624 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1888. 



and bottom shaped like a box or chest (Kist) and covered with stones 

 like a cairn, may be older, but they may also have only been the sep- 

 ultures of a poorer people. 



The dolmens, usually square but sometimes round, were made in the 

 form of chambers, sometimes as small as 4 by 6 feet, 4 feet high ; some- 

 times these were 16 feet wide, 30 feet long, and 8 feet high. Most of the 

 dolmens consist of a single chamber, but many have as many as six 

 lateral chambers. They are made of huge flat unhewn granite stones, 

 which are stood on end or edge to form the sides and ends of the cham- 

 bers.* The covering stones (which are called tables) are large, and a 

 single one is sometimes sufficient to cover the entiremouument.t The 

 dolmens usually have a gallery or corridor leading to the chamber, 

 made in the same way. This is for approach to the chamber. This 

 gallery is about 3 or 4 feet wide and as many or more high, sufficient 

 for a man to make easy entrance. It is sometimes blocked with an- 

 other slab of granite at the inside and nearest the chamber, sometimes 

 at the outside, and sometimes both. Fig. 2| will explain this. In this 

 example the door has fallen in. Their orientation is irregular. They 

 open in every direction, north and south, east and west; but there are 

 more to the south than to the north, and more to the east than to the 

 west. The greater number open towards the southeast. For purposes 

 of comparison the ground plan of several of the important dolmens are 

 here given. § It will be perceived that though they are all one general 

 type, yet no particular or precise form has been invariably followed in 

 their construction. Each one has its own individuality and differs from 

 any other. 



The line unshaded lines indicate the covering stones. The direction 

 of the opening is indicated by letters SSB, etc. 



(1; Dolmen of Kerlescant, at Carnac. This opens to the west. This dolmen is 

 what is usually denominated Allee converte. 



(2) Dolmen of Kervilor, at Trinitfe-sur-Mer. Opening to SSE., one side square and 

 one side round. 



(3) Dolmen du Rocher, at Plougoumelen. Opening to SSE. 



(4) Dolmen of Crucuno— same as P"'ig. l.|| Opening to SE., chamber rectangular. 



(5) Dolmen of Keroed-Kerzu, at Crach. Opening to east, circular chamber. 



(6) Dolmen of Ben-er-Groah, at Lochmariaquer. Opening south, two successive 

 circular chambers. 



(7) Dolmen of Kervihan, Carnac. Two chambers, semi -circular, with alley be- 

 tween. Opening SSE. 



(8) Dolmen of Keriaval, near Plouharnel-Carnac. Three lateral chambers, ojiening 

 east. 



(9) Second dolmen of Man^ Kerioned, near Plouharnel. This is one of three in 

 the same tumulus — side bf side — opening south, and is elaborately sculptured on the 

 face of the supports. 



(10) Three dolmens of Rondessec, at Plouharnel, all under the same tumulus, open- 

 ing SSE. In one of these was found a pair of gold bracelets, one of which is still to 

 be seen at Pere Gaillard's, Plouharnel. 



(11) Small type dolmen of Kermario, Carnac. Opening to southeast. 



* Plate xcv, Fig. 1 ; Plate xcviii, Fig. 1. t Plate xcv. || Plate cvii. 



t Plate xcvii, Fig. 2. § Plate xcix. 



