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 the density of this undergrowth, that we seldom could see a mound until we were directly upon it; and we are not sure that all were detected. At the time of our visit a fire was raging through the woods about us, consuming the dry leaves and brush, and filling the air with smoke; and our clothes and persons soon became blackened by the charred bushes, nor were we entirely free from danger arising from falling trees. The peculiar noise made by the fire as it entered the marsh, caused by the bursting of the hollow stems of coarse grass and weeds, was very great.
Traces of a few other mounds were noticed at the eastern extremity of Pewaukee Lake, immediately north of the village. They were too much injured in the process of making roads, and by the dam, by which the lake has been raised four feet above its original level, to admit of their precise nature being ascertained.
No other ancient works could be found in the valley of the Pishtaka and its branches; nor could we hear of any more upon inquiry among those familiar with the localities in that part of the country.
|Lapham, Increase Allen, 1811-1875. The antiquities of Wisconsin. Washington : Smithsonian Institution, 1855. p. 23-31.