[48] The Aborigines cleared considerable spaces on the Sea Islands along the Georgia Coast, planting them with maize, pumpkins, gourds, beans, melons, &c. These indications of early agriculture were not infrequent in various portions of the State. The richest localities were selected by the Aborigines for cultivation: their principal towns and maize-fields being generally found in rich valleys where a generous soil yielded, with least labor, the most remunerative harvest. The trees were killed by girdling them by means of stone axes. They then decayed and fell piecemeal. So old were these Indian fields that in them no traces appeared of the roots and stumps even of the most durable trees. The occupancy of these islands by the Red race was general and of long duration. Prominent bluffs are to this day marked by their refuse heaps, composed chiefly of the shells of oysters, conchs, and clams, and the bones of the animals, reptiles, birds, and fishes upon which they subsisted, intermingled with sherds of pottery, and broken articles, and relics of various sorts. Many localities are hoary with ancient shell-mounds, while sepulchral tumuli of earth are not infrequent. Besides the primitive population permanently domiciled on these islands, at certain seasons of the year, large numbers of Indians from the main here congregated and spent much time in hunting and fishing. [49] An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, pp. 40 and 41. London, 1741. [50] Buffalo and quail were found on the Main. [51] State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath, &c., p. 25. London, 1742. Compare Affidavits of Lieut. Raymond Demare, Hugh MacKay, and John Cuthbert, to same effect. An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, pp. 61, 63, 64. London, 1741. [52] Francis Moore, Voyage to Georgia, &c., p. 57. London, 1744. [53] Moore says April. See A Voyage to Georgia, p. 63. London, 1744. [54] Oglethorpe’s letter to the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 28. Savannah, 1873. [55] This island was named _Wissoo_ by the Indians, signifying _Sassafras_. It was called Cumberland in memory of his Royal Highness, the Duke of Cumberland, at the suggestion of Toonahowi,—nephew of Tomo-chi-chi,—to whom, during his visit to England, the Duke had given a gold repeating watch, that he “might know how the time went.” “We will remember him at all times,” said Toonahowi, “and therefore will give this Island this name.” [56] Called by the Spaniards _Santa Maria_. [57] Moore’s Voyage to Georgia, p. 71. London, 1744. [58] On the South-west side of Cumberland island, and upon a high neck of land commanding the water approaches each way, Fort St. Andrews was subsequently built. “Its walls were of wood, filled in with earth. Round about were a ditch and a palisade.” Wesley’s Journal, p. 61. Bristol, n. d.