The general appearance which it presented before the excavations were commenced, as seen in Fig. 135, was that of a grassy knoll, drier, firmer, and slightly more elevated than the surrounding field. Towards the margin of this mound were seen the tops of a few wooden piles, barely projecting above the grass, which at once suggested the idea that they might be portions of a stockaded island.

The diameter of the island was about one hundred feet; and its superficies was thus occupied:—In the centre was a flat circular area about sixty feet in diameter. Then followed a double line of upright piles from 2 to 3 feet apart. These were bound together by short transverse beams with a hole, generally square, at each end (Fig. 136), into which the tops of the uprights penetrated, while others stretched along the circumference forming a firm network. The surface of these horizontal binders was about three feet above the level of the inner area, and thus the stockade presented the appearance of a breastwork. At the north-east corner this arrangement was more perfect than elsewhere (see sketch, Fig. 137) and constituted what was supposed to have been a landing stage, as from it a neatly-constructed flooring of wood extended for some yards inwards. Outside the stockade on the north side there was a mass of brushwood and stakes forming a kind of trellis-work, as if intended for further protection to the island. In the centre of the inner area there was a square portion, measuring 39 feet on each side, covered with closely laid beams of split stems of trees having the appearance and size of railway sleepers, which appeared to have been the flooring of a wooden house. This log-pavement (as we called it) had been Surrounded by a wooden wall, the stumps of which then only remained, and a line of similar stumps ran across it, from east to west, thus bisecting the building into two nearly equal compartments. The sides of this wooden foundation looked towards the four cardinal points, and its corners just reached to the surrounding stockades. On the surface of the wooden pavement were found some fragments of curiously worked beams and some large broad boards. Some were grooved and had also square-cut holes, in which both transverse and upright beams could be mortised. (See sketch, Fig. 138.) A doorway, the stumps of the sideposts of which were readily distinguished, opened to the south; and in front, but more to the left, was an extensive refuse heap, in which many relics were found. This midden occupied the space between the south margin of the log-pavement and the surrounding stockades—some 10 or 12 feet in breadth by about double that in length.

About the middle of the northern half of the log-pavement was found a remarkable series of four hearths, or fire-places, superimposed one above the other. The lowest was placed a little above the log-pavement, and had a layer of stones, clay, and earth intervening between it and the wood. About one and a half foot higher there was a second hearth; at a similar interval, a third; and at 2½ feet still higher, a fourth. These hearths were formed of small boulders laid closely together, like a stone causeway, embedded in, and surrounded by, a layer of clay (Fig. 139). They were oval or circular in shape and about four feet in diameter. The corresponding layers of clay extended considerably beyond the limits of the hearths around which they appeared to form a flooring. The third hearth (counting from below upwards) had been more elaborately constructed than the others, and it was surrounded by a number of stumps of stout uprights which no doubt were the remains of a secondary building, as their lower ends did not penetrate much beyond the level of the hearth. The space underneath the clay bed corresponding to this hearth, and extending downwards to the log-pavement, was, next to the refuse heap, the most prolific in relics. In it were found, about the level of the second fire-place, nearly the entire skeletons of two animals like a goat or sheep, the skulls of which had short horn-cores attached to them.

Gangway.—Beyond the midden, outside the island, the tops of a few piles were detected, and upon making exploratory excavations, these turned out to be the remains of a gangway. As this structure was very peculiar and somewhat comparable to the wooden structures described by Virchow and others in the German Pfahlbauten, I will here quote my original description of it in extenso. (See plan and sections, facing page 416):—

