Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 1.djvu/245

Rh choloritic rock, serpentine and primitive greenstone, agate and porphyry, quartz and prehnite, and two or three are of syenite. The stone hatchets or axes, intended to be supplied with a handle, are perforated, and are beautifully shaped and polished. These latter instruments denote a higher state of civilization, but as they have been found in or near the Pouquelayes of this island, they must be considered as of the primeval period. In the cromlechs here described were also found gritstones, fitted for setting and polishing these stone instruments.

Another large cromlech, known by the name of L'autel Du Tus, or De Hus, stands upon a rising ground near the district called "Paradis." The fine elevated block of granite which covers the western end is conspicuously seen from a distance on the side of the high road. The interior in form resembles (although at present it is in a less perfect state) the celebrated cromlech in the isle of Gavr' Innis in the Morbihan. The total length is about 40 feet, but the east end near the road is abruptly stopped by a large stone, which probably once was placed on the adjoining props: if so, some portion of the end was destroyed in making the road. The western chamber of Du Tus, covered by three capstones, is about 16 feet square, or nearly double the size of that at Gavr' Innis; from this space it narrows into another chamber, formed by the lateral props, which is 11 feet in length by 9 feet wide; here several upright stones traverse the end, separating it from another chamber also 11 feet long; adjoining the two last compartments, on the north side, is attached another, 8 feet by 7. The shape of this cromlech corresponds with the one above mentioned, and it is not difficult to perceive the additions which have been made to the first, or western chamber, from the period when it stood in the centre of the surrounding circle, which is nearly 60 feet in diameter. I think it may be fairly conjectured from the examination here made, that the lengthened form of the tumulus which covers that of Gavr' Innis, denotes also additions to the original structure, and the steps lying across the "avenue" shew the divisions of the chambers, as in Guernsey. The western chamber, opened by me in 1837, was found much disturbed, and nothing but stony rubbish was met with.

The elevated and commanding appearance of the large granite capstone, which weighs many tons, and rises