A STUDY OF PREHISTORiC ANTHROPOLOaY. 



635 



found more frequently in the river valleys and on the lowlands, while 

 the others are found more on the bluffs and highlands. They may be 

 found in the neighborhood of mounds and other places of apparent 

 Indian occupation, while the larger kind do not always seem to be. 



This implement* corresponds closely in appearance, material, and 

 mode of manufacture to the average paleolithic implement ; but there 

 is a remarkable difference in that this is notched on the edges, appar- 

 ently for the purpose of attaching a handle with a withe or thong, 

 and some of them show traces of such usage by these edges being 

 worn smooth. This featare is unique and has never been found 

 belonging to an undoubted paleolithic implemment. The question 

 whether they are paleolithic must therefore be held in abeyance and 

 for further examination. They have been rejDorted principally from 

 the Atlantic slope. The United States National Museum possesses 

 about sixty-five specimins. It has been suggested that these imple- 

 ments have been used as agricultural digging implements, also that 

 they have been used as adzes for the making of canoes and for scoopiug 

 out soap-stone pots and vessels. If any of these uses should be accepted 

 it would decide prima facie that they were not paleolithic. 



The following is a resume of the information and contributions 

 received in response to this circular. 



See Flff. 10. 



