588 ME. 0. A. SHRTJBSOLE ON THE 



derived from some older gravel where it had suffered abrasion and 

 had acquired, in the main, its present alteration of surface. The 

 adherent matrix shows it to have come from the ochreous part of 

 the gravel. It does not differ in type from other implements found 

 in the same deposit. 



Indications of this kind suggest caution in our attempts to 

 synchronize a deposit, particularly a deposit of so shifting a character 

 as gravel, with its inclusions organic or otherwise, or the inclusions 

 with each other. Evidence of the same kind is afforded by the 

 fragments of Lower Cretaceous and Oolitic fossils which are found 

 in this gravel. 



There is, however, an indication that some of the tools were 

 fabricated since the dispersal of the Triassic conglomerates, and the 

 partial submergence which aided that dispersal. It is not unusual 

 to find fragments of quartzite that have been hollowed out artificially, 

 to all appearance, so as to form a scrai3ing or polishing tool. I 

 have found several specimens of this sort, and a hatchet of brown 

 quartzite, found in this deposit by Dr. Stevens, is now in the 

 Eeading Museum. 



With regard to the type of the implements found here, the most 

 characteristic form is the ovoid ; but more pointed forms, generally 

 in a damaged state, occasionally occur. 



Makes, sometimes of large size, which have been used as scrapers 

 are common, and massive rudely shaped implements are not un- 

 usually found associated with the large flint fragments at the base 

 of the gravel. The implements, as a whole, have an entirely diflferent 

 facies from those of the Toots-farm deposit. In the latter the flat 

 obtusely pointed tool is practically unknown ; and the Caversham 

 workers appear to have operated, as a rule, on smaller nodules, and 

 to have been more sparing in their use of the material. The non- 

 descript tools and large scraping and chopping flakes are also rela- 

 tively more abundant here (Tilehurst Head). 



The organic remains found here include so far as my own obser- 

 vation has extended : — 



ElepJias primigemus. Teeth and fragments of bone not 



uncommon. 

 Rhinoceros. A worn molar. 

 Bos primigenius. Bone fragments and teeth. 

 Equus cahallus. Teeth rather common. 

 Cervus elaphiis. Portions of antlers. 



I have two fragments of bone, which have been cut as if by a 

 flint implement ; and, Avhen put together, they are seen to have 

 formed part of the same bone — a radius of Bos, which had evidently 

 been split before it became embedded in this gravel*. The 

 separate pieces, perhaps, have not been subjected to much rolling,. 

 or they would probably not have been found near together. Mam- 

 malian remains occur both in the ochreous and the non-ochreous 

 parts of the gravel. 



* .Tourn. Anthrop. Instit. 1884, p. 199, pi. xi. figs 8a,Sb. 



