Auglaize County, Ohio - Chapter 13, 1905 (part 2 of 2)

The fur of the otter is so warm and handsome that it is in great demand in cold climates for wearing apparel. Its webbed feet exhibit an approach to the amphibious mammals. The peculiar position of its eye enables it, with a slight motion of the head, to see fish on which it preys, whether swimming above, below, beside, behind, or before. It burrows in the banks of streams, making the entrance under water, and providing numerous cells to occupy, according to the height of the stream.

The Skunk

Mepkites Chinga, Tied., or skunk, is still an inhabitant of certain localities of the country. It has obtained the unenviable reputation of being literally in worse odor than any other known animal. All the weasels and minks are notable for a certain odor emanating from their bodies, but the skunk is pre-eminent in the noisomeness Of the stench which it exhales when annoyed or alarmed. The scent proceeds from a liquid secretion which is formed in some glands near the insertion of the tail.

There is nothing in nature that is wholly evil ; even this terrible fluid is proved to be possessed of medicinal virtues, being sometimes used for the purpose of giving relief to asthmatic patients.

In its fur, the skunk is extremely variable, but the general markings of its coat are as follows : The fur is of. a brown tint, washed with black, and variegated by white streaks and spots along its back. The tail is long and extremely bushy, being covered with long hairs of a creamy-white hue. Its habitation is commonly in burrows, which it scratches in the ground by means of its powerful claws. The creature is about the size of a cat, being about fifteen inches in length from the nose to the root of the tail, which measures twelve or fourteen inches. The legs are short, and the animal is not endowed with any great activity.

Order Rodentia - The Beaver

Castoroides Canadensis, Kuhl., or beaver, became extinct in the county about 1833. Remains of their dams and houses are found at the present day in excavating ditches.

most interesting of animals. They live in communities and display a singular mixture of reason and intellect. Their societies vary considerably in number. They prefer to make their habitations by small, clear rivers and creeks, or close to large springs, although they sometimes take up their abode on the banks of lakes and ponds.

Lest they should not have a sufficient depth of water at all seasons, they are in the habit of building dams, for the purpose -of raising the water to the required level. These dams are composed of tree-branches, mud, and stones, and to effectually resist the water, are about ten or twelve feet thick at the bottom. Near the dams are built the beaver-houses, or "lodges." The writer saw beaver-houses in northern Michigan in 1880, that were six feet square, having an upper story or lodging-room. The walls were thick, and the whole building was covered with poles, sticks, moss and mud. The logs of which 'the dams and houses are constructed are generally six or seven inches in diameter.

The castoreum, from which the animal receives its name, is produced by a secretion which is found in two membranous follicles located near the tail. Castoreum was formerly used by physicians as a stimulant and antispasmodic.

In order to secure a store of winter food, the beavers take a vast number of small logs, and carefully fasten them under water in the vicinity of their lodges. When a beaver feels hungry he dives to the store heap, drags out a suitable log, carries it to a sheltered and dry spot, nibbles the bark away, and then either permits the stripped log to float down the stream or applies it to the dam.

The color of the long, shining hairs which cover the back of the beaver is a light chestnut, and the fine wool that lies next to the skin is a soft grayish-brown. The total length of the animal is about three feet and a half ; the flat, paddle-shaped, scale-covered tail being about one foot in length. The flesh of the beaver is eaten by the trappers, who compare it to flabby pork. The tail is something like beef marrow, when properly cooked, but it is too rich and oily to suit the taste of most persons.

The Porcupine

Hystricidae, or American porcupine, has its sides, back and tail covered with spines three to five inches long. The spines, or quills, vary considerably in length, the longest being flexible, and not capable of doing much harm to an opponent. Beneath these there is a plentiful supply of shorter spines, from five to ten inches in length, which are the effective weapons of the animal. The quill is so constructed that it gradually bores its way into the flesh, burrowing deeper at every movement, and sometimes even causing the death of the wounded creature. The quills were used by the Indians for ornamenting their moccasins, blankets and wearing apparel.

The total length of the common porcupine is about three feet six inches, the tail being about six inches long. Its gait is slow and clumsy, and as it walks its long quills shake and rattle in a very curious manner. Its muzzle is thick and heavy, and its eyes small and. pig-like.

The Ground Hog

Arctomy's monax, Linn. The length of the ground hog or woodchuck to the base of the tail varies from thirteen to fifteen inches ; the tail to the end of the hairs is about seven inches. The color along the back is a brownish-black, mixed with gray ; below, the color is vellowish-rufus, varying to brownish-rufus.

