From the letter ... 'It is clear from these data that the early part of this pollen diagram reflects the influence of climatic change and not anthropogenic influence as the authors suggest. Further stable isotope analyses from this core sould prove informative.' From the Taylor/Hamilton letter in response ... 'We still believe that the evidence, as a whole, signifies early forest destruction and burning and is a manisfestation of human activity. We agree that there is no direct evidence as to why this might have occurred, although cultivation is most likely. We are continuing with our own research in the area, and await confirmation from archaeolgists.'