rse became more common,
especially for short trips. After 1650 the use of wagons increased, and
records indicate that a few of the more prosperous planters imported
fine carriages from England.

BOATS AND SHIPS

Boats used by the settlers varied in size from small flat-bottom boats
to fairly large sailing vessels, and included such types as small
rowboats, pinnaces, barks, bilanders, schooners, ketches, and sloops.
Living on a river, and in a tidewater area of innumerable creeks, bays,
and rivers, practically all of the colonists were familiar with
handling boats of one type or another.

However, only a few objects relating to boats and ships have been
unearthed at Jamestown: small anchors, chains, oar locks, ship bolts and
spikes, and tools used by shipwrights and ships' carpenters.

[Illustration: SOME BITS AND BRIDLE ORNAMENTS IN THE JAMESTOWN
COLLECTION. THE ARTISTIC DESIGNS ON MANY BRIDLE BOSSES ARE SYMBOLIC OF
BEAUTIFUL HANDIWORK PERFORMED BY CRAFTSMEN OF A BYGONE DAY.]

HORSES, WAGONS, AND CARRIAGES

The first English-built road in America (in use by 1608) ran 1 mile from
Jamestown Island to Glasshouse Point. Later, as the colony grew, the
road was extended to Governor Berkeley's plantation, about 4 miles from
Jamestown, and other nearby settlements. There is some evidence that it
was known as the "Old Road" or "Greate Road."

[Illustration: SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY SPUR AND STIRRUP EXCAVATED AT
JAMESTOWN.]

[Illustration: THIS BRANDING IRON WAS USED BY ONE OF THE COLONISTS
DURING THE EARLY DAYS OF THE SETTLEMENT.]

As early as 1609 "six mares and two horses" were brought to Jamestown.
In 1611, 17 horses and mares arrived, and in 1614, Capt. Samuel Argall
brought several more. Six years later in 1620, 20 horses were shipped
from England. It is most surprising, therefore, that the census of 1625
recorded only 1 horse for the entire colony! By 1649, however, it was
estimated that there were 300 horses in Virginia, and most of the
successful farmers and wealthy planters owned them after 1650. During
the following years, the number of horses increased greatly.

Many well-preserved metal objects relating to horse equipment and riding
gear have been unearthed.

Bits and Bridle Ornaments.--Most bits are of the snaffle variety,
although a few curb bits have been recovered. In those days many bits
had brass bosses attached to their cheek bars, and many of these
attractive ornaments have been unearthed. Some b