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• and oriented in an east/west manner, the soils vary signifi- <br />cantly. The eastern exposure features a dark grayish brown <br />silt loam similar to the upslope regions of the site. Moving <br />to the western portion of the trench, charcoal occurrences <br />increase dramatically, from nonexistent to discernible lens. <br />In most circumstances the preservation of the charcoal segments <br />is remarkable, many measuring 2-3 centimeters in diameter. <br />Concentrations of the charcoal tend to be located toward the <br />upper levels of the soil development; often surface contact <br />was noted. Only in the far western area of the trench was there <br />any association with unusual amounts of burned sandstone blocks <br />and in this specific context some type of cultural association <br />• is assumed. However, the remaining charcoal has been accredited <br />to a series of surface burns. It was indicated by local <br />informants,* that local sheepherders frequently burned pas- <br />ture lands in order to ensure a new growth for the coming <br />seasons. <br />Soils within this western portion of the trench aze <br />basically a silt deposit, a soil type common to the entire site <br />area. However, coloration is altered, consistently blending <br />into various shades of gray similar to that surrounding Test 5. <br />Inclusions other than the charcoal consist solely of reddened <br />sandstone fragments, with coloration and friability probably <br />resulting from £ire association. No artifactual material was <br />located within the trench or resulting fill. This point is of <br />• * Personal communication, Michael Dorr, June 1980. <br />15 <br />