"We commenced this inquiry by excavating a rectangular space, 30 feet long, 16 feet broad, and 3 to 4 feet deep, in the line of direction indicated by the piles, and exposed quite a forest of oak stakes. Other trenches were then made with exactly similar results. The stakes thus revealed did not at first appear to conform to any systematic arrangement, but by-and-by we detected, in addition to six single piles, small groups of three, four, and five, here and there at short intervals. This observation, however, conveyed little or no meaning, so that we could form no opinion as to the manner in which they were used. Up to this point no trace of mortised beams was anywhere to be seen. In all these trenches the stuff dug up was of the same character. First or uppermost was a bed of fine clay rather more than 2 feet thick, and then a soft dark substance formed of decomposed vegetable matter. The source of the latter was evident from the occurrence in its upper stratum of large quantities of leaves, some stems, branches, and the roots of stunted trees in situ. The tops of the piles in the trench next the crannog were from 2 to 3 feet below the surface of the field, but they rose gradually as we receded from the crannog, and in the trench next the shore one or two were found on a level with the grass. About 4 feet deep the stuff at the bottom of the trench was so soft that a man could scarcely stand on it without sinking ankle-deep. It was not nearly so heavy as the upper strata, but more adhesive, and of a nutty-brown colour, which, on exposure, quickly turned dark. Notwithstanding the flabbiness of this material, the piles felt quite firm, and this fact, together with the experience derived from our examination of the deeper structures of the island, led to the supposition that the piles must terminate in some more solid basis than had yet been made apparent. To remove all doubts on this point, though a long iron rod could be easily pushed downwards without meeting any resistance, we ordered a large deep shaft to be dug in the line of the piles, and the cutting nearest the crannog was selected for this purpose. This was accomplished with much difficulty, but we were amply rewarded by coming upon an elaborate system of woodwork, which I found no less difficult to comprehend than it now is to describe. The first horizontal beam was reached about 7 feet deep, and for other 3 feet we passed through a complete network of similar beams, lying in various directions. Below this—i.e. 10 feet from the surface—the workmen could find no more beams and the lake silt became harder and more friable. We then cleared a larger area, so as, if possible, to exhibit the structural arrangement of the woodwork. The reason of grouping the piles now became apparent. The groups were placed in a somewhat zig-zag fashion near the sides of the gangway, and from each there radiated a series of horizontal beams, the ends of which crossed each other and were kept in position by the uprights. One group was carefully inspected. The first or lowest beam observed was right across, the next lay lengthways and of course at right angles to the former, then three or four spread out diagonally like a fan, and terminated in other groups at the opposite side of the gangway, and lastly, one again lay lengthways. Thus each beam raised the level of the general structure the exact height of its thickness, though large lozenge-shaped spaces remained in the middle quite clear of any beams. The general breadth of the portion of this unique structure examined was about 10 feet (but an isolated pile was noticed farther out), and its thickness varied from 3 to 4 feet. A large oak plank, some 10 feet long, showing the marks of the sharp-cutting instrument by which it was formed, was found lying on edge at its west side, and beyond the line of piles, but otherwise no remains of a platform were seen. All the beams and stakes were made of oak, and so thoroughly bound together that, though not a single joint, mortise, or pin was discovered, the whole fabric was as firm as a rock. No relics were found in any of the excavations along the line of this gangway." (B. 373, pp. 99-101.)

