Page:The Journal of geology (IA journalofgeology11893univ).pdf/174

There is no doubt that this specimen suggests, perhaps more decidedly than any other American so-called gravel implement thus far collected, a resemblance to one of the well-known European types of implements. This is noted by Professor Wright, and may be regarded by many as a point worthy of attention. We must, however, look with extreme caution upon deductions drawn from or depending upon analogies of form. Close analogies of form between Indian rejects and some varieties of European paleolithic objects are too common to permit the attachment of much value to this feature of this or any other similar find. The remark of Professor Wright quoted above, that "the similarity of pattern is too minute to have originated except from imitation," is rather a novel statement, since no specimen of its type has been reported from the American gravels, and the Newcomerstown man could hardly have been familiar with European forms. The only available models would appear to be the Indian rejects of the valley of the Tuscarawas.

As to the surface polish, that is a common feature of the Ohio flints, and I have before me during this writing a tray of quarry rejects that have the same glazed effect. This is a characteristic of the stone, and has no bearing upon questions of age or use or culture, and must be considered as without significance in these connections.

Professor Wright is entirely satisfied with the results of his efforts to corroborate the statements of the collector. He has examined and reëxamined Mr. Mills, receiving every assurance of the verity of the find, but after all he really secures no additional assurance and can receive no fully satisfactory assurance that Mr. Mills was not in error. Professor Wright has visited and photographed the site and will speedily prepare a plate for publication,^[1] for just what purpose, however, it is rather hard to see, since the nature of the gravels is not disputed, and a volume of photographs will not give additional weight to the proofs. A photograph made of the tree after the bird has flown will not help in determining the bird. No more will observations on Mr.