114 FROM THE CIMMERIAN BOSPORUS, 
chap, stone, fragments of volcanic rocks, pebbles from 
v i - 1 t _ „ , the sea-shore or from the beds of rivers, pro- 
miscuously mixed, and frequently covered by 
superincumbent earth. Stones were generally 
used in preference to earth, perhaps because 
they were more readily conveyed, and were 
likely to render the heap more durable. In the 
Isle of Tcman, where stones were not easily 
procured, it is curious to observe the ingenuity 
used to preserve the tombs from decay; first by a 
massive and gigantic style of architecture in the 
vault; then by a careful covering of earth ; further 
by a layer of sea- weed or the bark of trees, to ex- 
clude moisture ; and finally, by a stupendous heap 
of such materials as the country afforded. The 
stones whereof the Altyn Oho consists are all ot 
the same nature; and perhaps they are all natural 
to the soil. Near to its eastern side is a pit, 
probably formed by some person wishing to 
penetrate to the interior of this immense pile. 
The Tahtars have in vain attempted to effect a 
passage: the stones fall in as they proceed. 
Yet they entertain a notion, that an entrance 
was once accomplished : and they describe the 
interior as a magnificentl y vaulted stone chamber, 
formed by enormous slabs, seeming as it they 
would crush the spectator. It is remarkable 
that they should use an expression signifying 
vaulted ; because it agrees with the style used in 
the interior of other tumuli upon the Asiatic side 
