EXCAVATIONS AT MAGENS BAY


vertical distribution with that of Magens Plain. The picture is
not so clear for Test II, probably because of the heavy concentra-
tion of specimens in Level 2. However, the percentages-71.7, 71.5,
64.6, 45.5, and 50.0 respectively- are in the same direction.
 I conclude from this that there was a decrease in the use of
 Magens paste during the life of that part of the site penetrated by
 our test. While it is not evident from the distribution of Bay
 Plain, here is a clear indication in the table for both tests that the
 use of Bay paste for decorated vessels increased with the decrease
 in the use of Magens paste. The data do not indicate any increase
 or decrease in the popularity of Bordeaux or Hull Series during
 this period.
 The two sherds of Coral Plain in the lowest zone are insig-
 nificant statistically but of considerable interest in view of Hatt's
 statement that similar sherds were more often found at the bottom
 than near the top. Possibly Hatt combined what I have called
 Magens Plain with Coral Plain when referring to fine, thin pottery.
 Considering all the collections made at Magens Bay it is evident
 that vessels of the Coral Series are extremely rare. Their presence
 must have occurred extremely early in the history of the site.
 Re-examination of Table 1 in terms of decorative modes shows
 that Botany and Bay Narrow Handled, Botany and Bay Side Ap-
 pliqued, and Botany Odorned are relatively shallow and hence
 relatively late while rim points and boat-shaped vessels, horned,
 lugged and red-painted containers, and painted or unpainted plates
 are present both early and late. There is also a suggestion that sub-
 types 1 and 2 adornos may be earlier than subtypes 3 and 4. A
 similar trend was noted by Hatt (1924: 33). Three specimens are
 unique in being found only in th lowest zone. These are sherds
 of Coral Plain, a griddle fragment with a level instead of a raised
 edge, and a pedestal base of Magens paste (P1. IV, 1).
 Not included in Table 1 is a Botany Adorned, subtype 5 handle
(P1. XVI, a) found in the third level of Test I. The depth of this
specimen together with that of similar ones from Cinnamon Bay
(Table 3) suggests this decorated type of handle to be earlier than
subtypes 1-4, Botany Adorned.
 Shapes of vessel walls and of the rims of griddles were analyzed
to see if they showed any changes with time at Magens Bay. While