POLLEN, STARCH, PARASITE, PHYTOLITH, MACROFLORAL, BOTANIC IDENTIFICATION, AND ORGANIC RESIDUE (FTIR) ANALYSES OF SAMPLES FROM SITE 24SB765, BUTTE CHINATOWN, MONTANA

Two sediment samples from a privy located in Chinatown at Butte, Montana, were
examined for pollen, starches, parasites, phytoliths, and macrofloral remains. The samples
were recovered from the bottom fill of an outhouse pit designated Feature 5. The outhouse
dates presumably to about 1902, the initial occupation of Chinatown. Records suggest that the
outhouse was in use for 20-25 years. Pollen, starch, phytolith, and macrofloral analyses will be
used to provide subsistence information concerning plant and animal resources utilized by the
users of the privy. The presence or absence of parasites will provide information regarding the
general health of the Chinatown residents. A third sample consisting of a “greasy” reddish
brown sediment found along the top and edge of the privy was submitted for organic residue
analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) to determine if fats were present
in the sediment. Twenty botanic samples also were submitted for identification and to establish
a type collection of seeds from the site. These seeds were recovered from the three levels of
fill in the privy, as well as from a Euro-American sheet midden outside the privy.