346 } NATURE 
such as would ever be used for a chamber in a tumulus, 
but as a pent-roof is singularly suitable for an open-air 
monument.” 
The Chywoone cromlech has a peculiar convex-shaped 
cap-stone or pent-roof ; so much so, that “ the Quoit itself, 
seen from a distance, looks much like amushroom.” Mr, 
Borlase calls it the most perfect and compact cromlech 
in Cornwall. On exploration, “fit was first of all dis- 
Fic. 1,—Restoration of sole remaining chamber of Lanyon Cromlech, showing fallen side slabs, View from the east. 
in such a manner as to make it impossible for any of the 
rubbish of the mound to find its way into the kist.” 
Mr. Borlase remarks that “the xoscitur a socio is a 
principle too lightly regarded by those on whom it forces 
a conclusion they do not like. In the case of antiquities 
it is, if judiciously used, extremely valuable.” Applying 
this principle to the two Lanyon cromlechs, is it not just 
possible that some former owner of the upper cromlech 
om 
js 
“ 
_oUTAS 
Wy ¢ — 
Ne Sie a 2 LI VU, SX 
Ne a ee LGN yi 
: iF A ws 
sisiyss ar 20s oe ee 
sans ity Spas > k feng, 
Fig, 2.—5ketch of Lanyon Quoit. from the north-west, 
gentleman’s park, more as an ornamental monument than 
as an archzological record, It is noticeable that in its 
immediate vicinity is a heap of stones overgrown with 
thicket, which evidently had some connection with the 
structure, which was composed of more than four stones, 
In conclusion, it seems to me that the distinction be- 
TO RE FE MR a ie Bo oe AA ae 
—--t— +. a bee ae ee Ss ae ed 
t 
[Aug. 28, 1873, 
covered that the building rested on the solid ground, and 
not on the surrounding tumulus in which it had been 
subsequently buried.” . . “The barrow or cairn, 
which in some places nearly reaches the top of the side 
stones on the exterior, is thirty-two feet in diameter, and 
was hedged round by aring of upright stones.” . . . 
“Tt was discovered that the interstices between the side 
stones had been carefully protected by smaller ones placed 
has done what the late owner of the lower one did, viz.,* 
“remarking that the earth was rich, he thought it might 
be useful for a compost. Accordingly he sent his servants 
soon after to carry it off, when, having removed near 
hundred cartloads, they observed the supporters of a 
cromléh.” : ae 
After the above it is hardly necessary to allude to the 
Caerwynen cromlech, which has been re-erected in 
es 
wa 
Yoder sitwestes 
; nett” ate 
inp o 
tween the dolmens proper and the kist-vaen cromlechs 
only adds to the difficulties surrounding the subject, and 
I fear that Mr. Borlase’s letter will not tend to strengthen 
an already weak cause, : 4 
Pendennis Castle S. P, QLIVER © 
* “Nenia Cornubiz,” p. 43. 
