In examining the standard work on the exploration of the American mounds, the _Twelfth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology_ of the Smithsonian Institution, by Dr. Cyrus Thomas, it is plain that the mound-building Indians were well acquainted with the watersheds and high lands in the regions which they occupied. As a general rule it can be said that they cultivated the lowlands and built their forts and mounds upon the adjacent heights; but, so widespread are their works over the counties which they occupied, that it seems evident that they were at least well acquainted with all the surrounding territory. Whatever may have been the significance of their works, it is reasonable to believe that they were erected to be seen and visited; it is sane to believe that they were erected near the highways traveled, as has been the case with all other races of history. It is now in point to show that their mounds and effigies were not only on high ground, but often on the ranges of hills. Examining Crawford county, Wisconsin, we find the mound-builders' works "on the main road from Prairie du Chien to Eastman," which "follows chiefly the old trail along the crest of the divide between the drainage of the Kickapoo and Mississippi rivers.... The group is, in fact, a series or chain of low, small, circular tumuli extending in a nearly straight line northwest and southeast, connected together by embankments.... They are on the top of the ridge."[14] "About 2 miles from Eastman, ... just east of the Black River Road, ... are three effigy mounds and one long mound.... They are situated in a little strip of woods near the crest, but on the western slope of the watershed and near the head of a coulee or ravine."[15] "In the same section ... are the remains of two bird-shaped mounds, both on top of the watershed."[16] "The next group surveyed ... are on the crest of the ridge heretofore mentioned and on both sides of the Black River Road."[17] "Mound No. 23 ... is also in the form of a bird with outstretched wings. It lies ... on top of the ridge, with the head lying crosswise of the highest point."[18] "Mound No. 24 is close to the right or east, on the high part of the ridge, extending in the same direction as 23."[19] "Northward of this group some 400 yards, there is a mound in the form of a quadruped, probably a fox, ... partly in the woods and partly in the field on the west side of the road. It is built on the crest of the ridge with the head to the south."[20] "About a mile southward of Hazen Corners ... is a group.... They are all situated on the northern slope of the ridge not far from the top."[21] "... A small group ... situated west of the Black River Road, ... on the top of the ridge in the woods. The ridge slopes from them to the east and west."[22]