Structure of the Island.—Having now collected the chief facts regarding the log-pavement, its surrounding structures and superincumbent materials, we determined to sink a shaft about the centre of the crannog for the purpose of ascertaining, if possible, the thickness, composition, and mode of structure, of the island itself. This shaft was rectangular in form, and large enough to allow three men to work in it together. (See plan and sections, page 416.) After removing the three or four layers of oak planks which constituted this portion of the log-pavement, we came upon a thin layer of brushwood, and then large trunks of trees laid in regular beds or layers, each layer having its logs lying parallel to each other, but transversely or sometimes obliquely to those of the layer immediately above or below it. At the west end of the trench, after removing the first and second layers of the log-pavement, we found part of a small canoe hollowed out of an oak trunk, evidently part of an old worn-out one, thus economised and used instead of a prepared log. Much progress in this kind of excavation was by no means an easy task, as it was necessary to keep two men constantly pumping the water which copiously flowed from all directions into the trench, and even then there always remained some at the bottom. As we advanced downwards we encountered layer upon layer of the trunks of trees with the branches closely chopped off, and so soft that the spade easily cut through them. Birch was the prevailing kind of wood, but, occasionally, beams of oak were found with holes at their extremities, through which pegs of oak penetrated into other holes in the logs beneath. One such peg, some three or four inches in diameter, was found to pass through no less than four beams in successive layers, and to terminate ultimately in a round trunk over thirteen inches in diameter. One of the oak beams was extracted entire, and measured 8 feet 3 inches in length and 10 inches in breadth, and the holes in it were 5 feet apart. Others had small round projecting bars, which fitted into mortised holes in adjacent beams. Down to a depth of about four feet the logs ware rudely split, but below this they were round rough trunks, with the bark still adhering to them. Their average diameter would be from six inches to one foot, and amongst them were some curiously gnarled stems occasionally displaying large knotty protuberances. Of course, in the act of digging the trench the wood was cut up into fragments, and, on being uncovered, its fibres had a natural and even fresh-like appearance, but in a few minutes after exposure to the air the freshly cut pieces became as black as ink. Amongst the débris thrown up from a depth of 6 feet below the log-pavement I picked up the larger portion of a broken hammer-stone or polisher, which, from the worn appearance presented by its fractured edges, must have been used subsequently to its breakage. After considerable labour, when indeed the probability of total discomfiture in reaching the bottom was freely talked of, our most energetic foreman at last announced, after cutting through a large flat trunk 14 inches thick, that underneath this he could find no trace of further woodwork. The substance removed from below the lowest logs consisted of a few twigs of hazel brushwood, embedded in a dark, firm, but friable and somewhat peaty soil, which we concluded to be the silt of the lake deposited before the foundations of the crannog were laid. The depth of this solid mass of woodwork, measuring from the surface of the log-pavement, was 9 feet 10 inches, or about sixteen feet from the surface of the field. Amongst the very last spadefuls pitched from this depth was found nearly one half of a well-formed and polished ring made of shale, the external and internal diameters of which were 3½ and 2 inches respectively.

RELICS FROM LOCHLEE.

Stone.—Several hammer-stones and sling-stones, etc. Five whetstones or hones of the ordinary form. They are made of hard clay-stone or sometimes fine sandstone, and vary in length from 5 to 7 inches. One 6¼ inches long has a groove running nearly its whole length (Fig. 140). A large oval pebble of white quartz used as an anvil. A flat circular stone, 3 inches in diameter and 1⅜ inch thick, shaped like a cheese. One stone celt made of a hard mottled greenstone (Fig. 141). Five upper and some bits of lower millstones or querns, mostly of granite. The former are all somewhat elongated, with a funnel-shaped hole in the centre and generally a small round hole near the margin, as seen in the accompanying illustration. Two cup-marked stones, one with two concentric circles (Fig. 141). One spindle-whorl of stone and three of clay (Fig. 141). Two flint flakes and one scraper (Fig. 141). Several worked portions of stones.

Bone and Horn.—Two chisels, five pointed objects, a small spoon, a needle with its eye in the middle, a small ring, and several worked bits of ribs were of bone. Of horn there were about forty worked pieces—clubs, hooks, bodkins, handles, etc. (Fig. 142).

Wood.—A neat trough, like a butcher's tray, cut out of the solid wood (Fig. 143). Five dishes turned on the lathe, bowls, plates, a ladle, etc. A piece of ashwood, 5 inches square, having a curious design carved on both sides (Figs. 144 and 145). Six club-like implements, a mallet, and a few things apparently intended for agricultural purposes. Five varieties of pegs from five to fourteen inches in length, with heads and sometimes perforations. One here figured is 14 inches long (Fig. 136). Stern-piece of a canoe, a double paddle, portion of a large oar, and three canoes. The paddle and mallet are here figured (Fig. 146).

