their small graves were found many of the best pieces of pottery he obtained, and also quantities of shell-beads, several large pearls, and many other objects which were probably the playthings of the little ones while living.[18]

This cist mode of burial is by no means uncommon in Tennessee, as it is frequently mentioned by writers on North American archaeology.

The examples which follow are specially characteristic, some of them serving to add strength to the theory that mounds were for the most part used for secondary burial, although intrusions were doubtless common.

Caleb Atwater[19] gives this description of the

     BURIAL MOUNDS OF OHIO.

Near the center of the round fort * * * was a tumulus of earth about 10 feet in height and several rods in diameter at its base.  On its eastern side, and extending 6 rods from it, was a semicircular pavement composed of pebbles such as are now found in the bed of the Scioto River, from whence they appear to have been brought.  The summit of this tumulus was nearly 30 feet in diameter, and there was a raised way to it, leading from the east, like a modern turnpike.  The summit was level.  The outline of the semicircular pavement and the walk is still discernible.  The earth composing this mound was entirely removed several years since.  The writer was present at its removal and carefully examined the contents.  It contained—­

     1st.  Two human skeletons, lying on what had been the
     original surface of the earth.

     2d.  A great quantity of arrow-heads, some of which were so
     large as to induce a belief that they were used as
     spear-heads.

3d.  The handle either of a small sword or a huge knife, made of an elk’s horn.  Around the end where the blade had been inserted was a ferule of silver, which, though black, was not much injured by time.  Though the handle showed the hole where the blade had been inserted, yet no iron was found, but an oxyde remained of similar shape and size.

4th.  Charcoal and wood ashes on which these articles lay, which were surrounded by several bricks very well burnt.  The skeleton appeared to have been burned in a large and very hot fire, which had almost consumed the bones of the deceased.  This skeleton was deposited a little to the south of the center of the tumulus; and about 20 feet to the north of it was another, with which were—­

     5th.  A large mirrour about 3 feet in breadth and 1-1/2
     inches in thickness.  This mirrour was of isinglass (mica
     membranacea), and on it—­