430 



NORTHUMBERLAND. 



localities, were submitted to examination. These mounds, which 

 are almost invariably wanting- in any signs of an interment beyond 

 pieces of charcoal and burnt stone (if indeed such are to be con- 

 sidered as strictly indicative of burial), are usually found associated 

 in groups, sometimes in very considerable numbers. They are of 

 small size and slight elevation, and frequently have one or more of 



Fiff. 159. 4. 



much larger size placed amongst them, these latter being generally 

 found to contain cists. They are clearly artificial, and are sometimes 

 very carefully constructed, with stones overlapping one another in 

 a regular series commencing from the centre. It is my belief that 

 they have originally covered unburnt bodies, which had been placed 

 on the surface of the ground without being enclosed in a cist or 

 having any similar protection, and without (as the rule) having 

 either vase or implement buried with them; and to the circum- 



