5*8 [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



REPORT 



OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE 

 GRAVELS OF BALLYRUDDER, COUNTY ANTRIM. 



Compiled by R. Lloyd Praeger, Hon. Secretary. 



I. Preliminary. — On 1 6th February, 1892, Mr. W. J. Knowles, 

 in a paper read before the Club {Proc. 1891-92, p. 410-4), 

 called attention to a number of rough flakes and core-like 

 objects of flint which he had obtained in the gravel bed at 

 Ballyrudder, on the coast half-way between Larneand Glenarm, 

 and which he considered to closely resemble flakes of human 

 manufacture, and to be possibly of artificial origin. As a result 

 of the discussion on the paper, a resolution was passed by the 

 meeting recommending the Committee to undertake the inves- 

 tigation of these beds with a view of settling the point raised 

 by Mr. Knowles. The Committee accordingly appointed 

 Messrs. Knowles, Gray, G. Donaldson, Stewart, and the secre- 

 taries a Sub-Committee to investigate and report on the deposit 

 in question. 



II. r lhe Investigation. — The investigation, of which notice 

 was given to all members of the Club, commenced on July 5th, 

 when Messrs. Donaldson and Praeger went to Ballyrudder, and 

 remained there during the period occupied by the enquiry. 

 Messrs. Gray and Bulla were also present for a short time on 

 the first day, and in the evening the excavations were visited by 

 Messrs. Bigger and J. Hanna. The removal of the heavy bank 

 of talus that obscured the section, which had been proceeding 

 for some days back under the superintendence of Mr. John 

 Dale, was completed. The Boulder Clay which overlies the 

 gravels was carefully examined, and some general measurements 

 taken. The next day was devoted to a careful examination of 

 the gravel bed from top to base, many cubic yards of material 

 being spread out by the workmen employed, and closely 



crutinized for flints, shells, &c, which were preserved in labelled 



