STONE HE N GE.—A W ARN LNG.
[TO TILE EDITOR OF TITS "SPECTATOR:I
SIR,—Referring to your article on Stonehenge in the Spectator of August 26th, it is well that the public attention lute been called to this unique monument, which you justly consider to be of surpassing interest. In the question of ownership I venture to think that the main point is that Stonehenge should be in the bands of those who will preserve it. Unless measures are taken without delay, it is likely to lose a great deal of its interest and value. There is just one part of the outer ring of stones in a sufficiently perfect condition to give an idea of the former appearance of the whole,—I mean the part where three imposts retain their position on four upright stones. For some time they have been leaning outwards in a dangerous manner, and at any moment they may be reduced to a shapeless heap. A small buttress of masonry at the base of one or more of the uprights would render them secure for an indefinite period. I hope that you will call attention to this matter, which may fairly be considered of national im- portance. Personally, I should like to see a good many of the prostrate stones restored to the positions which they have evidently occupied; but if this suggestion be inad- missible, let us at least make sure that nothing more shall fall. If neither the owner nor the antiquarian societies will help, it is an object for which subscriptions could easily be
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