1875.] 329 [Putnam. 



that of the fabricks of the northwest coast, and of the Sandwich 

 Islands. Such a botanist as the lamented Muhlenburgh, could deter- 

 mine the plant which furnished the fibrous material. 



" The innermost tegument is a mantle of cloth like the preceding ; 

 but furnished with large brown feathers, arranged and fastened with 

 great art, so as to be capable of guarding the living wearer from wet 

 and cold. The plumage is distinct and entire, and the whole bears 

 a near similitude to the feathery cloaks now worn by the nations of 

 the northwestern coast of America. A. Wilson might tell from what 

 birds they were derived. 



" The body is in a squatting posture, with the right arm reclining 

 forward, and its hand encircling the right leg. The left arm hangs 

 down, with its hand inclined partly under the seat. The individual, 

 who was a male, did not probably exceed the age of fourteen, at his 

 death. There is a deep and extensive fracture of the skull, near the 

 occiput, which probably killed him. The skin has sustained little 

 injury ; it is of a dusky color, but the natural hue cannot be decided 

 with exactness, from its present appearance. The scalp, with small 

 exceptions, is covered with sorrel or foxy hair. The teeth are white 

 and sound. The hands and feet, in their shrivelled state, are slender 

 and delicate. All this is worthy the investigation of our acute and 

 perspicacious colleague, Dr. Holmes. 



" There is nothing bituminous or aromatick in or about the body, 

 like the Egyptian mummies, nor are there bandages around any part. 

 Except the several wrappers, the body is totally naked. There is no 

 sign of a suture or incision about the belly ; whence it seems that the 

 viscera were not removed. 



'' It may now be expected that I should offer some opinion, as to 

 the antiquity and race of this singular exsiccation. 



" First, then, I am satisfied that it does not belong to that class of 

 white men of which we are members. 



" 2dly. Nor do 1 believe that it ought to be referred to the bands 

 of Spanish adventurers, who, between the years 1500 and 1600 

 rambled up the Mississippi, and along its tributary streams. But on 

 this head I should like to know the opinion of my learned and saga- 

 cious friend, Noah Webster. 



" 3dly. I am equally obliged to reject the opinion that it belonged 

 to any of the tribes of aborigenes, now or lately inhabiting Kentucky. 



" 4thly. The mantle of feathered work, and the mantle of twisted 

 threads, so nearly resembles the fabricks of the indigenes of Wakash 



