Circles of stone of one kind or other are not unfrequently to be noticed in various parts of the kingdom, and they vary as much in their size and in their character as they do in their other features. The bases of grave-mounds were frequently defined by these circles, and sometimes by a shallow fosse, and occasionally by a combination of both. To this circumstance the origin of many of the circles of stones remaining to this day are to be traced; while others of a far larger construction, and of a totally different character, such as those of Stonehenge, Abury, Rollrich, and, probably, Arbor-Low, have been formed for totally different purposes. With these larger ones, except in so far as they are connected with sepulchral tumuli, I have in my present work but little to do. Of the smaller ones, those which have surrounded grave-mounds, I will now proceed to give some particulars. Excavations into various grave-mounds have proved beyond doubt the fact that, in many instances, when an interment was made, the size of the proposed cairn to be raised over the remains was marked by a circle of stones laid on the surface of the ground, or inclining inwards, or set upright in the earth. The stones were then piled up within this enclosure, till the whole size and altitude of the mound was reached. In the case of the Flax Dale barrow, this mode of construction is shown in the next engraving (fig. 66). A circle of large flat stones was placed upon the surface of the earth, around the interment (which in this case consisted of calcined bones, in urns and without), and upon these a second course of stones was placed. The mound was then raised in the manner indicated in fig. 4, and over this a thick layer of earth was laid, which increased both the circumference and the altitude of the barrow. To render this crust more compact, fires were evidently lit on the circumference of the circle, which had the effect, by burning the soil, of hardening it, and making it in some cases almost of the consistency of brick. [Illustration: Fig. 66.] An example of the second mode of construction I have indicated is at Elk-Low, a section of which is given on fig. 67. The barrow has a depression running around its upper surface, something like an elevated fosse, as will be seen in the section. The interments were made on the natural surface of the ground, where, in the centre, lay a skeleton, on its right side, in a contracted position, with its head resting on a piece of limestone which was placed as a pillow. Other skeletons were also found, as was likewise an interment of burnt bones, and some flint and stone instruments. The outer circle was constructed of very large stones inclining inwards, and covered with small stones and earth, and thus forming an extremely durable mound. [Illustration: Fig. 67.]