INTER-GLACIAL AMERICAN MAN, 569 



literally covered in some places -with ordinary Indian relics ; not a 

 specimen of which has, as yet, occui-red in this gravel?" 



Excluding then, the spear-shaped flint implement or implements 

 as of doubtful age, and inconsistent in mineralogical character 

 with the deposit in which they were found : two other forms, both 

 modifications of the same rude oval, with the two ends of equal 

 breadth, include the characteristics of the entire series of these Dela- 

 ware River gravel bed implements. The more perfect type is thus 

 described by Dr. Abbott : " Figure 2 represents a more carefully 

 wrought specimen of these rude implements, measuring nearly 5 

 inches in length, by 2|- inches in average breadth ; and less than 2 

 inches in greatest thickness. It is an excellent example of the form 

 previously referred to as a ' turtle-back ' celt. Of this specimen Prof. 

 Wadsworth remarks : 'As far as can be told from examining its 

 external surface without any fresh fracture, I should consider it to be 

 made of very compact- argillite. It shows weathering, and also a 

 more recent fracture, which has weathered to some extent. I should 

 consider it very doubtful if this could be formed naturally.' This 

 specimen came from the bluff facing the river. It was taken out 

 from a newly exposed surface, after making an excavation of fully 

 three feet from the exposed face of the bluff; which was itself 

 evidently the undisturbed gravel." 



The other and more perfect form may also be described as only 

 a more finished adaptation of the prevailing natural fonn of the 

 discoidal and subovate rolled pebbles of the drift, in which naturally 

 fractured specimens occur approximating in their shape to the so- 

 called " turtle-back " celts ; though Dr. Abbott says " it may at 

 once be seen that it is, in every case, but an accidental resemblance. 

 The outline is obtained, but not the subsequent chipping that gives 

 the implement such finish as would make it desirable for use." 

 Examples, however, do occur, of angular pebbles partially smoothed 

 and polished, yet retaining in form and traces of fracture, in some 

 eases at least, a marked resemblance to those clearly of artificial 

 origin. " Such specimens," Dr. Abbott remarks, " may in fact have 

 been fashioned by man, and only partially lost, by the polishing 

 action of water and sand, those indications of artificaily produced 

 fractures, such as characterize the specimens here figured." 



The following is the description which accompanies the figure of 

 the ruder oval implement : "Figure 1 represents a specimen of these 



