HANDBOOK OF THE METEOEITE COLLECTIONS. 205 



those on some of the tektites than do the tektites from various locali- 

 ties agree among themselves; and, further, that the etchings produced 

 by action of fluorhydric acid are practically indistinguishable from 

 the markings on some of the moldavites. Further than this, again, the 

 markings on the tektites from various sources are so wholly unlike 

 that it is impossible to conceive of their having a common origin, 

 or to have been formed through the same agencies, and above all it 

 is to be noted that in no case do they resemble the flutings which 

 are characteristic of known meteorites. Further than this the 

 smaller meteoric stones, those corresponding in size with the tektites, 

 rarely if ever show pittings and flutings. It is only the larger forms 

 apparently which hold their orientation for a sufficient length of 

 time for flutings to develop. The smaller forms are mere rounded 

 blebs as is abundantly illustrated by the hundreds of individuals 

 constituting the Pultusk and other noted falls. 



In the above no attempt is made to controvert the theory of a 

 cosmic origin for these bodies. Until, however, such shall be seen 

 to fall, their source or origin must be regarded as in doubt. 



