152 Megalithic Structures [April, 



eight feet. The westernmost upright block is almost identical 

 in size and shape with those blocks occupying similar positions 

 in the cromlechs of the Creux des Fees, Mont Ube, and the 

 Pocquelaye. 



On the north side of the L'Ancresse Cromlech, under the largest 

 capstone, an evident disturbance of the pristine condition of the 

 structure has taken place, one of the side blocks having been pushed 

 outwards apparently, and smaller stones added, so as to form a 

 supplementary kist, in which human remains were found, indicating 

 a secondary interment. It would take up too much space to detail 

 the relics found at the excavation of this structure ; it is sufficient 

 to mention that they were all attributable to the Stone age, and 

 have been fully described by Mr. Lukis in the Archseologia, and by 

 Messrs. Worsaae and Thorns. 



Divergent from the partially-destroyed circle which surrounds 

 the cromlech are two paved causeways, leading in a winding track 

 to the N.W. and N.E. Lines of Menhirs must probably have 

 been associated with them. We cannot help noticing the similarity 

 of some causeways observed by Capt. Parry in the Calthorp Islands 

 in 1822, in connection with some deserted Esquimaux stone g alter ied- 

 huts, amongst which human skulls, lapis-ollaris lamps, and glass 

 beads, were lying about u as usual." 



" Leading from the huts towards the highest part of the island 

 was a curious path made by the natives, two feet in width, and 

 formed by removing the stones in places where they were naturally 

 abundant, and where the ground was bare, by placing two regular 

 and parallel rows at that distance apart. The only conjecture we 

 could form respecting the use of this artificial road was that it 

 might be intended for a deer path (those animals preferring a 

 regular or beaten track to any other), by which means the 

 Esquimaux might perhaps kill them from their usual ambush of 

 stones."* 



From the hill on which the great cromlech of L'Ancresse 

 stands, other megalithic structures can be seen ; for instance, in an 

 eastern direction, and near the foot of the hill, are various blocks of 

 stone, the relics of a cromlech, known from its position by a marshy 

 pond as La Mare aux mauves, not far from which again is a 

 portion of a stone circle, and some stone graves of the Bronze 

 period. In the centre of the common is an interesting Kistvaen, 

 consisting of a large oddly-shaped capstone (probably only a portion 

 of the original stone), supported on several props. On one of 

 these blocks are some barely-distinguishable cup-markings ;f whether 



* Vide Parry's ' Second Voyage,' p. 285. 



f Since writing the above, the author has again examined those cup-markings, 

 which, now that the lichens have been cleared out of them, present evident signs of 

 artificial handiwork. They are nine in number, at the side and top edges of the 

 N.E. prop.— S. P. O., February 4, 1870. 



