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Proceedings of the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
/:. //. iw
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3032721 30L
ASHMOLEAN LIBRARY, OXFORD
This book is to be returned on or before the last
date stamped below
1 2 MAY 2001
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PEOCEEDINGS
OP THE
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND.
SJIBSIONS
MDCCCLXIV-LXV. MDCCCLXV-LXVI.
VOL. VI.
EDINBURGH :
PKINTED FOR THE SOCIETY BY NEILL AND COMPANY.
MDOOCLXVIIL
oogle
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CONTENTS.
«
PAOK
Extract from Council Minutes,
iii
List of Office-Bearere, July 1864,
V
List of Fellows, July 1864, .
vii
List of Honorary Members, July 1864,
xvii
Table of Contents, Part I., .
xix
Table of Contents, Part II., .
xxi
List of Illustrations, ....
xxiii
Proceedings during the Eighty-fifth Session, 1864-1865,
Proceedings during the Eighty-sixth Session, 1865-1866,
Index to Volume VI., ...
1
267
459
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At a Cotmcil Meeting of the Society of Ant%quarie$ of Scotland^
held on the 2Sd of November 1866,
It was reported, that, in terms of former Besolutions, the Sixth Volume
of the Pbooibdinos of thb Sooibtt was in progress, under the joint
superintendence of Mr Datid Laino and Dr John Albxandeb Smith ;
and that the First Fart will be ready in a few days for circulation among
the Members. It is understood by the Cohnoil that the Authors are
alone responsible for the various statements and opinions contained in
their respective Communications.
The CouNOiL, in consequence of the delay experienced in printing the
Proceedings, resolved : — " That in future all Communications read before
the Society, and intended for publication, shall be left, ready for press,
with one of the Secretaries, within eight days after the Meeting."
John Stuart, , „
_ . ' } SecretarieB.
John Alex. Smith,
.,}
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OFFICE-BEARERS, 1866-66.
PATRON.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
His Grace THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBERRY, KG.
The Hon. Lord Neave&
Professor James Y. Simpson, M.D.
David Laino, Esq., LL.D.
CoitndUoni.
Frakcts Abbott, Esq. ) repre^mtim the Board of Truskes,
George Patton, Esq., Advocate, f
Adam Sim, Esq., of Coulter Mains.
Rev. Thomas M^Lauchlan, LL.D.
Jambs T. Gibson Craio, Esq.
Professor Cosmo Iknes, Advocate.
James D. Marwick, Esq., City Clerk.
Joseph Robertson, Esq., LL.D.
Colonel Joseph Dundas of CarronhalL
Seoretsrits.
John Stuart, Esq., General Register House.
John Alexander Smith, M.D.
David Lai no, Esq., LL.D., Foreign Correspondevre.
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VI
Thomas B. Johnston, Esq.
AtttHtors of t^e Pttsemn.
James Drummond, Esq., RS.A.
Robert Carfrab, Esq.
(KtttatoT of Aoins.
George Sim, Esq.
STtbtarian.
John Hill Burton, Esq., LL.D.
J^njftx of t^t pttstmn.
Mr William T. MHIJulloch.
^Bmimi ^tjftx of t\jt l^nBtrm.
Robert Paul.
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LIST OF THE FELLOWS
OP THE
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND,
NOVEMBER 30, 1866.
PATRON.
HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA.
1863. Abbott, Francis, Moray Place, — Curator.
1863. *ABERDBm, Fraucjis, Montrose.
186a Adah, Robert, City Aocountant, Council Chambers.
1864. Adamson, John, Newbuigh, Fife,
1828. ♦AiNSLiB, Philip Barrinoton, The Mount, Guildford, Surrey.
1864 Alexander, Colonel Sir James Edward, Knight, of Westerton, Bridge
of Allan.
1846w Alexander, Rev. Willl^m Lindsat, D.D., Brown Square.
1860. Allman, George J., M.D., Professor of Natural History, Uniyersity,
Edinburgh.
