305 



were made for the purpose of quariying " Pen stone." 2. That 

 from the absence of charcoal, pottery, orboi^es, they were not used 

 as habitations. 3. That they were of a date prior to that of the 

 earthworks and most probably of the iron age. 



As to the purpose for which the " Pen stone" was used, abundant 

 evidence was forthcoming on all sides that it was made into 

 millstones, for which the rough character of the stone was 

 eminently adapted. Many stones of this description are now 

 being turned up from time to time as the levelling process goes 

 on. One good specimen has been sent to the Taunton Museum, 

 and several others have had their dimensions taken, and are to be 

 seen in the gardens in the neighbourhood. As to the circular or 

 oval form of the pits, this is due to time and the natural effects of 

 the weather. One quarry, whence chert had been extracted for 

 road-metal, was in the process of being formed into this oval 

 shape, the sides falling in gradually and sloping down to the 

 bottom of the quarry, until the angle of repose being reached; 

 vegetation is covering the slope, and the circular shape is being 

 quickly assumed. 



We claim therefore, so far as our explorations have gone, to 

 have settled the long agitated question indisputably, and to have 

 solved, so far «s careful diggings can do so, the crux of antiquaries. 



On Local Names in the Neighbourhood of Bath. By H. Bird, M.D. 

 (Read Januari/ Vlth, 1881. J 

 Much interesting information may be gained from the study of 

 the etymology of the names of places in any particular district. 

 For these names often give in brief the physical character, the 

 historical connection, the ethnology, and the religious worship 

 of tlie place. They indicate the successive races of men which 

 have inhabited a district ; and we are thus enabled, in the case 

 of our own islands, to point out in chronological order signs of 



