ftECENT DI3C0VEEIES AT OKEFOBD FITZPAINE. 93 



now pass on to mention that the large femur, or thigh bone, was 

 laid in the apparent length of the skull marked No. 1 . The 

 consideration of the teeth next demands our attention. They 

 are in a remarkable state of preservation, but, you will observe, 

 worn down to a very smooth surface, as though the former 

 owners lived on grain and roots. One incisor tooth, for example, 

 gives one the idea that the owner suffered from toothache, but 

 on closer investigation you will perceive that there is no decay, 

 but that the corresponding tooth, be it upper or be it lower, had 

 from grinding pressure worn its way into the specimen now in 

 my hand. I may mention that aU these details are of immense 

 importance, and may serve to throw some light upon the 

 character of the tribe or race who doubtless came to an untimely 

 end in some sanguinary struggle on this bare hill-side. There 

 are evidences of small earthworks around the spot, and a way or 

 path over the hill in the direction of Wrawlsbury Eings. Ee- 

 f erring for the last time to skuU No. 1 , I may add that when 

 in situ the hole in the side of the head was nearly round. I 

 regret that by incautious handling it has been made larger ; at 

 first sight it gave me the idea that it may have been caused by 

 a sling stone, as this skull was more full of stones and soil than 

 either of the others. The skull marked No. 4 presents a much 

 higher frontal development than that marked No. 1. These 

 numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 were discovered on the north-east side, 

 whereas the battered and mis-shapen skull, No. 5, was found on 

 the south-west side of the pit. The pit in question stands mid- 

 way between two other pits, all within a quarter of a mile, and 

 I am informed that human remains are plentiful in each. Some 

 two years ago, in the lower pit, on the verge of the green sand, 

 the workmen came upon a skeleton in a vertical position, with a 

 large stone upon its head, pointing to an upright interment. I 

 feel that I have now trespassed long enough upon your time, 

 and perhaps there are those present who may be able to throw 

 some additional light upon the subject. I conclude with this 

 observation — that whether the remains be Belgic, British, Celtic, 

 Saxon, Danish, or Eoman, I know not, or what their past 



