320 



Wayland Smith's Cave or Cromlech. 



which have boon in all ages respected and carefully protected from 

 the rude hands of men. The very fact of such gigantic labours 

 having been bestowed upon their erection is a proof of the reverence 

 they felt for the mortal remains of their friends. It was not likely, 

 therefore, that they would have erected chambers for their reception, 

 open not only to the light and to the elements, but to the irreverent 

 gaze and treatment of different and hostile tribes. 



And this would lead him, (Mr. Lukis,) to touch upon one other 

 point, viz., his entire disbelief in the use and appropriation of the 

 cap-stones of Cromlechs for the sacrifice of human victims. This 

 was, he thought, an idea pretty generally exploded, now that their 

 sepulchral nature had been satisfactorily ascertained. The cap- 

 stones having been always covered with a mound would also render 

 this use of them impossible. 



Mr. Cunnington agreed with Mr. Lukis as to the non- sacrificial 

 nature of Cromlechs in general, and of Wayland Smith's Cave in 

 particular. He also disputed Professor Donaldson's conclusions 

 with reference to Boulders, and said there could be but little doubt 

 that at a very remote period the whole of the chalk district of 

 England was covered with sand. The action of the sea having 

 removed the softer portions, the more solid masses were left scattered 

 over the surface in the manner they were now seen. 



Mr. Estcourt said some years ago he beard Professor Buckland 

 give a familiar explanation of the origin of the stones. Dr. Thurnam 

 also disputed some portions of the learned Professor's theory, sup- 

 porting his view by reference to a ground-plan of the spot hitherto 

 unpublished, which was made by Aubrey about the latter third of 

 the 17th century. His remarks, as well as some further observa- 

 tions made by him, at the request of Sir John Awdry and other 

 members, when the Cave was visited the next day, will be found 

 in the following paper. 



