164 



CERTAIN SAND MOUNDS OF 



of earthenware of undetermined attribution. Four le2;s, two of which are somewhat 

 imperfect, furnish means of support. The upper surface, having a decoration of 

 incised lines, is 5 by 3 - 5 inches. An oval depression, about 2 by 2*5 inches, sur- 

 rounded by a raised margin, was intended, apparently, as a receptacle of some sort. 

 One end of this puzzle for archa?ologists had, apparently, been trimmed down as for 

 the removal of a broken portion, possibly a handle (Plate XXVII, Figs. 1 and 2). 



When discovered, this object was covered with a fine white powder resembling 

 wood ashes, wholly unlike the sand of the mound. At places the depressed circle 

 on the upper surface seems to show traces of fire. We have seen in Japan, articles 

 suggesting this one, supporting a live ember, around which sat a company of smokers 

 making use of the fire from time to time to ignite the contents of their pipes. This 

 suggestion may be taken for what it is worth. 



In different portions of the mound, at depths to guarantee original deposit, 

 were the headless body of a duck of solid earthenware, 10 inches in length, and two 

 heads, one of which is shown in Fig. 34, evidently belonging to some member of 



Fig. 34. Head of duck in earthenware, Thursby Mound. (Full size.) 



the duck family. Unfortunately, neither head corresponds to the trunk. They are 

 of coarse manufacture, and recall to a certain extent the earthenware heads figured 

 by Mr. S. T. Walker (Smithsonian Report, 1883, page 67) as coming from north- 

 western Florida. 



In caved sand was a tube of earthenware 2*75 inches in length. 



Several pots and bowls, undecorated, of medium size were found superficially. 



METAL. 



Several "celts" of iron or of steel were found superficially. 