The woodchuck is a strictly herbiverous animal. It is particularly fond of peas and clover, sometimes making its burrow in a clover field. Although burrowing at times in open fields, its favorite resort is in wooded rocky bluffs along the banks of streams. It produces from four to six young in the early part of summer ; these leave the mother before fall, dig burrows, and shift for themselves.

The Wood Hare, Or Gray Rabbit

Lepus sylvatieus, Linn., or wood hare, improperly called rabbit, is common in every county of the State. "In its wild state, the rabbit is an intelligent and amusing creature, full of odd little tricks, and given to playing the most ludicrous antics as it gambols about the warren in all the unrestrained joyousness of habitual freedom. To see rabbits at their best it is necessary to be closely concealed in their immediate vicinity, and to watch them in the early morning or at the fall of evening. No one can form any true conception of the rabbit nature until he has observed the little creatures in their native home ; and when he has once done so, he will seize the earliest opportunity of resuming his acquaintance with the droll little creatures." .

In the settled country, the hare takes shelter about fences and stacks. In open lands it is preyed upon by rapacious birds ; large snakes often get the young. Among mammals the weasel is the worst of its enemies ; the weasel and mink follow them under logs, into trees and burrows, and often into cultivated regions, and drive them from under barns and stacks. The hare is very prolific, producing four to six young at a birth, and having three to four litters each year. They sometimes girdle young trees, although no doubt much of the injury to trees charged to the hares is the work of field mice. As the flesh is good in winter, the most natural method of exterminating them is to encourage hunting them for market.

As to the common name, rabbit, so often given to the species, it is not properly applicable to any of the American hares. Lepus cuniculus , the burrowing rabbit of Europe, is the rabbit proper, differing from other Old World, and from American, forms in the shortness of its hind legs.

The Muskrat

Ondatra Musquash , Linn., or musk rat, an animal as large as a rabbit, is still quite numerous along the Auglaize River and around the St. Mary's reservoir. Its fur is a reddish gray, resembling that of the beaver. The body is thick and clumsy, and the tail flattened vertically, a form useful to the animal in sculling. Its home is constructed of reeds, with one entrance above and another below. In summer they dig burrows of great extent along the banks of streams, in which they bring forth their young.

Mice

Arvicola riparia, Linn., or meadow mouse, dwells in the woods and meadows during summer, and in barns and granaries in winter. A detailed description of so familiar an animal would he quite unnecessary.

Mus musculus, Linn., or house mouse, originally from Europe and Asia, but now found all over the world, is grayishbrown, finely lined with darker, passing into ashy plumbeous, with reddish tinge on the belly. The feet are ashy brown.

Mus mttus, Linn., or black rat, at an early date was numerous in the county, but has almost entirely disappeared before its more formidable rival, the brown rat.

The Norway Or Brown Rat

Mus decumanus, Pallas. Few animals are so well known or so thoroughly detested as the common brown rat, or Norway rat. It has spread itself over almost every portion of the globe, taking passage in almost every ship that traverses the ocean, and landing on almost every shore which the vessel may touch. Wherever they set their feet, they take up their abode ; and, being singularly prolific animals, soon establish themselves in perpetuity. They are marvelous exterminators of other 'Vermin," and permit none but themselves to be in the domain which they have chosen. Some of these animals were purposely introduced into Jamaica, in order to extirpate the plantation rats, which did such damage to the growing crops. They soon drove away the original "vermin," but, like the Saxons when invited to help the Britons, wiere found to be more dangerous foes than the enemy whom they had overcome.

The Common Mole

and vegetable gardens. The most notable feature of the animal is its fore feet, short' legs, and robust shoulders, adapting it to plough through the soil.

In motion the fore feet are thrust forward at the sides, with th6 edges answering to the thumb of a man's hand, placed downward, and the nails taking hold in the earth ; the body is drawn along with ease and rapidity, as a row-boat is propelled by oars, the hind legs carrying the posterior parts.

The Opossum

Didelphys Virgianus , Shaw, or oppossum, is the only member of the order of Marsupalia found in North America. The animal .was formerly very numerous, and is still to be found in the woodland districts of the county. It is twenty inches long to the tail, which is about fifteen inches. The hair is whitish, with brown tips, imparting a dusky shade. It lives upon trees and feeds upon fruits, eggs, and small animals. In its omniverous character, the opossum may be compared to the raccoon. In the summer and autumn it breaks down the corn, especially sweet corn, of which, like the raccoon, it is very fond.

The nest or den of the opossum is variously situated. Sometimes they occupy the hollow of a fallen tree, but oftener under the roots of trees or stumps.

