I follow with interest the dicussion of the Harris Matrix, having collaborated with Dr. Harris on a book about applications of this technique of stratigraphic interpretation (Practices of Archaeological Stratigraphy, Academic Press, 1993). I believe that Linda Derry probably captured the essence, if not the actual words, of Harris regarding failure to recognize stratigraphy when presented with it. I don't read anywhere that Edward Harris is suggesting that all archaeological sites are visibly stratified or that prehistorians are necessarily bad diggers by virtue of employing arbitrary levels. To learn that Harris is "dead wrong" thus comes as somewhat of a surprise. Is this what such forums are all about- putting words in other peoples' mouths so that others may take offense? I don't find such exchanges very productive. Many prehistorians do, in fact, put the Matrix to good use where appropriate. As a technique for keeping track of complex stratigraphy, the Harris Matrix has proven itself around the world. I share Derry's suprise that a technique that has been in use for nearly a quarter of a century should fall on deaf ears, or at least appear to her to have done so. After reading all the postings related to hers, I also do not understand how this technique (or rather words attributed to its inventor) could have managed to provoke such heated misunderstanding at least from one quarter. I'll have to let Dr. Harris know that he has been "flamed" in abstentia. A NEW SUBSRIBER ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com