Considering the _extent_ of the excavations from whence these metallic relics were procured, it is not surprising that these mounds of slag continue to be constantly met with. Two hundred years ago, they were of course much more abundant, having formed since that period a large part of the supply to the iron furnaces of this district. They are yet numerous enough to catch the eye wherever the observer may direct his steps, either along the retired lane, or in the secluded valley. The fields and orchards, gardens and precincts of the Forest villages, are nearly sure to contain them. Two localities, viz. Cinderford and Cinderhill, no doubt derive their names from them. In some places they have proved so abundant as to have enhanced the value of the land containing them. They even occur on elevated spots, exposed to every wind, and remote from human habitations. Nor is their existence to be limited to the Forest, or even to the Gloucestershire side of the Wye, since the Rev. T. W. Webb states-- "In many parts of the district of Irchinfield, in Herefordshire, cinders are found in the road, or dispersed in the fields; and in many places heaps of them have been discovered. I would particularly specify the parishes of Tretire with Michaelchurch, Peterstow, great heaps at St. Weonards, and Llangarren. In the last century, enormous heaps were found at considerable depth in 'the Brook End,' a street of Ross. Near Rudhall, the roads were repaired with them." Their _character_ is peculiar, exhibiting by no means complete fusion, but rather semi-vitrifaction by roasting; the ore retaining, not unfrequently, a large measure of its original weight and form, explained, as Dr. Percy kindly informs me, by charcoal being the fuel employed, and not necessarily arising from want of skill in the operatives. They are said to vary in richness according as they belong to an earlier or later period--so much so, that some persons have ventured, on this data, to specify their respective ages; but other causes may have produced this difference. They exhibit, however, some slight variation of character, indicative, it may be--for so Mr. Wyrrall considered--of relative age, according as they are found to have left in them less or more of the metallic element. It is impossible to mistake them for common cinders; nor do they resemble the slag of the modern smelting furnace. In fact, they are _sui generis_, and can only be met with where the manufacture of iron was anciently carried on.