Its movements are not rapid, and it often lies motionless for hours in the warm sunshine. When captured or slightly wounded, it has the habit of feigning itself dead, and by this artifice often escapes from the inexperienced hunter. The young, which at birth weigh only three or four grains, are placed in the pouch, where they remain growing very rapidly till four or five weeks old, when they begin to venture forth, but for a long time keep close to the mother, generally clinging to her by their tails.

The meat of the opossum is too fat and rank to suit a refined, or, at least, an uneducated, taste ; yet they readily sell for from fifty to seventy-five cents to the negroes and white people of the Southern States.

The Fox Squirrel

Sciurus ludovicianus, Custis, or fox squqirrel, is undergoing a rapid extermination in the county, as are all other species of squirrels. The animal is about twelve inches long to the tail, which is fourteen inches ; the body is heavy, and the color varies from a light gray above to a reddish-brown below. It is .the largest of the squirrel family, and twenty-five years ago was very numerous in this county. It is easily tamed, and is in great request as a domestic pet.

The food of the fox squirrel is usually of a vegetable nature, and consists of nuts, acorns, wheat, and other fruits and seeds. Being a hibernating animal, it is in the habit of laying up a winter store of provisions, and toward the end of autumn, while acorns and other nuts are in their prime, becomes very busy in gathering certain little treasures, which it hides in all kinds of nooks, crevices and holes near the tree in which it lives.

Gray And Black Squirrels

Sciurus Caroliensis, Gm., or gray and black squirrels of Ohio and adjoining States, is nine to eleven inches long to the tail, which is about an inch longer than the head and body ; the -color in the gray variety is a .light yellowish-gray above, and grayish-white beneath ; but it also occurs of every shade from gray to jet black; and the black and dusky varieties have also been regarded by some as a species distinct from the gray.

The county, as late as 1850, literally swarmed with different varieties of this rodent. It was one of the duties of the writer, when ten years of age, to arise early of May mornings and walk around the cornfield beating a tin pan to frighten the squirrels from the cornfield. No crop could have been raised if that precaution had not been taken.

The flesh of the squirrel is considered a great delicacy by epicures. In localities where they still abound, large numbers are killed for the markets in the large cities.

At an early day, when squirrels were so numerous as to annoy the pioneer farmers, squirrel hunts were organized to exterminate the "pest." On such occasions large numbers of the animals were killed. Henry Howe, in his History of Ohio, gives an 'account of a squirrel hunt in Franklin county in August, 1822,.

And Auglaize Count T.

in which he states that "The hunt was conducted in accordance with the arrangements previously made. On counting the scalps, it appeared that 19,660 scalps were produced. It is impossible to say what number in all were killed, as a great many of the hunters did not come in."

The Red Squirrel, Or Chickaree

Sciurus Hudsonius, Pallas. The red squirrel inhabits the United States east of the Missouri River, and north to Hudson's Bay. It is seven to eight inches long to the tail, which is about six inches long. It is of a reddish color along the back and sides, and of a dingy white beneath. This squirrel is seen at all seasons of the year, and in all kinds of weather. The deepest snows of winter are soon covered with their tracks, and penetrated by holes bored to find the nuts scattered beneath, or which they had hidden in the previous autumn. The chickaree continues to exist in the county in greater numbers than the other varieties of squirrels.

The Ground Squirrel

Tamias striatiis, Linn. The ground squirrel, or chipmunk, is one of the liveliest and briskest of quadrupeds, and by reason of its quick and rapid movements, has not inaptly been compared to the wren. It is usually seen among brushwood and small timber; and as it whisks about the branches, or shoots through the interstices, with its peculiar quick, jerking movements, and its odd, quaint, little clucking cry, like the chipping of newly-hatched chickens, the analogy between itself and the bird is very apparent. As it is found in such plenty, and is- a bold little creature, it is much persecuted by small boys.

The animal is about five inches long to the tail, which is about four inches in length. The general color above is a yellowish-gray and brown, with five longitudinal black stripes. It makes its hole near the roots of a stump or tree, into which it carries its stores for the winter, and where it stays, without once coming out so long as the cold weather lasts. In autumn it may be seen hurrying toward its hole, with cheek-pouches distended to the utmost capacity with nuts and grain.

The Flying Squirrel

the sides between the fore and hind feet, by means of which the animal is enabled to glide from one tree to another, supported as by a parachute. There are long, bony appendages to the feet, which support a part of this lateral membrane. It is about five inches long to the tail, which is a little less in length than the head and body. The fur is very soft and silky, the color light yellowish-brown above and creamy white beneath.

