The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1880-08-12
8be FARM.
Mound Builders.

Rev. w. E. McIlwaine writing from Way
nesville to the Presbyterian says:
Just now it is asked with a new emphasis
Who were the mound builders? Through
out this country the mounds are found, and
of late a number of them have been opened
In search Of relics which are exciting no
small degree Of interest among the noun
taineers, among whom they have so long
lain buried and the citizens are induced to
make diligent search for these relics, from
the fact that they have now become articles
of merchandise. A wealthy gentleman OF
Richmond, Va, has an agent employed IN
this vicinity collecting relics for his private
museum. This agent has already bought
and shipped more than $500 worth. These
relics are of soapstone, delicately carved
into the form of different animals, such as
the bear. deer and squirrel, also into the
farm of different ages and sex OF the human
family. Some of these latter look very
much like the small idols Of India or China.
After examining a number of them L be-
came convinced that they were not cut out
by the American Indians, and for the fol
lowing reasons their descendants, a number
of whom are now living In the adjoining
county of Jackson, seem to be perfectly lg-
norant as to how these were made or tor
what purpose. Again, In some OF these relics
there is an exhibition of such superior de-
sign and skillful execution as at no time
characterized that race; and a third evil
dence is that habits of dress are represented
of which the Indian race seemed to be en-
tirely ignorant for example, the represen-
tation of woman clothed In European dress
is seen carved upon a small slab OF soap
stone. But, have settled this question, the
original question reverts upon US, Who
were the mound builders?
LANDS AND IMARovEM ENTS.
Previous to visiting this country [ had
heard Rev. DR.. Miller speak Of the excellent
lands of Haywood, but now | have seen for
myself and can fully indorse his statements.
For a mountainous country the valleys are
unusually broad and fertile, producing corn,
wheat, oats, clover and grass In great album
dance. And have been agreeably surprised
to find so many excellent dwellings. At one
point in the Pigeon velley, near the ford of
the Pigeon river, on the turnpike road,
there were not less than ten good dwellings
in sight and four of these We're OF brick, con
structed upon the most improved plans;
and buildings equally substantial and homes
equally inviting, l have found IN other
parts of this valley and along the banks of
Jonathan's creek.
The Methodist and Baptist largely pre-
dominate in this county. Presbyterians, as |
70 number, are indeed a feeble flock. We |
have only two organizations, the combined
membership of which does not exceed fifty.
have not a single church building, the
church at Bethel owning only a two third
interest in that building. But a better day
is evidently dawning for our cause in this
region. Unreasonable prejudices are steadi-
ly way to respect and confidence, as the peo-
pie become acquainted with our doctrines
and usages, and the better class of our min
istry. The visit of brother Evans last sum
mer is gratefully remembered, and the oc-
labors o fBros. Davis, Martin and
DIR. Miller are very highly appreciated.
Again, the Presbyterians of the county
have been greatly strengthened by the acces-
sion OF several valuable families and individ-
GALS from Buncombe, Alamance, Bladen
and other counties. New life has been in
fused, and it is showing itself in s. determi-
nation to work. The Presbyterians through
out the county are literally aiding our
in Waynesville to build a church.
very suitable lot, mainly through the eff
forts of Mrs. DIR. Love, has been secured.
More than 81, 900 has been contributed part
IF the lumber is on the ground. and the
,ound of the hammer and saw of Capt.
Clayton, the architect and builder, is heard
his morning from my window"