Iron.—An axe-head with a piece of the handle still in the socket (Fig. 146); a gouge 8 inches long, and a chisel 10 inches long, both having tangs on which there is a thick ridge to prevent their insertion too far into the handle; two knives with tangs; a small punch, an awl, and other pointed implements; a crosscut saw, in three fragments, together 38 inches in length; a large iron ring; a pair of shears; and a large three-pronged implement of a remarkable character. The last two objects are illustrated on Fig. 147. Two spear-heads with sockets and portions of the wooden handle remaining in each. The larger, 13 inches long, has a prominent centre ridge. Five daggers, all with tangs, one of which has a bone handle and a brass ferrule.

Bronze or Brass.—A curious spatula-like object of beaten bronze (Fig. 147). Three fibulæ and a ring pin (Fig. 148). The square-shaped portion at the top of the latter has a swastika or croix gammée on one side and a cross with four equal arms on the other. A spiral finger-ring with three twists, two portions of stout wire, and an object of unknown use.

A bridle-bit having the centre-piece of iron and the side-pieces partly of iron and partly of bronze—the rings being iron and the looped portion bronze (Fig. 149).

Lead.—One round knob like the hilt of a handle.

Pottery.—Portion of the bottom of a dish like Samian ware, and five fragments of a whitish unglazed ware with parallel striæ, as if made on the wheel. Fragment of a small crucible.

Glass.—Two beads, one of earthenware of ribbed pattern and coated with green glaze, like those from Dowalton. (See Fig. 132.) The other is of green glass, smooth and shaped like dumb-bells.

Leather.—Portion of a shoe and various bits of leather, one being closely set with copper nails (Fig. 150).

Miscellaneous.—Three portions of plain jet bracelets; another portion of jet is like part of a button; a boar's tusk worked into a sharp point; lumps of blue and red pigment, and large quantities of the horny coverings of insects like beetles, and one or two brilliant-coloured elytra; one solitary shell (Littorina littorea).

An object which has excited considerable curiosity is an apparatus made like a fringe by plaiting together at one end the long stems of a kind of moss (Fig. 150). Portions of similar articles were found in three different parts of the crannog and all deeply buried. One portion of this moss was plaited in four plies and shaped like a cue or pig-tail. It measured 17 inches long and 2 broad in the middle, and tapered to a point.

LOCHSPOUTS.

Lochspouts is a small lake basin, about three miles to the south-west of Maybole, somewhat oval in shape, and ensconced at the base of hilly ground, which encompasses it, except towards the north, where a narrow trap-dike runs across and cuts it off from the open valley beyond. It is thus a natural dam, formed in the face of a declivity, which, beyond the trap-ridge, still continues to slope rapidly downwards for a few hundred yards. No outlet could therefore at any time exist, except along this barrier, and an inspection of its present condition reveals several deep gashes through which at one time the surplus water made its escape. Indeed, some of the oldest inhabitants state that the name "Lochspouts" was given to it because, in former times, during heavy floods, its waters spouted across this ridge at different points. Within the recollection of some of them an artificial cutting was made through the rocky outlet, with the view of utilising its waters for a "walk-mill," an operation which reduced the level of the lake about ten feet, and its area to about two acres. A small island must have then appeared, but, apparently, its nature was unsuspected; and so it remained till 1879, when Mr. James Macfadzean recognised it as the site of an ancient lake-dwelling. This singular and, when surrounded by primeval forests, secluded little lake is now restored to its pristine dimensions; but its water, instead of acting as a defence to an island fortress, or propelling a primitive water-wheel, forms a reservoir for the domestic supply of the town of Maybole. The necessary alterations entailed by this transformation of the home of the crannog-builders—one of which was to clear out the accumulated débris of many a jovial feast in which, judging from the osseous remnants, pigs, oxen, and sheep were no rarity-came very opportunely, as it enabled archæologists to complete an investigation which was in the first instance initiated through the liberality of Sir James Fergusson, the proprietor.

