54 GEOLOGY OF OHIO. 



of each deposit, as well as its distance from the present surface, should be 

 carefully measured. Every pit should be cleaned out to the bottom and 

 the depth of each layer of ashes, earth, or whatever else it may contain, 

 accurately measured. All graves should have the earth taken out with- 

 out changing the position of a bone or a relic until the mode of burial 

 is ascertained with certainty. All these points should be clearly written 

 down, and a uniform system of labeling adopted which will enable the 

 reader to connect intelligently the text, the illustrations, and the specimens. 

 A collection of relics that gives no clue as to how, where, or under what 

 circumstances they were obtained, is of no greater scientific worth than so 

 many pebbles. 



AN OHIO MUSEUM. 



For two generations Ohio has been ransacked for relics by museums, 

 colleges, and individuals, in many of the states as well as in Europe. If 

 the prehistoric articles from this state, scattered in hundreds of collections, 

 could be brought together, they would form an aggregate probably 

 exceeding in numbers all specimens of American archaeology in any 

 museum. And yet, if excavations were carried on in the manner above 

 set forth, there could be gathered a mass of material surpassing what has 

 hitherto been secured. It is time for this work to be undertaken ; very 

 few cabinets in the state are accessible except through the kindness of 

 private collectors, many of whom would cheerfully contribute their spec- 

 imens for the pleasure and instruction of the public, if assured that no 

 loss or damage would ensue. The opportunity is now offered; the new 

 geological building of the Ohio State University has ample room which 

 can be used for this purpose, and here should be established the nucleus 

 of a Museum of Ohio Archaeology that would properly represent the 

 great wealth of prehistoric remains within her borders. Earge maps and 

 models of all enclosures and fortifications should be made, along with 

 models of mounds so arranged as to displav their interior structure and 

 the manner in which their contents were deposited. Thus, and only thus, 

 can future generations gain a clear idea of the nature and appearance df 

 these vestiges, which are being as slowly but as surely blotted out as are 

 the aboriginal conditions of life which gave them existence. 



WORKS TO BE CONSULTED. 



References to the aboriginal remains of Ohio may be found in hundreds of 

 archaeological publications. The reader who wishes to pursue the subject further, 

 will find considerable information in the following volumes. While statements of 

 facts contained in them are to be accepted as correct, he must exercise his judgment 

 and discretion concerning the theories and inferences set forth: 



Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley. By Squier and Davis. 



