The beasts and other creatures are generally shown in profile, and only rarely in plan. [456] As on the erect cross-slab at Hilton of Cadboll (now at Invergordon Castle), Ross-shire. [457] As on the erect cross-slab at Aberlemno, Forfarshire. [458] As on the base of the cross in the churchyard of Kells, Co. Meath. [459] As on the erect cross-slabs at Shandwick, Ross-shire; and St. Vigeans, Forfarshire; and on the base of the cross at Castledermot, Co. Kildare. In the simplest kind of zoömorphic ornament a single beast is used to fill a panel, the different attitudes being as follows:— (1) With the head looking forwards. (2) With the head bent backwards. (3) With the head bent backwards, biting the middle of the body. (4) With the head bent backwards, biting the end of the tail. (5) With the tail curled up over the back. (6) With the tail curled up under the belly. If the beasts are in pairs, they may be placed in the following positions:— (1) Symmetrically facing towards each other, or face to face. (2) Symmetrically facing away from each other. (3) In a horizontal row one in front of the other. (4) In a vertical row one below the other. When there are three or four beasts, besides being arranged in rows, they may be placed after the fashion of the triskele or the swastika round a centre. Interlaced zoömorphic ornament can be made with a single beast by extending the length of its tail and ear, and forming them into knots at intervals, crossing over the body and limbs where necessary. Sometimes the tail alone is knotted. In this sort of ornament the shape of the beast is seen distinctly and the knots occupy the background. A more complicated design can be made from a single beast by twisting its body and limbs into knots as well as the ears and tail. The panels of zoömorphic ornament in Christian Celtic art are, however, usually composed of two or more beasts placed symmetrically with regard to each other and having their bodies and limbs crossed over and interlaced. The ears and tails may also be extended and formed into knots in combination with the bodies and limbs. The designs thus produced will be seen to consist apparently of two sets of bands crossing each other diagonally, the wide bands being the bodies of the beasts and the narrow bands, the limbs, tails, and ears. The bands are nearly straight, or if bent at all only gently curved. When the beasts are not placed in opposite symmetrical positions, but in horizontal rows one in front of the other, or in vertical rows one below the other, the bodies are often bent round spirally in one direction or twisted into =S=-shaped spirals in two directions. A favourite device with the Celtic artist was to make the beasts bite their own bodies, limbs, or tails, or the body, limbs, or tail of the beast immediately in front of it. The zoömorphic designs composed of birds were arranged on the same principles as those composed of beasts.