1866. Anderson, Arthur, M.D., Deputy-Inspector of Hospitals.
1864 Anderson, Archibald, Advocate.
1866. Andebson, Thomas S., Lindores Abbey, Fifeshire.
1863. Applbton, John Reed, Westerton Hill, Durham.
1869. Arbutunot, George C, Loanhead.
1860. Argtlb, His Grace The Duke of, KT.
1866. Arklet, Patrick, Adrocate, 29 Great King Street.
An aiterisk (*) denotes Members who have compounded for their Annunl Contributions.
a 2
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Vlll
1861. AucHiE, Alexander, Clydesdale Bank.
1865. AuFRBCHT, Thbodork, M.A., Professor of Sanscrit in the University of
Edinburgh.
1866. AuLD, Jambb, LL.D., Madras GoUege, St Andrews.
1861. Baikib, Robert, M.D., 49 Northumberland Street
1838. Balfour, David, of Balfour and Trenaby, Orkney.
1862. Balfour, John M., W.S.
1847. BALLANTnrB, James, 42 George Street
1857. Barclay, Lieut-Ck)lonel Peter, H.E.I.C.S., Coates Crescent.
1866. Barnwell, Rey. Edward Lowrt, M.A., Melksham, Wilts.
1862. Barrie, William, EUgh School, DalkeitL
1863. Beck, Rey. James, A.M., Rector of Parham, Sussex.
1854. Begbie, James Warburton, M.D., F.RC.P.K
1861, Berry, Walter, Danish Consul-General, 16 Carlton Terrace.
1861. Binning, Right Honourable George Lord.
1852. Black, David D., of Eergord, Brechin.
1847. Blackis, Walter G., PLD., Publisher, Glasgow.
1865. Braikenridge, Rey. George Weare, Cleyedon, Somerset
1866. Bremner, Bruce A., M.D., Momingside.
1 863. Bremner, David, Wick.
1857. Brodie, Thomas, W.S., Alya Street
1849. ♦Brown, A. J. Denniston, Balloch Castle, Dumbarton.
1866. Brown, Willluc, F.R.C.S.R, Dublin Street
1841. Brown, William Henrt, of Ashley, Ratho.
1863. Bruce, Henrt, Kinleith, Currie.
1861. Bruce, William, M.D., RN., BumUsland.
1849. Brtce, David, Architect, RS.A., 131 Geoige Street.
1853. Brtson, Alexander, Princes Street
1845. ♦BuccLEUCH AND QuEENSBERRT, His Graoe The Duke of, K.G.,— Prm^feiit
of the Society,
1847. BucHAN, Rev. Charles F., DJ)., Fordoun Manse.
1857. Buist, Andrew Walker, of Berryhills, Fifeshire.
1863. Burnett, George, Lyon King at Arms.
1860. Burnett, Sir James Horn, of Leys, Bart
185a Burton, John Hill, LL.D., Advocate, Craig House, Momingside.
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1847. Campbell, Sir Alexander, of Barcaldine, Bart.
1858. ^Campbell, Alexander, of Monzie.
1866. Campbell, Rev. James, BiJmerino, Fifeshire.
1850. Campbell, Roy. John A., Legh, Helpeton, Northampton.
1862. Carfrab, Robert, 77 George Street, — OurcUor of Museum,
1861. Carltlb, John Attken, M.D.
1864. Catto, John, Merchant, Aberdeen.
1865. *CHAiAnsB8, Jambs, Granton Lodge, Aberdeen.
1859. Chalmers, Jambs Hat, Advocate, Aberdeen.
1855. Chalmers, John Inqlib, of Aldbar, Forfitrshiie.
1844 Chalmers, Rev. Peter, D.D., Abbey Church, Dunfennline.
1844. ^Chambers, Robert, LL D., St Andrews.
1836. CHErNE, Henrt, W.S., 6 Royal Terrace.
1853. Christison, Robert, M.D., F.RCP.B., Professor of Materia Modica,
University, Edinburgh.
185a CoLLTER, William F., LL.D., Saxe-Coburg Place.
1861. Constable, Thomas, 34 Royal Terrace.
1862. Cook, John, W.S., Great King Street.
1851. ♦Coulthart, John Ross, of Conlthart and Collyn, Ashton-under-Lyne.
