CALLED CASTLE HILL. 5a0 
ing black marks in the sides of the trench, where 
they had formerly been placed. These pieces of 
oak appeared to have been three or four inches 
in diameter. In almost all the cases, the wood of 
these pieces had been absorbed: in some cases, 
the bark, on the under side of these pieces, was 
carbonized, and had nearly the appearance of 
coal ; and, in other cases, the bark, on the under 
side of these pieces, retained its original form and 
colour. In one case, however, one of these pieces, 
in contact with the animal matter, had the ap- 
pearance of dry, decayed wood. This piece of 
wood is in the possession of Mr. John Robson, of 
Warrington. 
The trench, below the plate of animal matter, 
was filled with clay. The oak being sacred to the 
Druids, it is probable, that the trench was made 
for the purpose of containing the tiers of oak, so 
that the bodies might rest upon sacred wood. 
There was no appearance of either Kistvaen, or 
urn; and neither armour, nor ornaments, were 
found. From this it may be inferred, that the 
barrow had been made in a very rude state of 
society, when the arts were in their infancy. 
