1905-1906.J 423 



by a vast number of chalcedonic vesicles." There are some 

 axes of quartzite and one of rock crystal. Some are made of a 

 coarse-grained rock, which, did not chip freely, and axes of such 

 rocks would appear to have been brought into shape by re- 

 peated hamm,ering of the surface so' as to^ reduce projecting 

 portions tO' powder. The whole find is of great importance, 

 and throws much light on the pre-historic industry of making 

 stone axes. 



Quite lately the finds of ston,e axes and other implements 

 became scarce, while collectors had largely increased, and were 

 outbidding each other for specimens. Then some persons in 

 the district took to- making modern imitations so as to meet the 

 demand. A few collectors were taken in at first, as it was easy 

 toi be taken in when one was unsuspecting, and the specimens 

 were well covered with clay ; but the fraud was soon found out, 

 and the whole trade in axe collecting suddenly collapsed. But 

 there are still many spurious specimens weathering in the valley, 

 and many of them are in the possession of pedlars and ragmen, 

 who were themselves taken in. Unwary collectors of some 

 future date would, therefore, require to be watchful, as it is for 

 such persons that the spurious specimens are being held in 

 reserve. 



Discussion then took place on these papers, and among 

 those who spoke, testifying to the value of the papers, were 

 Messrs. Gray, M.R.I.A. ; Welch, M.R.I.A. ; Wright, F.G.S. ; 

 Cunningham, Bell, May, Knowles, M.R.I.A. ; Gough, B.Sc. 



Madame Christen and Mr. Knowles having replied to the 

 criticisms, and twO' new members having been elected, the 

 proceedings closfed. 



A CHAT ABOUT BRITISH STAR FISPIES. 



The members of the Society held the fourth Wednesday 

 meeting on January 24th at their rooms in the Museum, College 

 Square, the Vice-President (Mr. Robert Patterson, M.R.I.A.) 

 being in the chair. 



