1 82 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



Canon Grainger, D.D., M.R.I.A., in the chair — when two 

 communications were brought forward. The first was by Mr. 

 William Gray, M.R.I.A., entitled " Notes on the Rude Stone 

 Monuments of Antrim and Down." After some introductory 

 remarks, Mr. Gray stated that he intended to refer to two 

 classes of erections, known as cromlechs and cashels. Referring 

 to the former, he noticed that much difference existed among 

 writers as to the meaning of the word, as also the class of 

 erections to which the name should be restricted, briefly 

 stating the views of the leading archaeologists. The reader 

 agreed with the late Mr. Du Noyer, in defining a cromlech to 

 be a large stone, supported on two or more stones, and covering 

 a more or less defined chamber. The theories put forward to 

 account for their erection were stated, some considering they 

 were sacrificial altars, others that they marked the site of hidden 

 treasure — a supposition which, doubtless, in early days, caused 

 the destruction of many by the hands of the ruthless Dane. 

 Recent search has, however pretty clearly proved that they 

 must be considered sepulchral, as human remains have almost 

 invariably been found under them when proper search was 

 made. Having pointed out the difference between cromlechs 

 and the erections known as kistvaens, Mr. Gray then proceeded 

 to give a synopsis of the geographical distribution of these 

 remarkable monuments, commencing with India. They are 

 found scattered widely over that vast province, and extending 

 far into China. They are also found in Northern Africa, 

 throughout Italy and Central Europe, and as far north as 

 Norway and Sweden. In Western Europe they occur in Spain. 

 France, and the British Isles, and strange to relate, some 

 writers minutely describe examples in distant lands, but over- 

 look the fact that the North of Ireland is perhaps more closely 

 studded with them than any other country of similar extent^ 

 Mr. Gray, referring to a large series of drawings illustrating 

 these structures, pointed out the characteristics and peculiarities 

 of about forty which he had sketched and measured in our two 

 home counties. The second part of the paper referred to the 



