HORN AND BONE IMPLEMENTS 327 



woman. It was made by Harry, son of the noted Ephraim Web- 

 ster, and is much like the wooden ones in form. Indian thread is 

 wound on it. A folding bone toothpick in the form of a fish 

 accompanied this and was made by the same chief. Some Indians 

 at Onondaga have done fine carving in bone. 



A hollow bone, nicely wrought at one end, perhaps for a box, 

 was found at Brewerton. It is 2-J inches long by 1 inch broad. A 

 long and curved bone is in the Buffalo collection. It is perforated 

 at one end, and polished. The length is 4J inches. 



In treating of these things many fine articles have been passed 

 over, because representative forms were needed, and even then the 

 illustrations have exceeded in number those used before. Some are 

 not so remarkable for form as for the high polish given centuries 

 ago, and retained in the earth to the present day. The sharpness 

 of some points is wonderful, and yet, aside from their daily use by 

 their makers, these have often been preserved unharmed for over 

 300 years. In no class has the writer been so inclined to exceed his 

 limits as in that of harpoons. They are so abundant and variable, 

 that almost every fragment has a charm of its own. A large pro- 

 portion are of course fragmentary, not strictly fine specimens, but 

 each has its own features. 



In some cases it has been difficult to distinguish horn from bone 

 without marring the article, but this is a point of slight importance. 

 Both materials were abundant, and it was merely a matter of choice 

 or convenience which was used. Large harpoons were often of 

 horn, and this seems to have been preferred for the hollow 

 points commonly called arrowheads. Awls were usually made of 

 bone. 



The presence of certain bones and teeth is not without interest. 

 In the refuse of the towns, jaws, teeth and bones occur, showing 

 traces of the usual food of the people. Something might be gained 

 in this way from a study of the implements, were this at all needed. 

 Some remains of this kind are certainly suggestive. The presence 

 of two walrus tusks at Brewerton may have resulted from aboriginal 

 travel or trade. In one collection in Jefferson county the writer 

 found a buffalo's tooth and the palate of a drumfish. Close inspec- 

 tion might show other strange materials. The local collector should 



