473 



But to come to some details of the druidical circles. They are very- 

 small, the largest not measuring above four or five feet in diameter, 

 There are a very considerable number of them, between thirteen and 

 twenty. Some are perfect, others in a dilapidated state. The stones of 

 which they are formed are evidently of the locality, and none are of large 

 dimensions. They are very rude, and there is no appearance of cutting 

 or dressing. There are also no signs of inscriptions, or designs of any 

 description. We fancied that we could trace one, if not two, large 

 circles enclosing the whole ; but it was exceedingly difficult to come to 

 any accurate opinion on the subject, owing to the state of the ground, 

 which was covered with snow. I trust that some competent antiquary, 

 with time at his disposal, will give a more detailed and satisfactory 

 description. 



Turning to the right, and ascending a hill of slight elevation, we 

 came to a kind of terrace overlooking the winding Gave d'Ossau. There 

 were no trees, bat a good deal of gorse, box, and the other usual Pyrenean 

 underwood. Here, after a little investigation, we discovered the 

 object of our search. In a nearly straight line, following the course 

 of the terrace, we found about a dozen similar circles. They were of 

 about the same dimensions, but the stones were rather larger (see PL 

 xxxii.). It probably had been less disturbed than the other, owing to the 

 superstitious dread which we heard prevails in the neighbourhood with 

 respect to them. They are supposed to be haunted by the loupgarou, 

 and no peasant would venture to approach them after dark. 



These are the only circles which we heard of; but I have little 

 doubt that, if the sides of this extensive chain of mountains were closely 

 examined, many more would be discovered. The whole of this country 

 doubtless was occupied by the Iberian race, of which the Basques are 

 the remnant ; and yet, strange to say, I have not been able to ascertain 

 that any undoubted monuments of that widespread family have been 

 discovered in the South of France. 



On our return, we went through Arudy to Buzy, on the road to 

 Oloron, and near that town visited a very interesting cromlech, or 

 dolmen, as they are called, in France. It is not a large one, but 

 in a good state of preservation. This is probably owing to its having 

 been originally buried in a stone mound. The tradition is, that some 

 thirty or forty years ago there was a band of robbers who haunted a 

 neighbouring wood, and they, holding the popular idea that such 

 monuments always contained treasures, took the pains of removing the 

 heap of stones, when the cromlech, and I believe no treasure, appeared. 

 It is not often that archseoiogy is indebted to men of their calling for 

 such valuable discoveries. The accompanying drawings give a perfect 

 idea of the Buzy cromlech (see PI. xxxiii.). 