The habitat of the animal is strictly among the trees, issuing forth late in the evening, and sailing from one trunk to the base of another, but never on the ground. It is gregarious, assembling in hollow trees, from which as many as a dozen will dart when the sides of their retreat is thoroughly thumped. Their food is similar to that of other squirrels.

The Buffalo

Bos Americanns, Gm., or American buffalo, once so numerous in all parts of Ohio, has become decimated, except in the far Northwest. It is the largest of American quadrupeds, being of the size of a large domestic ox, and characterized by a large head, which is carried low ; broad forehead, broad, full chest, large lump between the shoulders, narrow loins, and comparatively slender legs.

There is ample evidence of the former existence and abundance of the buffalo in northern Ohio. Atwater, in his History of Ohio, says, "We had once the bison and elk in vast numbers all over Ohio."

Wood, in his Natural History, states that, "The flesh of the fat cow bison is in great repute, being juicy, tender, and wellsavored, and possesses the invaluable quality of not cloying the appetite, even though it be eaten with the fierce hunger that is generated by a day's hunting. The fat is peculiarly excellent, and is said to bear some resemblance to the celebrated green fat of the turtle. The most delicate portion of the bison is the flesh that composes the hump, which gives to the animal's back so strange an aspect. The pieces of hump-flesh that are stripped from the shoulders are technically called 'fleeces,' and sometimes weigh as much as a hundred pounds. 'Jerked' beef is also made from this animal, the meat being cut into long, thin strips, and hung in the sunshine until black, dry, and almost as hard as leather."

The American Elk

Cervus Canadensis , Erxl., or American Elk, sometimes called Wapiti, roamed over Ohio in great numbers. Atwater is authority for the statement that, "When Circleville was first settled, the carcasses, or rather skeletons, of fifty individuals of the elk family lay scattered about on the surface, which the Indians had left here."

Many specimens of elk horns have been discovered in excavating ditches in the county. Walker, in his History of Athens County, states that, "The buffalo and elk were not exterminated until about the year 1800."

Dr. Kirtland, in his report of mammals, in the Geological Survey of Ohio, of 1838, reports, "The elk was frequently to be met with in Ashtabula county until within the last six years. I learn from Col. Harper, of that county, that one was killed there as recently as October of the present season."

The Red Deer

Cervus Virginianus, Boddaert, or red deer, is one of the most beautiful and graceful of the animals that inhabited the county up to i860. The weight of an adult varies from one hundred and fifty to two hundred pounds. The color of the animal is a light fawn in summer, and of a reddish-gray in winter. The under part of the throat and tail are always white.

Deer were so numerous in the county at an early date that the flesh of the animal constituted a large part of the sustenance of the Indians and pioneers.

A further description of this well-known animal seems unnecessary, as much has been written concerning it in the history of the Shawnee Indians.

Reptilia

The reptiles of Auglaize county at the present time are not nearly so numerous as they were in 1830. Many species have entirely disappeared since that time.

This class comprises cool-blooded, oviperous vertebrates, which are covered with scales, and which lay their eggs upon the land, and whose young closely resemble the parents from the time they leave the shell.

The reptiles of the county are comprised under four orders, namely: Testudinata or turtles, Sanria or lizards, Ophidia or serpents, and Batrachians or frogs.

Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina, Schw., or snapping turtle, is the largest of the three species, and is still to be found around ponds and along streams. It is a ferocious animal, and when annoyed assumes an attitude of defense, snaps violently, and will not let go its hold even after the cutting off of its head. They deposit sixty or seventy eggs in a hole scooped out in the sand, in the month of June. These eggs, as well as the turtles, are bv some esteemed a luxury for food. In advanced life the meat of the turtle becomes rank, and at times emits a musky odor, rendering it unpalatable.

Thyro sternum Pennsylvanicum, A g., or mud tortoise, has a flat, circular, elongated shield, more or less flexible, and inhabits the muddy bottoms of shallow waters ; often burying themselves in the soft mud, leaving only the head exposed. They take breath from time to time by carrying the snout above the water without even moving the body.

They are found in great numbers along the Miami Canal, - and around the two reservoirs of the county. They are frequently observed sitting upon the edges of ponds and upon logs, but in all cases plunge into the water when approached. They go into winter quarters in the fall by burying themselves in mud.

