182 ADDRESS. [LECT. 



times, is a question still under discussion, into which. 

 I will not now enter. Under any circumstances, the 

 antiquity of the human race must be very considerable. 



This conclusion rests upon three distinct considera- 

 tions. The forms of the implements are indeed unlike 

 those which characterise the Neolithic period. But 

 although it is a remarkable fact, and one the significance 

 of which must not be overlooked, that while on the one 

 hand, the forms of the Palaeolithic period are entirely 

 wanting in our tumuli ; so on the other, the polished 

 implements, the finely carved spearheads of the Neolithic 

 period, have never yet been found in the drift gravel. 

 Nevertheless, their antiquity does not depend on these 

 considerations. The three reasons which have induced 

 geologists and antiquaries to ascribe so great an age to 

 these remains are firstly, the mammalian relics with 

 which they are associated ; secondly, and still more, the 

 nature and position of the deposits in which they occur ; 

 lastly, and most of all, the changes of climate which are 

 indicated by the facts. The animal remains which cha- 

 racterise this period are certainly of very great interest. 

 Who would have thought, not many years ago, that the 

 remarkable fauna to which I have just alluded had ever 

 inhabited our valleys, wandered in our forests and over 

 our downs. 



A striking illustration of this fauna is that discovered 

 in the Cave of Kesserloch, near Thayngen, in Switzer- 

 land, recently explored by Mr. Merk, whose memoir has 

 been translated into English by Mr. Lee. 



Not only, however, is this fauna remarkable from the 

 list of species, but also with reference to their relative 

 abundance, Thus, the Alpine and the field hare were 



