remains of their habitations, temples and tombs, are the only voices
that tell us of their existence. Over broad areas, in the most fertile
valleys, and along the numerous tributaries of the great rivers of the
central and western portions of the United States, are to be found
these wonderful remains, of the existence and origin of which, even
the oldest red man could give no history.

Following in the track of these ancient tumuli, which have been raised
with some degree of order and sagacity, we are bound to believe that
they were constructed by a very intelligent and somewhat civilized
race, who during long periods enjoyed the blessings of peace, but like
most nations of the earth, at times were plunged in the horrors of
war. We cannot tell by what name these strange people were known
during their existence. But archæologists, to keep themselves safe,
have given them the name of "Mound-builders," from the nature of the
structures left behind them.

Of this wonderful, semi-civilized, prehistoric race, we have no
written testimony. Their mysterious enclosures, implements of war, and
comparatively impregnable fortifications, together with a few strange
tablets, are the only evidence of their character, civilization, and
doom. No contemporary race, if such there existed on this continent,
has left any record of them.

The mounds they have left are found in the western part of the State
of New York, and extend, it is said, as far as Nebraska. And as they
have lately been found in the Northwest, they have thus a much more
northern limit than was at first thought, while the southern limit is
the Gulf of Mexico.