Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-05-09
Interesting Relics.

Professor +. 5. Holmes, Of the College OF
Charleston, 20 well and widely known Tor his
jealous, devoted, and interchangeable pursuit
of the natural sciences generally and OF the
archaeological branches Of zoology special
ly, has kindly permitted us to examine some
richly interesting relics and tokens OF the
days and animals of the Golden time Pro-
fessor Holmes indeed has "struck placer
in California phrase, and has opened mine
which, to himself and to appreclative stu
dents, and prodcents Of equal zeal ana de-
votion to science is worth more than the
richest opening Of Goconda or Peru.
To beg in at the beginning. let us inform
our readers that Dr.. Louis +. Klipsteln, OF
Christ Church parish, began some weeks since
the work of ditching and excavatihS; I" re,
claim for cultivation the site OF Ill old Pohu
on his farm, near and northwest OF the Town
of Mount Pleasant.
Watching this work with an appreclatiSe
eye, and surprising from the geological char
acteristics of the site that discoveries OF IN
terest or scientific value would be made, DIR.
Klipstein WAS gratfed in unearthing some
small fragments of the mnSfodOn, when lie
Immediately submitted to the examination OF
Professor Holmes, with cordial and urgent
invitation to that gentleman to visit the spot
and have the explorations continued under
his personal directions. The engagements
of Prof. Holmes in his chair and in the super
vision Of his series on the FOSSILS OF South
Carolina" with other causes: compelled MN
to postpone this visit, and 1t was only OH
Tuesday, the Doth ultimo, that he was ena-
bled to fulfill his cherished desire IN accept
ing the invitation of DR.. klipsteln. The visit
was well rewarded rs was manifested III the
| proofs and tokens submitted to our cxamiha-
| ton.
Our space and time will not permit at
present Il minutely detailed description Oh
| these relics and remains of an old order anu
system OF animals, nor can We undertake 10
estimate or indicate the scientific value ana
significance of these discoveries, which 80
imprcssively illustrate and confirm former
discoveries and observations "t Professor
Holmes, as reported in his monograph on the
fossil horse, and in IL letter from his dlstin-
yuished friend and correspondent, DIR. J"-
seph Lsidy, of Philadelphia.
! We can only MENTION very briefly ana
hurriedly, the names and kinds Of the relics
referred to, leaving to other opportunities
and to ADLER pens the full examination OF the
evidence afforded by these autographlc re-
cords of a former and otherwise forgotten and
unknown order of life.
| The relics embrace many fragments and
portions of the skeleton of the 4HdStOdon a.
qante,s, in such number and position rs to
prove conclusively the death, IN $d", OF tho
animal Several pieces Of teeth have been
recovered, and three teeth of one have been
nearly reproduced. Portions and traces Of
the tusk, measuring more than six feet, were
also found, but in such decomposition that no
large fragments could be removed. In I'M
mediate proximity there was found we'll
marked relic of fresh water terrapin,
Emys,) and bone temuJ Of the deer,
Cerrus Tiyinianus.) What is and will be
to many inquirers and spectators the most
significant and interesting relic of all, in It's
relations of concomitary and chronology,
was fragment Of Indian pottery ware. The
red man, the mastodon, and the American ~
horse, and the deer, were contemporaneous
lis it not established?
We leave the differences and conclusions
which may be supported by the products and
revelations of this post pleiocene placer to
ADLER inquirers. however. and simply COM
mend the investigation to those conversnnt
with the cognate evidences
The Museum of the College Of Charleston.
even now surprisingly rich and valuable in
the estimation of all scientific visitors and
strangers, will receive accessions of extraordi-
nary interest We trust Professor Holmes
will be permitted, at an early day, to continue
his researches in the site here mentioned, and
to commemorate the facts and results To his
expectant friends Charleston Courier.