1849. *CowAN, Charles, of Valleyfield, West Register Street
1849. Cowan, David, 7 York Place.
1865. Cowan, James, West Regbter Street.
1850. Cox, Robert, W.S., 25 Rutland Street.
1826. Craig, James T. Gibson, 24 York Place.
1861. Crawfurd, Thomas Macknioht, of Cartsbum.
1861. Crichton, Michael H., North Bridge.
1865. CuNiNOHAME, Georoe Corsane, Melville Street.
1866. CuRROR, David, of West Craigduckie, S.S.C.
1853. Dalhousie, Right Hon. the Earl of, E.T.
1857. Dalrtmple, Charles K, Kinellar, Aberdeenshire.
1865. Dawson, Adam, younger of Bonnytown, Linlithgow.
1662. Dickson, David, George Squate.
1844 Dickson, William, Accountant, 22 George Street.
1861. Douglas, David, 88 Princes Street.
1856. DoroLAB, James, of Cavprs, Hawick
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1851. ^DrummonD) Georob Home, younger of Blair-Drummond.
1828. ^Druhmond, Hbnrt Homb, of Blair-Drummond.
1848. Drummond, James, R.S.A., 30 Hamilton Place, — Curator of Museum,
1859. Drummond, William, Rockdale, Stirling.
1849. Drybdale, Wiluam, Assistant-Clerk of Session, 3 Hart Street
1860. *DuNCAN, James Matthews, M.D., F.RO.P.E., 30 Charlotte Square.
1848. Duncan, William J., Manager of the National Bank of Scotland.
1827. DuNDAS, Sir David, of Dunira, Bart.
1850. DuNDAS, WiLLULM PiTT, Advocate, Registrar-General for Scotland.
1864 DuNDAS, Colonel Joseph, of Carron HaU, Falkirk.
1862. DuNRAYEN AND MoNTEARLE, Right Hon. The Earl o^ Adare, Ireland.
1863. Edmonstone, Sir Archibald, Bart of Duntreath, Stirlingshire.
1853. Elcho, Right Hoa Lord, M.P., Aimsfield, Haddingtonshire.
1862. Elliot, Walter, of Wolfelee, Roxburghshire.
1855. Euing, Wiluam, Glasgow.
1841. ^Etton, Joseph Walter Kino, London.
1858. Farquharson, Francis, of Finzean, 5 Eton Terrace.
1866. ^Farquharson, Robert, of Haughton, Aberdeenshire.
1848. Ferguson, Walter, Teacher of Drawing, 36 George Street.
1863. *Flockhart, Henry, Inverleith Row.
1862. Forbes, William, of Medwyn, 17 Ainslie Place.
1848. *Fotheringham, Willl^m H., Sheriff-Clerk of Orkney, Kirkwall.
1865. ♦Franks, Augustus W., M.A., British Museum, London.
1862. Eraser, Alexander, 13 East Claremont Street
1857. *Frasbr, Patrick Allan, of Hospital Field, Arbroath.
1864 Eraser, Patrick, Advocate.
1851. Fras^oi, William, S.S.C, Assistant-Keeper of Register of Sasines.
1864. Freer, Allan, Banker, Melrose.
1863. Frier, Robert, Artist, India Street.
1865. GiBB, Andrew, Lithographer, Aberdeen.
1862. Gillman, Andrew, S.S.C, London.
1846. Goodsir, Alexander, 18 Regent Terrace.
1840. Go«)D8iR, John, Professor of Anatomy, University, Edinburjrh.
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1660. Gordon, Bev. Cosico R, A.M., Manchester.
1860. *QoKDOv, Edward S., Advocate, 2 Randolph Creeoent.
1852. Grahams, Barron, of Moiphie, St Andrews.
1851. Graham, William, LLJD., 1 Moray Place.
1866. ^REKNBHiELDB, JoHN B., Advocato, joonger of Kene, Lanarkshire.
1863. Grioor, John, MD., Nairn.
1835. «Groat, Alex. G., of Newhall, 12 Hart Street.
1846. ^Haiuttonb, Edward, of Horton Hall, Bradford.
1833. Hamilton, Alexander, LL.R, W.S.» The Elms, Mominggide.
1850. Hamilton, John, W.S., 81 George Street.
1861. ^Hamilton, Right Hon. R 0. Nisbet, of Dirleton.
186a Hannah, Rev. John, D.C.L., Glenalmond, Perthshire.
