The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1888-04-12
Serpent Mound.
y INTERESTING RELIC OF AN

An INTERESTING RELIC OF AMERICAN ANTI
QUITN.
The serpent Mound is singular earthwork
in Adams county. Ohio. ArchnolosiSts have
long been interested in it, and Professor Put
nam, III his last report to the trustees of the
Peabody Museum. announces that this interest
ng monument has now been preserved from
destruction, & fate that would soon have fol-
lowed had il been left unprotected.
About sixty acres of land have been secured
on the eastern side of Brush creek, including
the high ridge upon which the long earthwork
III the shape Of a serpent, with the oval work
III front OF the >erprnt'S month is situated, the
roniral mound southeast of the serpent. and
the land about upon which are indications of IA
Nillagc->ite and a buriai-place.
IN the southeastern corner of this lot of land
there is a beautiful grove of naples shading
two springs. one of which Isl sulphur" spring.
and here it is proposed to build a spring-holl>e
OF stone. and prepare a picnic ground. A road
Is to be laid out. leading from the Locust Grove
PIX" to this picnic ground, and shaded paths
will lead from the grove to the conica mound
and to the serpent.
Several years since these earthworkS We're
plougheh over ard cultivated for few years.
and holes Were dug by seekers for buried
treasures; paths and washout> have also in ur-
Ell the embankmcnt, but all these injuries will
be repaired, and the earth plouyhcd from the
top of TIE cmbankMent down its sides will be
replaced. but without attempting to restore the
banks to their original height. and the banks
will be covered with grass in this manner
the work will be preserved for the benefit Of
future generations. and the ''Serrent Mound
Park, with its many interesting features and
its beautiful surroundings. will be opened to all
comer> for enjoyment aud for the study of "A
monument which is both unique and instructive
in American archaeology.
For the accomplishment Of these important
results. arehrolo@i>t> for all time to come will
be indebted to the energetic action of a few
ladies III Boston whose hearty co-operation Sc
cured the necessary funds by subscription.
" 18th this money tn" land was purchased and
accepted as trust by the trustees of the Pea
body Museums Il department Of Harvard [ nj
Ner>ity. over five thousand dollars We're rails
ed of which about four thousand We're cNpend-
ed for the land and incidental expenses. Tie
| remaining sum will be used in repairing the
mound aud fencing it in. and, as far rs possible.
in building the roads and >pringhouSe. In or
der to carry out all the proper arrangements in
the park and make it what it should be, and
properly protect it by fences, fifteen hundred
to two thousand dollars mole are required As
this is, in every sense. nat onal park in which
every American should take an interest. it is to
be hoped that the efforts Of the ladies of Bo>-
ton will be seconded by friend, in other places,
aud this small sum soon be secured
The example thus set must bear good fruit.
and u greater interest than ever before will
doubtless be taken in the preservation of the
ancient monuments of America. AT the meet
ing of American Association for the Advance
mcnt Of Science. last August. Miss Alice &.
Fletcher and Mrs. 4. Stevenson We're appoint
ed to mcmorialize Congress to pass laws for the
preservation of important archaeological non.-
mcnt> on the public lands.