By Mr. Cunnirtgton, F.G.S* 



107 



here some interesting specimens were obtained. Carefully examining 

 all the ground as we proceeded, we at length reached an undisturbed 

 part, with the conical mound of flints and sarsen stones unbroken. 

 Here there were three skulls, and numerous other bones, which had 

 not previously been disturbed, but there was no exception, in this 

 part o£ the barrow, to the condition of utter disorder in the interment, 

 as above mentioned. 



We obtained altogether six skulls, one very perfect ; the rest, 

 after much labour, were sufficiently restored to allow of measure- 

 ment. There were fragments of ten or twelve others— the relics 

 in all of at least sixteen persons. The majority of these, there can 

 be no doubt, were killed by severe cleavage of the skull. This 

 cleavage must have been accomplished by means of a sharp edged 

 implement, and with much force. The fractures pass sharply through 

 thick parts of the bone, but do not usually continue in a straight 

 line, such as would follow the blow of a sword. A flint celt, with 

 its wedge-shaped edge, would probably be well suited to this fell 

 purpose. It is curious to note that, with one exception, the blows 

 were inflicted on the left side of the cranium ; as was also the case 

 in a skull found in this barrow, by Dr. Thurnam, in 1864. Hence 

 we may safely draw the conclusion that these old Britons were a 

 right-handed race. In one instance, at least, it appears that the 

 victim had been beheaded, as a neck vertebra, found amongst the 

 loose bones, had evidently been cut in two by some sharp instrument. 



Three of the skulls were found in an upright position, resting on 

 the lower jaw and the base of the skull, showing that they must 

 have been detached from the body, and thus placed, when originally 

 interred. This was the case with the fine skull, No. 1, which was 

 almost uninjured. The lower jaw must have been still attached at 

 the time of burial, as it was found in the natural position. But, in 

 contradistinction to this case, is the lower mandible No. 16, which; 

 when found, had a dentate vertebra slipped over the left condyle, 

 leading to the obvious conclusion that this jaw must have been 

 detached from the skull previous to interment. 



Only five thigh bones were found sufficiently perfect to afford 

 measurements from which to estimate the stature of the individuals* 



