1894.] On the Evolution of the Art of Working in Stone. 999 
Kafir and the Polynesian cuts everything from the solid, 
where does it land us? Are we to think that they began with 
joining, without doubt the easier method, and finally came to 
the more difficult, the cutting from the solid? Surely not; 
the natural explanation is the best, simply that the easier 
method of work did not occur to them. 
From another point of view Mr. McGuire’s experience is 
somewhat at variance with that of others. Paleolithic im- 
plements in Europe, and I would prefer to speak of Europe 
only at present, are made of very few materials, chiefly flint 
and quartzite. Mr. McGuire knows and admits this fact, but 
seems to assert that it is easier to form an implement by bat- 
tering than by chipping. If the implement is to be of flint, I 
greatly doubt it, but if of certain stones of difficult or uncertain 
fracture, it may well be the case! It seems inconceivable that 
such a statement could be calmly made, seeing how entirely 
contrary it is not only to the experience of all who have tried 
the experiment, with the single exception of Mr. McGuire, but 
also in direct opposition to all the evidence on the subject. 
Can Mr. McGuire point out a single instance of a polished im- 
plement being found on an admitted paleolithic site? He 
gives no such instance, and as it would form the strongest 
point in his whole argument if he could quote one, we may 
presume that he does not. That being so, surely it is fighting 
the air to bring a long array of his own experiments to prove 
that paleolithic man ought to have found out what he con- 
siders the easiest way of making his tools. 
It may be well to make the point at issue quite clear by 
stating that there is no question of the polishing or grinding 
of an implement caused by use. Such an instance, probably 
more than one, of the chipped edge of a tool of palzolithie age 
being worn or ground by applying it to its destined work, has 
occurred. But it has never been urged that the effect thus 
produced was part of the original design. 
Before leaving this branch of the enquiry I would fain 
quote Mr. MeGuire's peroration. He saysthat palaeolithie man 
1T say “seems to assert," for though the point at issue is the making of palaeo- 
lithic implements, yet Mr. McGuire uses the indefinite term “stone” when he 
should say * flint." 
