i= 
Zl By 8. B. Dixon. 143 


























domestic or warlike article nor of any bones. From the appearance 
of the gravel beds, and the irregular distribution of the material, 
and the river silt mixed in one part with the flints, it is very 
probable that much that was originally deposited was afterwards 
~ washed up and re-deposited and re-arranged, especially that at the 
base of the slope. Here the flints are mixed with river silt instead 
of clay, and the implements were far more numerous and showed 
Beene of superior workmanship. In these beds were found the 
polished implements previously referred to, and two or three 
su geestions have been made to account for this polish. It is found 
on both worked and unworked flints, and those affected by it 
occupied quite a limited area. Polished flints, similar to those 
found at Knowle, have been found in a few other localities! and 
two or three explanations have been given to account for this 
‘unusual appearance. Some consider that it arises from the con- 
‘stant passage over the surface of the flint, when lying on the 
ground, of very fine blown sand, at a period of drought when the | 
river sand was dry and loose—a similar appearance being often 
found in pebbles in the desert, the polish being spoken of as “the 
desert polish.” With some the whole of one side has been affected, 
and with others a part only, the extent depending on the portion 
xposed. Another suggestion is that the constant flow of water, 
d with the finest sediment (or even without a sediment) 
id after a long period produce the appearance; but as both 
[ these suggestions indicate a long continuous friction, there is 
grave objection that the inequalities of the surface have not 
worn away, but stand out on the polished surface as if no 
on had ever taken place. The fractured surfaces of most of 
he pity substances (flint, agate, chalcedony, opal, &c.) show a 
mber of concentric circles, which are slightly elevated and which 
uld be first affected by friction. In the polished flints from 
jowle these concentric circles have not been affected but stand 
t plainly from the surface, showing no sign of rubbing. In one 
I mention this on the authority of Mr. Story Maskelyne who has also 
en me the suggestions as to the origin of the polish. 
L 2 
