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On Siqyposcd carhj Celtic - [No. ooj 



IV. — On Stipposcd early Celtic or- Scythian Vestiges, remaining 

 in various parts of the Carnaiic. By the Rev. W. Taylok. 



The paper by Captain H. Congreve, No. 5, in the 31st number 

 of the Madras Journal of Literature and Science attracted my at- 

 tention at the time of publication ; and awakened the recollection 

 of inquiries made by me several years since, and of some recent 

 conversation, on northern tribes and people, with a German Literate, 

 to whom I may have occasion more fully to advert. The incident — 

 occurring as far back as 1835 — which first drew my attention to the 

 general subject, may best appear presently in its own connexion. 

 After reading Captain Oongreve's paper, there rested on my mind a 

 vague impression not only that I had written something pertaining to 

 that matter, but also tliat it was printed. I searched the Madras 

 Journal in vain, and also another Madras periodical, with the same 

 result. But now very recently, when engaged on the manuscript"^' 

 entitled " Congudesa rajahal^'' and in turning over some past studies, 

 long neglected, I met with copies of papers in the Tamil language, 

 and with translations of the two principal ones ; accompanied by an 

 introduction, in the shape of a letter to the Editor of the Madras 

 Journal, written in the rough, but not copied fair; and, as appears 

 tolerably evident, set aside, on my attention being attracted in 1836 

 to the revisal of part of Rottler's Dictionary. The whole matter had 

 faded from my recollection, until imperfectly revived by the paper 

 adverted to. What I may have to state may be better received 

 aftet the publication of Captain Congreve's paper; and it has greatly 

 helped me to clear up what was to me obscure, as to old remains 

 sometimes termed " houses," and sometimes " pits." The Crom- 

 lechs it now appears, are the ancient houses ; and to be distinguish- 

 ed from ancient excavations : concerning both of Avhich matter is 

 forthcoming. 



In the development of my present object, it seems to me best, to 

 insert a copy of what I had written as an introduction, divested of its 

 epistolary form. Then to add the two translations made previoufsly 

 to writing that introduction ; to give a translation, which I shall 



* To prevent mistake it may now (Juno 1818) be expedient to note, that this present 

 paper was forwarded soon after the publication of No. 31. T!ic Manuscript referred to, 

 transhifed with notes, appeared in iNo. Zl] tlio selection, of course, resting with the 

 Editor. 



