and even now constitutes the principal food of the poorer classes. In what manner the ground was prepared for the cultivation of corn we know not, as no agricultural implements have as yet been found except sickles: it is probable however that bent stakes supplied the place of the plough.
Carbonised Apples and Fears have also been found at Wangen, sometimes whole, sometimes cut into two, or more rarely into four pieces, which had evidently been dried and put aside for winter use. The apples are more frequent than the pears, and have been found not only at Wangen, but also at Robenhausen in Lake Pfeffikon, and at Concise in Lake Neufchatel. Both apples and pears are small and resemble those which still grow wild m the Swiss forests. No traces of the Vine, the Cherry, or the Damson have yet been met with, but stones of the Wild Plum and the Prunus padus have been found. Seeds of the Raspberry and Blackberry and shells of the Hazel nuts and beechnuts occur plentifully in the mud.
From all this, therefore, it is evident that the nourishment of the dwellers in the Pileworks consisted of corn and wild fruits, of fish, and the flesh of wild and domestic animals. Doubtless also milk was an important article of their diet.
The list of plants found in the Pileworks stands as follows:—
- Pinus abies.
- „ picea.
- „ sylvestris.
- Quercus Robur.
- Fagus sylvaticus.
- Populus tremula.
- Betula alba.
- Alnus glutinosa.
- Corylus avellana.
- Prunus spinosa.
- „ padus.
- Rubus idæus.
- „ fruticosus.
- Wheat.
- Hordeum distichum.
- „ hexastichon.
Trapa natans.—This species was supposed to be extinct in Switzerland; but, as M. Troyon informs me by letter, it has recently been discovered in a living condition. It has, however, become very rare.
- Flax.
- Hemp.
- Juncus.
- Arundo.
Neither Oats nor Rye have yet been found. Small pieces of twine and bits of matting made of hemp and flax may have been parts of some article of clothing. For the latter purpose also there can be
