[HOWLEY ] OLD BASQUE TOMBSTONES AT PLACENTIA 85 
broken off, and it is probable that in a few years they will be all 
totally destroyed. Only three lines ‘and the lower portion of a fourth 
now remain. The top line contains the lower half of the letters 
IOAN. The second line NIS completing the word Ioannis. 
No. 3. 
The third line DEHIR. The D is turned wrongly, the circular 
part being towards the left. The fourth line contains the letters 
IART being the conclusion of the name. 
THE FRENCH STONES 
are rapidly falling to pieces, and will soon be entirely destroyed unless 
some measures be taken to preserve them. The cutting of the letters 
is in an inferior style as compared with the Basque stones. The letters 
are not standing out in relief, but simply incised. There are now 
two distinct stones, as I have said, but I find on referring to my note- 
book that when I first copied these inscriptions (now nearly thirty 
years since) I referred to them as being both upon one stone. (See 
Note at foot of this article.) I was rather surprised then and some- 
what taken aback when I learned from Mgr. LeGasse that they are on 
