REMAINS OF STONEHENOE. I 07 



these points seeming to overhang thne lower mountain, by which means 

 the eye plunged perpendicularly about the base of the peak. Meanwhile, 

 the sun, shining brightly upon the space where the view terminated at 

 the bottom of the mountain, increased thereby the sublimity of the 

 prospect. It is impossible to describe the terrific grandeur of the scene ; 

 but, indeed, the prospect is so frightful, that I believe it is rarely 

 contemplated with due composuie. 



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REMAINS OF STONEHENGE. 



Stonehenge is the most remarkable ancient monument now remaining 

 in this island; nor, indeed, is there known any where to exist so stupendous 

 an erection of the same character. Even in its present half-ruined 

 state, the venerable pile retains a majesty that strikes, at the first glance, 

 both the most refined and the rudest eye; and the admiration of the 

 beholder grows and expands as the more distinct conceptions of the 

 original plan of the structure gradually unfolds itself from amidst the 

 irregular and confused mixture of the standing and fallen portions, 

 which, for a short time, perplexes the contemplation. Stonehenge stands 

 at a short distance from Amesbury, Wiltshire, on the brow of one of 

 those broad and gentle elevations which undulate the vast level of 

 Salisbury Plain. The direction of the entrance, or avenue, is from north 

 east to south west; and this appears to have been the only entrance to 

 the enclosue in which the building stands ; which is formed by a circular 

 ditch, 369 yards in circumference, and having a slight rampart on the 

 inner side. The building stands in the centre of this circular area. An 

 outer circle of enormous upright blocks, having others upon them, as the 

 lintel of a door is placed upon side posts so as to form a kind of 

 architrave, has enclosed a space of 100 feet in diameter. The upright 

 stones in this circle had been originally thirty in number; but only 17 

 of them are now standing. That portion of the circle which faces the 

 north east is still tolerably entire, and the doorway at the termination of 

 the avenue may be said to be in perfect preservation. It consists of two 

 upright stones, each 13 feet in height, and between 6 and 7 feet in 

 breadth, with a third block placed over them, of about 12 feet in length, 

 and two feet eight inches in depth. The space between the two posts is 

 five feet, which is rather a wider interval than occurs between any two other 

 pillars. Through the circle the broad side of the stone is placed in the 



