28 
his paper with a consideration of the connection which it was 
supposed that the earthworks of the South Downs had with each © 
other in the defence of the country, Mr. Toms inclined towards 
the views of General Pitt-Rivers, which were opposed to the 
hypothesis of older archzologists that these entrenchments 
formed part of a triple series of forts. Confirmation of this view 
they imagined could be found in the position of the gateways of 
these forts ; but General Pitt-Rivers thought there was nothing in 
the position of the gateways or works themselves incompatible 
with the hypothesis of their having been isolated works, erected 
by several distinct tribes, as a protection against the incursions of 
their neighbours. The earthworks of the South of England, 
General Pitt-Rivers believed, led us rather to infer the existence 
of frequent intestine wars, in which each section of the com- 
munity fortified itself against its immediate neighbours, than of 
any extensive and combined system of national defence. Another 
weak point in the evidence of connection supposed to be afforded 
by the position of the gateways, which had hitherto been over- 
looked, was that sometimes a footpath or road lead into, across, 
and out of the camp, the points of entrance and exit being 
through a depression in the rampart which looked so uncom- 
monly like one of the old gateways, as to raise a question whether 
these entrances formed part of the original design of the earth- 
work. The only way to settle the difficulty was by excavation at 
these points, but as none of the Sussex forts had been thoroughly 
and systematically investigated, the question of the original 
number of entrances and their hypothetical bearing upon the 
relation of the camps must remain in abeyance until such had 
been done. Mr. Toms answered several questions, and sug- 
gested, amid applause, that steps should be taken to preserve the 
camp. The hearty vote of thanks to him, moved by Mr. Clarkson 
Wallis, was carried with acclamation. 


