224 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 



The heap of stones, Group II., was about 2'45ft. high above 

 the chalk floor, and consisted of about twenty large and small 

 slabs set irregularly in rich brown mould, which in places 

 appeared to contain decayed traces of mortar. One of the 

 larger stones, which was a worked one, had mortar adhering in 

 patches to both faces. The other pieces of stone measured from 

 3 Jin. to 1 3 Jin. across. Towards the base of the heap about four 

 nodules of flint, averaging 5^in. long, were found. 



Under this group of stones and about 2in. above the floor was 

 a thin seam of marly soil, which extended towards the E.S.E. 

 and S. as far as the first heap of stones and under it. Patches of 

 a ferruginous sandy loam were also observed under Group II. 



When the heap was removed it was found to stand in a slight 

 depression in the chalk floor, about yin. deep on the N. and E., 

 but on the S. and S.W. there was no perceptible hollow, but a 

 slight line scored circularly, showing that a mark 2ft. in diameter 

 had been made to indicate the position in which the heap was to 

 be placed. A similar mark and depression was discovered last 

 year under Group I. 



In removing Group II. the following objects were found : 

 Piece of the base of a pot of hard New Forest ware, three bits of 

 brown Romano-British potter}', parts of five iron nails, and 

 thirteen flint flakes. 



It has been suggested that the two groups of stones may have 

 supported in one case a figure of Victory, or Nike, holding a 

 wreath, and in the other Mercury or Hermes, winged and holding 

 a wreath and palm branch,* and perhaps having sandals with 

 wings at the ankles. 



Near the top of Group II. and on the S. side was a slab of 

 stone, about i^in. thick, scored rather faintly with a chequered 

 design, as if intended originally for a draught-board. It is 

 figured in the accompanying illustration, ~ scale linear. The 



* On this point see a coloured reproduction of a painting in the amphitheatre at 

 Pompeii, Potnpeiana, Sir Wm. Gell, 18o2, 3rd edition, p. 19J, 



