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76 ABORIGINAL MONUMENTS

of 1838 the work of excavation was commenced, and was completed some time during the summer of the same year. A shaft was carried horizontally to the centre of the mound, and another sunk from its top. A “rotunda” was exca- vated at the junction of the two shafts, and the walls ren- dered secure by masonry. Upon the top of the mound was erected a light three story structure, dignified with the name of an “observatory.” The entrance was duly fitted with doors and locks, and the whole surrounded by a high, close fence, excluding from the precinct all who did not possess the miraculous “open sesame” of one dime, continental currency! Within the “rotunda,” were placed the various relics developed in the course of the excava- tions,—the skeletons in grim array, and the remaining objects so grouped as most sensibly to impress the beholder, augment the fame of the mound, and, incidentally again, draw other visitors to the spot. The object of the excava- tion was primarily that of gain, although there is no doubt curiosity, probably not the most enlightened, had some influence in the matter. Of course the more extraordinary the character of the relics deposited in the subterranean museum, the more likely to attract visitors, and accumulate the aforesaid “dimes.” Stone axes, and shell beads, and slips of mica, all very curious and interesting to the anti- quary, have, however, no very popular interest, and may be obtained in too many localities to be regarded as any thing very wonderful. An inscription, however, in an unknown character, is not to be found every day,—it is an “immense attraction,” in the language of the play-bills, and likely to have a run!

It would be curious to know how soon after the open- ing of the mound, the announcement of the discovery of the stone was made. It seems that some notice of it appeared, in one of the Cincinnati papers, some time in the year 1839, but whether contained in an account of the mound itself or otherwise, is not known. At any rate,