TRANSACTIONS. 911 
collection. In form and material this specimen so closely resembles 
a common Irish type that I have doubts about its being Scotch. 
It measures 34 inches in length, and has been formed from a large 
flake of almost even thickness, with a smooth fracture on each face, 
thus rendering surface chipping unnecessary. The edges, however, 
are finely worked. This specimen stands alone among the Scottish 
specimens in the Museum both as regards form, size, and material, 
but is matched by many from Ireland which are in the collection. 
BRONZE IMPLEMENTS. 
The commonest and best known implements of the Bronze 
Age in Scotland are (1) the axes, which are divided according to 
form, into (a) flat, (2) flanged, (c) winged, (d) socketed ; (2) daggers 
and rapier-shaped blades ; (3) javelin, lance, and spear heads ; and 
(4) leaf-shaped swords. 
The flat axes are looked upon by all archeologists as the 
earliest, and are considered to have been modelled on the form of 
the earlier stone axe. The flanged axe holds a position midway 
between the flat and the winged varieties, in many instances 
resembling the latter so much that it is often’ difficult to distin- 
guish between them. Many of the flanged and most of the winged 
axes are further distinguished by the presence of a transverse stop- 
ridge, apparently for the purpose of preventing the implements 
entering too far into its handle when in use. 
The winged axes, which are often called Aadstaves, differ from 
those of the second variety only in having “shorter flanges, com- 
bined with a greater amount of lateral expansion.” Many of these 
winged axes are further provided with a loop on one side in the 
same plane with the blade. 
The socketed axes, or those which are cored to receive the 
handle, are with good reason considered to be the latest form of 
all. This variety is rarely found without a loop at one side for 
greater security in attachment to the handle. Dr John Evans, our 
highest authority on bronze implements, speaking of the evolution 
of the forms of axes, says: “ A gradual development can be traced 
from the flat celt, through those with flanges and wings, to the 
palstave form, with the wings hammered over so as to constitute 
two semi-circular sockets, one on each side of the blade ; while on 
certain of the socketed celts flanges precisely similar to those of the 
palstaves have been cast by way of ornament on the sides, and what 
