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[[underlined]] Chapter III. [[/underlined]] 41. as we could learn, were in the neighborhood of 8 by 12 meters. [[superscript]] (23) [[/superscript]] If the ---------------------- (23) The dimensions and possible rectangular form of the tomb-chamber, as indicated by dotted lines in my plane-table survey (see Fig. 6), are based on careful sifting of the statements of several eye-witnesses, interrogated separately. ---------------------- richness of its furniture be accepted as a criterion, it must have been both large and elaborate in character. [[underlined]] Question of a Grave-Mound. [[/underlined]] We may here discuss the evidence for and against the former presence of a grave-mound in connection with the interment. As already stated (on page 27), we saw no sign of a mound when we first approached the site. The latter seemed to us, it is true, somewhat higher than the fields about it, particularly those to the east; but the difference in level was scarcely great enough to justify us in ascribing it to the former existence of a mound. Again, a little later, from the top of the city-wall at a point almost directly south of the tomb, we noticed in the soil forming the vertical northern bank of the sunken road faint traces of what appeared to be stratification. These occurred between the two points where in our plane-table map (Fig. 6) the dotted circle intersects the road. Their form and arrangement suggested that they might be remains of the basal portion of an artificial mound, not far from its periphery. The markings were however too indistinct to afford us a basis for definite conclusions, one way or the other. That grave-mounds were not yet erected in China during the Shang period, later excavations in Honan have pretty clearly shown. For the existence of such a custom in very early Chou times the evidence is so far inconclusive. Tumuli said (perhaps on insufficient evidence) to mark the graves of the first kings of that dynasty were later pointed out to us in the basin