mtd/utils automake attic?

[David Wuertele]

I'm trying to compile the utils directory following the automake
instructions, but there seem to be files missing in my version of
CVS:  

  automake: `configure.ac' or `configure.in' is required
  automake: configure.in: required file `./install-sh' not found
  automake: configure.in: required file `./missing' not found
  configure.in: 4: required file `./config.h.in' not found

When I look at the web CVS, I can see those files:

http://www.infradead.org/cgi-bin/cvsweb.cgi/mtd/util/?hideattic=0&sortby=date

They appear to be "in the attic".  What does that mean?  Is there a
way to download these files using cvs?

Thanks,
Dave