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Cincinnati Society of Natural History. 



we find the following label on a specimen — "From a mound." 

 Now we know that mounds were used as places for burial by in- 

 habitants who came after their builders. We also know that there 

 are those who claim that the Indians, as we knew them, descended 

 from the Mound-builders. How are we to decide upon the truth 

 of such a claim? First, collect facts about both, putting in each 

 series that which belongs there, and laying aside all doubtful ones. 

 Since both races of people used the mounds for burial purposes, 

 anything labeled, "From a mound," means nothing but uncer- 

 tainty. If, however, proper care is taken in excavating a mound, 

 there are always things which can be classed, "Undoubtedly 

 Mound-builder." After a long time, the collection of such facts 

 will form a basis upon which conclusions can be made and a defin- 

 ite answer given to this indefinite and perplexing question. In 

 this brief introduction, I have tried to point out to you the interest 

 and importance surrounding some relics ; and, although archaeology 

 may not be in the line of your special interest and study, still it is 

 of so much importance, that I hope you will never neglect any op- 

 portunity of carefully investigating, noting, observing and report- 

 ing all finds to which an interest is attached. If this paper^suc- 

 ceeds in impressing you with the importance of such an object, it 

 will have accomplished the purpose for which it was written. 



To begin with the good work in this connection, I desire to 

 call your attention to a flint arrow-head. It is rather a perfect 

 specimen, of good workmanship, and with beautiful notched barbs. 

 Beyond that, it offers nothing of interest, and is certainlyfnothing 

 beyond any relic found on the surface, unless it can offer some- 

 thing in its history, which is as follows : — 



It was found at Plunwood, my father's farm, in ^Madison 

 County, Ohio, during one of my visits home, and I immediately 

 investigated the find thoroughly, and can vouch for its history. 

 Madison County is situated near the central part of the State, west 

 of the Scioto River, into which the streams flow which drain the en- 

 tire county. It is so flat in every part that it is almost as level as 

 a prairie. Here and there the surface rises in low knolls, or dips 

 down into shallow depressions, but seldom varying more than five 

 or ten feet in a mile. Along the streams, which are very sluggish, 



