Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 3.djvu/61

 dissolving of the stone. So long as the alluvial deposit was going on this portion was covered by water and there would be no current along the gravel bed and this movement of the water would only take place after the drainage of the stream or the lake to a lower level. Therefore so long as the alluvial deposit was going on and the water remained above the level, there would be no current and consequently no erosion.

This statement answers the inquiry as to what are some of the evidences of its antiquity.”

Thus an eminent geologist vouched for the great antiquity of the Cardiff Giant and for the fact that it could not have been buried in recent ages.

The mystery surrounding the whole affair seemed only to deepen with investigation. Learned men differed widely as to what it was, its antiquity and probable origin, but all agreed that it was one of the most mysterious and remarkable discoveries ever made in America. People came by hundreds and thousands, from all parts of the country, looked with awe and wonder upon the giant and went away to spread the news among their neighbors. The receipts had now reached more than $1,000 a day and still the crowds increased.

One George Hull, a cousin of Mr. Newell, appeared upon the ground soon after the discovery and took charge of the exhibition. P. T. Barnum sent an agent to purchase the giant which was becoming a serious competitor to his museum but a local syndicate had been organized which had made a contract for the giant at a price which was reported to be $40,000.

H. B. Martin of Marshalltown, Iowa, had recently appeared at Cardiff and it soon developed that he was one of the owners of the petrified man. A pamphlet was now issued by the owners showing a portrait of the giant at full length, prostrate, as he was discovered. He was named the “American Goliath” and described as a “Petrified Giant.”

Mr. Newell retained a quarter interest in the “Giant,” and some weeks later after thousands of people came and