DRUIDICAL AND OTHER PAGAN MONUMENTS, ANTIQUITIES. QUESTIONS PROPOSED.-REPLIES.-GENERAL AND

MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS.-CONCLUSION.

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Tumuli, Tombs, Barrows.

T Mullagh-cross, (which signifies the round Mount of the Cross) laying behind Daisey Hill, there are the remains of tumuli or sepulchural mounts, usually called barrows. At Dovine (in Irish Domhuin, or the deep hollow) which is between N. T. Limavady and Coleraine, besides one vast tumulus, there seem to be several of smaller dimensions: probably these belonged to the relatives of the chief whose ashes may be entombed in the greater barrow. In the neighbourhood of Garvagh, at Liscol, are several rude monuments shaped like coffins of a gigantic size. Similar monuments occur in parts of this and the neighbouring counties.

Kairns.

They consist in rude stones, none of which are larger than a man might easily carry in his hand; most of these Kairns are found on the summits of high mountains. In their construction there is no appearance of order or design, except that of giving to the mound, formed by casting on these loose stones, a figure, circular at the base and conic in the top. They are very numerous, and seem not to require any more particular descriptions. By the learned they have been attributed to a Phenician origin; and in support of this we find that Apollo, (the Baal of the Phenicians) was worshipped under the title of Kapesos ATλλ. Nevertheless, I am inclined to place their antiquity in the still more remote days of Noah, and to ascribe to this superstition, that which in scripture is called " Idolatry in high places" (Gen. 31-44.

Exod. 20-25.) In later times, these Kairns have been places not only of religious worship, but also of monumental piety; of this the authority is founded in Virgil:

"Monte sub hoc lapidum legitur balista sepultus."

Sepulchral Pillars.

A very remarkable one near Dungiven has been already mentioned. Others of less note may be seen in various parts of this county. These seem to have been monumentary, and were in general use among all nations, before the art of carving; and among the Greeks themselves they were probably the only sort of images to be found before the time of Dedalus.

Raths, Danish Forts.

These are too common, and too well known to need description. They are all disposed, so as that a fire kindled in one, may be seen at the next on either side: it seems that this prototype of the telegraph is not modern.

The Giant's Sconce is the most eminent remains of this ancient fortification; it seems intended to command the communication between the districts of Newtown and Coleraine. It has been originally one of those high insulated knolls of basalt, which are frequent in its own neighbourhood; it is difficult of access on all points, except on the north east, where art has supplied a strong wall of massy rocks. The interior has been hollowed, probably to contain women, men, and stores; and around it there has been a covered way, at least it is discernible in the artificial part. This way only admits one person at a time, and that person must stoop low or creepon hands and feet. As to its name, the legend is too puerile to be worth recording.

Danish Ditches

Are also very ancient; they enclose spaces extending from half a rood to several acres, and have been intended for cultivations adjacent to their forts, of which ditches the traces are visible to this day.