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                             22.

shape.  It is beautifully tinted and plainly the work of a skilled artisan.  Good judges, to whom it has been shown, suggest that it may be of Aztec manufacture.  Be that as it may, it is well known that the mound builders of the West were in communication with their Mexican contemporaries; the same was undoubtedly the case with the inhabitants of the territory embraced by the Gulf States, and it may be that this intercourse was maintained for a long time by their successors.

It is possible, however, that the bead is of Spanish origin; but, whether a Mexican or European production, it is a relic worthy of consideration. A photograph of the natural size and showing the colors as nearly as possible is given (H).

There were also discovered a large flint arrow head; - an iron knife