between
these rivers comprising several square miles, was occupied by these
ancient earth-works. By reference to the plan, we see the works
consisted of mounds of various sizes, parallel walls, generally of a low
elevation, small and low embankments, in the form of small circles and
half-circles. There are also several large works consisting of a circle
and octagon combined, one large circle, and a parallelogram. The
circular structure at 'E,' is undoubtedly one of the best preserved and
most imposing in the State. There are many inclosing larger areas, but
none more clearly defined. As this is now included in the fair-grounds
of Licking County, it is preserved from destruction, and will remain
a monument of aboriginal work long after all traces of the others have
disappeared. "At the entrance, which is towards the east, the ends of
the walls curve outwards for a distance of a hundred feet, leaving a
passage way eighty feet wide between the deep ditches on either hand."
From this point the work, even now presents an impressive appearance.
The walls are twelve feet in perpendicular height, and about fifty feet
base. There is a ditch close around it on the inside, seven feet deep by
thirty-five feet wide. The area inclosed is about thirty acres.

Illustration of Eagle Mound.--------------------

In the center is an effigy-mound, represented by this cut. It represents
a bird on the wing, and is called the Eagle Mound. The long mound in the
body of the bird has been opened, and it was found to contain an altar,
such as has been already described. Was this a place of sacrifice, and
did this wall inclose a sacred area? Our question remains unanswered. We
can dig in the mounds, and wander over the embankments, but the secret
of the builders eludes us.

A mile to the north-west of the part of the work just described are
the Octagon and works in connection with it. The Octagon is not quite
regular, but the sides are very nearly equal. At each angle is a
gateway, interior and opposite to which is a mound, as if to guard the
opening. The cut gives a view of the Octagon, looking in through one
of these gateways. At present, however, but a small portion is in the
forest. Most of it is under cultivation, but the work can still be
easily traced, and is one of the best preserved in the State. A portion
of it, still in the forest, presents the same appearance to-day as it
did to the first explorer. When a stranger for the first ti