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1923] Jones: Mound Excavations Near Stockton 121
cutting, four human skeletons were found 8 inches below the surface
of this bottom soil and in dirt that was as hard and compact as the
soil on either side or below. The soil gave no indication of ever having
been disturbed, and the unbroken strata above furnished conclusive
evidence that the burials were not intrusive. These skeletons9 lay
parallel anld close together, occupying a lateral space of 5 feet; nothing
whatever was buried with them, and careful search for a considerable
distance around the bones failed to disclose any artificial product.
With the exception of one,10 which was huddled up with the legs
flexed upon the abdomen, the bodies had all been buried extended,
lying upon the face, with the head turned slightly to the left; the
axis of all wvas NE-SW, with the heads to the NE. Great difficulty
was experienced in removing these bones owing to the toughness of
the soil and their great frangibility; but some of them were success-
fully obtained intact.
These four skeletons are probably the oldest human remains that
have thus far been found in the vicinity, and the presence of the
several unbroken strata above them would seem to indicate that a
considerable period had elapsed since their burial."1
Numerous trenches and prospect holes, dug at almost all other
parts of the mound, failed to locate anything more than mixed bones
showing previous excavations, with an occasional implement, hammer-
stone, pestle, or awl. Work was therefore abandoned and camp
broken on August 15, 1900.
THE CLAY BALLS AND POTTERY
So far as I am aware, the baked clay balls have been found only
in the vicinity of Stockton; but in the miounds, camp sites, and refuse
heaps hereabout they are very common. They seem to be of two
general sorts: first, those which are perfectly plain, rough, and evi-
dently moulded by the hands, generally of a dark brown color, and
showing repeated heating; second, specimens of various forms, simply
ornamented. These are relatively few in comparison with the first
class, are of a lighter color, and generally show no signs of having
been used. Barr has gathered these for some years. I have carefully
examined all of his specimens.
9 Numbers 3, 4, 5, 9 of the field notes, of which the first three have the perma-
nent Museum numbers 12-11, 12-12, and 12-13.
IO Number 12-11.
11 They do not show any significant difference from other skulls from the Stock-
ton area in the Universitv Museum, either in appearance or measurements.-Ed.