206 FORESTRY OF NORWAY. 
were used as grooves through which the ropes passed is 
evident from the fact that their circular openings are 
completely worn by use—a proof, at the same time, that 
this ship must have frequently ploughed the sea before 
finding a last resting-place in the grave mound. How these 
pieces of wood, which are constructed of excellent oak, 
were fastened to the mast or the body of a ship, isa 
problem, the solution of which will be of great interest. 
If this point be successfully cleared up we will obtain a 
hitherto unexpected insight into the method in which a 
Norwegian Viking ship was handled during manceuvres in 
the eighth or ninth century. Among the other wooden 
implements are several spades almost entire. A fact of 
very great interest is the finding of many shields, or, 
speaking more correctly, remnants of shields; for of the 
wooden sbield nothing has been preserved to us but the 
iron plate which strengthened its outer side. From the 
present position of these remnants it is evident that a 
great part of the inner side of the bulwarks formed 
hanging places for the shields of the crew. The distance 
between each shield is found to be almost exactly 1} feet, 
aud it is probable that the number of the shields nearly 
corresponds with the number of fighting men on board; 
Of human remains only a few calcined bones have, as yet, 
been found, which seem to indicate that either the bedies 
of these latter, or of the persons buried on the spot had 
been burned. On the other hand, the skeletons of three 
horses have been discovered, two on the right and one on 
left side of the stern. It is possible that the opening of 
the grave itself, which is in the centre of the ship, may 
bring more human remains to light ; but the latter remains 
as yet untouched, the principal object having hitherto 
been to free the ship in its entire length and breadth from 
the surrounding masses of earth. After the excavation 
has been completed the ship will be drawn up to the 
surface.’ 
The roof of a cathedral church, built in what is popu: 
