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 [log in to unmask]