Mary,
 
          A chemical analysis might provide supporting facts if all
          the elements, soil, wood, and fill are present.  An analysis
          of the substance found inside the barrel might be a greater
          help if the barrel contained liquids and compounds.  If
          this was a tanning vat, one might ask, what other items
          might be in the general area, if they also exist, you may
          really be on to something.
 
          fm......
 
 
 
Would a chemical analysis of the surrounding soils, wood, and fill shed
light on the issue as to whether or not they are tanning vats?
 
Mary Ellin D'Agostino
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