lar oval figure inclosing the rocky summit of the hill, the largest diameter of which is 220 paces and the shorter 200. The elevation of the knob, at the center, is 60 feet above the terrace or bench, on which the lines of loose stones are lying. This interior space is principally cleared of loose stone, and shows bare ledges of lime rock, in horizontal layers.
The hill is covered with an open growth of oaks. There is nothing in this structure suggestive of a fort, except its elevated position, which, however, is by no means inaccessible. The openings are too wide and too numerous to warrant the idea of a defensive work. It is more probable that it was the scene of imposing public processions arid displays, and was approached by crowds of persons from all sides through the openings. The rude wall or line of stones would be the necessary result of clearing the ground of the blocks of limestone once scattered profusely over the surface.
Near where the railway from Cartersville to Cedarville crosses Petit's Creek, at the base of the limestone bluff, about half a mile east of the "fort," is an artificial pile of small stones, which was once about 18 feet in height. It is now very much injured by persons in Search of treasure and of relics, who have formed a crater at the center nearly down to the ground, throwing the stones over the sides* It must have been a regular cone, with smaller heaps attached around its base, which was irregular, and about 160 feet in circumference. This mound of stones does not differ from those raised by the red men over the remains of their dead chiefs except in size.
A few days before I was at the great mound, a rude stone effigy of a female was plowed out near its base on the north side. It is quite grotesque, resembling the uncouth carvings in wood of the Indians of the north, Its height is 14 inches, its weight 36 pounds, and the material is the limestone of the region.
