32 Mr. Weaver on Fossil Human Bones. [Jan. 



ancient world. So much, however, appears to be proved, that 

 they occur here in a really fossil state, having been brought 

 thither by great floods at very remote periods. 



Note by T. W. — In considering all the natural circumstances 

 detailed by Baron von Schlotheim, following the course of his 

 argument, and comparing both with the instructive facts and 

 views contained in Prof. Buckland's paper (which may be valued 

 as a model of just induction), the question arises, whether the 

 phenomena attending the animal remains found in the district 

 of Kostritz may nut be most consistently explained by ascribing 

 them to the effects of diluvian action? The existing form of the 

 surface, the general distribution of the same sandy loamy soil 

 over that surface, extending many miles in every direction, and 

 the deposition of precisely the same soil in the fissures and 

 cavities both of the limestone and gypsum, containing, it would 

 appear, boulders and pebbles of limestone and other substances, 

 and even of granite, a rock not to be found in situ, but at the 

 distance of many miles : all these relations seem to bespeak 

 the operation of one great cause at one fixed period. Now of 

 the animal remains met with near Kostritz, it is to be observed, 



1. That those which are merely confined to the fissures and 

 cavities of the limestone are referable to the horse, belonging 

 partly to an extinct species, but mostly agreeing with the exist- 

 ing horse. 



2. The remains found in the cavities and fissures both of the 

 limestone and gypsum, relate to 



The rhinoceros, an extinct species. 



The deer tribe, extinct, and apparently also existing, species. 

 The ox tribe, recent species. 



The hyaena, and an animal approaching to the jaguar, both 

 extinct species. 



3. While the remains confined to the cavities and fissures of 

 the gypsum consist of 



The bones of man, of the fox, dog or marten, weasel, shrew- 

 mouse, field-mouse, rat, hamster, squirrel, hare, mole, domestic 

 fowl, owls, and frogs ; which agree with existing species, with 

 some exceptions, however, which appear to require further in- 

 vestigation. 



It may be asked, if the whole of these remains were deposited 

 at the same era, whence does it proceed that they are not all 

 distributed in the fissures and cavities of the superincumbent 

 limestone, as well as in those of the subjacent gypsum? To this 

 the natural answer seems to be, that, the limestone occupying a 

 more elevated position, the greater mass of animal remains 

 would follow the deeper current of the diluvian waters, and 

 become principally lodged in the lowest points presented to that 



