ON THK CAVE AT ELBOLTOX. 353 



in the fissure, and it was found unsafe to remove tlicm as they underpin 

 an immense overhanging side of the cave 60 feet in height. The second 

 ladder was then descended, and a level driven beneath the fallen blocks 

 at a depth of 45 feet measured from the first floor. For the first 6 feet 

 this level was as ossiferous as any of the material yet examined, and of 

 similar character, containing bones of the bear and hai^e. Beneath was a 

 barren clay, followed by beds of sharp quartz sand, until the level is barred 

 by solid rock. In the descent two or three stalagmitic floors were pierced, 

 but the material continued the same above and below the stalagmite. 

 The new chambers that were opened last year ai'e extensions of this 

 fissure. The miners have put a steel rod 8 feet lower than present level, 

 forcing it through another stalagmitic floor. While the east part of this 

 level is sand, containing no bones, the western part and the passage up to 

 the new chamber is a brecciated mass of bones and stalagmite. 



At the farther extremity of the new chambers, and about 60 yards 

 from foot of second laddei", there was a deep pool into which the roof 

 dipped. In the floor cf the passage leading to the pool a hole 8 feet deep 

 was dug. The material was comminuted limestone. Here also bones of 

 young bears were found. They had evidently been washed down from 

 the first chamber. By means of this excavation the pond was lowered 4 

 or 5 feet. A ladder was placed across it, and an entrance eS"ected into a 

 further passage leading to a large natural chamber. 



So far the cave has been interesting. What may be entombed in the 

 unexplored depths of the fissure is a matter of pure conjecture. Whether 

 a repetition of the finds in the fissure at Ray Gill, and in the lower cave 

 earth of the Victoria Cave, with the addition of pakeolithic man, must be 

 left for future exploration to determine. 



Tour Committee request reappointment, and that a grant of 25Z. may 

 be made to assist in the further exploration of the cave. 



Report of the Committee, consisting of Dr. John Evans (Chairman) 

 Mr. B. Harrison (Secretary), and Professors J. Prestwich and 

 H. Gr. Seeley, appointed to carry on excavations at Oldbury 

 Hill, near Ightham, in order to ascertain the existence or other- 

 wise of Rock-shelters at this spot. Drawn upj by Mr. B. Har- 

 rison. 



Owing to hindrances, the work could not be begun until August, 1890. 

 The first excavation, immediately below the exposed rocks, was unpro- 

 ductive in a great measure. This was owing to huge trees being close 

 by, the roots of which, forming a perfect netwoi'k, ofiiered serious obstacles, 

 as, though permission had been granted by the owner to excavate, yet 

 damage to the trees was strictly forbidden. 



A section was first cut parallel with the face of the rock, but no true 

 floor was reached, the rock itself being too near the surface, and forming 

 merely a shoulder under the surface soil. 



Many days at this being unsuccessful, another excavation was made 

 on the slope of the hill iust below, and a considerable area was trenched 

 to a deptli of about 3 feel. 



1891. A A 