The remains of the crannog, in the form of a low circular mound overgrown with coarse grass, lay at the north side of the lake, near the middle portion of the rocky ridge, and so close to the present margin that it formed a peninsula easily approached on terra firma.

At first the only possible investigation was to remove the débris down to the level of the water, and in the course of this operation the following facts were ascertained:—

(1) Composition of the Mound.—The surface of the mound was composed of coarse grass, having tough matted roots spreading in a thin layer of soil, which overlay about a foot and a half of stones and rubbish, in which no relics were found. Below this the materials were of a very variable character; sometimes vegetable mould, stems of grasses jointed like straw, and beds of heather and moss, which could readily be separated into layers; and at other times heaps of ashes and charcoal mixed with quantities of the shells of whelks, limpets, and hazel-nuts. Intermingled with this heterogeneous mass were large and small stones, broken bones, portions of deer-horns, and various relics. Though several ash-heaps were distinctly discernible in the vicinity of the hearths, no regular refuse-heap was met with; and the broken bones and horns seemed to be dispersed over the general area of the crannog.

(2) Log-Pavement.—About five feet deep (measuring from the centre of the mound), and only a few inches above the level of the surrounding water, there was exposed a rude, imperfect, and irregularly shaped wooden pavement, formed of flattened oak-beams. It covered only the central portion of the area contained within the circle of piles, the rest being laid with branches and stems of trees. On digging beneath this log-pavement large beams and brushwood were generally encountered, but the voluminous gushing up of water prevented reliable observations from being made regarding these deeper structures. Occasionally ashes and charcoal were turned up, and in one spot near the centre, and under my own inspection, the men succeeded in digging downwards more than two feet below the log-pavement before the water oozed up, in the course of which nothing was turned out but pure ashes, bits of charcoal, and large quantities of the shells of limpets and common whelks. At the bottom of this hole were solid oak-beams, apparently flattened; but no sooner were their surfaces exposed than the water rushed in and filled the trench. These observations gave rise to the conjecture that this understratum represented the accumulated débris of another, and, of course, an older, period of human occupancy—a conjecture which also derived some support from the fact that the surface of the log-pavement was on a higher level than the tops of the encircling piles.

(3) Hearths.—Over the log-pavement, and a few yards apart from each other, were three circular hearths, each about five feet in diameter, formed of flat stones embedded in a bed of yellow clay, and raised on a sort of pedestal composed of clay and stones, to the extent of one to one-and-a-half foot. One of them, on being demolished, was found to have been built directly over a former similarly constructed hearth, with an interval of about a foot. These hearths were situated near the centre of the crannog, but on its southern half—i.e. the semicircle farthest from the shore.

(4) Gangway.—On making a few trial trenches in the space directly between the shore and the crannog in search of a gangway, we could find no indications of woodwork. One day, however, my attention was directed to a portion of the log-pavement which looked like a wooden roadway projecting to the margin of the island, and pointing in a north-western direction, towards a prominence in the trap-ridge. Observing also, that, before the lake was lowered, this prominence would be the nearest land to the crannog, it immediately struck me that, if there was a gangway at all, it would be found along this line. Hypothesis was right this time. The adhesive nature of the lake sediment prevented the water from oozing up so quickly as it did on the crannog, so that we were enabled to expose the woodwork several feet below the level of the lake. Close to the crannog the upper beams of the gangway were about three feet below the surface of the grass; but as we neared the shore with the digging they became less buried, and some of the uprights were found even projecting above the ground.

The general plan on which this gangway was constructed appeared to be identical with that adopted by the crannog-builders of Lochlee. Upright piles, singly and in groups, were placed in a zig-zag fashion, between, and from which, the horizontal beams stretched, fan-like, and so formed a sort of latticework, with empty lozenge-shaped spaces between.

