The Har Dalam Cavern, Malta, and its Contents. 281 



(layer iii), in the same condition as the associated bones of Hippo- 

 potamus, and bones of Deer also occurred in association with the 

 mandible of Bear noticed above (Excavation No. VI, layer ii). 



Human Remains. 



A single human metacarpal III is also contained in the collection 

 from the superficial layer of cave earth in Excavation No. IV. It is- 

 mineralised apparently to a somewhat less extent than the associated 

 bones of animals. 



II. SUPERFICIAL DEPOSITS. 

 Man and Domestic Animals. 



Associated with the rude pottery discovered in the surface deposit 

 in Excavations Nos. II and IV are various traces of a small Pig and 

 a Goat or Sheep, besides a single tooth of Bos. A Deer larger than 

 the variety of Barbary Deer mentioned below is also represented by 

 numerous limb bones and some teeth. In an equally superficial layer 

 in Excavation No. VI there is a single metatarsal of a Dog as large 

 as a Wolf, and an imperfect cannon bone of a very small Horse or 

 Donkey. 



Bones of Bats have evidently been accidentally introduced, and 

 there are a few fragmentary rolled remains of Hippopotamus derived 

 from the Cave Earth. A few fragments of a small land Chelonian 

 also occur. 



Cervus elaphus, var. barbarus. 



The remarkable accumulation of bones in the dry stalagmitic super- 

 ficial layer in Excavation No. VI consists almost entirely of remains- 

 of a small Deer in all stages of growth, perhaps even from the un- 

 born foetus onwards. None of the bones exhibit evidence of gnaw- 

 ing or artificial fracture, and although some of the shed antlers appear- 

 to have been gnawed, it is probable that these have been bitten by the 

 Deer themselves in accordance with their usual custom. 



Nearly all the antlers are distinctly shed specimens, and the largest- 

 complete example measures 0'63 in total length of the beam. This 

 antler bears two short brow tynes, and shows only one bifurcation of 

 the beam above; but the terminal fragment of another specimen,, 

 evidently of an older individual, exhibits a second bifurcation at the 

 apex of the beam. There is no evidence in any fragment of an 

 expanded crown or palm. Some of the smaller antlers have only one 

 brow tyne, and in one malformed case this is abnormally bifurcated. 

 A simple pricket, wanting the extreme tip, measures 0'2 in length. 

 The surface in all specimens is more or less ridged and furrowed, 

 longitudinally, and there is a slight burr at the base. 



u 2 



