kitchen débris of the reindeer-hunters was exposed, and at once notice of the discovery was given to the authorities. Investigations followed, by order of the Minister of Public Instruction, under the superintendence of M. Louis Lartet. First of all it was necessary to support the vault of the shelter by a pillar, because of a deep crack which threatened its fall (see Fig. 32). The culture débris and its various
FIG. 32. Section through the Rock-shelter of Cro-Magnon. (After L. Lartet.)
A |
Débris of the soft limestone. |
I |
Yellowish earth, with bones, flints, etc. |
Y |
Place of the pillar made to support the roof. |
|
contents are sufficiently indicated by the descriptive details of the figure. It was on the surface of the débris at the back part of the cave that the human skeletons were found. Above the projecting rock and all over the shelter lay a subsequent talus, 4 to 6 metres thick, which had accumulated since the