Downs. In consequence of a recent change of ownership, 
however, there is every probability that the work of breaking 
up the Sarsens will be undertaken on a greatly extended 
scale. In the ordinary course the Grey Wethers in Pickle 
Dean and Lockeridge Dean would be the first to go, owing 
to their situation adjacent to high roads—while for the same 
reason their disappearance would be a greater loss to the 
public than the disappearance of those in more remote parts 
of the Downs. 
Under these circumstances it was felt that steps ought to 
be taken to secure the preservation of some characteristic 
examples of the stones in their natural condition, and repre- 
sentations were made to the owner by the National Trust and 
by the Wiltshire Archaeological Society. Mr. Alec Taylor, 
the present owner, met the representatives of the two Societies 
in a friendly spirit; he stated at once that he intended to 
preserve the Dolmen known as the Devil’s Den, and after 
some further negotiations he has given the National Trust an 
option to purchase about II acres in Pickle Dean and about 
g acres in Lockeridge Dean for 4500. 
For this sum, therefore, with some addition to cover legal 
and other necessary expenditure, an appeal is now made 
jointly by the two Societies. If the money is forthcoming, 
characteristic examples of a unique geological phenomenon 
will be secured for the nation, and the Pickle Dean valley 
will remain in possession of those Grey Wethers which have 
for generations formed a curious and picturesque feature of 
the country traversed by the Bath Road. 
Donations should be sent to— 
HENRY E. MEDLICOTT, Esq., Potterne, Devizes ; 
Revd. Epwarpd H. Gopparp, Clyffe Vicarage, 
Swindon. 
EDWARD MEyRICK, Esq. F.R.S., Thornhanger, 
Marlborough, or ¢o 
NIGEL BOND, Esq., Secretary, The National Trust, 
25, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. 
Cheques, etc., should be made payable to “ The National 
Trust,” and crossed “ National Provincial Bank of England.” 
