278 APPENDIX. 



presented, and are singularly alike in their form and dimen- 

 sions. A short distance (500 or 600 feet) to tlic west of 

 them is a natural swell of ground, with an artificial tumu- 

 lus on the top of it, overlooking the tw^o figures. 



" If these figures were originally intended to represent 

 animals, they might have been much more distinct and speci- 

 fic than they now" are. It is obvious that any minute deline- 

 ations must soon be obliterated by the agency of the weather. 

 Most of them have the upper part of the head, the ears, or 

 antlers, apparently too large — at least it appears so in the 

 drawings. But this part, in the originals, is not raised from 

 the ground so high as the other parts, and appears like 

 several small parts trodden dow^n and blended together. In 

 the eighth figure, especially, there is a decided notch or 

 separation still remaining between the two horns or ears. 

 They are the favorite resort of badgers, which, finding them 

 raised and dry, have selected them for burrowing ; and it is 

 wonderful that they retain their outlines so perfectly. But, 

 above all other creatures civilized man will obliterate ihem 

 the most speedily ; and it is much to be regretted that the 

 multitude of extraordinary figures raised like embossed 

 ornaments over the whole of this part of the country, could 

 not be accurately measured and delineated before they shall 

 be obliterated for ever. The reader will please to observe 

 thai these observations w^ere made, as it were, by stealth. I 

 had other duties to perform, and was enabled to take these 

 measurements by an enthusiasm which awoke me in my tent 

 at midnight, assisted me to prepare my breakfast before day, 

 and sent me into the cold bleak fields on a November morn- 

 ing, to finish the admeasurements of a whole group of figures 

 before the usual time of commencing the labors of the day. 

 I had no time to turn aside to examine still other groups, 

 evidently more extensive and interesting than those which 



X 



