THE PALEOLITHIC PERIOD OF THE STONE AGE. 687 



In the science of prehistoric anthropology almost the sole means of 

 study are the implements and monuments made and used by prehistoric 

 man. To render this study available it becomes of prime importance 

 that we should know not only the locality of the implement or object 

 studied, but also its position, condition, and relation to other objects 

 with which it may be found associated. It is coming to be recognized 

 as the duty of every discoverer, if he would make his find of any value, 

 to note carefully its condition, position, and association with other ob- 

 jects. His failure to do this destroys its principal value. 



I have endeavored during the past year to secure such a description 

 of all specimens received. The oiScial catalogues of the Museum are 

 furnished to us with their numbers completed, one line only to each 

 number, and this is subdivided so as to give name, date, locality, donor, 

 etc., which, with the official number, fills the line. It is manifestly im- 

 possible to give in this catalogue the description needed to make the 

 specimen appreciated or valued. It is almost, if not quite, as imprac- 

 ticable to give the specimen its proper value if all the information 

 concerning its discovery is allowed to lie in the registrar's files and to 

 be found only there. Therefore I have briefed all letters giving such 

 iuformation concerning the specimens received, putting it in the most 

 concise form possible, which I transmit with this report, to the end that 

 they may be printed with it and so be made accessible to the student, 

 to the public, and to the office. 



The following are briefs of these letters. The type Solutreen men- 

 tioned refers to leaf-shaped implements, which would in Europe be 

 classed as paleolithic. Whether they are to be so classed in America 

 awaits future investigation. The other paleolithic implements, usually 

 nnmentioned in the brief, refer to Chellian implements which are not 

 considered doubtful : 



C. M. Sawyer, Mechanics' Falls, Maine, April 2, 1888. Sends sixteen specimens, seven 

 of which are paleolithic (type Solutreen). Material, jasper. Found on the surface 

 of the shores of Sebago Lake and at Eaymond, Cumberland County, Maine. Ac- 

 cession 20446 ; catalogue Nos. 137593-137606. 



Prof. G. H. Perkins, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, February 15, 1888. 

 Has many rude implements. Material, bluish-gray quartzite, argillite, hornstone, 

 and some of granite. Found on the surface near streams. Deposit accidental. 

 Sends forty-six specimens, eighteen of which are paleolithic, Accession 20554 ; cata- 

 logue No. 139429. 



Prof. G. H. Perkins, University of Vermont, Burliugtou, Vermont, June 12, 1888. 

 Sends eighteen specimens from Bristol Poud, Monkton. Vermont, four of which are 

 paleolithic. Surface finds. Accession 20734 ; catalogue Nos. 139659-139665. Has very 

 few larger than the largest of this lot. 



Prof. G. H. Perkins, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, July 16, 1888. 

 Sends fifty rtide implements, ftve of which are jjaleolithic. Found on the surface in 

 the Mississco Valley, northern Vermont, i. e., Swanton and Highgate. Accession 

 20878; catalogue Nos. 139724-1397.30. 



Peabody Academy of Science, Salem, Massachusetts, February 6, 18S8. J. Rob- 

 inson, treasurer, in charge of Museum. Has a large number of rude implements 

 from 1 to 6 inches in length. Sends seven specimens (paleolithic) from Essex County, 