1849. Harvet, Georob, President Royal Scottish Academy, 21 Regent Terrace.
1859. Hat, Major William K, H.E.LC.S., Loanhead.
1864. Hat, Robert J. A., of Nonraw, Prestonkirk.
1856u Hebden, Robert J., of Eday, Orkney.
1862. Henderson, William H., Writer, Linlithgow.
1862. HoDSON, Rev. James S., D.D., Great King Street.
1860. Home, David Milne, of Milnegraden and Paxton.
1852. *HoRN, Robert, Advocate, 7 Randolph Crescent.
1865. HoRSBRUOH, James, of Lochmalony, Cupar.
1861. *HowE, Alexander, W.S., 22 Charlotte Square.
1826. HuiE, Richard, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., 8 George Square.
1860. Hutchison, Robert, of Carlowrie.
1853. Innes, Cosmo, Advocate, Professor of History, University, Edinburgh.
1866. Irvine, James T., Architect, London.
1862. ^Irving, Georqe Vere, of Newton, Lanarkshire.
1849. Jackson, Alexander, M.D., India Street
1851. ^Jackson, Edward James, B.A. Ozon., 6 Coates Crescent.
1859. Jamieson, George A., Accountant, St Andrew Square.
1865. Jardink, Sir William, Bart., LL.D., of Applegarth, Lockerbie.
1859. Jeffrey, Alexander, Solicitor, Jedburgh.
1848. Johnston, Rev. Gkoiige, D.D., 6 Minto Street.
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1849. Johnston, Thomas B., 4 St Andrew Square, — Tirecuurer.
1648. Johnstons, William R, RS.A., Curator of the National Galleiy.
1864. Jones, Morris Charlbs, Gnngrog, near WelahpooL
1865. Eatb, Robert, Fountain Bank, St Patrick's Hill, Glasgow.
1848. Kerr, Andrew, Architect, Office of H.M. Works.
1861. Kino, Major William Ross, of Tertowie, Kinellar, Aberdeenshire.
1866. Laino, Alexander, Newburgh, Fife.
1824. Laino, David, LL.D., Signet Library, — Vice-President and Foreign tkc
retary,
1864. ^Laino, Samuel, M.P., London.
1866. Laidlet, J. M., Seadiff; North Berwick.
1838. Laurie, William A., W.S., Rossend Castle, Burntisland.
1862. Lawrie, Archibald Campbell, Advocate, Nelson Street
1862. Lawson, Charles, Sen., of Borthwick Hall, George Square.
1847. Lawson, Charles, Jun., of Borthwick Hall.
1865. Lee, Edward, St George's Road, London.
1863. Lee, Rev. Frederick George, S.C.L. Oxon., London.
1856. Leishman, Rev. Matthew, D.D., Manse, Govan.
1857. Leslie, Charles Stephen, younger of Balquhain.
1861. Leslie, Colonel J. Forbes, of Rothie, Aberdeenshire.
1855. ^Lindsay, The Right Hon. Lord, Haigh Hall, Lancashire.
1866. Lindsay, John, Woodend, Almond Bank, Perth.
1849. LoGHORE, Rev. Alexander, Manse, Diymen, Stirlingshire.
1831. *LooAN, Alexander, London.
1858. LooAN, George, W.S., Clerk of Teinds.
1860. Lothian, The Most Honourable the Marquess of, Newbattle Abbey.
1866. *Lovat, Right Hon. The Lord, Beaufort CasUe, Inverness-shire.
1865. Lyell, David, Writer, Walker Street
1856. M'BuRNEY, Isaiah, LL.D., Athole Academy, Isle of Mau.
1853. Macdonald, John, Town-Clerk, Arbroath.
1862. MacoibboN, David, Architect, Geoige Street.
1849. Macoreook, Alexander Bennet, younger of Kemocb, Glasgow.
18.56. Maogreoor, Donald R., Leitb.
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1852. Mackekzib, Albzandbr Kincaid, Manager, Commercial Bank of Soot-
land.
1846. Mackenzis, Donald, Adyocate, 12 Great Stuart Street
1844 Mackenzis, John Whitefoord, W.S., 16 Boyal Circus.
1844. *MACKKSZiE, Kbtth Stewart, of Seaforth, Brahan Castle, Dingwall
1841. Mackniqht, Jambs, W.S., 12 London Street
1864 ^Mackintosh, Charles Fraber, of Drommond, Inyemess-shire.
