
















398 _ FRESH-WATER SHELL-HEAPS 
several feet in depth, to ascertain if similar objects 
buried in its interior. The most unequivocal evidence 
this mound, while in the process of formation, was occu 
_by the aborigines, was obtained from a pit between four at 
five feet in diameter, and from five to six feet deep, whi 
was dug near the centre. Not only were fragments of 
and bones found at all depths, but at a depth of three 
the remains of an old fireplace were uncovered, consisting 
of a horizontal layer of charcoal, beneath which were 
fectly calcined shells, and near these others more or le 
blackened with heat. Still farther off were fragments of th 
bones of deer, of birds, turtle and fish, all just as they v 
naturally have been left around a fire, where cooking M 
been for some time carried on. In addition to the above 
statement it may be mentioned as a matter of negative evi- 
dence, that not a single article was discovered which 
have been attributed to the white man. Several excavatio 
made in other portions of the mound yielded similar results 
Black Hammock. One of the largest shell-heaps on 
St. Johns is to be seen here. It is situated on the bo 
of a large lagoon, on the left bank of the river just 
the outlet of Lake Jessup,* and seven miles above . 
Monroe. Besides the principal deposit of shells, there ® 
two smaller ones. At the westerly end is the first, 47° 
inches thick, extending one hundred and fifty feet along’ 
the point just mentioned is a small burial-moune 
*This lake was discovered by Lieutenant Peyton, of the U. yaw 
Florida war, and at first bore his name, which ought not to have if not, no one 
Were better to preserve the Indian names if they can be learned, a discover". 
a right t p i ia. been given by others in honor of the i 


