OF THE LAKE OP NEUCHATEL. 



373 



In many stations of our lake, particularly at Auvemier and Cortaillod, reap- 

 ing books have been found in great number ; tbey are small, the largest not 

 exceeding fifteen centimetres, measured lengthwise. But they are skilfully 

 elaborated, ajid usually strengthened by one or more concentric ribs. The stock 



is scarcely naiTower than the blade, and 

 so contrived as to adapt itself to a handle 

 of Wood or horn. Some evince artistic 

 design, and are ornamented with dilata- 

 tions iu the middle of the curvature, as the 

 specimen (Fig. 45) taken from Chevroux 

 will testify. 



In connexion with the knives, a very 

 recent discovery should be mentioned : 

 that, namely, of small blades, wide and 

 very thin, which remind us of the razors 

 of the age of iron, to be noticed hereafter. 

 The annexed specimen, (Fig. 44a,) taken 

 Figure 45. from the palafitte of the Moulin de i3evais, 



(Lake Neuchatel, ) is from our own collection, and is provided with a notch on 

 the back, which facilitated its management. 



Figure 44a. 



Real chisels are also found, destined, no doubt, to the same use with 

 those of our own joiners, but with the difference that, instead of a 

 shank, they are provided with a socket, like the hatchets of the third 

 type. We possess a very complete one, derived from 

 the station of Auvernier, which measures ten centi- ' 

 metres, (Fig. 46.) There occurs also in the collec- 

 tion of M. Schwab, at Bienne, a kind of hammer with 

 six faces, having a length of six centimetres by a 

 diameter of four. This instrument likewise has a 

 socket, (Fig. 47.) It remains, lastly, to mention the 

 fish-hooks of bronze which are found at many of our 

 stations. All are barbed, and though usually small, 

 like those now used with a line, there are larger and 

 stronger ones for the capture of heavy fish. We pos- 

 sess one from Gauderon, which measures not less than 

 twelve centimetres iu length. 

 Figure 46. Figure 47. 



