194 



MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS MADE OF STONE. 



impossible to state if that end were pointed or not. The other, though 

 much battered on its sides, is perfect at both ends, and, like the majority 

 of similar implements from the Atlantic coast, is only provided with a stem- 

 like portion at one end. The number of fractures on the surface of this 

 specimen, evidently the result ot use, leads to the suggestion that imple- 

 ments of this character may have been used in some way as light hammers 

 or clnb-stones as well as for other purposes. — F. W. P.] 



An implement, in every way similar to the one shown in Fig. 65, is 

 described by Stevens* as "a plurnmet-like object of talc, grooved at one 

 end, and with the other end worked to a corresponding blunt point ; Ohio." 

 Fig. 66 represents what I judge to be an implement for much the 

 same purposes as the preceding ; and yet if fin- 

 ished, it is difficult to see how it could be used at 

 all unless held in a net-work or skin bag-. The 

 specimen is as carefully shaped and smoothed as 

 either of the others. It is made of serpentine, and 

 was obtained by Mr. Schumacher near Santa 

 Barbara (S. I. 15182). 



In an article in the American Naturalistf on 

 these so-called " plummets," the author suggests 

 that "they might have been used as sling-shots, a 

 string being attached to the weapon and to the 

 wrist, while the implement itself was grasped in 

 the hand." This refers to the specimens, like the 

 preceding, which have a groove at one end ; but 

 suggests to the writer the possibility of such a 

 specimen as Fig. 66 being encased in skin and 

 fastened to a flexible handle, thereby making a war-club, that, properly 

 wielded, would have been a formidable weapon. In the absence of all 

 information that might throw lie-tit on its use, we consider it best to class 

 this specimen, although wanting the all-important groove, with the pre- 

 ceding plummet-shaped stones. 



Plummet-shaped implement of 



stone. 



* Flint Chips, p. 500, fig. 92, London, 1B70. 



t American Naturalist, vol. vi, Nov., 1872. Notes on "Plummets," by J. G. Henderson. 



