Please advise: Is the Port Arthur Archaeological Procedures Manual in print, and if so, how might one obtain it from the USA?  Many thanks, Prof. Leonard Cohan

----- Original Message -----
From: Iain Stuart
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 7:11 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Archaeology Store

I actually browse the large "super stores", Bunnings Hardwarehouse is the Australian one and if you are careful about buying quality you an get some bargains. They never stock decent trowels. WHS is the preferred brand in Australia.

I have a metal folding square which unfolds to make a triangle with 50cm sides. It makes marking out test pits extremely easy. There is a 1m size one available as well.  

I also have a metric/imperial vernier calliper which opens up to about 18". Just the thing for measuring timber particularly if the edges are rotten.

I browse woodworking and specialist tool stores as well as second hand meets. Often there are interesting old technical books and odd tools (although most old tools are now being treated as antiques).  

As for must have books - the Port Arthur Archaeological Procedures Manual is one. Ed Haris's Principals of Archaeological Stratigraphy is another important text.  

I find the Glossary of Building Terms in Australia (1978 and 1994) in valuable for details of building construction. The Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook helps with field survey work especially recording environmental characteristics. First Aid for Finds helps when you actually find something. the Australian Government Style Manual and of course the O.E.D. aid with communication.  

A blank book is always a good start for field projects.

Finally if you forget to take reading material out into the field and you are miles from any form of bookshop the Gideons have supplied each motel and hotel with a wonderful book full of exciting history.

yours

Iain Stuart

[log in to unmask] Get more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com