Cistudo Virginea, A g., or box turtle, is quite common in the eastern and western portions of the county. In this animal, the plastron is composed of two parts that are movable upon one axis, and which can be brought into close contact with the carapace, and thus completely conceal all the extremities of the animal. It is about six inches in length, and is ornamented with red and yellow spots around the edges of the upper shell. Their favorite resorts are dry uplands. They attain a great age ; a specimen mentioned by Allen must have been at least sixty years old. They do not migrate to any great distance from their birthplace, and go into winter quarters by burrowing into the ground in September.

species attains a length of sixteen inches, and in color is umberbrown above, with dusky blotches ; below it is white, marked by red blood vessels.

Order Ophidia

Reptiles are always repugnant, and Auglaize county has had her share in the past. The number of species of snakes did not exceed eight, but each species was so numerous as to be very annoying to the early pioneers. Their numbers began to decrease as the forest was cleared away and the lands were brought under cultivation.

The common rattlesnake is three or four feet long,' sulphurbrown above, with two rows of confluent, lozenge-shaped brown spots. It is generally sluggish, and never attacks animals unless disturbed or hungry. But the slightest noise will arouse it, when it immediately coils, moves its rattles violently and strikes at whatever comes within reach. It never pursues the object of its anger, but strikes on the spot, and, recoiling, repeats the blow as often as it can. It feeds on frogs, mice, young rabbits, and birds, which it secures by lying in wait for them. Its reported charming power is probably a mere notion which has no foundation in fact. It was formerly supposed that the number of rattles indicates the age, - one rattle being added each year ; but this is not true. In some cases there are more than one added in a year, and in others, one or two more are lost.

Crotalns ter geminus , Holbr., or massassauga, lives in marshes, and on lands adjoining them. Its bite is justly dreaded by persons compelled to frequent such places. It rarely, if ever,, strikes without warning, and never unless disturbed. It has a broader head than the common rattlesnake, and is from twenty to thirty inches in length, and is of a grayish-brown above, interspersed with brownish spots. Below it is of a lighter color.

Auglaize county. It is three to five feet in length, dark black above, and of a greenish black beneath. The chin and throat are white. Its bite is no more poisonous than that of the squirrel or rabbit.

It is fond of climbing trees in search of young birds, eggs, and similar dainties. The haunts of this snake are usually along the edges of streams and ponds, and may be seen in shady spots, well sheltered by brushwood. It often happens that the locality of the blacksnake is indicated by the proceedings of the little birds, which collect above their hated enemy, scold with harsh cries, flutter their wings noisily, and by dint of continual annoyance drive the reptile from the locality.

Coluber triangululum, Boie., or milk snake, is a harmless reptile, and is found in dry woods, and frequently in outhouses and dairies, which it is said to visit in order to get at the milk. It probably enters such places in quest of mice. The reptile is from three to four feet in length, and in color is of a grayish- white, interspersed with brown blotches extending from the neck to the tail ; there are also lateral spots of the same color in two rows on each side. The reptile is not so numerous as it was in the early settling of the county.

Eutaenia proximo, Say., or common gray garter snake, is a harmless reptile, and is a valuable agent in the destruction of slugs, grubs and insects.

Eutaenia sirialis, Linn., or striped garter snake, is one of our commonest snakes. Its color is light brown to gray, with two lateral stripes of yellow, and is from two to three feet in length. When irritated it elevates its scales, giving it a roughened appearance, and also at the same time exudes a very disagreeable odor.

They are gregarious, and go into winter quarters in October and issue forth again the following spring, in May. In early spring they are frequently ploughed up in bunches.

Regina Grahamii, Baird, or Graham's snake, is found along the streams and around the ponds and reservoirs of the county. The color above is brown, and the abdomen yellowish without spots. This aquatic snake is from two to three feet in length. Although a formidable looking reptile, it is perfectly harmless, as it is destitute of poison fangs.

Order Sauria. Or Lizards

The lizards of Auglaize county are not as numerous as they are in counties further south. The few species of the county are small, inoffensive animals, that are useful as destroyers of noxious insects.

Lygosoma laterale, Say., or ground lizard, - sometimes called ground puppy, is found underneath rotten logs and bark, in the months of May and June. The general color is bluish above, and gray, shading into green, below. It varies from six to eight inches in length.

Laerta faciata, Linn., or blue-tailed skink, is occasionally seen around old buildings and under the bark of dead trees. It is very active in its movements, and hard to capture. It is about -seven inches in length ; the upper portion of the body is bluishblack, with light yellow lines along the sides.

Menobranchus lateralis, Say., or water dog, is occasionally found in the Auglaize River, and in the reservoirs. The body is cylindrical, smooth, gray, with darker spots, and often a lateral line ; head broad, depressed ; nostrils small ; teeth large and conical; three gills on each side. Length, eighteen inches.

