\Q0 



PALAFITTES, OR LACUSTRIAN CONSTRUCTIONS 



Xeither are Latcliets rare ; we possess them by dozens. A hard stone was 

 chosen, preferably an erratic pebble of diorite, serpentine, quartzite, or saussu- 

 rite,* to Avhich they managed to give an edge, (Fig. 15.) This was after- 

 wards introduced into a socket made of buck-horn, which was itself cut in such 

 a manner as to adopt itself to a handle of wood, (Fig. 16.) The sockets are quite 

 frequently met with in certain localities, among others at Concise, but it is 

 rare to find the two, (the hatchet in its socket,) and still more rare to possess 

 the complete instrument, (hatchet, socket, and handle.) Dr. Clement has one of 



i'ift'Ui'e 13. 



Figure 16. 



the most complete specimens in existence, (Fig. 17 ;) it was derived from Con- 

 cise. At other times the stone wa? inserted at the extremity of a portion of 



Figure 17. 



buck-horn, which was pierced with a hole to receive a handle. The hatchet was 

 supported against this handle, which prevented the wood from splintering. This 

 instrument, which served at once as hatchet and hammer, (Fig. 18,) ranked, but 

 a few months since, among the rare objects of our tenevieres. Now, thanks to 

 the persistent researches of Dr. Clement, several dozens are known, represent- 

 ing the utensil in every state, from the rude outline to the complete instrument. 

 At other times the hatchet is found simply attached to the extremity of a stag's 

 antler ; we know, however, but one specimen, being that in the collection of Dr. 

 Clement, which is here represented. Along with the hatchets arc found other 



'-" As is justly remarked by M. Demour, it is impossible not to be struck by the .sagacity 

 with whicli these ancient people selected materials which, with the exception of the metals, 

 unite in tlio highest degree the three properties of density, hardness, and tenacity, conditions 

 essential to the use and duration of these implements. {Coniptcs Kcndus, August, 1865.) 