From one of these holes, or meshes, some five feet below the surface of the ground, a fine granite quern-stone was extracted. The piles projected some two feet or more above the body of the gangway; but there was no appearance of a subaqueous or superaqueous platform. It would thus appear that its upper transverses were originally under water—a remark equally applicable to the analogous remains at Lochlee—but to what depth the wooden structures reached could not be ascertained.

Further Excavations.—In order to facilitate the projected operations of clearing out the bed of the lake the Engineers of the Maybole Waterworks caused the rocky outlet to be cut down to the extent of 3 feet, which thus enabled them to remove a corresponding section of the crannog. The result of this was to show, as was conjectured from the facts ascertained in the previous explorations, that there was, about 2½ feet underneath the log-pavement and its hearths already described, another habitable zone with its log-pavement, mortised beams, etc., together with various relics of human industry. It would appear that this was the original surface of the crannog, as it corresponded with the surrounding stockades, some of which were found in position. Others were seen among a heap of wood collected from the excavated débris, amongst which were a few of the ordinary transverses containing square-cut holes at their extremities. One thick beam was deeply grooved and resembled the one found at Lochlee. (See Fig. 138.) A few large flat planks, having a round handle-like projection some 18 inches long at one end, had only one square-cut hole, placed sometimes close to this handle, and at other times at the opposite extremity. Another stout oak beam, 6 feet long, contained a series of round holes about an inch in diameter, and from 5 to 6 inches apart. The holes, which were on the broad side of the beam, were about two inches in depth, but only penetrated half through it, and from one of them a portion of a wooden pin was extracted. This beam was in a fragmentary condition, being, like many others, partially charred.

RELICS.

Stone.—About a barrowful of hammer-stones and round pebbles from 1 to 6 inches in diameter. Polishers and whetstones also, numerous, the latter sometimes perforated for suspension. Three portions of sandstone had each a circular perforation funnel-shaped on both sides. Twelve quern stones, nearly all made of granite, of which nine or ten are the upper stones. One spindle-whorl 1¾ inch in diameter. Two polished discs, one being the segment of a circle (Fig. 151), are supposed to have been used as mirrors. An oval implement with two hollowed surfaces like the one represented on Fig. 175; its length is 3¼ inches, breadth 2⅝, and thickness 1 inch. The cup-shaped cavities are too large for mere finger-marks. It is made of a hard grey trap rock and, though well wrought all over, is not polished, nor does it exhibit any markings such as are seen on the ordinary hammer-stones. Two flint scrapers, one of which is here figured (Fig. 151).

Bone and Horn.—A pin, chisel (Fig. 152), awl, two pointers, and a knife-handle are of bone. Of horn there are also only a few objects, as a pick, club, and some pointed implements of the tines of staghorn.

Wood.—No specific object, except the stave of a vessel like that of a milk cog, was found in the earlier explorations; but from the lowest stratum there were some curious wooden implements. (See B. 373, p. 310.)

Bronze.—Two curious objects, a key and a spiral of bronze wire, are shown on Fig. 153. A small finger-ring. An armlet is said to have been also found, but unfortunately could not be procured for descriptive purposes.

Lead.—A small bead-shaped portion of lead perforated with a round hole is supposed to be a spindle-whorl.

Pottery.—Several fragments of Samian ware, one ornamented (Fig. 154). Another kind of earthenware was of light colour, and showed handles and well-formed rims (Fig. 155).

Glass.—Two ribbed beads covered with a greenish glaze like those from Loch Dowalton (Fig. 132), one of an amber tint beautifully variegated (Fig. 156), and another of yellow vitreous paste.

Rock-Crystal.—A conical piece of rock-crystal, polished and evidently ground to its present form, is here shown in outline (Fig. 156).

Jet or Lignite.—Several bits showing workmanship; a polished ring 1¼ inch in diameter (Fig. 156), and portions of two larger ones, probably bracelets; and a remarkable pendant in the form of an encircled cross (Fig. 156). The arms of the cross as well as the surrounding circle are adorned with a succession of incised circles alternating with short lines which are supposed to have been intended for the reception of some kind of enamel.

