Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/53

Rh I venture likewise to call attention to the importance of preserving the skulls found in all tumuli, which may, for the future, be examined. Crania even, which are much broken, are capable of restoration, if all the fragments are obtained. On a former occasion (Archaeological Journal, vol. vi., p. 127—132) I ventured to direct attention to some of the facts and conclusions which may be elicited from the examination of human remains found in barrows. It is satisfactory to observe that, in Mr. Worsaae's work on "Primeval Antiquities," recently translated by Mr. Thoms, this subject is not overlooked. We cannot, I think, but agree in Mr. Worsaae's conclusion, that when a greater number of crania shall have been obtained, "we may reasonably hope to acquire, by means of comparison, certain historical results which may possibly lead to other and more important discoveries as to the descent of the aborigines,"—P. 133.

In the meantime I beg to announce, that I am collecting information in reference to the crania from tumuli of different ages, with the view of deducing, if possible, some conclusions as to the form of the skull, and other characteristics of the skeleton in the aboriginal and succeeding races who settled in the British Isles, A few crania, valuable for this purpose, have already been collected by the labours of the Yorkshire Antiquarian Club, and during another season more may be expected from the same source. One gentleman, who possesses a valuable collection of antiquities from tumuli, has promised the use of his series of crania, chiefly Celtic. There are also a few skulls, scattered through public collections, to which access may be obtained. In conclusion I may be permitted to express my desire to receive information which may assist in the proposed inquiry. I shall feel indebted to any gentleman who may possess any crania from barrows, the age of which can be authenticated by the associated remains, who will allow me the use of them, for the purpose of being measured and described.

There were, and we may presume still are, numerous tumuli at Burnham Deepdale, described by Sir H. Spelman, as seated on the shore, and which by tradition are attributed to the Danes. The locality renders this not improbable, and it is highly desirable they should be properly examined. Will not some of the Norfolk archaeologists direct this attention to these barrows as well as to those at Osburgh?

, January, 1850.