1864.] 



The Pillar Towers of the British Islands. 



565 



their number among turbulent races, as compared with those in more 

 peaceful countries ; the few in Scotland compared with the number 

 among the warlike inhabitants of ancient Ireland. They long retained 

 their sacred character, and while used for religious ceremonies, they 

 were found most useful as places of security and defence. There the 

 Priests deposited their most precious effects, as the monks of the present 

 day preserve their books, records, and other valuables in their in- 

 accessible monasteries in Egypt and Syria ; on the approach of danger 

 they carry their shrines of gold and silver, and holy relics, into their 

 Towers of safety. 



Round Towers which have no connection with religion are found 

 in many countries. In Egypt, where the inhabitants are subject 

 to the depredations of robbers, they resort to such Towers. That 



[TTTTTj fliff 



— ^ 



Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. 



delineated in the margin (Fig. 1) still exists where shepherds hold 

 watch, and in it they deposit all their most valuable goods, with their 

 women and children* When they have drawn up their rope-ladder 

 they can annoy their enemies with great effect. In border countries 

 where the people were turbulent and warlike, round towers often 

 exist in considerable numbers as the most useful and strongest 

 places of refuge. A good many of them are found on the ghauts, 

 in Hindustan ; on the road between Arcot and Bangalore ; and skirting 

 the Mysore country. They are from 50 to 60 feet in height, with 

 a door 12 or 15 feet from the ground, reached by means of a ladder : 

 this was drawn up and the door secured. These Towers are often of 

 considerable size, the lower part being used for harbouring cattle. 

 Where the doors are closed, the garrison could easily defend 

 # L'Egypte Etat modern, quoted by Dr. Kitto. 



