160 Finch on the Celtic Jlntiquities of Ainerica. 



and it is there we must look for the remains of their ahars 

 and cromlechs, their kistvaen and Tolmin. 



It may be asked if these are really druidical remains, 

 where are the Stonehenge, or the Abury, or the Carnao of 

 America, the reply is that the insular situation of Britain, 

 and the mountainous country of Bretagne were favorable 

 to the institutions and genius of the Celts, and it was in those 

 countries alone that the Druids erected those more splendid 

 monuments of their religion, which have attracted the most 

 powerful feelings of admiration and awe from passing ages. 



What connexion can there be between the ancient Celts 

 and Germans, who have been described by the pencil of a 

 Tacitus, and the wandering tribes who now inhabit the inte- 

 rior parts of America ? 



Beneath the majestic language of the Roman historian, 

 you may discover a picture of uncivilized tribes, varying not 

 much from the North American Indians. But these scorn- 

 ed even the slight trammels, which must be the bond of any 

 civilized society, and wished to be as free as the air they 

 breathed ; the love of liberty was to these poor savages a 

 meteor light, which divided them into weak, independent 

 tribes, who were continually at war. 



Before 1 close this essay, may 1 be allowed to say one 

 word to plead for the preservation of these monuments, 

 which should be to all Americans a subject of the most 

 anxious care. 



In other climes, superstition and despotism have contri- 

 buted to the overthrow of many a noble Celtic monument, 

 but in this land of freedom, it would be well, if legislative 

 power, or better still, if public opinion would throw its shield 

 around these remains, and protect the last monuments of a 

 former race. Americans should consider that one of these 

 cromlechs or Cairns, does more to elucidate the history of 

 -4fe|^heir native country, than the learning of Robertson, or 

 % the genius of BufFon. 



The Celts erected these monuments in order that they" 

 might speak to their children. 



" Quid nobis dicunt isti lapidesr 

 Positi sunt in monumentum." 



They prove that a nation of Celtic origin once inhabited 

 this continent. 



