6 ETIiXOLOGV. 



absolute certainty tlie true relations of these objects. In the case of 

 the shell-banks, the largest trees, where any exist, should, if pi-acti- 

 cable, be cut clown and the annual rings counted. Next, the depth 

 of the superincumbent deposit of earth should be measured, and its 

 character noted, whether of gravel, sand, or decomposed vegetable 

 matter ; as also whether it has been stratified by the action of water. 

 Next, the thickness of the shell-bed should be ascertained, and the 

 height of its base above present high-water mark; as also whether it 

 exhibit any marks of stratification. Finally, the face of the bed 

 having been uncovered, a thorough examination should be made, 

 commencing at the top and carefully preserving all objects which 

 exhibits signs of human art, and noting the depth in the deposit at 

 which they w^ere discovered. Specimens of each species of shell 

 should be collected, and all bones or fragments of them saved. Evi- 

 dences of the use of fire should be watched for and recorded. 



In the search of caverns, the same system should be followed. 

 First, the floor should be inspected for any recent remains either of 

 men or animals; next, the si;perficial earth should be carefully re- 

 moved over a considerable space and thoroughly examined at various 

 depths, the results, if any, being kept separate, and marked according- 

 ly. Where a stalagmitic deposit, such as is common in limestone 

 caverns, forms the floor, it must be broken up and its thickness meas- 

 ured. The underlying materials should then be cautiously removed 

 and sorted over, each layer being kept by itself; and where any re- 

 mains are discovered, the utmost precaution should -be taken to deter- 

 mine their actual circumstances. If, for instance, they are bones of 

 men, it should be ascertained whether the skeleton is entire and in a 

 natural position, indicative of having been buried there, or scattered, 

 as also its position relative to any other remains, whether under or 

 over them; if of animals, whether they exhibit the marks of tools, 

 and above all, evidences of the employment of fire. Every fragment 

 of bone or other evidence of animal life should be preserved and 

 marked with the order of its succession in depth. 



The same precautions should be taken in the other cases mentioned, 

 the conditions under which the objects are found, and the depth and 

 character of covering of each being noted, and full sets of specimens 

 sent for examination. 



Besides collecting the articles heretofore mentioned, persons able to 

 make the investigations, are invited to report the information sotight 

 in the following paper prepared by the late Prof. W. W. Turner. 



