THE ST. JOHN'S RIVER, FLORIDA. 147 



In another portion of the mound was a small bowl in fragments, showing base 

 perforation made previous to completion of the vessel. 



Two and one-half feet down, and undoubtedly of original deposit, a matter of 

 easy determination in this mound since, it will be remembered, a layer of sand 

 tinged pink with hematite ran through the mound at a point not far below the 

 surface, was a simply indescribable object of earthenware, for an idea of which we 

 must refer the reader to Plate XXII. Its height is about 5 - 25 inches ; its maximum 

 diameter, excluding handles, 5 inches; its base diameter IT inches. Two curious 

 claws that had projected from the margin were unfortunately severed by the blow 

 of a spade, and the portion intervening between them and the rim received so 

 comminuted a fracture that certain restoration was impossible. We are, therefore, 

 uncertain whether this curious claw-like handle projected vertically or laterally ; 

 and whether, in its original position, it was everted from or turned over the vessel. 

 We have endeavored in the restoration, which is indicated by broken lines, to 

 suggest the most likely position. 



Of all the mortuary vessels of earthenware of fantastic design, to which no 

 possible domestic use can be assigned, and to which we have given the name of 

 "freak" earthenware, this vessel is easily the most curious. It is almost needless 

 to say to those familiar with this type that a base perforation, made previous to 

 baking, is present, or rather that the funnel-shaped body is minus a base. 



Beneath the layer of cherry-colored sand was a curious bird effigy of earthen- 

 ware, with spread tail. Length, 6"7 inches; height of body, 2 - 5 inches; diameter 

 of body, 2-7 inches (Plate XXIII, Fig. 1). 



At a depth to indicate original deposit was a vase of globular shape with pro- 

 jecting rim. A flat base, with perforation made previous to baking, enabled the 

 vessel to maintain an upright position. Height, 3 - 8 inches; diameter across rim, 

 5 - 8 inches; diameter of body, 4-8 inches (Plate XXIII, Fig. 2). 



From another portion of the mound came an extremely rude imperforate 

 vessel, thick and undecorated, with inverted rim. Height, 2 % 5 inches ; diameter, 

 2 - 4 inches; diameter of aperture, 12 inches (Plate XXIV, Fig. 1). 



Several vessels of earthenware, presenting no new features as to size, shape, or 

 decoration, were met with in various parts of the mound, and with the others 

 illustrated the rule that all customs have exceptions, since certain vessels from 

 Duval's showed base perforation made previous to, and others after, baking ; while 

 others again were imperforate. 



CONCLUSIONS. 



Although we looked vainly for copper in this mound, we think the effigies of 

 earthenware, the "freak" pottery, and the pink-tinged sand connect it with the 

 mound in the pine woods two miles distant. In neither of these mounds were any 

 objects discovered indicating a knowledge of Europeans. We are, therefore, of the 

 opinion that both were abandoned at a period prior to the Conquest. 



