The cutting away of certain portions of the top of the stone would result in a short-armed cross; or, again, a little shaping, combined with piercing, would produce the four-holed cross, so-called, viz., a cross within a ring or circle. It should be remarked at the outset that the dating of these early monuments is a study which has hitherto been strangely neglected. Antiquaries, like the late J. Romilly Allen, for example, have analysed and codified the ornamented motifs of early crosses with methodical precision; but the chronological side of the subject is still a matter of debate. So widely do experts differ that sometimes it happens that the same monument will be assigned by some to the fifth or sixth, and by others to later dates ranging to the twelfth century. Even when the cross happens to be inscribed with runes, which might be expected to afford an authentic clue as to its date and origin, the readings and interpretations propounded by connoisseurs are so irreconcilable as to make one sceptical of arriving at truth or finality through their guidance. The whole question of chronology yet awaits investigation by some competent authority. It must be understood, therefore, that the dates attributed to the several examples in this section cannot pretend to be anything else but approximate, although every care has been taken to obtain the most approved estimate. [Illustration: 25, 26. BEWCASTLE, CUMBERLAND TWO VIEWS OF MONOLITH IN THE CHURCHYARD] [Illustration: 27, 28. EYAM, DERBYSHIRE VIEWS OF CROSS IN CHURCHYARD, SHOWING FRONT AND BACK] [Illustration: 29, 30. SANDBACH, CHESHIRE DETAILS OF CROSSES, WITH PLAN, SHOWING HOW THEY STAND] [Illustration: 31. SANDBACH, CHESHIRE]