64 arbor low excavations in t9ot and t902. 



Excavations in the Small Dyke connected with the 



Vallum of Arbor Low on the south-west. 



(See Plan, Page 41.) 



The primary idea of excavating here was to ascertain 

 whether the ditch of this small dyke continued under the 

 rampart of Arbor Low itself, and if possible to prove its age 

 by means of any relics that might be found. The ditch on 

 the surface is marked only by a very slight depression, and 

 the bank at the present day averages only 1-5 foot (45*7 cm.) 

 above the level of the surrounding field. Doubtless the bank 

 was higher at the time of construction, but denudation has 

 intervened, and loss by material gradually sliding down, thus 

 assisting in the formation of the silting of the ditch. A 

 section, 7 feet (2-13 m.) wide, was first made through the bank 

 and ditch at a point 170 feet (51*82 m.) from the centre of 

 Arbor Low, and within the area of the plan. The finds in 

 the ditch here were : a small worked flake of yellowish-brown 

 colour and translucent, depth 1-2 foot (37 cm.), "22" on 

 plan, and the accompanying section, fig. 8 \ and a flint flake, 

 depth i'8 foot (55 cm.), " 24 " on plan and section. The 

 bank yielded : At " 27 " on plan and section, depth 0-9 foot 

 (27 cm.), on the level of the "old surface line," a well-formed 

 greyish-white chert (or flint) end-scraper, exhibiting signs of 

 considerable use. It is figured in plate VI., No. 27. At 

 "30" on plan, and section, depth 0-7 foot (21 cm.), a greyish 

 flint scraper, very smooth and worn, indicating prolonged use. 

 It is figured in plate VI., No. 30. These implements (Nos. 27 

 and 30) are undoubtedly of the date of the construction of 

 the dyke. 



No further excavation of the bank was made, but the 

 exploration of the ditch was extended for 4.5 feet (1-37 m.) 

 to the north, and produced the following stone objects : At 

 " 25 " on plan and section, a long greyish-white chert flake, 

 with rough and irregular serrations along both edges, depth 

 2 feet (61 cm.); the oblique top does not appear to have been 



