THE EXCAVATIONS 29 



stones a figure was found rudely cut in outline with 

 a pointed tool. I should not mention this if it 

 had not happened that a very similar piece of work 

 was found at Aesica, a photograph of which is given 

 in Mr. Gibson's report.^* When placed at a proper angle 

 to the light the Melandra figure comes out fairly dis- 

 tinctly. Canon Hicks suggested that, rude as it is, it 

 may have been originally intended to represent the god 

 Mithras. The Aesica figure, which is executed in exactly 

 the same style, has been conjectured to represent the god 

 i[ercury, as it seems to bear something resembling the 

 caduceus, and there is a suggestion of wings above the 

 head. The workmen at Aesica gave it the name of " Ould 

 Charlie." 



Passing to the other side of the gate, it will be seen 

 that the guard chamber there (if one existed) is not so well 

 indicated, though the outer pilaster appears as an exceed- 

 ingly well squared block of masonry. One detail, however, 

 seems worthy of mention. Inside the wall was found 

 what may be a small hearth, carrying several inches of 

 charcoal. If this is a hearth (which is, however, quite 

 uncertain) it would appear to settle the question as to 

 whether the lower portions of the flanking towers were 

 used at all, or whether (as they are so small) they merely 

 served as supports to the upper part of the towers. 



We now come to one of the most interesting points 

 under discussion. In describing the eastern gate, Mr. 

 Garstang said : ^^ " The bed of the central spina, which 

 supported the weight of the double span in the centre, 

 alone was difficult to locate." An examination, in 1905, 

 of the ground between the towers of the north gate brought 

 to light part of the base of the central pier. Unfortunately, 



14. Arch. Aelian, vol. xxiv., p. 64. 



15. Proc. Derb. Arch. Soc, vol. xxiii., p. 94. 



