Beginning at the shores of the Atlantic, we find a stone circle in the neighbourhood of Tangiers; and other rude megaliths likewise present themselves in the empire of Morocco.[1] Proceeding eastwards to the next politico-territorial division, the French possessions, tombs of analogous character are stated to have been seen by an Algerian geographer, M. Macarthy,[2] at Zebdou, south of the ancient Arab city of Tlemcen, in the province of Oran. In the same province, near its eastern boundary, at a place called Tiaret, distant not less than one hundred miles from the Mediterranean coast,[3] the existence of a dolmen, or cromlech, of extraordinary dimensions has been recorded by M. le Commandant Bernard. He describes its situation as a wild tract covered with the usual brushwood of the country; and the measurements which he adds are too remarkable to be omitted. Reduced to the English standard, they make the cap-stone to be about 65 feet long, 26 feet broad, and 9 feet 6 inches thick; and this enormous block rests upon rock sub-structures, which raise it from 35 feet to 40 feet above the soil, forming what may be called a sufficiently spacious grotto, whose bearings are east and west. In the upper surface of the platform (the cap-stone), and towards the west, are cut three square troughs; that in the middle measuring about 3 feet on each side, the two others less. The three communicate with each other by two channels, not so deep as the troughs, and 4 inches broad. In the lower part of the dolmen steps are formed to enable the platform to be ascended : and in the neighbourhood are to be seen some weather-wasted standing stones (menhirs).
Unfortunately we have as yet no more minute account of this monument, whose stupendous size, altogether unequalled in the records of European megaliths, and remote inland site might lead to the supposition that primarily its structure was the work of nature. This, however, M. Bernard does not at all suggest; and he authenticates the accuracy of his observation by sending to the Algerian Historical Society what he terms a very faithful sketch of the dolmen, which they promise eventually to publish.[4] It also happens that I can offer an illustrative fact bearing upon the obviously artificial cuttings which the massive erection is described to present. Forming a prominent part of the megalithic
- ↑ Urquhart's Pillars of Hercules, and Brooke's Spain and Morocco, ii. 36.
- ↑ Revue Africaine, vol. i. p. 29.
- ↑ There are several maps of Algeria which may be referred to for its topography: the one I have before me I find the best, being that executed on a large scale, under the direction of the well-known authority on matters Algerian, General Daumas, and affixed to the Report of the Ministère de la Guerre, viz.: Tableau de la Situation des Etablissements Français de l'Algérie, issued in 1857.
- ↑ Revue Africaine, vol. i. p. 147.
