The remains of scales of Hysterocarpus traski Gibbons (Tule perch) were found throughout a 27.44-m core from Clear Lake. Most scales occurred between the mud surface and deposits approximately 11,000 years old. Changes in growth rates of the animals were examined by measuring scale annuli and applying an empirically established regression of fish length on scale radius. The data indicate a pattern of accelerating growth rates, reaching a peak between ⋍4000 and 2800 BP. After ⋍2800 BP, growth rates decline markedly. Because the growth rates of these animals are essentially dependent on temperature, the changes observed in the patterns of growth probably reflect changes in climate in the northern Coast Range. The general pattern of inferred temperature increase during the early and middle Holocene, ending between ⋍4000 and 2800 BP, is consistent with evidence from tree-line studies and palynology indicating higher temperatures in parts of the western United States during this period.

National Science Foundation (NSF) funding for domestic archaeology in the United States is examined for the period 1958 through 1978. Funding levels are analyzed in terms of current- and constant-dollar expenditures, as well as funding intensity. It is concluded that NSF funding for domestic archaeological research has declined rapidly since the mid-1960s and that the funding for fiscal year 1978 represents the program's nadir (a mere 6% of the funding intensity for 1966 and about half the amount for 1958). It seems reasonable to suggest that NSF may soon cease to be a viable source of funds for scientific research in the area of domestic archaeology if recent trends continue.

Two models relating various measures of camp surface area to population size among !Kung Bushmen are examined. It is shown that though there does exist a significant, positive correlation between some areal measures and population size, neither of the previously published models correctly represents these relationships. Alternative regression models are presented for the !Kung Bushmen which describe surface area as a function of population size in an acceptably accurate and reasonably concise fashion.

A detailed discussion is presented of the archaeological value of the scale remains of fish. The various forms of scales are presented along with a discussion of the morphological characteristics of these elements. A brief summary of the past uses to which fish scales have been put within archaeology is presented and the use of fish scales to estimate the size of the fish and the minimum number of individuals represented, as well as their use as seasonal dating devices is also discussed in detail. In addition, the limitations of scale remains in each of the above areas of interpretation are also presented.

This paper presents a quantitative method for estimating the total live weight of fish based upon linear measurement of various skeletal elements. The method has the advantage of being both highly accurate and indicating the confidence limits of the estimates. The method is based upon Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson's concept of “… weigh[ing] the animal with a measuring-rod…” (Thompson 1917, in Bonner 1966:16).

Non-hominid faunal remains associated with cultural deposits have long been of interest to archaeologists. Recent archaeological work (Coutts and Higham, 1971; Daly, 1969; Drew et al., 1971; Flannery, 1966; Higham and Leach, 1971; Shawcross, 1967; Ucko and Dimbleby, 1969) is showing an increased utilization of these associated faunal remains for detailed analysis of prehistoric man's environment, hunting techniques, dietary habits, the effects of domestication upon animals, changes in these over time, and seasonal dating.

As analysis becomes more detailed and the need to extract increased amounts of relevant and sophisticated data from faunal remains grows more demanding, the representative quality of our samples of faunal remains becomes more critical. Many of the demands made upon our samples require that increased attention be paid to the recovery and analysis of some of the less obvious constituents of these faunal assemblages.

The remains of fishes are a commonly encountered item in many archaeological sites, yet a thorough utilization of all the relevant information inherent in this material is rarely made by the archaeologist. Certain salient characteristics of the growth and ecology of fishes are presented. Examples are included using archaeological fish remains to indicate or substantiate such things as seasonal dating, absolute dating, estimates of prehistoric food resource locations, and environmental change. Examples will be presented from western North America and southern France.

The role of scavengers, especially dogs, with reference to archaeological faunal remains is not always clear. While distortion admittedly results from the activities of these animals, total destruction of all such evidence is questioned. Emphasis is placed upon fish remains in the examples and both ethnographic and archaeological data are used. It is argued that a more thorough knowledge of the nature of the food items themselves will greatly aid in assessing both their potential archaeological visibility and the information they may yield.

Cores recovered from a soil auger were found to yield accurate information about the depth of midden deposit and to compare favorably with column samples as a means of recovering midden material for microanalysis.