34
PRE-HISTORY IN ESSEX.
deep as the deneholes. The author considers them to be
chalk-pits, probably earlier than the disused open pits
of the neighbourhood. Some years previously, Mr. R.
Meeson had found many Roman burial urns in one of
them. 279
Newport, subsidences (E.N., v., 1891, p. 180) occasionally
occur in the fields of Ouendon Hall. 280
Chislehurst Caves (T. V. Holmes, E.N., xiii., 1904, p. 263 ;
xiv., 1905, pp. 75-78, plan ; xv., 1908, pp. 265-266). Con-
siders them to be chalk mines. (Also visit to, E.N., xv.,
1908, pp. 260-263, plan.) 281
Grays, visit of Croydon Nat. Hist. Soc. to (E.N., xiv., 1905,
p. 75). 282
General (T. V. Holmes, E.N., xiv., 1905. p. 74 ; xv., 1907,
pp. 5-13). Further details and a continuation of the
discussion of rival theories. 283
Mucking, subsidence (T. V. Holmes, E.N.. xiv., 1907, pp.
241-254, map and 2 sections). Occurred in a field, leaving
a hole with vertical sides some 25 feet diameter and 20
feet deep. It is suggested that it was due to the falling
in of a denehole, not in the chalk, which would be 160 or
170 feet from the surface. 284
Gravesend (T. V. Holmes, E.N., xv., 1907, pp. 92-93). 285
Faversham (Kent) (T. V. Holmes, E.N., xv., 1908, p. 183). 286-
Grays, subsidence (T. V. Holmes, E.N., xv., 1908, p. 184). 287
Chalk Mine, Kent (A. L. Leach, E.N., xv., 1908, p. 263). Des-
scribes shafts with underground galleries for obtaining
chalk used in brick-making. 288
Grain-Pits, Africa and America (E.N., xvi., 1910, pp. 126-
127). 289
In general review of the evidences of the deneholes, it must
be admitted, I think, that they possess in every way the normal
character of comparatively modern chalk-pits. The primitive
grain-pits and silos used in different parts of the world are of an
essentially different character. Even in Spain, where the
method has been greatly developed in modern times, we are
only told that some very exceptional examples "are said to
be" as much as 30 or 40 feet deep. The Hangman's Wood
deneholes are 80 feet from the surface to the floor of the chambers.
There is no evidence to suggest that they are prehistoric (E.N.
x., 1898, p. 409).