26 TOBACCO IN AMERICA. 



diameter. The perforation answering to the tube is 

 one -sixth of an inch diameter, which is about the usual 

 size. This circumstance places it beyond doubt that 

 the mouth was applied directly to the implement, 

 without the intervention of a tube of wood or metal. 

 It will be observed that it is ornamented with cup- 

 shaped holes an eighth of an inch broad, and about the 

 same depth. Seven of these are placed in a circle 

 upon each side of the bowl, which has a line of them 

 extending spirally round it." 



Such is the general form of these implements. The 

 larger proportion of those found in the mounds, how- 

 ever, are *of much more elaborate workmanship. They 

 are sculptured with figures of beasts, birds, and reptiles, 

 all executed with a strict fidelity to nature ; the atti- 

 tudes are characteristic, and the very habit of the 

 creatures occasionally given. Some represent animals 

 peculiar to the lower latitudes, and illustrate important 

 questions on the migrations of the race. Most are 

 worked in porphyry, and all exhibit a truthfulness, 

 delicacy, and finish we should scarcely expect to find in 

 the works of the aborigines of America. The otter is 

 shown in a characteristic attitude, holding a fish in his 

 mouth; the heron also holds a fish; and the hawk 

 grasps a small bird in its talons, which it tears with its 

 beak. The panther, the bear, the wolf, the beaver, 

 the otter, the squirrel, the racoon ; the hawk, the 

 heron, the crow, swallow, buzzard, paroquet, toucan, 

 and other indigenous and southern birds ; the turtle, 

 the frog, toad, rattlesnake, &c, are recognised at a 



