28G ETHNOLOGY. 



arrow-heads of Ireland into five varieties. "Firstly, tlie triangular, 

 which frequently had a notch on each siile to receive the string which 

 attached it to the shaft ; secondly, that which is hollowed out or indented 

 at the base; thirdly, the stemmed arrow, which has a tang, or projec- 

 tion, for sinking into the shaft; fourthly, that with wings prolonged 

 on each side, this passes into the barbed arrow ; finally, we have the 

 leaf-shaped form." Mr. Lubbock continues by asserting that the true 

 arrow-heads are about one inch in length, which we cannot but think is 

 too small a measurement. Two inches, and less, we believe to be a 

 more probable range in length. 



The first specimen of the comparatively newer and better-finished 

 arrow-points to which attention is called is that given in figure 62, 

 Avhich represents one of the most common forms of tanged or stemmed 

 " points." The specimen is of yell6w jasper, of which mineral the 

 great majority of this pattern is made. Unlike some forms, there can 

 be no question as to the use to which this specimen was put. It is 

 most admirably adapted as the head of an arrow ; the sharp point, well- 

 defined edges, and deeply-notched base combining to render it secure 

 in its attachment to the shaft, and effective as a weapon when discharged 

 from a bow. 



Figure 03 represents the most perfect and beautiful arrow-head we 

 hare as yet met with. Most admirably chipped from a mottled pink- 

 and-yellow^ agate, it possesses every requisite for a most effective arrow- 

 heading. Exactly two inches in length, it widens with great uni- 

 formity from an acute point to near the base, where small wing-like 

 barbs project, which are themselves very nearly of a size, and rounded 

 at the ends ; a character not common among our barbed arrow-points. 

 The notches are of equal depth and breadth, looking almost directly 

 down. The base, or abbreviated stem, is chipped from each side to a dull 

 edge. There are shallow but well-marked serrations down each side, 

 more numerous and distinctly marked on one side than on the other. 



The amount of labor expended in producing such an arrow-head as 

 that given in figure 03 can scarcely be estimated. As far as killing 

 game is concerned, there is really no advantage in such an elaborately- 

 worked flint. The plain, triangular point could be shot with equal pre- 

 cision, and would i)rove as deadly in its effect. 



Figure 04 represents a third form, with a notched base. Like figure 02, 

 this pattern is usually of jasper, and does not vary much in sizcj but is 

 not so uniformly chipped as are the preceding shapes. We have gathered 

 many of slate, identical in form and size with the one figured; but accu- 

 racy of outline {i. e., uniformity of the two halves, perpendicularly divi- 

 ded) and general elegance of finish were never secured in using the latter 

 mineral. This specimen, also, has slightly-serrated edges, a not uncom- 

 mon feature of many of the smaller specimens ; but these serrated speci- 

 mens are usually broken, the explanation of which fact is afforded by care- 

 ful examination of over three hundred examples. In comparison with 



