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_ That the polishing was due to the action of lightning has been 
proposed, though without any proof as to its probability; it has 
also been said that it was caused by the friction of passing worms (!) 
- To return then to the theory of the sand-blast. The polish, we 
‘submit, was produced by the action of blown sand, as the flints lay 
exposed on the surface. This view has been confirmed by the 
result of some experiments lately made. We have succeeded in 
producing a very decided polish on a freshly-broken flint, by the 
action of a constant flow of sand upon it, during about forty-eight 
hours. It is to be specially noted that the process does not require 
a very long exposure. 
The peculiarly high polish of the Knowle flints we would suggest, 
‘is due in the first place to the fineness of the sand which produced 
. The sands of the desert generally brought home and exhibited 
w ith the various sand-polished objects, are usually much coarser 
fl the sand in which these polished flints have been found. 
7 A ain, the presence of ferric oxide, which occurs to the extent of 
about 6%, would no doubt aid in producing the unusually brilliant 
surface. The highest polish of the lapidary is produced by the 
of the finest grits and metallic oxides, towards the end of his 
We now turn to the consideration of certain characteristic 
arkings—scratches—which in many cases occur on the worked 
faces of the implements, and are specially to be noticed on the 
re exposed, parts. These may be visible as distinct depressions, 
, they have been in some cases filled up, apparently by white 
, which often renders them still more obvious. Including 
natural flints, some 10% of the stones from this pit exhibit these 
y characteristic markings. To us the marks at once suggested 
al scratchings, and we have not found any reason for changing 
ii view. At the same time it must be admitted that this view 
S not hitherto found a very favourable reception with some 
thorities. 
What then, we must ask, are other possible explanations of the 
enomenon ? 
It has been stated that a land-slip, or any such movement of 
