666 JOSEPH PRESTWICH. 



met with the unanimous approval of geologists, nor was such a happy 

 result to be expected on a complex subject where there is great room 

 for diversity of opinion. His views on the primitive character of the 

 flint implements of the chalk plateau of Kent have ; however, opened 

 up a new and interesting inquiry, and one more likely perhaps to gain 

 support, than his evidences of a submergence of Western Europe at the 

 close of the Glacial period, and their bearing on questions relating to 

 the tradition of a flood. 



It is, however, yet early to judge of these controverted questions. 

 They require further detailed study and impartial consideration, and 

 whatever conclusions be eventually accepted, there can be no doubt 

 that the patient and enthusiastic labors of Prestwich on these most 

 difficult problems will have largely contributed to their solution. 



Throughout his long life Prestwich felt deeply indebted to geology, 

 and, as he once put it, not merely because it was a source of healthful 

 recreation, but "for its kindly and valued associations, and above all, 

 for the high communing into which it constantly brings us in the con- 

 templation of some of the most beautiful and wonderful works of the 

 creation." 



In the early part of the present year Her Majesty conferred the honor 

 of knighthood upon him, but Sir Joseph Prestwich was too feeble in 

 health to accept it in person. He died on June 23, and was buried in 

 the churchyard of Shoreham, near Sevenoaks, not far from his pleasant 

 home of Harent Hulme. 



