■^^S^alftg, 233 



pike road and through the toll-gate ; then the second road 

 on the right must be taken. Shortly after the summit has 

 been reached, a stile will be seen on the right, by which we 

 enter the field in which are the famous stones we are 

 seeking. They are forty-eight in number and form an oval ; 

 and there is a peculiarity in this case which distinguishes 

 this from all other Druidical monuments extant in England. 

 On the eastern side, within the circle, there is a small recess 

 formed by ten stones, forming an oblong figure. As Sou- 

 they observed, the spot is the most commanding that could 

 be chosen, short of a mountain-side : and it is indeed 

 nearly surrounded by mountains. 



The old legend about the last human sacrifice of the 

 Druids may belong to any of the monuments of that age 

 in the district; and is probably claimed for them all. 

 According to that old story ; when some people settled in 

 a clearing of the woods, beside a river, somewhere to the 

 south of the district, the priests took up their station further 

 north, among the mountains, where there were plenty of 

 stones fit and ready for their temple. After a time, a fever 

 laid waste the lower settlement ; and the oracle demanded 

 a sacrifice to appease the divine wrath. The lot fell on 

 a young girl who was betrothed; and, on an appointed 

 day, she was conveyed, with all the ceremonies, to the 

 temple. A small hut of wicker-work, like a large bee- 

 hive, was found set up on the western side of the tem- 

 ple. The girl was led into the circle, and placed in the 

 midst, while the dedication proceeded. We are even told that 

 she was adorned with an oak garland, and held mistletoe in 

 her hand. The whole population was looking on from a 

 distance : but it must have been within reasonable reach, as 

 every one was required to contribute a stick to the fire. The 

 wretched lover saw all from afar ; and he daringly resolved 



