The Soil Survey, Rothamsted Experimental Station. The most obvious result so far, is that lithic densities are usually very low, or even non-existent, on the surfaces of podsolized soils. These soils occur on the upland brown earths. Waste cores may be most common on gravel terrace soils. Another factor worth noting, is the variation in the percentage of flakes with signs of retouch or utilisation.
Some surveys produce high percentages of flakes with retouch or signs of utilisation.
Other compartments produce much lower percentages of flakes with utilisation. Although it is too early for conclusions, analysis of the finds suggest that many of the Breckland flake scatters are probably of late prehistoric date. High percentages of flakes carry hinge fractures and cortex, suggesting a low standard of flint workmanship, and broad squat forms usually dominate. Many of the flakes have miscellaneous retouch, shallow notches, and irregular shapes. Even thermal flakes and old discarded and patinated flakes are occasionally utilised.