: . 232 EXCAVATIONS AT MAUMBURY RINGS. 



The eastern wall of the den, measuring i2'5ft. long was very 

 regular ; at the N. corner it rounded towards the E. to form the 

 arena wall, at the base of which two post-holes were uncovered, 

 both containing traces of wood* and one a piece of iron. The 

 western wall was less regular ; it made a similar turn to continue 

 as the arena wall to the W., one post-hole being found at the 

 foot of the arena wall as far as the excavation was carried. Not 

 far to the E., but quite clear of the wall, two other holes were 

 disclosed, one of D-section, the other smaller and circular (the 

 first circular hole yet found). 



A thick patch of soft chalk plaster was discovered adhering to 

 the top of the roughly-hewn wall at the N.W. corner, as if 

 intended to fill a weak spot in the chalk. The " shingle " found 

 so commonly on the floor in the arena cuttings was equally 

 abundant here. The solid floor of the den was covered, 

 especially in the W. half, by compact puddled chalk, probably 

 the result of the trampling of animals. The large number of 

 fragments of red tile and a few slabs of Purbeck limestone found 

 on and near the floor suggested the former existence of a roof 

 here, but no evidence in the way of a supporting framework was 

 brought to light. 



The relics found in the den were not of great interest. Much 

 Roman potter}-, however, was found at depths of from 3ft. to the 

 bottom, including red Samian, a large piece of an amphora, and 

 a potterj r disc not perforated. Iron nails and fragments of iron, 

 including a ring, were also numerous at all levels, and on the 

 floor a spike-nail, 4! in. long, with traces of wood adhering to it, 

 and a hob-nail, together with a piece of wood identified as oak.f 

 A well patinated pin of a penannular brooch was found near the 

 bottom at a depth of 9ft. 



* Mr. Clement Reid, F.R.S., was unable to identify this wood owing to its very 

 decayed condition. 



t This was also examined by Mr. Reid, who observed that it was curious that 

 hardly any wood other than oak turned up in Roman sites. 



