e XIII. It represents a very elaborate trap; much
simpler forms are shown in other plates. Slender poles set in the
shallow water are held in place by wattling or interlacing of pliable
parts.

It is probable that traps of similar character were used by the
mound-building tribes wherever the conditions were favorable. The only
apparent traces of such weirs yet found in any part of the country are a
number of stumps of stakes discovered by H. T. Cresson in Delaware river
near Wilmington, but these appear to be much heavier than would have
been used for the purpose by the natives.

Another somewhat usual use of wattling is mentioned by various authors.
Butel-Dumont speaks of a raft made of poles and canes, and Du Pratz,
writing of the Louisiana Indians, says:

The conveniencies for passing rivers would soon be suggested
to them by the floating of wood upon the water. Accordingly
one of their methods of crossing rivers is upon floats of
canes, which are called by them Cajeu, and are formed in this
manner. They cut a great number of canes, which they tie up
into faggots, part of which they fasten together sideways,
and over these they lay a few crossways, binding all close
together, and then launching it into the water.[5]

We learn from various authors that cage-like coffins were constructed of
canes and reeds something after the wattle style; and hampers, cages for
animals, chests for treasures or regalia, biers, carrying chairs, fish
baskets, beds and seats were often similarly made. These articles, being
generally light and portable, and constructed of delicate parts, can as
well be classed with basketry as with wattle work.

[1] Hist. Virginia, John Smith. Richmond, 1819, vol. I, p.
130.

[2] Memoires Historiques sur la Louisiane, George Marie
Butel-Dumont. Paris, 1753, vol. II, p. 104.

[3] Moeurs dea Sauvages Ameriquains, Pere Joseph Francois
Lafitau. Paris, 1724, vol. I, p. 286.

[4] Op. cit., vol. I, p. 244.

[5] Hist. Louisiana, Le Page Du Pratz. English translation,
London, 1763, vol. II, pp. 228-229.

BASKETRY.

TYPES OF BASKETRY.

Perhaps no branch of the textile art was of greater importance to the
aborigines than basketry. This term may be made to cover all woven
articles of a portable kind which have sufficient rigidity to retain
definite or stable form without distention by contents or by other
extraneous form of support. It