The original use of Maes-How is a matter of opinion, and some have
assumed it to belong to the class of sepulchral mounds, although there
is no evidence in support of this belief. For many reasons, the opinions
of Captain Thomas are endorsed by the present writer. It may be added
that, prior to 1861, when the mound was opened, local tradition had
declared that it was the residence of a "hog-boy," or mound-dweller.

[Footnote 74: _Proc. Soc. Antiq. Scot._ (First Series), vol. vii. p.
172.]

[Footnote 75: _Op. cit._, p. 164.]


[Illustration: PLATE XVII.

THE BRUGH OF THE BOYNE, NEW GRANGE, COUNTY MEATH]

[Illustration: PLATE XVIII.

DOORWAY OF THE BRUGH OF THE BOYNE.]

[Illustration: PLATE XIX.

GROUND PLAN OF THE BRUGH OF THE BOYNE (as at present explored).]

PLATES XVII., XVIII., AND XIX.--_Brugh of the Boyne, New
Grange, County Meath._

The diagrams here shown are from drawings by Mr. W.F. Wakeman, the
veteran Irish archæologist.[76] With reference to the spiral carvings at