Environ Archaeol 7

In this paper, the interpretations of a previous study (see also 2001/95 and 2001/514) were tested by the analysis of two further assemblages, ie. those from Middle to Late Saxon Flixborough (UK) and from fifteenth century Raversijde (Belgium). The question whether the distinction between two different forms of LEH can shed more light on the aetiology of the condition, is also posed. In addition, the previously published hypothesis, ie that the relative frequency of LEH always roughly follows the same pattern along the molar row (a necessary assumption in order to compare the frequency of LEH between sites, on the basis of an index combining the data for individual teeth), has been tested by the analysis of the same two additional assemblages. The results are promising with regard to the further analysis of LEH in archaeological material.

The growth increments were investigated of late medieval, post-medieval and modern otoliths of plaice, cod and haddock from the North Sea. Thin-sectioned otoliths were used to age all the analysed individuals and to reconstruct their growth patterns. In addition, fish lengths of the archaeological specimens were calculated after the relation between otolith width and fish length was established using modern material. The age and fish length distribution, and the growth patterns obtained on the archaeological material allow inferences about fish trade, market strategies and consumption behaviour on producer sites (coastal sites) and consumer sites. Differences in growth patterns were observed between the archaeological and recent populations of the three demersal species analysed which may be related to a change in fishing pressure through time. However, diachronic changes in species distribution, temperature, food availability and selection of catch in function of market strategies may have played a role as well. Age and body size data allow some inferences about the exploited fishing grounds, but the growth patterns are of limited use in this respect.

Book reviews of: Gale, R. & Cutler, D. 2000. Plants in Archaeology. Identification Manual of Vegetative Plant Materials used in Europe and the Southern Mediterranean to c. 1500. Otley, West Yorkshire: Westbury Publishing. ISBN 1-84103-002-3. 512 pp. £75.00 (hardback) by Allan Hall; Bailey, G., Charles, R. & Winder, N. (eds.) 2000. Human Ecodynamics. Oxford: Oxbow Books. ISBN 1842170015.146pp. £35.00 (paperback) by James McGlade; Dincauze, D. 2000. Environmental Archaeology: Principles and Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN0521310776.587pp. £25.95 (paperback) £70.00 (hardback) by Charles D. Frederick. SH