RELICS OF THE STONE AGE IX NOVA SCOTIA PIERS. 37 



specimens, hereafter to be described, were so hafted and used as 

 adzes, their form making it very manifest. Some may have been 

 encircled a couple of times with the central portion of a withe, 

 the ends of which when bound together would form an adze- 

 handle, but one not so convenient as that just described. Occa- 

 sionally they may have been held directly in the hand, and used 

 as an adze, but I do not think it is at all probable. 



The evident adze-like form of so-called celts or polished 

 stone hatchets found in Nova Scotia, has been largely or entirely 

 overlooked by writers upon the subject ; neither Dr. Gilpin nor 

 Dr. Patterson having paid sufficient attention to this most 

 interesting fact. To me it seems of much importance. Scarcely 

 a " celt " can be found which does not give rise to a suspicion 

 that it had been used as an adze. Further attention will be 

 drawn to this in the pages which follow. Our Indians, like some 

 oriental peoples, seem to have preferred a drawing cut or one 

 made toward the body. This is very evident and remarkable 

 in the present drawing-method in which the Midmacs use their 

 home-made steel knives, a method which is entirely at variance 

 with the practice of those about them.* This of course is the 

 survival of a very ancient habit, and must not be lost sight of by 

 investigators. 



In answer to an inquiry upon the subject, Dr. Bailey tells me 

 that in all New Brunswick celts there is a difference of curva- 

 ture on the two sides one being flatter than the other ; but the 

 amount of difference varies a good deal, and in some cases is 

 hardly perceptible. 



Mr. David Boyle, whose name is prominent in Canadian 

 archaeology, also writes me that about nine-tenths of the " celts " 

 found in Ontario are flat, or comparatively flat, on one side, which 

 is more or less indicative of their having been adzes. One thou- 

 sand stone axes or adzes, at least, are in the museum of the 

 Canadian Institute, of which Mr. Boyle is curator. 



He furthermore mentions a significant fact which shows how 

 prevalent among the Eskimo is the adze method of hafting. " It 



* It resembles a good deal the manner in which a blacksmith uses his knife for 

 paring hoofs. 



