1S2 Stonehenge and its Barrows. 



and pass out again, each two adjoining perforations communicating 

 right and left by a curvilinear canal. This very ingenious method 

 has probably been contrived to ensure the better set of the large 

 ornaments, as well as for more security ; it being obvious that if 

 the through-and-through perforations had been continued from one 

 to the other end of the ornament, the breaking of one or two sets 

 of threads might have resulted in the loss of great part of the 

 whole. 



" It is to be observed that this large collar is of most unusual di- 

 mensions. In addition to the eight large dividing plates it appears 

 to have comprised in its construction nearly two hundred beads ; and 

 when arranged in an easy curve, to have measured 15 inches across, 

 and 25 inches in length, in the lower curvature. When worn, it 

 must have extended from shoulder to shoulder, hanging half-way 

 down to the waist, somewhat like a mayor^s chain or collar of SS. 

 None of the dividing-plates in these ornaments present any trace of 

 surface decoration, such as the favorite British chevron, so often 

 seen on the corresponding pieces of the jet necklaces. 



" Buttons of jet or shale occurred thrice with unburnt, and once 

 with burnt bodies. At the back are double perforations for sewing 

 them on to the dress. . . . Britain was celebrated for the abun- 

 dance of its fine jet during Roman times. Kimmeridge shale, 

 cannel coal, and some forms of lignite, seem to have been substituted 

 for jet where this could not be had. 



" Ornaments of gold were found in seven of the "Wiltshire tumuli, 

 in. four with unburnt, and in three, with burnt bodies. In most of 

 these there were several objects of the precious metal, and altogether 

 nineteen golden ornaments or sets of ornaments may be enumerated.^' 

 Among these wei'e three varieties of small buttons or beads, made as 

 Sir R. Hoare believed by first modelling in wood, and covering the 

 wooden nucleus with a plate of gold, which was made to overlap, 

 and fastened by indentation. One large doubly-conical bead, 

 made of two such plates, is ornamented with concentric rings 

 and perforated lengthwise. A second, of globular form, doubly 

 perforated on one side, seems intended to have been sewn to the 

 clothing, though it may have been a jiendant (Ancient W^ilts, plate 



