Daily Los Angeles herald., 1884-01-18
Interesting Relics of Prehistoric
Age Exhumed Near Phpnix,
lphnnix Ca2ultel

lphGnix Cazeltel
The Gayette has frequently called at.
tention to the fact that in the ancient
stone ruins of Verde, constructed with
material that could not be obtained in
distances Of less than sixty miles, and in
mounds OF debris encountered in the
Salt Lake Valley, the extent of which
would indicate n population at pre- his
toric age, exceeding by hundred times
that which this fertile region now sup
ports, richer field for archaeological re
search is presented than is to be found
anywhere else on the western continent.
The remains of the old inigating bitches,
whose size and length not only demon
strate much engineering skin, but the
great industry and the large number of
the ancient occupants of this valley, as
well as the fact that they were a peace.
ful and progressive race, in themselves
should have been sufficient, so one would
have supposed, to have inspired investi.
CATION long ago, in order to obtain some
knowledge OF the history and customs of
people that is Ia us at present book
OF blank pages. The greater art OF
this work has SO far been neglected, but
an example is now presented. which is
not only encouraging in this respect, but
may inspire greater undertakings and
fuller results in the future. In Novem-
Der last ID. W. Ordway, familiarly known
as "Nank." began the work of excava.
tion ON small ruin, tuattd on George
Roberts place, near the. Tempe road,
aud about two miles east OF Phoenix.
The work, which Mr.. ordway did alone,
was necessarily tedious aud exclted
but little comment. Hear ng, however,
that lie had excavated the remains OF
an inhabitant of the unknown age,
Gazette reporter visited the
place last Sunday. 1t was found that
Mr. Oriway had been industrious and
persevering in his labors, and that the
site selected for his researches had eyi-
IDENTITY at one time been an unpreten-
tious dwelling two stories high. Ga Sat
urday last he discovered the remains re-
ferred to, and on Sunday began exca.
waiting. Unfortunately as the air struck
the bones they crumbled To ritces, and
it was impossible to secure anything like
a perfect skeleton. However, he secured
a portion oi the thigh bone 10 inches
in length, and the upper bones Of
the skull, which was over One-Quarter OF
an inch IN thickness. These and other
portions OF the skeleton obtained are
convincing that the ancient dwellets OF
the sun-hissed land were far superior
physically, Us well as in other respects,
to the aboriginal oi the new world now
in existence. In addition to the re.
mains Of the adul', portions OF the skulls
Of two children were secured. 1t is the
common belief Il st the ancients of the
south resortet To crem ,tion, but in the
present instance the contrary Is proven
Besides the remains referred Ia Mr..
Ordway has eXcavated metaits pieces
OF wicker baskets, pottery in different
forms, among which were cups aud slu.
GERS OF a much more skillul manufacture
than the present Indians poss,ss. lie
has also encountered cncibes and fur
nnces, showing the appreciation Of min
rral, and found u number OF miniature
limitations of mice, cattle, etc, which
probably were childreu's toys A slate
Is also among the curiosities discovered,
hut OF course it is simply matter
ot conjecture whether the Toltecs
used 1t as at the present day, when
some of his friends held up finger and
said put that down" An ornament, in
the shape OF sea shell, handsomely in.
laid with different colored stones is also
one OF the prizes of Mr., Ordway's in
dustry. On one of the walls OF the ruins
can be seen the imprints of hand, twice
the size OF that OF the most robust la.
borcr OF the present day. Mr., Ordway
being an enthusiastic antiquarian, is be,
ing handsomely repaid for lis trouble, as
can be seen. In the future the Gazette
will try and give fuller account of his
explorations.