23 JULY 1881, Page 23

Stonehenge. By W. M. Flinders Petrie. (Stanford.)—This is an interesting

monograph. The author has made elaborate measure- ments, examined the character of the stones narrowly, and come to certain conclusions, conclusions which will not be the less acceptable because they are stated with a becoming modesty ann a hesitation which quite suits so obscure a subject. We cannot do better than state these conclusions as briefly as possible. 1. The earth circle made for religious, sepulchral, or civil purposes. 2. The avenue added, pointing roughly to the midsummer sunrise. 3. Monuments in the circle, the trilithons and circle being gradually erected. 4. Various interments. 5. Interment of Britons massacred at Amesbury in post-Roman times. The blue stones brought from Ireland by Merlin. 6. Aurelius Ambrosias and other chiefs buried at Stone- henge, the rougher outer blue stones being erected to their memory. The chief practical suggestion is the support of the great trilithon upright. This is now standing at 66 deg., audits fall "cannot be far distant." When it falls, it must certainly break, thinks Mr. Petrie.