340 



§arroto on Jornibfoaj) pill. 



By Mr. Cunwikgton, P.G.S. 

 OR the sake of recording* all that is known of the history of 

 British Barrows it is sometimes desirable to mention those 

 ' cases (by no means infrequent) in which the antiquary is 

 disappointed in his search for relics of the ancient burial. Two 

 such instances are here given. 



June 18th, 1883. Barrow " a." (Rev. A. C. Smith's Map). 

 Though it had been previously opened it was thought desirable to 

 make further search, as no record exists of its history. 



It is a round barrow of 53ft. in diameter, within a slight vallum 

 of about 9in. in height, and nearly 4ft. in width. Situated on rising 

 ground it appears to be higher than it really is. The original 

 height was probably not more than 3ft. On digging into it a large 

 cavity was found ot 10ft. in length, by 7|ft. wide. It contained 

 neither human remains nor implements of any kind. Nor were 

 there traces of ashes. It is probable that the large size of this 

 hollow may be due to ill-judged excavations, made in seeking for 

 treasure on the spot. 



August 6th, 1884. Barrow " e." (Rev. A. C. Smith's Map), in 

 the plantation on the N.W. of Roundway Hill. The site chosen for 

 this barrow is remarkable, as it is situated on the most prominent 

 point of the hill, which, before the trees were planted, commanded 

 a very rich and extensive view. It is a round barrow with slight 

 traces of a vallum; in diameter about 52ft., in height 3ft. It had been 

 opened before, the middle part having been much disturbed, and this 

 had been done before it was planted with trees. In the centre an 

 oblong rectangular cist was found, about 4ft. in length, by 20in. in 

 width, and lft. deep, in the natural chalk. Direction of the cist, 

 N.E. and S.W. No remains of any kind were in it, nor were there 

 any ashes or other traces of the original occupier in any part of 

 the mound that was examined ; with the exception of a small doubly- 

 wrought flint flake, dug up in an undisturbed part of the barrow, at 



