Page:American Anthropologist NS vol. 1.djvu/711

 642 AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST [n. s., x, 189*

(4) The stories as recorded are uniform and consistent in character and the objects preserved are, it is claimed, of a few- simple types, such as might be expected of a very ancient and primitive people. The evidence, coming from apparently unrelated sources, is described as remarkable for its coherency.

(5) The reported finding of an implement in place in the late Tertiary strata of Table mountain by Mr Clarence King, a lead- ing geologist, gives countenance to the reports of inexpert observers.

(6) The osseous remains recovered are, in some cases, said to be fossilized, having lost nearly all their animal matter, and some are coated with firmly adhering gravels resembling those of the ancient deposits. These conditions give rise to the impression of great age.

(7) The remains appear to be associated with flora and fauna indicating conditions not antagonistic to the existence of the human species.

(8) The evidence as presented by Whitney and others seems abundant and convincing, and many scientific men have accepted it as satisfactory proof of a Tertiary man in America.

On the other hand numerous considerations are urged against great antiquity, as follows :

(1) It is held that the strength of testimony should be pro- portioned directly to the magnitude of the propositions to be supported, and that this case requires proofs of a higher order than have as yet been presented.

(2) The existence of a Tertiary man, even of the lowest grade, has not yet been fully established in any country, and this Cali- fornia evidence, therefore, stands absolutely alone. It implies a human race older by at least one-half than Pithecanthropus erectus of Dubois, which may be regarded as an incipient form of human creature only. The finds reported indicate a Middle Tertiary people well advanced in the elements of culture; and culture, especially in the earlier stages, is necessarily of exceedingly slow

�� �