258 The Roman Villa at Bow. 
floor of the bath itself was 2 feet 11 inches below the floor of its 
chamber (XX XT.), from which the bathers descended by two steps, 

Section of bath looking south. 
as shown on the section. The floor and sides were faced with 
tesseree of white lias; an arrangement seldom met with, I believe. 
I could see no plug or other means of emptying it; but at L on 
plan there was an overflow pipe 2 inches in diameter, embedded 
in the wall. I was told that on the opposite side, nearest the ~ 
furnace, was another pipe; if so, it must have been removed 
previous to my visit. But though I did not see it I believe it to 
have been there, serving as a supply-pipe possibly conveying the 
water after it had been heated by any vessels, which for that 
purpose would have been admirably placed in the latter chainber 
over the furnace (K).” 
This was removed together with the pavements, by the owner 
of the property, Mr. Stier, of Bath, in whose possession they are 
at the present time.! 
From the above description and the position of this semicircular 
receptacle for water, opening direct from a passage of communication, 
it is far more likely it was a fountain than a bath. 
Chamber XXXITI. was at a height of nearly 3 feet above 
chamber XXXI., from which it would be approached by steps in 
the thickness of the wall. It had a hypocaust beneath, with a 
stoke-hole in the west wall, and apparently ten pile standing. It 
is called by Mr. Mann the furnace or prefurnium. 

1 For an account of this ‘“‘ bath” and pavement, and illustrations of them 
as they existed in situ, before removal, see paper by Rey. E. H. Goddard in 
Wilts Arch. Mag., vol. xxvi., 405—409. 
