CERTAIN ABORIGINAL REMAINS OF THE ALABAMA RIVER. 303 



Human remains, a bunched burial, were met with but once. 



In the debris thrown out by previous diggers was a spool-shaped ornament of 

 copper of the pattern often found in Ohio mounds, and a sheet copper disc 2.5 inches 

 in diameter with a central repousse boss having in the middle a perforation for 

 attachment. 



Aboriginal Cemetery, Durand's Bend. Dallas County. 



Durand's Bend, formed by a long curve of the Alabama river, is about thirteen 

 miles above Selma by water. At one point the land is only about 150 yards across, 

 and there, during the great Hood of 1886, when the territory was under water, the 

 river cut through in several places, washing away superficial portions. On the 

 subsidence of the flood it was found that parts of an aboriginal burial place had 

 been laid bare and that human bones, earthenware vessels, whole and in fragments, 



and various other objects of aboriginal make, were scattered over the surface. 

 Many persons from Selma visited the ground', reaping a rich harvest, we were told, 

 and since then others visiting the spot, have located, by the aid of iron rods, 

 numerous vessels under the surface, which they dug up and carried away. 



Dr. W. J. Stoddard, of Selma. the owner of the property, a gentleman greatly 

 interested in scientific matters, determined to end reckless digging by unauthorized 

 persons and, for a considerable period, has withheld permission to dig. We are 

 indebted to Doctor Stoddard for cordially placing his entire plantation at our 

 disposal with fullest permission to investigate to any extent we saw fit. 