1865. Magkison, William, Architect, Stirling.
1864 McLaren, Duncan, M.P., Newington House.
1856. M^Lauchlan, Rey. Thomas, LL.D., St Columba Free Church, Edin-
buigh.
1841. Maclaurin, Hsnrt C, Qeneral Post-Office.
1861. Maclbod, William, M.D., Ben Rhydding, Yorkshire.
1846. Macmillan, John, M.A., Emeritus Master and Examiner of Hi^
School of Edinburgh, Librarian,
1855. Macnab, John, Publisher, Stead's Place, Leith Walk.
1844 McNeill, Archibald, P.C.S., 73 Great King Street
1849. ^Marshall, George H., Heriot Row.
1861. Marwick, James DAyiD, City-Clerk, City Chambers.
1858. Matheson, Sir James, of the Lewes and Achany, Bart, M.P.
1864. Meldrttm, George, C.A., York Place.
1853. Mercer, Graeme B., of Gorthy.
1862. Mercer, Major William Drummond, Hunting Tower, PertL
1862. Mercer, Robert, of Sootsbank, Ramsay Lodge,. Portobello.
1860. ^Miller, John, of Leithen, Peeblesshire.
1851. Miller, Samuel Christy, of Craigentinny, St James's Place, London.
1859. MiLN, James, of Murie, Perthshire.
1866. Mitchell, HoufirroN, Trinity Lodge.
1851. MoNTEiTH, Robert I. J., of Carstairs, Lanarkshire.
1851. *MoNTOOMERY, Sir Graham G., of Stanhope, Bart, M.P.
1857. MoRisoN, Alexander, of Bognie, Aberdeenshire.
1856. MossMAN, Adam, Jeweller, Princes Street.
1860. MuDiE, John, of Pitmuies, Arbroath.
1862. MuiR, WiLUAM, Wellington Place, Leith.
1853. ^Murray, Thomas Graham, W.S., 4 Glenfinlas Street
1863. Mylne, Robert Wiluam, Architect, Whitehall Place, London.
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183a Nasmtth, Robert, F.RC.S.E., Surgeon-Dentist, Charlotte Square.
1867. Nkavbs, the Hon. Lord, Charlotte Square, — Vice- President .
1864 Neilson, John, W.S., Windsor Street.
1860. Nbish, Jambs, of the Laws, near Dundee.
1867. *NiCHOL, James Dtce, of Ballogie, M.P., Aberdeenshire.
1836. ^Nicholson, Alexander, Cheltenham.
1861. *NicoL, Erskine, R.S.A., London.
1861. NiVBN, John, M.D., 110 Lauriston Place.
1832. ^MOND, Rey. John Reid, Monzie, Crie£
1861. Pagan, William, of Clayton, Fifeshire.
1857. Paterson, George, of Castle Huntly, Perthshire.
1862. Paterson, George A., M.D., Charlotte Square.
1858. Paterson, Robert, M.D., Leith.
1859. Paton, John, Meadow Place.
1846. Paton, Joseph Neil, Dunfermline.
1869. Paton, Joseph Noel, RS.A., 33 Greorge Square.
1869. Patton, George, Right Hoa The Lord Advocate, Heriot Row.
1862. Peddie, John Dick, Architect, 6 South Charlotte Street.
1855. *Pender, John, Manchester.
1860. PiERSON, James Alex., of The Guynd, Forfarshire.
1860. Primrose, Hon. Bouverie F., 22 Moray Place.
1865. Rainy, Professor Robert, D.D., Free Church College, Roseberiy
Crescent.
1864. *Ramsat, Captain John, of Straloch and Barra, Aberdeenshire.
1860. Reid, James, Secretary, Commercial Bank of Scotland.
1866. Reid, William, W.S., Frederick Street.
1849. Rhind, David, Architect, 64 Great King Street
1861. Robertson, Andrew, M.D., Indego, Tarland, Aberdeenshire.
1849. ♦Robertson, David H., M.D., Leith.
