Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 11.djvu/92

74 ancient vessels have been destroyed in planting trees with which the hill is partially covered. One man reported that he smashed four perfect urns in a day; and a quarryman said that he had broken eleven found close together in the quarry. In consequence of these reports, Mr. Richardson Smith commenced his exploration of the hill on June 14, 1853. The diggings commenced at a large block of granite on the hill-side: it proved to measure 22 feet by 12 feet, greatest breadth, the thickness being 10 feet; it was called by the peasantry, "Clochymorra haun," or little stone of the dead. It proved to be supported on granite blocks at each end; and, on clearing away the soil, so as to make search beneath, three skeletons were found, huddled together in a small space not above 2 feet in length. There was no trace of cremation. On further excavation, so that a person could sit upright beneath the great covering-stone, four large blocks of stone were turned over, and at a considerable depth a bed of charred wood appeared, with broken urns of four distinct patterns. At another spot also a fine urn was found deposited in sand, but it could not be preserved.

The next excavation was made at the top of the hill, and a large bed of charred wood and burnt bones was found two feet under the sod. The quarry was also searched and an um was found, laid on its side in the sand; it was quite hard and perfect; the ornamental pattern upon it very curious. Many bones lay around this urn and a few within it. The old Rath was then examined; here digging proved most difficult, as it was paved with great blocks of stone fitting close together. Great quantities of burnt bones and charcoal appeared between stones set on end, under the pavement. The moiety of an urn was found and fragments of two others. The excavation was carried on to the depth of six feet; bones were still found at that depth, but no urn. On June 23 a large urn was uncovered, placed in an inverted position and quite perfect. The sod which had been used to cover the mouth of the vessel and prevent the bones falling out still held together. This urn was decorated with a diamond pattern and two rims round it; it measured 15 inches in height, and nearly 14 inches in width; near it was found a second, of large size but broken, of very strong pottery. There were many beds of bones, &c. After various trials in other places, the work was resumed at the old Rath and a great layer of burnt bones and charcoal found: at last a large slab (above 2 cwt.) appeared, and on turning this over a grave was discovered under it, very carefully made, measuring 2 feet long, and 1 foot wide. Its direction was north and south, and it was filled with fine sand in which lay an urn of very curious and elaborate pattern, but squeezed in on one side, and it appeared to have been placed in the sand whilst in a soft or unbaked state, an observation which may lead to the supposition that these urns were fabricated on the spot, and at the very time of the interment.

In the course of further investigation a five-sided chamber was found, walled in with long slabs placed in a workman-like manner, and covered over by a large stone. This was removed; the cist was filled with sand, a bronze spear much decayed lay near the top: deeper in the sand was a very small urn, of remarkable character and carefully finished workmanship, appearing as fresh as if newly made; it contained very small bones. At a greater depth in the sand was found a large urn, placed inverted, and perfect, less striking in form and in the design of its ornament than the former. On raising this larger urn there were seen on the flag-stone beneath, three round highly polished stones, placed in a triangular position,