130 REPORT— 1869. 



struction of boats. Unless, therefore, the Polygenistic idea be received, that they 

 grew where they were found, they must have been at one period geographically 

 connected. Their migration could only have taken place on land. 



A gi-eat number of interesting particulars, from such authorities as Dr. Hooker, 

 Dr. Owen, Prof. Huxley, &c., were adduced to show the plausibilit}' of the theory of 

 the existence of a former southern continent. The remarkable relation of ilora be- 

 tween Australia and South Africa, and Australia (with Tasmania) and New Zealand, 

 went to prove the position. Geology established the opinion of previous connexion 

 of a number of the islands with the continent of New Holland. At the time of the 

 gradual submergence of the old southern continent, many of these ancient races 

 had reached to the outside limits, and were thus preserved. 



The author contended for the high antiquity of man, in order to reconcile the 

 difficulties affecting the origin of the Tasmanians, as well as to support the doctrine 

 of the unity of the human species. On botanical and geological grounds, the 

 inhabited land of the Tasmanians was conjectured to have been part of a great 

 continent at a time when most parts of Europe and Asia were beneath the ocean. 



On the Pnmitive Status of Man. By W. C. Dendt. 



On Human Eemains in the Gravel of Leicestershire. 

 By Feancis Drake, F.G.S., F.R.G.S. 



On a Orannoge in Wales. By the Rev. Edgar N. Dtjmbleton. 



In the Lake of Llangorse, Brecknockshire, is an island about 90 yards in circum- 

 ference, and situated about 120 yards from the northern shore. Until two years 

 ago no idea was entertained that this had anj'thing remarkable about it. 



The angular appearance of the stones exposed at the margin first suggested the 

 thought that this island was no part of the natural structure of the lake-basin, and 

 subsequent investigation has shown that the whole material has been conveyed 

 from the main land and lieaped w-ithin flat piles. Ot these about fifty may be 

 counted about the edge of the Orannoge. They are from 4 to 5 feet in length, of 

 oak, and are well shaped, and pointed with a sharp metal instrument ; the cuts are 

 plainly visible, and resemble those made by an adze. The material of the island 

 IS — first, faggot wood and reeds, then loose mould, with but few stones, in which 

 is a considerable layer of charcoal, at about one foot from the level of the lake ; 

 nearer the surface the stones are more frequent; the whole does not exceed 5 feet 

 above the surface of the water. 



In all parts of the island, and at all levels, are found large quantities of bones, as 

 well as in the shallow water all round ; very many of these are broken or split into 

 fragments. A package of these bones was sent to Professor Rolleston, who pro- 

 noimced them to exhibit two varieties of horse, also the remains of the ox, the 

 sheep, and pig. Other specimens of bones found on the island were shown at the 

 Meenng, and were asserted to be those of the wild boar, red deer, and Bos longi- 

 frons. 



Very little in the way of human implements has been found. One stone and a 

 bone appeared to have been shaped for use, and some fragments of leather, pierced 

 to admit sewing material, came to light. That there have been wooden structures 

 about and upon this island appears evident, the remains being plentiful, both about 

 the edge and under the water. 



On the Age of the Human Remains in the Cave of Cro-Magnon in the Valley 

 of the Vezhre. Dr. P. M. Duncan, F.R.S. 



On the Discovery of Flint Implements of Palceolithic Type in the Gravel of the 



Thames Valley at Acton and Ealing. By Colonel A. Lane Pox. 

 _ Dm-iug the first six months of the present year (1869) the author devoted some 

 time to an examination of the gravels, brick-earth, and surface-soils on the northern 

 side of the Thames valley, between Shepherd's Bush and Ealing. 