1856. Robertson, George B., W.S., General Register-House.
1859. Robertson, Colonel James A, 118 Princes Street
1862. Robertson, John, S.S.C, Portobello.
1854. Robertson, Joseph, LL.D., Genenil Register- House.
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1863. BoBiN, Rev. John, Manse, Burntisland.
1861. BoBiNOw, Adolph, Hanseatic Vioe-Consnl, Moray Place.
1865. Robinson, John Rtlet, Dewsbniy.
1854 RoDOER, Jambs C, Londoa
1864. Scott, Rev. Hew, Anstrather- Wester, Fife«hire.
1841. Scott, JoHN,-of Rodono, W.S.
1848. Sston, Gbobob, Advocate, St Bennetts, GreenhilL
1864. Shand, Robebt, Teacher, PertL
1848. Shiel, William, Assistant Clerk of Session, Qeneial Register* House.
1861. Sim, Adam, of Coulter Mains, Lanarkshire.
1860. Sim, George, 40 Charlotte Square, — Cur<Uor of CJoiru.
1865. Sim, Wiiuam, of Lunan Bank, Walker Street.
1864. Simpson, Rev. Adam L., Derby.
1849. Simpson, Sir James Y., Bart, M.D., D.C.L., F.RC.P.E., Professor of
Midwifery, University, Queen Street, — Vice-President.
1864. SiMSON, Geoboe W., Artist, Frederick Street.
1857. Sinclair, Alexander, 133 George Street.
1833, Skene, Wiiuam Forbes, LL.D., W.S., Inverleith Row.
1853. Small, Andrew, 29 East Claremont Street
1844. ♦Smith, David, W.S., 64 Princes Street
1822. Smith, James, of JordanhilL
1847. Smith, John Alex., M.D., F.RC.P.E., 7 West Maitland Street,— /*<;re
tary,
1858. Smith, Robert M., Bellevue Crescent
1866. Smtthe, William, of Methven, Perthshire.
1855. Snodt, Andrew, S.S.C, Gayfield Square.
1864. SouTAR, William Shaw, Banker, Blairgowrie.
1858. Starke, Jambs, Advocate, Traquair-holme, Dumfries.
1855. Stevenson, Thomas, Civil Engineer, 37 Heriot Row.
1847. Stevenson, Rev. William, D.D., Professor of Church History, Univer-
sity.
1863. Stewart, James R., 4 Duke Street
1 854 Stewart, John, of Nateby HaU.
1850. Struthers, Rev. John, Minister of Preston pans.
1853. Stuart, John, General Register- House, — Secretary.
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1845. *STUAKT,Hon. SirJoHN^Vice-GhftnoelloroftheOourtofChanoeiyinEiigland.
1851. SwiKTON, Archibald Campbell, of Kimmerghame, Advocate.
1856. ^TME, Jambb G., Advocate.
1860. Tatlor, Jamks, Merchant, Leith.
1859. Thomson, Albxakdeb, of Banchoty, Aberdeenshire.
1847. Thomson, Thomas, W.S., 1 Thistle Court
1866. Till, Wai/tbr J., Manor House, Croydon, Surrey.
1862. Trbveltan, Sir Walter C, of Wallington, Bart., Northumberiand.
1865. Troup, William, College Libiaiy, St Andrews.
1865. Turner, William, M.R, University.
1866. TwEDDELL^ Georob M., Stokesley, Yorkshire.
1862. ^Veitgh, George Seton, Bank of Scotland.
1860. Verb, William E. Hope, of Cndgie HalL
1859. *Walkbr, Fountaine, of Foyers, Inverness-shire.
184a Walker, William, F.R.C.S.E., 47 Northumberland Street
1861. Walker, William Stuart, of Bowland.
1849. Ware, Titus Hibbert, Hale Bams, Altiingham, Cheshire.
1850. Wat, Albert, of Wonham Manor, Reigate, Surrey.
1861. Webb, P. Robert, Buckingham Terrace.
1856. Webster, John, Advocate, Aberdeea
1866. Whtte, Alexander, Accoimtant, South Queensferry.
1860. Wilson, William Thorburn, Rutheiglen.
1861. *Wilson, Wtluam, Banknock, Stirlingshire.
