98 NATURAL SCIENCE. August, 1896. 



a happy result to be expected on a complex subject where there is 

 great room for diversity of opinion. His views on the primitive 

 character of the flint implements of the Chalk plateau of Kent have, 

 however, opened up a new and interesting enquiry, and one more 

 likely perhaps to gain support than his evidences of a submergence of 

 Western Europe at the close of the Glacial period, and their bearing 

 on questions relating to the tradition of a flood. 



It is, however, yet early to judge of these controverted questions. 

 They require further detailed study and impartial consideration, and 

 whatever conclusions be eventually accepted, there can be no doubt 

 that the patient and enthusiastic labours of Prestwich on these most 

 difficult problems will have largely contributed to their solution. 



Throughout his long life, Prestwich felt deeply indebted to 

 geology, and as he once put it, not merely because it was a source of 

 healthful recreation, but " for its kindly and valued associations, and 

 above all, for the high communing into which it constantly brings us in 

 the contemplation of some of the most beautiful and wonderful works 

 of the creation." 



In the early part of the present year Her Majesty conferred the 

 honour of knighthood upon him, but Sir Joseph Prestwich was too 

 feeble in health to accept it in person. He died on June 23, and 

 was buried in the churchyard of Shoreham, near Sevenoaks, not far 

 from his pleasant home of Darent Hulme. 



H. B. Woodward. 



