ers
arrived at the mouth of the Muskingum to lay out their town. The growth
of the beautiful town of Marietta has completely destroyed these works,
except the elevated squares, A and B, the large mound and inclosing
circle at X, with a portion of the adjoining embankments, and a small
fragment of the parallel walls forming what has been called the "Graded
Way." The elevated squares are the finest examples of "temple" mounds
remaining in the Ohio Valley. The circle and ditch with the conical
mound inclosed is also a fine example of that class of works. From the
summit of the mound an extensive view is to be had both up and down the
Ohio.

Illustration of Works at Marietta, Ohio.-------------

The gateways of the smaller square were guarded by mounds, which were
wanting in the larger one. We would call especial attention to the two
embankments which led from the larger square towards the river. They
were six hundred and eighty feet long, and one hundred and fifty feet
apart.<70> Some have supposed these walls were designed to furnish a
covered way to the river. But as Mr. Squier remarks, we would hardly
expect the people to go to the trouble of making such a wide avenue for
this purpose, nor one with such a regular grade. Besides, the walls did
not reach the river. The work seems to be simply a passage way, leading
from one terrace to the other, but why the builders should have made
such a massive work, we can not explain. It has been called the
"Sacred Way," and this name may possibly be applicable, but it is only
conjectural. Some twenty years ago these two massive and beautiful
embankments were still preserved, thanks to the care of the early
settlers, who planned a street to pass between them, which was named the
_Via Sacra._ These words still remain on a corner signboard; but alas
for sentiment! the banks, so long revered, have been utilized for
brick-working.

Illustration of Graded Way, Piketon, Ohio.------------

Several instances of these graded streets or ways have been found in
connection with the Mound Builders' works. Sometimes they lead from one
terrace to another, sometimes directly to the water. One of the latter
kind formerly existed near Piqua, Ohio.<71> This cut is a view of a
graded way near Piketon, Ohio. In this case, though the difference in
level between the second and third terrace is but seventeen feet, these
ancient people laid out a graded ascent some ten hundred and eighty feet
lo