Page:Palæolithic Man and Terramara Settlements in Europe.djvu/318

 236 and ornaments. Behind the fireplace there was a raised space 2 metres broad, paved with flags. From this platform access was got to a dry and spacious rock-chamber, also p,aved with flagstones and measuring 5 by 4 metres.

Among the stones which had fallen from the roof was one which M. Peyrille had occasion to turn over, and in the act of doing so he observed on its under side the form of a bison sculptured in relief and in a good state of preservation. This directed attention to the adjacent rock-surfaces, when they at once detected various deeply cut portions which had been chiselled and polished artificially. The soil, which in the course of ages had accumulated at the base of the rock and was strongly adhering to it in some places, was then carefully removed by wooden palettes. It was then discovered that a large portion of the rock-wall of the shelter was covered with a sculptured frieze of a succession of animals which claims astonishment for its decorative effect even in its present dilapidated condition.

One of the latest accounts of the Cap-Blanc sculptures (L'Anth., 1911, pp. 385-402) is accompanied by a series of photos which give a clear and distinct impression of what still remains of this remarkable specimen of Palæolithic art. As daylight masked the natural shading from the undulating surface of the figures, the photos were taken by night with lights arranged so as to make shadows available in defining the contour of the various animals. Two of these photographs are here reproduced (Pl. XXVII.) which will give a better idea of the character of the work than any lengthened description. The animals appear to have been arranged by the artists in a kind of procession. In scanning them from left to right there is to be seen first a head, but as the rest of the body still remains covered it was impossible to decide whether it was that of an ox or a reindeer. Next to this is a horse, 1.90 metres in length, well seen in PL XXVII. (A), and immediately in advance of it a second horse, also seen in the same figure. Then comes a very large horse (B), no less than 2.15 metres (about seven feet) in length, beautifully sculptured, but unfortunately a portion of the body has scaled off, and the head also is broken. Then we come in succession on two un-