A limited field demo with simulated columellae spud and digging lance duplicated quite nicely the appearance encountered in some (not all!) of the "solution holes".  Notable were vertical "grooved" striations and the formation of a raised nipple at the very bottom of the hole - identical features seen in some of the  holes attributed to the Indians.  I don’t suppose Milanich or anyone else could tell the difference if the columellae were replaced by  a metal spud of the same kind and dimensions. (i.e., when he says some of the holes look like they were dug by metal tools I presume he means their shapes provide a clue).  Thus, frequently encountered gouge marks in the soft limestone from bucket-teeth on backhoes and other excavation equipment, are very characteristic sharp-walled rectangular cavities.

      Whether some at least of the holes are naturally formed, and what influence this had  on the aborigines, is a very good question.  I was early-on consumed with the idea that we not rush to judgment here on "what" these holes were, and presume their being all anthropogenic.  To this end, I secured geological opinion onsite.  That holes indistinguishable from the basin holes do occur in a marine limestone in a shoreside context elsewhere  cannot be questioned: I have a picture of one such  at Devonshire Bay in the Bermudas maybe 800 airline miles away to the NE out in the Atlantic, and  no one seriously holds that roving Maya made it that far, let alone itinerant septic tank installers! However, at Miami, the game to beat is the circular disposition of the basins, and this over-rides all else.  I have talked to geologists and sedimentologists,  botanists, palm tree authorities, and karst  specialists worldwide and they all agree that while limestone has many bizarre forms, no one can come up with anything other than human manufacture for such a circle of basins.

      There are circular phenomena of various kinds however, in limestones.  I have noted  elsewhere mentions of so-called "palmetto holes" and "banana holes" used to describe early horticultural practices of white Florida settlers and  perhaps others elsewhere in hot climates where thin soils are scraped into natural "solution holes" (artificially enlarged or not) for growing selected plants. (I have even wondered if this habit might ultimately relate to emulation of early Indian practices?). 

      And what about that Building 4 footer that seems to overlie the east side of the circle?  Does it?  Which came first?  The buildings or the septic tanks?  Find and excavate around Building 4's southern septic tank.  Any holes in the limestone around or near it?  Then select a sample of two other septic tanks, one each from any of the other five buildings, and dig them also.  Archaeology employs scientific methodology.   When faced with coincidences and mysteries, an archaeologist needs to eliminate alternative explanations that may not agree with his or her own.

I could not agree more, save I think it is really chauvinistic to pursue the septic tank aspect further at this time.  But SOP ought to be adhered to in the case of further archeology here.

     Is there a bright side to the Miami Circle?  While I complain about the various cranks who were, and are, attracted by the circle, it is also important to note the many volunteers who worked to excavate and preserve the site.  Whatever the circle is, or is not, it is encouraging to see so many people step forward when it seems an important archaeological monument is threatened.  Because of the Miami Circle, a lot of people have learned a great deal about Native American history and now recognize that we must work together to understand and preserve that legacy.

      As one myself, I would like to thank Dr. Milanich for his gracious remarks concerning volunteers and also on behalf of the many talented fellow volunteers who dug at 8DA12 for many months in both hot sun and tropic rain.  It is fitting such efforts be accorded their due.

      JERALD T. MILANICH is curator in archaeology at the Florida Museum of Natural History and author of a number of books on Florida archaeology.

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