POLISHED STONE AXE.
193
leucostachys, Schleich, R. leucostachys x rusticanus is
plentiful in one place at least, and sterile. R. echinatus,
Lindl., R. foliosus, Wh. and N., R. infecundus, Rogers,
R. adornatus,* P. J. Muell (by the road from Bicknacre);
R. hystrix* Wh. and N., R. dumetorum, Wh. and N., R.
corylifolius, Sm. var. sublustris (Lees); R. balfourianus,
Blox. (roadside hedges by the Common).
Besides these, I gathered at Danbury Common examples of
several brambles which require further study another season.
ON A POLISHED STONE AXE FROM
DODDINGHURST, ESSEX.
By F. W. READER.
THE discovery of this implement, which is here represented
(Plate VII.) is due to Miss Rosa Woltorton, a teacher
in the school at Doddinghurst, who found it in her garden. The
form of the stone appeared to Miss Woltorton to be unusual, and
she placed it as a curiosity on the window sill, but without
understanding the nature of her discovery. It was, however,
recognised by the Rector, the Rev. F. A. Adams, when visiting
the house, and was by him brought to public notice.
It is a regularly polished axe of mottled flint, ochreous stained,
of the type most usually found in East Anglia, having a pointed
oval section, the sides being very slightly ground. The cutting
edge bears marks of use. It has also received much subsequent
rough usage, the butt-end having quite disappeared, while at
large portion is missing from the cutting edge. These fractures
are evidently later than the use of the implement and are not
ochreous stained. Most of these later fractures are, however, not
very recent, being variously weathered and patinated.
The present length of the implement is 7 inches, its greatest
width 27/8 inches.