fractured flints. I also remarked, during each of my three visits to Amiens, that there were some extensive gravel-pits, such as those of Montiers and St. Roch, agreeing in their geological character with those of St. Acheul, and only a mile or two distant, where the workmen, although familiar with the forms, and knowing the marketable value of the articles above described, assured me that they had never been able to find a single implement.
Fig. 11 |
Fig. 12 |
Fig. 13 |
 |
 |
 |
Dendrites on surfaces of flint hatchets in the drift of St. Acheul, near Amiens.
Fig. 11, a Natural size. Fig. 12, b Natural size. c Magnified.
Fig. 13, d Natural size. e Magnified.
Respecting the authenticity of the tools as works of art, Professor Ramsay, than whom no one could be a more competent judge, observes: 'For more than twenty years, like others of my craft, I have daily handled stones, whether fashioned by nature or art; and the flint hatchets of Amiens and Abbeville seem to me as clearly works of art as any Sheffield whittle.'[1]
Mr. Evans classifies the implements under three heads, two of which, the spear heads and the oval or almond-shaped kinds, have already been described. The third form, fig. 14, consists of flakes, apparently intended for knives or some of the smaller ones for arrow heads.
In regard to their origin, Mr. Evans observes that there is a uniformity of shape, a correctness of outline, and a sharpness about the cutting edges and points, which cannot be due to anything but design.[2]
Of these knives and flakes, I obtained several specimens
- ↑ Athenæum, July 16, 1859.
- ↑ Archæologica, vol. xxxviii.
