This further great convenience attends the disposition of ditch and _vallum_, that the water falls off the _area_ every way, and keeps it dry, which provides for the stability of their work, and convenience of the priests in their ministry. I observ’d the earth that composes the _vallum_ was laid a small distance from the verge of the ditch, so as to leave a parapet or narrow walk between. This was as the _podium_ of an amphitheater, for the lower tire of spectators. The ditch and rampart are each 60 feet, or 35 cubits broad. And now the whole is an agreeable terrace-walk round the town, with a pleasant view upon sometimes corn-fields, sometimes heath; the hill-tops every where cover’d with barrows; and that amazing artificial heap of earth call’d _Silbury-hill_ in sight. The great _belgic_ rampart, the _Wansdike_, licks all the southern horizon, as far as you can see it, crowning the upper edge of that range of hills parting _north_ and _south Wiltshire_. Part of this pleasant prospect I have given in plate XXIII, as seen from _Abury_ church-steeple. Let us then walk out of the confines of the temple properly, by the southern entrance of the town. Passing the _vallum_, the road straight forwards leads to _Kennet_ and _Overton_, that on the right hand to the _Bath_. But our present way lies straight forwards, which is south-eastward, and may properly enough be call’d _Via sacra_, as being an avenue up to the temple; besides, it forms one half of the body of the snake, issuing out of the circle. There were but two gates or entrances into the temple originally; this was one. And this way I call _Kennet-avenue_. [Illustration: TAB. XV. _View of the Cell of the Celtic Temple at Abury. Augˢᵗ: 16. 1721._ _The Cove of the Northern temple._ _Stukeley Del._] By repeated mensurations, by careful attention and observations, by frequently walking along the whole track thereof, from one end to the other, I found out its purpose, its extent, the number of stones it is compos’d of, and the measures of their intervals. It extends itself from this southern entrance of _Abury_ town to _Overton-hill_, overhanging the village of _West-Kennet_. _There_ was another double circle of stones, which made the head of the snake. All the way between there, and this southern entrance, which is above a mile, was set with stones on each hand, opposite to one another, and at regular distances. This was the avenue, and form’d the forepart of the snake.