2 3° ^TT, Gray — Irish Cromlechs. 



If modern research had demonstrated that all cromlechs were 

 originally only chambers of tumuli, it would still be advisable 

 to use a term expressive of their present condition. For this 

 purpose the author considers the term " Cromlech" would be 

 the most appropriate. 



The original condition of all cromlechs as chambers in tumuli 

 is now incapable of proof, either in Great Britain or the Conti- 

 nent ; it would, therefore, be very unwise to adopt a term that 

 would express and perpetuate what must be only a conjectural 

 idea of the original condition of these monuments. 



This is a fatal objection to the position taken by Dr. Lukis, in 

 his controversy on the subject with Mr. Du Noyer, in which 

 the former suggests that the terms "Cromlech" and "Dolmen" 

 should be discarded, and the term "Chambered Tumulus" 

 substituted, employing this term in a generic sense.* 



Mr. Du Noyer, in common with Sir Gardiner Wilkinson and 

 Colonel Meadows Taylor,-]- adopts the term a Cromlech," but 

 limits it very properly to a distinct form of monument, and 

 states his reasons in a most exhaustive and valuable communi- 

 cation, published in the journal of the Kilkenny Archaeological 

 Society.! 



But the restrictions imposed by Mr. Du Noyer are embar- 

 rassing and confusing, because he would limit the term 

 "Cromlech" to such monumeuts as have been always sub- 

 cerial — a character that is incapable of proof in any case ; and 

 he further perplexes the matter by suggesting that the cromlechs 

 were not in themselves places of sepulchre — an opinion quite 

 untenable. See extract from O'Curry's lectures quoted above. 

 Besides, the character of the remains and objects found in the 

 chambers of so many Cromlechs proves they were places of 

 sepulchre. 



Objections have been urged against the use of the term 

 " Cromlech," because of its modern introduction, and because 



* Journal of Kilkenny Archaeological Society. Vol. V., page 495. 



t Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy. Vol. XXIV. Part 5. 1865. 



% Journal of Kilkenny Archaeological Society. Vol V. N.S. Page 474. 



