Indications existed of the shield having been placed in its usual position over the centre of the body, but no umbone was in this instance found. The mounds are usually, as in this instance, very low, frequently not being raised more than a foot above the natural surface of the ground. The earth was, as I have stated, usually “puddled” or tempered with water, and thus the body in the grave became closely imbedded in a compact and tenacious mass.” That the tempering, or puddling, was accompanied with some corrosive preparation, there can be little doubt; for it is a fact, though a very remarkable one, that whilst the skeletons of the Celtic period are found in good condition, and in some instances perfect and sound, those of the Anglo-Saxons have, almost invariably, entirely disappeared. Thus, in a Celtic barrow, the primary interment of that period may be found in perfect condition, while the secondary interment, that of the Anglo-Saxon, although some centuries later in date, and some three or four feet nearer the surface, will have decayed away and completely disappeared. Thus, in a barrow at Wyaston, which had been raised over the body of a Saxon lady, every indication of the body had disappeared, with the exception of the enamel coating of the teeth, while a splendid necklace of beads, a silver ring, silver ear-rings, and a silver brooch or fibula, remained _in situ_ where the flesh and bones had once been. Another instance (to which I shall have occasion again to allude) which may be named, was the barrow at Benty Grange--a mound not more than two feet in elevation, but of considerable dimensions, and surrounded by a small fosse or trench, raised over the remains of a Saxon of high rank. In this mound, although a curious and unique helmet, the silver mountings of a leather drinking-cup, some highly interesting and beautiful enamelled ornaments, and other objects, as well as indications of the garments, remained, not a vestige of the body, with the exception of some of the hair, was to be seen. The lovely and delicate form of the female and the form of the stalwart warrior or noble had alike returned to their parent earth, leaving no trace behind, save the enamel of _her_ teeth and traces of _his_ hair alone, while the ornaments they wore and took pride in, and the surroundings of their stations, remained to tell their tale at this distant date. In a barrow at Tissington, in which the primary (Celtic) interment was perfect, the later Saxon one had entirely disappeared, while the sword and umbone of the shield remained as they had been placed.