PRIMAEVAL MAN IN THE VALLEY OF THE LEA. 91
instrument of this class is held firmly in the hand, the strong obtuse
point is highly suitable for pushing off the smallest finishing splinters
from implements approaching completion.
A third "fabricator," also from Little Thurrock, is engraved, one-
half the actual size, in fig. 16. The obtusely pointed end was the
part probably used for pushing off minor flakes from tools. This part,
by its blunted and splintered condition, shows clear marks of usage.
The last of the present set of sketches, fig. 17, shows how
certain chopping or "hacking" tools were held in the hand in an
Fig. 17.—Sketch showing how certain tools were held in the hand for chopping
or "hacking" (one-fourth actual size).
unmounted state. The example illustrated is now in the British
Museum, Bloomsbury. A more highly finished example is illus-
trated in the "Transactions of the Essex Field Club," vol. iii.,
p. 125.
A concluding illustrated paper on "Primaeval Man in the Valley of
the Lea" will be published in the Essex Naturalist immediately.
[We are indebted to Mr. Smith for the illustrations printed in
this paper.—Ed.]
Otter at Wakes Colne.—A remarkably fine otter was taken last week at
Wakes Hall in the river Colne. It is impossible to form any calculation of the
large quantity of fish which this creature must have consumed. No doubt many
miles of the river paid tribute to his wants. He weighed no less than a quarter of
a hundredweight, and measured four feet four inches in length, and his powerful
jaws were armed with teeth which indicated a mature age. A finer specimen
could scarcely be found.—"Essex County Chronicle," March 3rd, 1887.