56 THE EXCAVATIONS 



THE IXTEEIOE OF THE FORT. 



The indications of buildings within the area have been 

 marked on the plan. I have taken some trouble to get 

 the position of these, as well as of the principal finds, 

 accurately determined, as, pending the complete excava- 

 tion of the site, such information may be instructive. 

 Fortunately, owing to Mr. Hamnett's care, all the impor- 

 tant spots had been marked with stakes. Near the south- 

 eastern turret are plainly indicated the foundations of a 

 kiln or oven. In clearing this during the summer some 

 molten lead was found. While following the drain which 

 is marked to the S.W. of the headquarters, the workman 

 came upon what appears to be a rough stone foundation, 

 which, as the plan will show, was followed for about fifty 

 feet, just before work was abandoned for the season. 

 About the same time the hard clay foundation marked in 

 the N.W. corner was uncovered. Trial excavations, made 

 in previous years, have brought to light a number of 

 floors composed apparently of red burnt earth, five or six 

 inches thick. The substance of which these floors is com- 

 posed has been examined by Mr. Francis Jones, who finds 

 that it contains silica, iron and traces of other metals. 

 The bases of several oak posts have been found in one of 

 these floors near the N.E. corner, and their position is 

 marked on the plan. The upper part of the posts had 

 been burnt and on following the charred remains the 

 bases were discovered. The one which I saw raised was 

 a squared oak pole, not pointed, but cut square at the 

 bottom, which was 2 ft. 7 in. below the red floor. The 

 wetness of the soil makes it difficult to examine the sockets. 

 When first taken up the oak seemed well preserved and 

 showed the annual rings distinctly, but it rapidly turned 

 black. It was at this point that the coins of Galba and 



