CHAPTER IV. 21

Ancient Monuments of the West--The valley of the Mississippi-- Numerous earth-works of the Western States--Theories as to the origin of the mounds--"The Defence" Theory--The Religious Theory--Earth-work of the "Great Serpent" on Bush Creek--The "Alligator," Ohio--The "Cross," Pickaway County--Structures of Wisconsin--Mr. Pigeon's drawings--Significance of earth-mounds-- The Egg and Man's primitive ideas--The Egg as a symbol--Birth of Brahma--Aristophanes and his "Comedy of the Birds"--The hymn to Protogones--The Chinese and Creation--The Mundane or Orphic Egg--Kneph--Mr. Gliddon's replies to certain inquiries--The Orphic Theogony and the Egg--The Great Unity.