Their motions are very active when in water, and are performed by the body and tail. They eat a number of worms a day. At times they are found with parasitic worms near their gills. The flesh of this animal is said to be excellent eating.

Order. Batrachea

Rana catesbyana, Shaw, the bull frog, called also by the boys cow frog, is very common in the reservoirs and ponds of the county. Its hoarse voice, low bass notes, supposed by some to be its love song or call of the male to the female, have been compared to the roaring of a bull, hence the common name.

The bull frog is the one more commonly eaten, though any of them may be used as articles of food. Generally the hams only are taken, and when fried are said to resemble young chicken.

above, and taking a greener hue upon the head. The abdomen is grayish-white, and the throat is white, dotted with green. Some of the larger ones attain a length of six inches.

Rana clamata, of Daudon, or green spring frog, is .common along brooks and around ponds, sitting upon the banks, and plunging at the approach of danger. They are the earliest to awaken from their winter sleep. This species of frog is intermediate between the bull frog and the common small spring frog.

Rana palustris, LeConte, or common spring frog, appears in countless numbers in early spring in wet places, in marshes and upon the borders of streams. They are active animals, very difficult to capture, leaping from eight to ten feet. The noise produced by thousands of them in a pond at night is almost deafening.

Rana sylvatica, of LeConte, or wood frog, is very abundant in the woods of Auglaize county, where it is found among damp, fallen leaves, which it resembles so closely as to be overlooked. They appear in March or April, and go into winter quarters the last of October. They prefer thick oak or maple forests for their habitation. Their color is quite variable, being darker in spring, but becoming lighter after exposure to the summer's sunlight. Its length is about two inches.

HU a versicolor, LeConte, the common tree toad. The color of this animal above varies from green to brown, with irregular dark blotches ; skin above, rough, with 'numerous small elevations. The length is one and a half inches. This toad is common to all parts of the county. Dr. W. H. Smith states that, "It has ventriloqual powers, and is especially clamorous in damp weather and towards evening. It is found on trees and old fences, to the color of which it assimilates itself in a striking degree. It has an acrid secretion. In fine weather it climbs the highest trees after insects.

Bufo lentiginosus, Shaw, or American toad, is about three and one-half inches long by two inches in width. The color above is a dark slate, speckled with whitish gray and brown ; beneath it is a yellowish or dirty white.

The following catalogue of the fishes of Auglaize county has been compiled from the report of David L. Jordon, M. D., in the Zoology of Ohio:

Polioptila caculea Lophophanes bicolor . Sitta Carolineensis . . Certhia familiaris . . . Talmatodytes palustris Anthus ludovicianus . Prothonotaria citraea Dendroeca arstiva . . . Dendroeca virens Dendroeca caerulea . .

Entomology

The natural history of the county would be incomplete without some notice of its entomology. The number of its species is so great, however, that a description of each one would be too voluminous for a work of this character.

Polistes rebiginosus, Monobia quadridens, Polistes pallipes, Priocnemis unifascitus, Ammophila gryphus, Pelopaeus cementarius, Vespa maculata,

Lepidoptera

Ancyloxypha numitor, Pamphila hobomok, Pamphila nevada, Pamphila campestris, Pamphila peckius, Pamphila mystic, Pamphila cernes, Pamphila accius,

Noctuidae

Arsilonche albovenosa, Acronycta occidentalis, Acronycta lobeliae, Acryonycta vinnula, Acronycta acericola, Acronycta oblinita, Microcoelia diptheroides, Agrotis ypsilon,

Catocala grynea, Catocala micronympha, Catocala amasia, Catocala crataegi, Catocala blandula, Catocala illecta, Strenoloma lunilinea, Parallelia bistriaris, Homoptera edusa, Homopteralunata, Spargaloma umbrifascia, Palthis angulalis, Heterogramma rurigena, Hormisa absorptalis,

Geometridae

Tetracis crocallata, Metanema quercivoraria, Metanema carnaria, Ennomos magnarius, Ennomos subsignarius, Azelina hubnerata, Endropia effectaria, Endropia hypochraria, Therina fervidaria,

Angerona crocataria, Microgonia limbaria, Plagodis serinaria, Plagodis keutzingaria, Probole amicaria, Synchlora rubrifrontaria, Dyspteris abortivaria, Acidalia inductata,

Acidalia ennucleata, Calothysanis amaturaria, Calledapteryx dryopterata, Stegania pustularia, Corycia vestaliata, Semiothisa praeatomata, Lythria snoviaria,

