July 2003 Auger Sample Work
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The first phase of field work for the survey took place during July 8-14, 2003, under the co- direction of C.A. Munson and R.G. McCullough.

Overview of relief at the Prather site showing eroded mounds in the pasture.

Andy White and Glenn Perry Harrell use the total station to collect data for detailed topographic mapping. Mapping revealed four possible mounds. Three eroded mounds were reported by E.Y. Guernsey in the mid-1930s, but after several years of site examination he noted that the mounds were difficult to discern. We don’t know which elevations Guernsey considered to be mounds, nor which one he excavated in. The fourth probable mound we saw may not have been recognized by Guernsey because the Prather family house was built on one of the higher elevations at the site.

     
Shallow basin metates and bedrock mortars are located near a permanent spring
on the southwest side of the site.

A medium-quality Devonian chert was found to outcrop on the west slope of the site,
near the spring. (Jocelyn Turrner pictured)

Mike Strezewski mows the tall grass to facilitate collection of augured soil. Samples were excavated in several transects across the site at 20 m-intervals.

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