426 [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



pit theory (the chalk removed as a top-dressing for land, as in 

 many modern instances), and the refuge theory. The latter 

 seems the most satisfactory solution regarding the groups of 

 ancient deneholes. As to age, they are post-neolithic, some 

 cases merely pre-Roman, and others (judging from the "finds") 

 Roman. 



The lecturer then drew attention to the mining for flints 

 carried on at Brandon from immemorial times to the present day. 

 A large number of slides were thrown on the screen, those 

 illustrating the work at Brandon being sent by Mr. F. Hembry, 

 of London. Among the pictures was one of a lady, suspended 

 over the mouth of a denehole, about to be lowered by the aid of 

 a windlass. 



The second part of the paper was "Souterrains in Antrim 

 and Down," visited by the lecturer since her last paper before 

 the Club two years ago, and consisted of structures at Timin- 

 ary, Shank Bridge, Fort Hill, and Crebilly, all in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Ballymena. Also at Ballyhill, Ballymartin, Glen- 

 dun, Cullybackey, Knockdhu, Scawt Hill, all in Co. Antrim. 

 In Co. Down one at Slanes, Nr. Cloughey, Slieve-no-Boley, 

 Backaderry Cross Roads, and Henan's Fort, also' a series of 

 photos, taken of a souterrain at Lucan by Mrs. Shackleton, 

 with the lecturer in the entrance. Some of these "coves," as 

 they are called in the country, are as long as 120 feet, and have 

 chambers varying in number up to- seven or eight. The struc- 

 tures, though similar in many cases, show great diversity, no 

 two being alike. 



In addition toi views of many of the openings, Mrs. Hobson 

 had pictures of several cromleacs, menhirs, cistvaens, quite 

 near to the souterrains mentioned, and plans by her daughter, 

 Miss F. F. Hobson, from, measurements taken on the spot; 

 also a model of one at Shankbridge, giving an excellent idea of 

 the m.ode of construction, being built up of tiny stones, and 

 roofed over with long, narrow slabs, all of unhewn stone. 



The lecturer said she could not close without saying how 

 great was the kindness and hospitality bestowed upon her by 