Philagia strigataria, Paleacrita vernata, Heterophleps triguttata, Phibalapteryx latirupta, Pelrophora diversilineta, Rheumaptera lacustrata, Ochyria designata,

PYRAUSTIDAE. Hymenia perspectalis, Desmia funeralis, Phlyctaenia tertialis, Nomophila noctuella, Pyrausta octomaculata, Pyrausta thestialis, Pyrausta ranalis,

Pyrausta pertextalis, Pyrausta theseusalis, Pantographa limata, Loxostege chortalis, Loxostege obliteralis, Eustixia pupula, Evergestis straminalis, Evergestis unimacula, Hydrocampa obscuralis, Hydrocampa albalis, Hydrocampa icciusalis.

Tabanus

Asilus sericeus, Sphecomyia undata, Tamnostema excentrica, Argyromoeba simson, Argyromoeba sinuosa, Exoprosopa fasciata, Laphria sericea, Chrysops plangens, Systoechus vulgaris, Systoechus aequalis,

Carabidae

Clivina bibustulata, Bembidium paludosum, Patrobus langicornis, Pterostichus herculeanus, Pterostichus adoxus, Pterostichus permundus, Pterostichus lustrans, Evarthrus sodalis,

Chrysomelidae

Anomoea latielavia, Coscinoptera dominicana, Pachybrachys subfasciatus, Chrysochus auratus, Colaspis praetexta, Doryphora elivicollis, Doryphora 10-lineata, Chrysomela saturalis, Chrysomela scalaris, Chrysomdla bigsbyana, Gastroides polygoni,

Diabrotica 12-punctata, Diabrotica vittata, Diabrotica longicornis, Galeruca xanthomelaena, Disonycha pennsylvanica, Systena bitaeniata, Coptocycla guttata.

Tenebrionidae

Nyctobates pennsylvanica, Scotobates calcaratus, Diaperis hydni, Hoplocephala bicornis, Platydema micans, Hypophloeus substriatus, Mycetochares fraterna.

Archaeology

Evidences of an ancient race of people, entirely distinct from the Indian, are found in many localities of the county. They have left no written history, and all that is known concerning them is largely a matter of conjecture. Their implements found in nearly all sections of the state, their mounds, and their enclosures, are all that are left of this ancient civilization. "They have been called Mound Buiders, on account of the innumerable mounds which they erected, and which remained until the advent of the white man."

The writer has no knowledge of any mounds having been discovered within the county. Enclosures, however, varying in outline, are found in the eastern portion of the Muchinippe territory. Scattered all over the county are implements belonging to both the Mound Builders and the Indians. When these relics are found on the surface it is impossible to determine to which race they belonged. The aggregate of the relics now in the hands of private collectors of the county would fill a large museum.

Of the stone relics exhibited in the accompanying engraving, much has been written that must be regarded as mere conjecture. Many of them have largely passed out of use by the modern Indians, and their actual purpose is unknown. The names given to them have been based upon a theoretical idea of their purpose or because of their appearance.

finished, very symmetrical, and elegant in proportion, evidently designed to be ornamental. The material is compact and fine- ' grained, but the eye is only one-half inch in diameter. The edges are not sharp, but rounded.

Thomas Schoonover, in Moulton township. In appearance, it is symmetrical. On one side it bears a rude sketch of a fish. The workmanship as a whole displays a superior degree of skill.

No. 3 represents a . pipe cut from porphoritic iron. The etching on the bowl exhibits a degree of skill and taste that are surprising. The specimen was plowed up in a field near Wapakoneta.

bluish striped slate. The eyes of the fowl (if it represents a fowl) are protuberant, and small holes are drilled in the bottom and end to the depth of half an inch.

for a long period unknown. A Chippewa Indian told me, in the Smithsonian Institution, last summer, that they served for gaming. They were placed in a pan or basket, which, being covered, was shaken, and then set down quietly, the cover removed, and an inspection would show how many of the birds were seated upright. The player having the greatest number thus won the game."

No. 9 is a representation of a dog, and in design and finish compares well with the banner stones. We know of no other similar specimen in any collection. This specimen was discovered by some unknown person in Wayne township.

No. 7 is a semi-cylindrical piece of gray granite an inch and three-quarters in length and an inch and a half in diameter. A perforation having a diameter of half an inch extends lengthwise through it. The purpose of the instrument is unknown. It may have been used as a whistle.

