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a small square nook, about ten inches by nine at the crown, and twelve 

 at the shoulders, was formed to receive the head of its tenant ; so that 

 in shape the grave was not unlike some mediaeval stone coffins, found 

 at the Black Abbey in Kilkenny. A small square flag was laid in it 

 to serve as a pillow. This grave measured six feet four inches long by 

 eighteen inches wide, and about twelve inches deep. The covering flags 

 were of green stone. Some of the same kind may be seen in the debris 

 of the chancel arch in the now ruined church, from which the grave is 

 about thirty paces distant to the north-west. Its axis is more to the 

 north-west than that of the old church. Inside the grave was found a 

 perfect human skeleton. The skull was not in the nook intended for 

 it, as it lay somewhat below it, lying on its right side. A more careful 

 examination proved that the body, which was undisturbed to this mo- 

 ment, was buried on its right side. The ribs of that side started up- 

 wards ; those of the left, or uppermost side, fell in their natural position. 

 The bone of the left arm lay across them ; the right was beside them, 

 at the side of the grave. The articulations of the spine lay in such a 

 way as to show unmistakeably the position now described. All the teeth 

 (26) were perfect, with the exception of one, the canine, of the right 

 side of the upper jaw ; they were much worn down on the top surface, 

 by triturition, an indication of a very ancient interment. The sutures 

 of the cranium could be traced, though they were well knitted ; 

 the bone of the thigh measured eighteen and one-half inches; all 

 the bones were of a deep copper colour. The orientation of the 

 grave is suggestive of a Christian interment. The head being at the 

 western end may prove that its owner was not a cleric (if then 

 the same custom prevailed as now, of burying a cleric with his 

 feet to the west).* No carving or inscriptions were discovered on 

 any of the stones connected with the grave, which, after being thus ex- 

 amined, was carefully secured to prevent further disturbance.! There is 

 reason to fear that Sunday excursionists and other idle persons have 

 been tampering with it, to gratify a vulgar and morbid curiosity. It is 

 probable that other graves, such as the one discovered, exist on the 

 island : human remains were turned up near the church, proving the 

 existence of an ancient cemetery. In the hollows between the hill and 



* In the ancient Basilicas the priest stood facing the people, the altar being between 

 him and them. He looked to the West, the congregation faced the East. This may 

 account for the distinction made in burying clerks with the head to the East; laics are 

 always buried in the opposite direction, with the head to the West. 



f On Sunday, May 31st, Dr. William K. Sullivan, M. R. I. A., Mr. R. D. Kane, and 

 the writer, went over to Ireland's Eye. The grave was again opened; its contents were 

 found in a state of disorder and confusion. As this discovery was much spoken of, num- 

 bers went across to see it, rummaging the grave, and disarranging the position of the 

 skeleton, &c. Dr. Sullivan fortunately secured the cranium uninjured, excepting the loss 

 of some teeth. This, with two other crania, a bit of iron, probably the back of a sAvord, 

 a jet ring, with other bones, &c, were presented to the Museum, when this paper, an- 

 nouncing their discovery, was read before the members of the Royal Irish Academy. 

 It. I. A. PEOC. — VOL. X. 2 Y 



