Palæolithic races, who frequented Kent's Cavern and other caves in the south of England up to the Magdalénien epoch, had, prior to, or rather in consequence of, the submergence of their hunting-grounds, shrunk back to their original home in France. Even the present writer, as late as last year, admitted the possibility of holding such a view, as will be seen from the following statement then made on the subject:
"When Palæolithic civilization began to be curtailed in virtue of cosmic changes in the environment, and new methods of living were forthcoming, it is possible that the British fringe of the Palæolithic population would shrink back to Europe, and thus, for a time, leave a gap in the continuity of human life in Britain." (Munro Lectures for 1912, p. 286.)
Since the above was written fresh discoveries have turned the scale in favour of a more satisfactory explanation. I am now of opinion that these "river-bed" people were the descendants of the Palæolithic races who continued to inhabit Britain after the setting in of the milder climate which destroyed the big game on which they formerly depended for sustenance. In the changed circumstances they were gradually reduced to great straits, and had to resort to the produce of the sea-shores as the most readily available source of food, next to small animals,
