Preview

PDF 1984__Kerrison_...pdf | Download (1MB) Available under University of Tasmania Standard License. | Preview

Abstract

Radiocarbon analysis of charcoal taken from the base of a midden located within the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart, indicates that first occupancy of this site occurred some 5 000 years ago. The mussel Mytilus edulis planulatus provided the bulk of the shellfish diet which may have been supplemented with a number of small species including the gastropods Bembicium auratum and Austrocochlea constricta zebra. A feature of this site is the relatively rich supply of petrologically diverse stone artefacts. This is at variance with the general pattern for middens previously excavated in the Derwent River estuary. Also present are small, round, hard pebbles, a feature not previously reported from similar sites on the Derwent River. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of charcoal indicates that the she oak Casuarina stricta provided some of the wood fuel for fires at this site.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Kerrison, AR and Binns, MA
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, RST, Van Diemens Land, natural history, science, ecology, taxonomy, botany, zoology, geology, geography, papers & proceedings, Australia, UTAS Library
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
ISSN:	0080-4703
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.118.53
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	Copyright Royal Society of Tasmania
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page