he reaches the conclusion that the
auriferous gravels of the Pacific slope represent the whole of the
Tertiary Age.<7>

We have seen that in the ancient gravels of European rivers
archaeologists have found the materials wherewith to build a fascinating
story of man's appearance in Quaternary times. We have underneath the
lava flow of California the gravel beds of rivers far antedating the
gravels of the Somme. It is therefore not a little interesting to learn
from Prof. Whitney that he finds many proofs of the existence of man in
the gravels of the Pliocene Age in California. Under the solid basalt of
Table Mountain have been found many works of men's hands, as well as the
celebrated "Calaveras Skull."

Illustration of Calaveras Skull.-----------

This skull was taken from a mining shaft at Altaville, at a depth of one
hundred and thirty feet from the surface, beneath seven different strata
of lava and gravel. Prof. Whitney was not present when it was found. He,
however, made it his business to examine into the facts of the case, and
he thus speaks of it: "That the skull was found in these old, intact,
cemented gravels has been abundantly proved by evidence that can not be
gainsaid." And again: "So far as human and geological testimony can at
present be relied on, there is no question but that the skull was found
under Table Mountain, and is of the Pliocene Age."<8>

This would seem to be pretty explicit, but, as we have said before,
Prof. Whitney, in his formal report as the State geologist of
California, reaches the conclusion that the auriferous gravels of
the Pacific are all of the Tertiary Age. It is therefore not a little
interesting to learn that numerous instances are recorded of the finding
of human remains or the works of man in these gravels. Prof. Whitney
mentions twenty such instances.<9> Mr. Bancroft furnishes us a list
of such discoveries, giving as his authority Mr. C. D. Voy, of the
California Geological Survey, of Oakland, California. He states that Mr.
Voy personally visited most of the localities where the discoveries were
made, and took all possible pains to verify their authenticity, and
in many cases obtaining sworn statements from the parties who made
them.<10>

Two stone mortars and spear-heads, six and eight inches long, were found
in the gravel under Table Mountain, just mentioned. These relics were
found about three hundred feet from the surface. A hundred feet and more
of this dept