The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1904-10-08
RARE INDIAN RELICS.
INTERESTING COLLECTION or
An ARKANSAS NAN.


Among the largest private collections
within its range anywhere In the coun-
try is said to be that of Frank Rowland,
of Little Rock. Ark. 1t is mainly In tho
line Of Indian relics, mineral and geolog-
ical specimens. Some of the rarest min
erals are to be found in this collection,
on which Mr.. Rowland has been engaged
for 80 years.
To enumerate the varieties would beto
make a list columns long, but among the
most noticeable are the large specimens
Of amethyst In various shades Of purple,
agate in stripes and bands in rose color,
green, yellow and brown, crystals In va
rious sizes and as clear as diamonds.
Chief among the crystals ID . perfect
cross of Hot Springs diamonds, which 10
mounted on black velvet In q gold frame
and is one of Mr.. Howland's most cher
lshed possessions.
There are opals from Mexico, pearls
from Arkansas, brilliantly colored stones
from the islands Of the sea, while the coll
lection Of minerals and ores is made up
of specimens from all parts Of the world
that range In size from diamonds no
larger than q needles eye to massive
pieces Weighing 120 pounds.
There are In the collection specimens
Of clay with the diamonds imbedded,
quartz with yellow gold showing In pock-
cts. curious formations of combination
Of metals and stones and few crystals,
Inside which an imprisoned drop of wa
ter can be seen following the motion Of
the stone.
There are thousands Of specimens Of
the rare and interesting kind, each with
its own peculiar beauty and interest.
The Indian relics comprise wearing ap-
parel. beaded work and leather goods,
and large collection Of pottery, every
piece Of which is valuable because gen.
uine. most Of 1t being obtained by Mr..
Rowland himself or under his super
vision.
The latest addition to this collection 10
q bowl which he recently unearthed
from mound and which was found In
the skeleton hand Of an Indian who ages
ago had been buried under the sand
mound. The skeleton was In a sitting
posture when discovered. A string Of
wampum beads was also found In this
grave
Among the most valuable pieces in the
pottery collection is head bowl, which
design is quite rare. There are also sew
eral pieces In the animal design and one
large bowl.
Arrowheads by the hundred may be
seen In this interesting place. with DIFF
ferent styles Of stone weapons.
Mr.. Rowland has also in his possession
some valuable pieces of carved ivory
from Japan and China, q large tortoise
shell. the sword of swordflsh, the saw
Of sawfish, Goals, sea urchins, starflsh,
sea fans and beautifully tinted shells.
The collection of prehistoric speci-
mems is large and interesting and tells
In broken chapters the story of yegeta-
ton In the carboniferous age.
Impressions of ferns in the later pand-
stone and clay deposits are interesting
and his collection of petriied wood is one
of the finest anywhere, as 1t should be,
Mr.. Rowland being the discoverer of this
novel curiosity.
Mr.. Rowland is an authority on such
specimens as make his large collection
and has furnished some valuable papera
lor leading publications in this line.
In addition to this unusually hand
some and valuable collection he has col
lections of stamps, coins, etc, while Mrs.
Rowland has unique collection of dogs.
single and in families, which occupy
places on case of shelves In the parlor.