43 Observations on a remarkable Cromlech [No. 31 



from it, stands the Cromlech consisting of a huge slab, sup- 

 ported by other flat stones of large dimensions, set on end 

 on the ground rock ; and having two rings of stones one en- 

 vironing the other, surrounding the base of the mound it 

 stands upon. Five or six persons might sit with ease in the 

 interior of the Cromlech. The only legend attached to it in 

 the rillage is, to the effect of its having been constructed by 

 demons ; the natives considering that, no human beings 

 were able to place these large monoliths in the position they 

 tenant. 



Cromlechs or Arthur's Quoits ( Coetne ArthorJ are com- 

 mon in England, Wales and Scotland, the most celebrated 

 ones I recollect, being Kits-Coty house near Aylesford in Kent, 

 which is surrounded by a ring of loose stone ; that at Drew 

 Staunton on Dartmoor ; and one in Anglesey thus spoken of. 



" Here were also the relics of a circle of stones, with the 

 Cromlech in the midst ; but all extremely imperfect. Two 

 of the stones are very large ; one which serves at present as 

 part of the end of a house, is 12 feet 7 inches high, and 8/eet 

 broad ; and another 11 feet high, and 23 feet in girth. Some 

 lesser stones still remain. This circle when complete, was one 

 of the temples of the Druids in which their religious rites 

 were performed." 



In Brittany, the ancient Armorica, these edifices are called 

 Grotte aux Fees, Roche aux Fees, names indicating the su- 

 perstition connected with them by the vulgar ; and which is 

 similar to that entertained by the natives at Pullicondah, 

 But by our antiquaries, the Cromlechs are regarded as ancient 

 altars, erected by the Druids, who made sacrifices upon them, 

 kept sacred fires burning ; or whereon they were accustom- 

 ed to stand when delivering an address to the people. To 

 whichever use they were applied, it is certain, the Cromlechs 

 with their double rings of stones, are of Celtic Scythian ori- 

 gin, since they are found wherever that ancient people or 



