THE GREAT STONE OF THOR.— The following statement will not be without interest to your archaeological readers. In November, 1877, I called attention in the columns of N & Q.s to this venerable relic of prehistoric antiquity, probably of Danish origin, which exists at Thursaston (Thor-stane-ton), Cheshire, about eight miles from Birkenhead, and which, from its secluded position, has almost entirely escaped notice. I then stated my apprehensions that the advance of modern improvements would be likely to lay it out for building villas, for which the site is admirably adapted.

A commission of inquiry was sent down, which communicated with the Corporation of Birkenhead, being the nearest market town. It happened, fortunately, that the article in" N. & Q." had been seen and noticed by several members of this Corporation, who drew the attention of the commissioner to the desirability of preserving the monument. The result has been that not only will the monument be preserved, but sixty acres of. the surrounding land are to be set apart for a public park. The gigantic rock altar, with its beautiful natural amphitheatre, will thus be kept intact for ages yet to come. This circumstance, I think, affords encouragement to those who interest themselves in the preservation of our remnants of antiquity. J. A. PICTON.
Sandyknowe, Wavertree.