Mf. 51.] FLINT IMPLEMENTS. 183 



3. The entire absence of staining and discolorisation, except 

 such slight effect as might be produced by a few days' contact 

 with the matrix, whereas I had never before seen one specimen 

 out of six (if so much) but what were much stained and per- 

 manently discoloured, usually "brown, at times with traces of "black. 



4. The absence of all dendritic markings, and of any portion, 

 however small, of the matrix adhering. Such absence is most 

 unusual. 



5. The great number of the specimens. I had been before 

 some six or eight times to Moulin Quignon, and have never 

 been present at the discovery of a single specimen, nor had the 

 workmen any to offer me. 



6. The evident soiling of all the specimens as though they 

 had been put in gravel and then water thrown over them, or 

 as if they had been taken in the hand and rubbed with wet 

 gravel and sand. In fact, on two specimens I have seen distinct 

 streaks produced by the passing of gritty particles over a wet 

 surface and of adhering matrix. 



These are my chief reasons ; on the other hand, I must admit 

 that I have seen two specimens which have the appearance I 

 assign to the false ones, and which yet show on one side a certain 

 amount of wear. Some few specimens also are so close to the 

 genuine forms that it is most difficult to distinguish ; and further, 

 Mr Antonio Brady, who has just returned from Abbeville, and 

 who has been in the habit of visiting the gravel -pits around 

 London, has been to Moulin Quignon and carefully examined the 

 section, and seems satisfied of the genuineness of the discovery. 



I have now given you the " pros and cons " respecting the flint 

 implements and of this remarkable case. I am still satisfied that 

 there is imposition in some, if not the greater part, of the flint 

 implements, and that of course throws a doubt in my mind on 

 the whole affair. The ultimate conclusions must, however, depend 

 upon a close examination and analysis of the jaw, and in the able 

 hands in which the matter now rests I have no doubt the truth 

 will be elicited. I much regret to hear how much our difference 

 of opinion affects M. Boucher de Perthes, and nothing would 

 please me better than he should be able either to substantiate 

 this case or be the first to prove another. Believe me to be, my 

 dear sir, truly yours, J. PRESTWICH. 



