638 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



Before closing this brief paper, it is interesting to note the engi- 

 neering problem presented by the capping stones, both at Stonehenge 

 and on the dolmens. How were they placed in position ? They could 

 hardly have been slid into position without overturning the supports. 

 It would seem as if they must have been lowered from above or else that 

 the supports were buried to their tops until the table stones were placed 

 in position, and then dug out. The erection of the great menhirs 

 presents a similar problem. Those who placed them in position may 

 have resorted to the inclined plane, rolled them up and then tilted them 

 over the vertical edge. The placing in position of these table stones, 

 which often weigh many tons, as well as the erection of the great 

 menhirs, certainly required a considerable amount of engineering skill, 

 and we are here, as well as when confronted by the great feats of other 

 ancient peoples, somewhat surprised at the early date at which it made 

 its appearance. The tourist, scientist or archeologist, in viewing the 

 great monuments in Wiltshire and in Morbihan, can hardly fail to be 

 impressed by the magnitude of the works undertaken and completed 

 in these prehistoric times, nor can the observer overlook their signifi- 

 cance in regard to the lives and culture of the builders. 



