Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/46

22 of material assistance in making a good polished surface. Lanceolate knives, partaking more of the character of the Danish specimens, are also most successfully worked.

The latest development of the spurious implement trade, however, is probably that by which ground and polished Neolithic axes are made of plaster. The seat of this industry is somewhat uncertain. The implements are remarkably well made of a plaster composition, cleverly coloured and coated with gum, and are difficult of detection if one is unsuspicious. A request to the would-be vendor to be allowed to cut the article in question will generally elicit an indignant denial, and thus open the eyes of the purchaser. These plaster axes have been offered for sale in the Suffolk villages of Eriswell, Brandon, and Lakenheath. Glass arrow-heads may also be purchased at Brandon; but few collectors would view these otherwise than as modern curiosities; and it is doubtful if (as has been suggested) collectors could be found who would purchase them as American weapons.

I am also informed, although without personal experience of the fact, that Paleolithic implements and weapons are made in Stoke Newington, and passed round among the labourers wherever excavations are going on. It is also stated that even the British Museum authorities have been deceived by some of these implements, so perfectly are they made. As specimens of a modern industry which is fast dying out, these spurious implements have a certain interest; but their value in furthering our knowledge of prehistoric man is of course nothing, and collectors would therefore do well to be on their guard.

The writer must express his indebtedness to Mr. F. N. Haward, of Chelmsford, for some of the foregoing information.