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XIV. Report on the Exploration of Brixham Cave , conducted by a Committee of the 
Geological Society, and under the superintendence of Wm. Pengelly, Esq., F.R.S . , 
aided by a local Committee ; with Descriptions of the Animal Remains by George 
Busk, Esq., F.R.S. , and of the Flint Implements by John Evans, Esq., F.R.S . 
By Joseph Prestwich, F.R.S., F.G.S., &c.. Reporter. 
Received May 16, — Read June 20, 1872. 
Contents. Page 
I. Preliminary Observations 471 
II. General features of the district ; Position of the Cave 481 
III. Mr. Pengelly’ s Report on the structure and contents of the Cave 483 
IV. Mr. Bbistow’s Notes on his survey of the Cave 496 
V. Notes on the specimens of the Cave-beds 498 
VI. Mr. Busk’s Report on the Animal Remains : — 
1st Part. — List of the sites in which the remains were found and enumeration of specimens .... 499 
2nd Part. — Lists of the sites in which the remains of each species of animal were found 507 
- 3rd Part. — General Remarks on the Animal Remains 517 
VII. Mr. Evans's Remarks on the Worked Flints 549 
VIII. General Conclusions respecting the Cave. . 553 
I. Preliminary Observations. 
This Cave, or rather series of enlarged fissures in the Devonian Limestone, was dis- 
covered in January 1858 whilst quarrying the rock on the slope of the hill which rises 
above the small fishing-town of Brixham, near Torquay, in Devonshire. The owner of 
the quarry had the excavation carried sufficiently far to show that the cave had several 
branches, and contained bones both on the surface of the stalagmite and in the red 
loam beneath it. Mr. Pengelly visited the cave soon after its discovery, and, believing 
it likely to prove of much interest, opened negotiations with the proprietor, with a view 
to secure the right of exploration. There were, however, obstacles which then prevented 
this object being carried into execution. Shortly afterwards the late Dr. Falconer, 
while on a visit to Torquay, was informed of the discovery, and, after a careful inspection 
of the cave, he was so impressed with the opportunity here afforded of working out com- 
pletely a new and untouched bone-cavern, that on his return to London he addressed 
the following letter to the Geological Society. This letter is given at length, as showing 
the state of the cave question at that period, and the objects to be attained by the explo- 
ration of the Brixham Cave. 
“ 31 Sackville Street, W., 10th May, 1858. 
“ To the Secretary of the Geological Society. 
“ Sir, — I solicit the favour of your bringing the subject of this letter under the 
consideration of the Council. 
3 s 
MDCCCLX5III. 
