EXCAVATIONS AT MATJMBURY RINGS. 259 



extended across the cutting from N.N.E. to S.S.W., and 

 suddenly terminated at its junction with Shaft V. From 

 the latter point towards the S.S.W. a clearly defined trench 

 was observed in the chalk rubble, filled with mould ; it was 

 2'2ft. deep below the level of the gangway, and 1'Sft. wide 

 at the top. It is seen in section in the end face of the 

 cutting, Plate IV. In it, Romano-British pottery and a 

 small piece of bronze bordering (No. 230) were found. 



Along the E. edge of the digging the solid arena-floor was 

 reached, at a depth of 3'2ft. below the surface, bounded by the 

 inner trench which proved to be even more complicated in 

 design than elsewhere. It had a ledge, or step, on either side, 

 the outer one being at a lower level than the inner. The bottom 

 of the trench, which was not straight, was at an average depth 

 of 2 1 75ft. below the arena-floor ; its width at top varied 

 from 3*2ft. to 4'5ft., and at the edge of the steps from 1ft. to 

 I'Oft. Along its bottom was a series of oval holes, the centres 

 averaging 5ft. apart. The two N. ones were very shallow, 

 but the two at the S. were deeper, while the middle hole, 2' 7ft. 

 by 1'Sft., was much larger than any of the others, and en- 

 croached considerably upon the outer step. The former 

 existence of posts in these depressions was not proved. 

 Another peculiar feature was a couple of holes, 6ft. apart, 

 recessed into the inner step of the trench, somewhat similar 

 in character to the three oblong holes in Cutting II. Extension, 

 although there is no proof that they served a similar purpose. 

 Two square post-holes were also found here, one of which 

 penetrated the solid chalk of the inner step (seen in Plate IV.). 



In the filling of the inner trench a piece of pointed iron (No. 

 237) was found ; a large flint hammer-stone (No. 240), bearing 

 traces of prolonged use, resting on the bottom ; and over the 

 outer step fragments of a Romano-British pottery vessel 

 with a handle and traces of the plug for attachment. 



Just above the arena-floor on the E. a group of four stones 

 was discovered ; one was large, having sides measuring from 

 14|in. to 16in. ; its top was l'4ft. above the floor. Two 

 other stones, one above the other, were at a short distance to 



