certain places, with certain tribes, should become extinct and forgotten.
Another fact is important in this connection. The mound-builders occupied the same localities that are now the favorite resort of the present Indians, who still often make use of the mounds for the burial of their dead. They have a kind of veneration for them, which may be the result of a lingering tradition of their sacred origin. The implements and utensils of the mound-builders were the same in many cases as those used by the recent inhabitants before their intercourse with the whites; and, as it has been quite clearly shown that the latter have in former times erected mounds of earth over their dead, we may consider such facts as tending to prove the unity of these people.
A mile and a half above Waukesha, on a very high and commanding position, are three round mounds in front of four lizard-mounds. (Fig. 9.) They are at the crossing of the old Madison road, in the southwest quarter of section twenty-six. A sentinel stationed on them could give warning to the inhabitants of the approach of any hostile force, long before they could reach the village. The lizards, as in most other cases, have their heads towards the south.
On the northwest quarter of the same section are also some small mounds, and one of the lizard shape. They are at the foot of the hill that borders the outlet of Pewaukee Lake. Still further, on the road (S. E. qr. of Sec. 22, T. 7, R. 19), were found the remains of another lizard mound, now nearly destroyed.
But the most remarkable collection of lizards and turtles yet discovered is on the school section, about a mile and a half southeast from the village of Pewaukee. (See Plate XXIII.) This consists of seven turtles, two lizards, four oblong mounds, and one of those remarkable excavations before alluded to. One of the turtle mounds, partially obliterated by the road, has a length of four hundred and fifty [page 31:] feet; being nearly double the usual dimensions. Three of them are remarkable for their curved tails, a feature here first observed. (Plate XXIV. Nos. 2, 3, and 4.) One of the smallest has the tail turned back by the side of the body. (Plate XXIV. No. 4.) These curved figures have another peculiarity in the obtuseness of the extremity; the end being round and flat, instead of a sharp point, as in most other similar mounds. While these have a width of about four feet at the end, others so gradually diminish in height and breadth that it is almost impossible, as before observed, to determine the precise point of termination. One has a rectangular bend at the extremity of the tail, and in each there is a change of direction in passing from the body to the tail.
The excavation, Plate IX. Fig. 6, is quite similar to those found on the Milwaukee River, in form and dimensions; except that the extremity is deflected, and it does not appear to be associated with the principal mound by pointing towards it. The oblong structure adjoining the excavation is in the most conspicuous place, and may be styled the observatory.
This interesting group occupies a secure position, being on a ridge flanked by marshy grounds on either side. At the remote period when these mounds were built, the marshes may have been lakes, since filled up or dried away to their present condition.1 A diligent search did not reveal any evidence of breastworks, or other means of defence, across this ridge at either end of the mounds. About half a mile off; in a northwest direction, is a very high hill (probably two hundred feet above the level of the marshes), on which are one lizard and three circular mounds. From these there is a fine view, extending over much of the adjacent country.
It will be noticed that there are no round or burial mounds among those represented on Plate XXIII. The cemetery was in some other place, probably on the hill just mentioned. The grounds about the former are covered with scattered oak-trees, commonly called oak openings, and thickly overgrown with small bushes, rendering it difficult to perform the work of surveying. Such was