No. 10 is a tube five inches long, and having a diameter of five-eighths of an inch at the larger end, and three-eighths at the smaller end. The tubular orifice tapers from the larger end to the smaller. It served the purpose, without much doubt, of a tobacco pipe, the smaller end serving as a mouth-piece.

No. 12 is a boat-shaped relic, carved from green slate, and has two holes drilled in the bottom of the dish-shaped cavity. These holes have apparently never been used, for their edges are as fresh and sharp as the day they were made, showing no trace of wear. Mr. S. F. DeFord, of Ottawa, Ohio, has a relic of similar pattern that is without holes in the bottom of the concavity.

No. 11 is a pendant made from brown slate. The hole has been drilled with a tapering drill, by drilling from each side, leaving a sharp edge in the middle of the piece. Many relics of similar shape have two perforations.

No. 17, taken from an Indian grave, is a representation of the leg of a Buffalo. Tally marks on the upper portion of it probably represent the number of buffalo that the hunter had killed.

Numbers 16 and 19 are spearheads three -and a half inches in length. These flint implements are found in great numbers, along with arrowheads. The difference in size seems to indicate the difference in name. Except for this, the same implement may have served as either arrow or- spearhead. In connection with this notice of spearheads and arrowheads, it may be stated that large numbers of leaf-shaped implements are found thr* probably served the purpose of knives. The archseologic interest of these leaf-shaped implements is, that in Europe they belong to the paleolithic period. In France they have been called feuille de laurier, laurel leaf.

No. 18 is a flint knife four inches in length, and having notches at one end for fastening it to a handle. The edge of the blade is sharp, and must have been a useful instrument to the owner. It is the best implement of the kind, with one exception, that the writer has ever seen. The exceptional specimen is in the private collection of Mr. Edmund Grothaus, of New Bremen. His knife relic is about seven inches in length. The blade and handle are in one piece. The symmetry and workmanship of the implement surpasses anything in the line of chipped flint instruments that we have ever seen. It is doubtful if its equal can be found in any collection in the country.

Stone Axes

Under this head are included all wrought stones with a groove, a poll, and a bit. They are polished, partially polished and unpolished or rough. The bit is made sharp by rubbing, and the material is hard and tough, generally of trachyte, greenstone, granite, quartz, or basalt. Most of them are straight on one edge. They appear to have been manufactured from small oblong boulders, which were brought into shape by a pick or chipping instrument, the marks of which are visible on nearly all of them. A handle or helve was fastened in the groove by thongs of rawhide ; either a wythe, a split stick, or a forked branch. The bit is narrower than the body of the axe, which is not generally so well balanced as to be of much value as a woodcutting implement. It is very seldom that the material is hard enough to cut green and sound timber. The poll is generally round, but sometimes flat, and, rarely, pointed. It is much better adapted to breaking than cutting. The smaller ones are better fitted for war clubs than tools. As a maul to break dry limbs, it would be very efficient, and was probably put to all these uses. In weight, they range from half a pound to sixteen pounds, but are generally less than three pounds. The heavy ones must have been kept stationary at camps and villages. Such axes 'were in use by the red Indians when they were first met by white men, and are still in use among certain tribes in British America.

Double-headed hammers having a groove at the middle are occasionally found in the county. A fine specimen of this class of implements may be seen in the collection of Dr. C. Berlin, of Wapakoneta. The 'mechanical symmetry of the instrument is perfect. It is made of the same hard material as the stone axes.

Most of the chisel-form implements were probably used as aids in peeling bark from trees, for separating the skin from animals, and for wedges. Greater numbers of this implement are found in the county than of any other variety of instrument, with the exception of arrowheads. Many of thes chisel-shaped implements are beautifully polished.

Pestles are almost as common as the grooved axes. They are mostly rude, but are frequently found polished and wrought with great care. They are of various shapes, but the prevailing form is that of a bluntly-pointed cone, with a knob-like expanse at the base. Occasionally they are met with having a knob-like expanse at both ends, one being larger than the other. The so-called "rolling-pins" are another variety. They are long,

Pottery

A few broken remains of pottery have been taken from the gravel deposits of the county. A portion of an urn, now in the possession of Miss Sarah Howell, a High School teacher in the Wapakoneta public schools, was taken from a gravel bank, two miles north of Wapakoneta. The fragment is a part of the upper portion of the vessel. The decoration of the fragment consists of incised lines and dots, with various combinations. Fragments have also been found in other gravel deposits, but were not preserved by the laborors making the excavations.

The mounds of the Mound Builders, if there ever were any in Auglaize county, were leveled by the Shawnee Indians before they took their departure to the West.