tTHE EtTDE STONE MONtTMENTS OF COENWALL. 7? 



It seems to me tliat the wisest course in these matters is to 

 bring all the examples of each class of monument, so far as 

 possible, under review, in order to ascertain their common features. 

 Then, to interpret these by the facts of human nature. In these 

 features, it is evident, their purpose and meaning must be found — 

 if it be found at all. The true theory must be capable of universal 

 application. Variation must always be regarded as an accident, 

 not an essential. Unfortunately, however, many of the hypotheses 

 which have been proposed — indeed the greater number — have 

 been the plain result of laying undue stress upon exceptional 

 characters. Such characters have their interest — they may have 

 their value ; but their place is subordinate. The fact that a man 

 has eyes, is of more importance than their colour. The points 

 that differentiate a building, between a human-dwelling on the one 

 hand and a cattle-shed on the other, are more significant in 

 principle than the variations between one dwelling and another — 

 great as these may be. 



Stone Circles. 



What then, in the first place, are the points common to the 

 Stone Circles of Cornwall — or, in other words, what are their 

 essential features as a class of rude stone monuments? Two 

 points strike us at once. 



In the first place, their shape is more or less circular. 



In the second, they are formed of stones set on end, at 

 varying distances from each other. 



These two characteristics are self-evident ; what can we find 

 more? 



It is clear that a feature which varies so considerably as 

 their size, cannot be an essential. The largest circle in Cornwall 

 is the Stripple Stones, 148|^ feet in diameter ; and this is closely 

 followed by the Fernacre, of 146, and the Stannon, of 138 feet. 

 Next come the three Hurler circles, respectively 135, 110, and 

 105 feet. The Trippet Stones are 104^ feet over, and the Leaze 

 circle 83^. These are all in East Cornwall ; with the Duloe circle 

 of 36i feet. 



The largest circle in "West Cornwall is that of Boscawen-un, 

 80 feet ; closely followed by the BoUeit circle, 75^ feet. The 

 Boskednan circle is nearly 69|- feet, while the chief Tregaseal 

 circle is 65 feet, and the chief Wendron is put at 52. 



