DR. C. B. PLOWRIGHT ON NEOLITHIC MAN IN WEST NORFOLK. 251 
work yet to be done, if we want to come at the daily life of our 
progenitors, in the study of much ruder specimens than those 
generally considered worthy of a place in our specimen cabinets. 
Between two and three years ago my attention was drawn to the 
fact that the road-metal employed in several villages in this district 
contained a large number of Hakes, evidently of artificial origin. 
On tracing this road-metal to its source it became clear that these 
were neolithic flakes, and that they were derived from a so-called 
gravel pit situated upon Massingham Heath. On visiting this pit it 
was found located on the slope of hill not far from the main 
road ; an examination showed that a layer of flakes, about a foot 
in thickness, existed immediately beneath the turf; the pit itself 
consisted of masses of flint of various sizes, mixed with chalk 
rubble. At one place this bed of Hakes was seen to extend to a 
depth of between three and four feet, where it was clear they had 
been used for filling up a hole. At the bottom of the pit, which 
was not more than five or six feet deep, a number of large blocks 
of flint, a foot or two in diameter, were found ; it was obvious 
that the chalk in which these Hints were imbedded had been 
disturbed, and amongst these larger blocks of Hints were found 
portions of soveral stags’ horns. Frequent visits have been made 
to this pit while it was being worked, the outcome of which 
constitutes the basis of the present communication. 
With regard to the Hakes, it may be observed that they are of 
all sizes, some mere chips as thin as cardboard, while others are 
six or eight inches long, sometimes considerably more, and pro- 
portionately thick. Many possess a peculiarity which is worthy of 
note, namely, that instead of being smooth and covered with that 
high degree of surface-polish which is usually regarded as indicative 
of antiquity, they are almost all porous, resembling unglazed 
porcelain ; their edges are quite sharp and uneroded. In colour 
they vary from creamy white to pale blue, often mottled with 
yellowish or brownish patches, frequently they are covered by 
minute black or dark brown specks. These changes have taken 
place in the Hakes since they were buried, and are probably due to 
some alteration in the molecular structure of the flint, the result 
of some chemical action induced by vegetation, since those flakes 
which are found upon the surface of the ground are as highly 
polished externally as neolithic Hakes usually are. 