BUSTON.

About half-way between Stewarton and Kilmaurs there is a shallow basin of meadow-land which formerly, according to Blaeu's Atlas, was the bed of a lake of considerable size called Loch Buston. Within the recollection of the present generation this area was a mossy bog in summer and a sheet of water in winter; and about fifty years ago, when the present tenant, Mr. Robert Hay, came to reside on the farm, there was a small mound situated about its centre known as the Swan Knowe, on account of the number of wild swans that formerly used to frequent it. When subsequently engaged in reclaiming the bog, Mr. Hay states that as many as thirteen cart-loads of timber were removed from the "Knowe," and he distinctly remembers that, in consequence of the difficulty of detaching some of the mortised beams, his father made the remark, "there maun hae been dwellers here at ae time." He also states that until the land was thoroughly redrained, a few years ago, there was still a considerable mound to be seen; but at the beginning of December, 1880, when I first visited the locality, there was hardly any elevation to distinguish it from the surrounding field.

Notwithstanding the havoc committed on the woodwork of the crannog by a long exposure to atmospheric agencies before it finally sank under the protective influence of the muddy water, and subsequently, by the ruthless hands of the agriculturist, there still remained sufficient materials to give one not only a general, but particular and instructive notion of the mechanical principles on which the island and its superincumbent structures were constructed. The general results of the investigation may be categorically summed up as follows:—

1. The island was composed of a succession of layers of the trunks and branches of trees, intermingled in some places with stones, turf, etc.; and the whole mass was firmly knit together by means of upright piles and horizontal beams arranged in three, and in one part four, concentric circles.

2. The outer circle was intended more for protection than for giving stability to the island, and in some parts, as at the east side of the refuse-heap, the piles were closely set with their tops fixed into a transverse beam after the manner of a stair-railing; while those of the inner ones not only penetrated deeply and gave stability to the island, but also were used as part of the wall of the central building.

3. The area enclosed by the stockades was slightly oval in shape, measuring 61 feet by 56, and rudely paved with wooden beams, many of which were firmly fixed to the lower woodwork by stout wooden pegs as well as to the encircling stockades, thus affording here and there, as it were, points d'appui.

4. While there was one general hearth situated near the centre, evidence of one or two fire-places elsewhere was quite conclusive. One of these appeared to have been a smelting-furnace, as it contained flat stones much stained with fire-marks and several masses of heavy slag.

6. Beyond this platform, and separated from it by a massive wooden railing which was continuous with the inner circle of stockades, was the refuse-heap; and to the right a wooden pathway, also protected on its outer side, led downwards and westwards to the outer circle, where there appeared to have been a landing-stage. (See Figs. 157 and 158.) About twelve yards in advance of this stage, and 4 feet from the surface of the field, a canoe was found buried in the ancient mud of the lake (Fig. 159).

The refuse-heap occupied an oblong position immediately in front of the southern entrance. It measured some 30 feet long by 15 or 20 broad, and 5 feet deep alongside the above-mentioned railing. Here nearly all the relics and some massive bones were found. These bones were abundantly impregnated with the mineral vivianite, both in its amorphous and crystalline condition, but the specimens of crystals here were much inferior to those from Lochlee. The position of the refuse-heap is seen in the immediate foreground of Fig. 157, after the removal of its contents, as a pit partially occupied with water.

Two blocks of sandstone with irregularly shaped cavities in each; a third has a large cup-shaped cavity 5½ inches in diameter and 2½ inches deep, and on it are the marks of sharpening tools; hence the cup is supposed to have been for holding water for facilitating the operation of sharpening. Another small fragment has a neatly formed cup-shaped cavity. Two querns, both upper stones; one is of the usual form, but the other is flat and more like a modern millstone. It measures 18 inches across and the central hole is 3 inches in diameter, but not funnel-shaped. For the insertion of a handle there is a square-cut hole near the margin.