177 
stone age corresponding in its forms to our neolithic period 
has been discovered. From China we have received 
specimens of both stone and bronze implements; but 
detailed evidence on the subject is wanting. From the 
Asiatic Islands stone and bronze implements have been 
received. In Birmah stone and bronze implements have been 
discovered. In India three periods have been recognised, 
corresponding to our palaeolithic, neolithic, and bronze periods. 
From Central and Northern Asia information is wanted 
respecting both stone and bronze implements. Stone imple¬ 
ments of neolithic forms have been found at the Cape of 
Good Hope and in Western Africa. Palaeolithic forms have 
also been found at the Cape of Good Hope and in Egypt; but 
we have little conclusive evidence of their being of the palaeo¬ 
lithic period. In North and South America relics of the stone 
age are more abundant, and a bronze period is recognised in 
the central regions of America. When it is considered that 
the palaeolithic implements of Europe have only attracted 
the attention of archaeologists during the last thirty years, it 
is not surprising that in uncultivated countries so little should 
be known of the relics that are hidden beneath the soil. It 
is very desirable that, when opportunity offers, the river- 
drifts and cave-deposits should be examined for the relics of 
a past age, and that the attention of travellers should be 
directed to the debris scattered on the surface and in the 
surface-soils turned up by cultivation for the vestiges of a 
more advanced stone period. The ancient tombs and tumuli 
should also be examined, and their relics preserved when¬ 
ever it can be done without offending the superstitions of the 
people. 
Palceoliihic Period {River-drift.) —i. Notice any evidence 
that may exist of the erosion of valleys by their rivers. 2. 
Do terraces exist on the sides of the valleys ? how many, at 
what heights above the existing rivers, and at what distances 
from their present courses ? 3. Do such terraces and drift- 
deposits consist of gravel, sand, or other alluvial matter ? and 
are the deposits stratified as if by the action of running 
water ? 4. Are the materials all derived from the present 
N 
