56 EXPEDITION' TO THE 



which are on the east bank of the river, the others are on 

 the west. The ground appears, in all cases, to have been 

 taken from the inside, which forms a ditch in the interior; 

 its depth cannot of course be ascertained at present, as it is 

 in great measure filled up, but it must have been consider- 

 able. The area, within the ditch, probably retained the 

 level of the surrounding country. The parapet may have 

 been from three to four feet wide, but from slow decay it 

 appears much wider. The first which we visited, (A.)* 

 is situated at about a quarter of a mile to the south-west of 

 the town, and half a mile westward of the river ; it appears 

 to have been the most important of all, and forms, as it 

 were, the centre round which the others were disposed. 

 Its form is circular ; its diameter is about one hundred and 

 fifty feet : it has a gateway from eight to ten feet wide, 

 which faces the river. Immediately connected, and in close 

 contact with it, to the south-south-east, there is a small cir- 

 cular work, Ca.J the parapet of which is considerably 

 higher; its diameter is about forty-three feet; it has no 

 gateway or opening whatsoever. It has generally been 

 considered as intended for a look-out post ; but this opinion 

 appears incorrect, from the circumstance that it is not raised 

 high enough for this purpose ; that its size is much greater 

 than what would be required for a mere post of observa- 

 tion ; and finally, that its construction essentially differs 

 from that which is recorded by Mr. Atwater and other 

 observers, as belonging to such posts of observation. There 

 is nothing to support this opinion but its situation, which 

 is in the most elevated part of the plain. We however 

 think it more probable, that it was considered as a strong 

 hold which should be resorted to in the last extremity. 



• See the annexed plan. 



