36 STONE IMPLEMENTS Ibtu.ann.15 



THE KIKST TKENCII 



In selecting tlic i)ositi()ii and coarse for n section throngli a series of 

 deposits so extensive, and of which so little was known as to depth 

 and mode and order of occurrence, there was considerable danger of 

 missing the most instrnctive and vital spot. It seemed clear, however, 

 that the section should cut the face of the slope from base to summit, 

 and if necessary extend across the level surface of the spur and con- 

 tinue down the opposite side. This would in all probaljility reveal 

 the true character of the art-bearing deposits; their relations to the 

 geologic formations of the terrace, ancient and modern; the conditions 

 of original deposition, and the effects of natural causes acting for au 

 unknown period on distribution. 



After looking over the ground carefully it was decided to go well up 

 the ravine and rather beyond the apparent middle of the heavier 

 deposits, so that other sections could be run if found necessary, or so 

 that other investigators following should find a large portion of the 

 area untouched. The sequel showed that a better selection could 

 hardly have been made, and the results are so satisfactory, so far as the 

 main points at issue in the investigation are concerned, as to make 

 unnecessary the cutting of other complete sections. 



The point selected for the beginning of the section was in the bed of 

 the ravine, a few hundred feet from its junction with Piny branch, and 

 where a line could be drawn from base to summit of the hill without 

 serious embarrassment from the forest trees. This line crossed slightly 

 to tlie left of the center of a gentle convexity in the profde of the 

 lower half of the slo^je, thought to be due in a measure to deposits of 

 artificial nature. 



After a preliminary surface exploitation of the section, made to 

 ascertain whether or not any considerable excavation would be neces- 

 sary, a line was stretched on the surface of the ground, and to this 

 numbered tags were fixed at intervals of one foot, to facilitate the accu- 

 rate recording of data. To further serve the same purpose, a section 

 of the hillside was drawn and divided into scjuares. For convenience 

 of reference, this section was divided transversely into parts of !(• feet 

 each. It was also arranged to make cross sections at intervals of 10 

 feet, representing the conditions exhibited in the front wall of the exca- 

 vation ; these were to be divided into square feet for record. This plan 

 was substantially carried out, though modifications were made to suit 

 various exigencies of the case. Sections were made at fre(|uent inter- 

 vals where increased interest demanded, all being scaled in the same 

 manner. At every available point photographs of the vertical expo- 

 sures were taken; and in connection with them detailed drawings were 

 made recording character of soil and formations and manner of occur- 

 rence of relics. 



Before describing the excavation, the coinlitions existing within the 

 immediate channel of the rivulet at the base of the section may be 



