18 ANCIENT WORKS IN OHIO. VII. 



On the western face of the bluff, near where the road descends, is a small spring, 

 not reliable at all seasons. At the north end of the ditch of the inner wall, at the 

 neck, there was a narrow space left as a passage into the work, but none in the 

 outer wall. There are low mounds at m, m. The approach is along a sharp ridge 

 called a "hog's back," merely broad enough for a single road track, for the distance 

 of thirty rods, and the sides are as steep as any part of the bluffs adjacent. The 

 points of land across the ravines are on the same level with the work. 



It is not very evident why a few rods of ground were cut off by lines at the 

 south-west angle, nor why part of the ditch was made on the inside on the north 

 and west. 



It is very remarkable that, while all the works in northern Ohio are of a military 

 character, there are no evidences of attacks by a foe, or of the destruction or over- 

 throw of any of them. 



On the west bank of the river, opposite this spot, is another similar work. 



PLATE VII. Nos. 1, 2, 3. 



Figure No. 1, Plate VII., is situated in Lick Township, Jackson County, Ohio, 

 on the west half of the north-east quarter of Sec. 19, T. 7, E. 18, on high ground, 

 about one-fourth of a mile north-west of Salt Creek. 



The soil is clayey, the work slight, with only one opening which is on the east, 

 and to my knowledge without running water in the vicinity. The ditch being inte- 

 rior, indicates that the work was built for some other purpose than defence, probably 

 for ceremonial uses. 



Figure No. 2, Plate VII., is on the same quarter section on the east half, and lies 

 near the road from Jackson to Richmond, on the left hand. The prospect from 

 this mound is extended and delightful. On the west, between this and No. 1, is a 

 ravine and a small stream. As the soil is sandy, it is certain that the mound, 

 attached to the rectangle on the south-west, was somewhat higher at first than it is 

 at present. 



Neither of these works is perfectly square or rectangular, but irregular in form, 

 approaching a square. 



No. 2 is clearly not a work of defence, and probably intended as a " high place" 

 for superstitious rites. A more charming spot for such observances could not be 

 chosen, if we admit that external circumstances and scenery had any connection 

 with the sentiments of the worshippers; and we must allow that the mound- 

 builders were alive to the beauty of scenery. 



Sketch No. 3, is in Franklin township, Ross County, Ohio, on the land of Mr. 

 George Johnson, about one mile west of the Scioto River. Entry No. 488. The 

 soil is clayey, and the work is pleasantly situated, though the ground is not high. 



