126 
PROCEEDINGS COTTESWOLD CLUB 
1919 
periods, but there is no evidence in this district to support 
the theory of an “ Azilian ” stage, beyond the occurrence of 
so-called pigmy flints in association with Neolithic implements 
on the Cotteswolds. A hardy race, whose weapons have a 
general resemblance to some used by the Eskimo, and living 
under the same general conditions, may have gradually replaced 
the older type, and eventually retreated with the reindeer 
to the north. 
IX. Recent Changes. 
With the final and presumably rapid retreat of the ice-sheets 
the rigours of the tundra and steppe stages of the Glacial Epoch 
came to an end, and were succeeded by conditions favourable 
to the re-afforestation of the land. No satisfactory estimate 
of the time required to effect this change can be formed, since 
it depends upon the extent to which the higher forms of 
vegetation had been destroyed in Southern Britain during the 
Ice Age, which is still a debatable question. 
When the restoration was sufficiently advanced, and while 
connection with the Continent was still maintained, the migra- 
tion of the Neolithic races with their flocks and herds commenced, 
and successive invasions continued until subsidence set in and 
again isolated Britain. By that time, however, the art of 
navigation had developed sufficiently to make man independent 
of land connexion, and enabled him to cross safely the gradually 
widening seas. The early Neolithic arrivals, seeking suitable 
places of settlement, w'ould soon be attracted by the w r ell- 
w 7 ooded valleys of the Severn Plain and the dry uplands of the 
Cottesw r olds. Flint of workable quality lay near the surface 
in the Vale of Moreton and other places. Smooth, round 
quartzite pebbles for use as sling stones and pounders, and clay 
for pottery w r ere available in many parts of the district. The 
rivers and valleys yielded fish and game, and the slopes of the 
hills w r ere well adapted for the cultivation of cereals. A 
land possessing these advantages .would soon become the battle- 
ground of the contending races that successively occupied 
it and have left their remains in the Long and Round Barrows 
