RELICS OF THE STONE AGE IN NOVA SCOTIA—PIERS. 37 
specimens, hereafter to be described, were so hafted and used as 
adzes, their form making it very manifest. Some may have been 
encircled a couple of times with the central portion of a withe, 
the ends of which when bound together would form an adze- 
handle, but one not so convenient as that just described. Occa- 
sionally they may have been held directly in the hand, and used 
as an adze, but I do not think it is at all probable. 
The evident adze-like form of so-called celts or polished 
stone hatchets found in Nova Scotia, has been largely or entirely 
overlooked by writers upon the subject; neither Dr. Gilpin nor 
Dr. Patterson having paid sufficient attention to this most 
interesting fact. To me it seems of much importance. Searcely 
a “celt” can be found which does not give rise to a suspicion 
that it had been used as an adze. Further attention will be 
drawn to this in the pages which follow. Our Indians, like some 
oriental peoples, seem to have preferred a drawing cut or one 
made toward the body. This is very evident and remarkable 
in the present drawing-method in which the Micmacs use their 
home-made steel knives, a method which is entirely at variance 
with the practice of those about them.* This of course is the 
survival of a very ancient habit, and must not be lost sight of by 
investigators. ; 
In answer to an inquiry upon the subject, Dr. Bailey tells me 
that in all New Brunswick celts there is a difference of curva- 
ture on the two sides—one being flatter than the other; but the 
amount of difference varies a good deal, and in some cases is 
hardly perceptible. 
Mr. David Boyle, whose name is prominent in Canadian 
archeology, also writes me that about nine-tenths of the “ celts” 
found in Ontario are flat, or comparatively flat, on one side, which 
is more or less indicative of their having been adzes. One thou- 
sand stone axes or adzes, at least, are in the museum of the 
Canadian Institute, of which Mr. Boyle is curator. 
He furthermore mentionsa significant fact which shows how 
prevalent among the Eskimo is the adze method of hafting. “It 
* It resembles a good deal the manner in which a blacksmith uses his knife for 
paring hoofs. 
