accessible from either the top or the bottom of the hill. 

 A few rods back from the entrance, water stands on the floor through- 

 out the year : so that only the front part of the cave was used for 

 shelter. At the entrance is a pile of earth washed from the sloping 



