Neolithic dew-ponds and cattle-ways . s outlines may be seen from the Roman roadleading from Dorchester to Weymouth, but they givelittle indication of the awe-inspiring immensity of theworks. It lies at an elevation of 430 feet above thesea, surrounding the summit of one of the largest downsin the neighbourhood. The area within the Rings is trom 40 to 50 acres inextent, and the circuniterence is about one mile. To this day it would be a matter of very consider-able difficulty to reach the containetl plateau except byone of the regular entrances. It is most convenientlyapproached by the eastern
Neolithic dew-ponds and cattle-ways . s outlines may be seen from the Roman roadleading from Dorchester to Weymouth, but they givelittle indication of the awe-inspiring immensity of theworks. It lies at an elevation of 430 feet above thesea, surrounding the summit of one of the largest downsin the neighbourhood. The area within the Rings is trom 40 to 50 acres inextent, and the circuniterence is about one mile. To this day it would be a matter of very consider-able difficulty to reach the containetl plateau except byone of the regular entrances. It is most convenientlyapproached by the eastern entrance. The complexity of the maze of stupendous earth-works by which the entrance is guarded bailies descrip-tion. It suffices to say that an approaching enemy,furnished only with such weapons as were known to and Cattle-Ways [primeval man, must ha\e found the place this day it produces a sensation of bewilderment,for every inch of its lengthy and tortuous course isdominated by a succession of spurs and embankments. XV.—vn:\v in (ine of tiik ditches surkounmunt. on either side, so arranged tliat tier above tier of thedefending forces would be continuously encountered. An attemjU to ailack the settlement from any otherp(,)int than the entrance is not less obviousl)- doomedto failure. 33 C Neolithic Dew-Ponds All approaching enemy would have to scale greatembankments, even now 50 to 60 feet in height, withsteeply sloping sides, placed one behind another to thenumber of three or more. Each ridee would doubtless
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, bookpublisherlondonnewyorkbomba
