98 TSE SARLYN Btf RIALS. 



soil, there were found lying witli human skeletons, bones of 

 the lion, elephant, or rhinoceros, we might safely conclude 

 that the burial was of Palseolithic date, as these animals became 

 extinct in Western Europe before the dawn of the Neolithic 

 period. This test, however, is useless in burials of the later 

 Stone, Bronze, and Iron ages, as the fauna of these eras was 

 absolutely identical. This test cannot be applied at Harlyn, 

 since only a few animal remains have been found, and these have 

 not been identified : they are probably those of domestic animals. 

 Secondly there is the test of included weapons. Bronze and iron 

 weapons, if found in all parts of the deposit, fix its date, but 

 stone weapons are more doubtful. Bone harpoons and darts are 

 a better guide, for the very beautiful sets of polished bone 

 harpoons found in the Palseolithic caves of France and Switzer- 

 land are absolutely distinct from any such implements made in 

 later eras. Stone sjDear-heads are found at Harlyn as well as 

 flints, and their evidence ought to be duly weighed, but I am not 

 aware that any bone implements have as yet been discovered. 

 Thirdly there is the evidence of the trinkets and ornaments found 

 with the burial, for pierced shells, bits of minerals, and teeth, 

 were used as necklaces in prehistoric times. In the Duruthy 

 Cave in "Western Trance human bones and a skull were found, 

 and by their side lay a necklace of pierced teeth. Forty of these 

 teeth were those of the bear, but three belonged to the lion. 

 Moreover, as these teeth were carved with the well-known 

 Palaeolithic designs and representations, the Palaeolithic age of 

 the burial is clearly established. Lastly there is the position of 

 the skeleton to be noted, whether it is extended, or lies in a 

 contracted position with the knees tucked up to the chin. This 

 is the usual form of burial of the skeletons at Harlyn. Cremation 

 is generally referred to a later era. 



The burial of the dead has been practised fi'om the very 

 earliest times. In cheap text books it is often stated that 

 burial was unknown in the Palaeolithic period. This is an 

 extraordinary mistake, and reflects little credit on the knowledge 

 of the authors of those works. It is true that there are no cases 

 of Palaeolithic burials in England ; but there are other regions 

 in the world besides the British Isles, and there are learned 

 archaeologists besides those who dwell within the boundaries 



