294 CERTAIN ABORIGINAL REMAINS OF THE ALABAMA RIVER. 



We shall have occasion later in the Report to refer at greater length to ear- 

 plugs of this type. 



In caved earth was a rude vessel with pointed projections around the outside 

 of the rim. Height, 2.7 inches; maximum diameter, 4 inches (Fig. 3). 



Fig. 3. — Vessel of earth 



A head of a predatory bird, modelled in red earthenware, blackened exteriorly, 

 which doubtless had seen service as the handle of a vessel, lay loose in the earth. 

 Part of the bill is missing (Fig. 4). 



Also in loose earth was a 

 disc of earthenware, cut from a 

 sherd. In former Reports we 

 have had occasion to mention 

 these discs which doubtless were 

 used in games. They occurred 

 in great numbers in some of the 

 mounds of the Alabama river, 

 and their presence has been noted 

 from South Georgia to Canada. 

 Curiously enough they are almost, 

 if not entirely, absent from the 

 Florida mounds investigated by us, which is likewise the case as to the discoidal 

 stone. They are referred to in Mr. Stewart Culin's exhaustive " Chess and Playing 

 Cards." 1 



Three discoidal stones were in caved earth or were thrown back by the diggers 

 in the mound. A handsome one, probably of clay-stone colored with iron, is 2 

 1 " Report of the U. S. National Museum," for 1896. 



