About Manuscripts Profiles Maps Map Gallery Credits

Travels in Some Parts of North America, in the Years 1804, 1805, & 1806, by Robert Sutcliff

SW_Sutcliff_Page_029

8th Month, 7th. In the afternoon I accom- panied some friends to take a view of the skeleton of a Mammoth, which was carefully put together and set up in a convenient room in the city. When clothed with flesh, this animal must have been of enormous bulk. The tusks were upwards of six feet in length, and the leg bones appeared about the thickness of the waist of a middle sized person. In comparing the bones of this animal with those of an elephant, a considerable difference is observed, particularly about the feet; those of the Mammoth resembling the feet of a beast of prey more than the elephant, appearing to be armed with sharp claws. One of the claws, about eight inches in length, which was found near the skeleton, I had in my hands. An animal of such bulk, so armed, must have been very destructive to the creatures around him. The Indians have a tradition, that on this account the Great Spirit directed that the whole species should become extinct. Near the banks of the large rivers in this country, and generally near the salt springs, the bones of these animals are found. In the inland parts of America all kinds of cattle are excessively fond of salt, and, as in other parts of the world, there are here many springs whose waters are brackish. Contiguous to these springs, the clay and earth, over which the waters have run, are impregnated with salt; and to these places, all kinds of wild cattle frequently resort, and are seen licking the earth with great eagerness.