20 Wild Life in a Southern County 



that it was originally intended to be occupied by a large 

 force. With, modern artillery, the mitrailleuse, and above 

 all the breech-loading rifle, a comparatively small number 

 of men could hold a commanding position like this : a 

 steep ascent on three sides, and on the fourth a narrow 

 level ridge, easily swept by their fire. But when this 

 entrenchment was thrown up — the chalky earth and flints 

 probably carried up in osier-baskets, for they do not seem 

 to have had wheelbarrows in those times — every single 

 yard of rampart required its spear or threatening arrow, 

 so as to present an unbroken rank along the summit. If 

 not, the enemy approaching to close quarters and attacking 

 several places at once would find gaps through which they 

 might pour into the camp. It seems, therefore, evident 

 that these works once sheltered an army ; and, looking at 

 their massive character, it is difficult to resist the conclu- 

 sion that they were not temporary trenches merely, but 

 were permanently garrisoned. 



There is another alternative ; they may have been a 

 place of refuge for the surrounding population in the 

 nameless wars waged between rival kings. In that case 

 they would, when resorted to, contain a still larger number 

 of persons ; women and children and aged men would be 

 included, and to these must be added cattle and sheep. 

 Now, reflecting upon these considerations, and recollecting 

 the remarks previously made upon the lack of water on 

 these hills, the very curious question arises, How did such 

 an army, or such a refugee population with cattle and 

 horses, supply themselves with sufficient water for drinking 

 purposes ? The closest examination of the camp itself fails 

 to yield even a suggestion for an answer. 



There is not the slightest trace of a well, and it may 

 fairly be questioned whether a well would have been prac- 



