62 
THE OPENING OF A TUMULUS NEAR PICKERING. 
The late Professor Huxley years ago pointed out that the round 
barrows were of Belgic origin, it therefore follows that they are 
responsible for the beaker type of-sepulchral ceramic. In Ireland, 
beakers and brachycephalic skulls are rare in pre-historic burials. 
Later, as the cremation influence spread from the south, the 
beaker type of vessel would be gradually superceded and the Iron 
x\ge introduced. 
The fact that these beakers show considerable artistic taste, and 
that although somewhat alike in shape they differ widely in the 
design of ornamentation, makes one wonder when and where 
they were made. Was there a factory, and were they ready-made 
as it were for the interment ? Possibly there were skilled artisans 
who travelled about among the various tribes. It is difficult to 
think that each locality was capable of manufacturing such objects 
of art, and so universally similar in shape and idea. On the other 
hand, there would be considerable difficulty in transporting such 
delicate vessels. Possibly the people who made these vessels were 
nomadic. 
After our excavations at “ Monklands, we proceeded to explore 
a small barrow on Pexton Moor. A short time before, Mr. Hill’s 
gamekeeper when ferretting had noticed some metal thereabouts. 
We found a small barrow, some 20 feet across and about 4 or 5 
feet high, composed mostly of sand. We were able to trace in the 
sand a mass of corroded iron, which formed a circle 30 inches in 
diameter. There were distinct marks of wood fibre on the inner 
side of this, proving undoubtedly that this was the tyre of a 
chariot wheel. Most of the metal had formed a conglomerate 
mass of sand and oxide of iron. The tyre was in a more or less 
upright position. 
The excavation was not contined, but we hope to make further 
efforts at an early date. 
The late Mr. Mortimer mentions that two chariots have been 
discovered in the North Riding, where they are evidently rare. 
The ground would not be suitable for their free movement. 
We should like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude 
and thanks to Mr. R. Hill for allowing us to make these investi¬ 
gations on his property, and to Mr. S. Allanson, the tenant of 
“ Monklands,’’ who also gave us much valuable assistance in our 
search. 