1852. Wise, Thomas A., M.D., Rostillan Castle, Ireland.
1863. Wtshart, Edward, Hermitage House, Trinity.
1864. Wronoham, Wiujam, Agent, Dundee.
1866. Young, Robert, Writer, Elgin-
1849. TuLB, General Patrick, Royal Engineers, London.
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xvu
LIST OF HONOMRY MEMBERS
0? THE
SOCIEH OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND,
DECEMBEK 1865.
[According to the Laws, the Number is limited to twknty-fivk.]
1820.
Princb Gustaff Vasa op Sweden.
1846.
John Lindsat, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, Cork.
1849.
Right Hon. Sir William Gibbon Craio of Riocarton, Bart, Lord Clerk
Be}<i8ter.
George Pbtrib, LL.D., Vice-President of the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.
5 Sir Charles Georoe Touno, Garter-King-at-Arms, F.S.A.
1851.
Ri^t Hon. The Earl Stanhope, D.C.L., President of the Society of Anti-
quaries, London.
185a
Daniel Wilson, LL.D., Professor of English Literature, Toronto, Canada.
1856.
Cdonel Sir Henrt C. Rawlinson, K.C.B., D.C.L., London.
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XVlll
1867.
William Rbkves, D.D , Lusk, Dublin.
1860.
10 His Majesty The King of Sweden and Norway.
Right Hon. Lord Talbot de Malahidu.
Dr Richard Lepsiub, Berlin.
The Chevalier G. H. Pbrtz, LL.D., Royal Library, Berlin
1861.
James Farrbr, Esq., Ingleborough, Yorkshire.
1862.
15 His Royal Hi^mess Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.
Dr Ferdinand E^eller, ZoricL
The Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte.
1864.
Right Hon. Sir John Romillt, Master of the Rolls.
Thomas Duffus Hardy, Esq., Deputy-Keeper of Her Majesty's Public
Records, London.
20 Alexander J. Beresford Hope, Esq., LL.D., M.P., London.
M. Alexandre Tbulet, of the Imperial Archives, Paris.
James Hknthorn Todd, D.D., Trinity College, Dublin.
1865.
The Most Hon. Marquess Camden, K.G.
Sir Henry Dryden, Bart, Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire.
25 Benjamin Thorpe, Esq., Cheswick, near London.
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TABLE OF CONTEITTS.
PART L, 1864-66.
PAGE
Anmyenary Meeting, ........ 1
An Account of the ExcavationB at CamboBkenneth Abbey in May 1864. By
Colonel Sir James E. Alexandis, Ent., F.S.A. Scot. (Plates lY. and
IV.»), , ... 14
Notice relating to the Interment of King James III. of Scotland, and of his
Queen, Margaret of Denmark, in the Abbey Church, Cambuskenneth.
By David Laiko, Esq., Foreign Secretary of the Society, . 26
Account of a Manuscript of the Eleventh Century by Marianus of Ratisbone.
By the Right Rev. Bishop Alexandeb P. Fobbes, D.C.L., . 88
Notice respecting the Monument to the Regent Earl of Murray, now restored,
within the Church of St Giles, Edinburgh. By David Lainq, Esq., For.
Sec. S.A. Scot. (Plate VII.), 49
Account of Graves recently discovered at Hartlaw, on the farm of Westruther
Mains, with Drawings by Lady John Scott. By John Stuabt, Esq.,
Sec SA. Soot. (Plate VIII.), . . . .66
Notice of a Long-shaped Cist, with Skeleton, found .near Yarrow Kirk, Sel-
kirkshire, from Communications by Rev. James Russell, Yarrow. By
JoHK Alexandeb Smith, M.D., Sec. SJl, Scot., . . 62
Observations on some of the Runic Inscriptions at Maeshowe, Orkney. By
Ralph Cabb, Esq., of fledgeley, Northumberland, . . . 70
Note of a Copper Plate and.Bronze Ornaments from Cluny. By John Stuabt,
Esq., Sec S.A. Soot (Plate V.), 88
Notice of the Site of the Battle of Ardderyd or Arderyth. By William
Fobbes Skene, Esq., LL.D., F.S.A. Scot., . .91
Account of the Recent Examination of a Cairn, called " Caimgreg,'* on the
Estate of Linlathen. By John Stuabt, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot., 98
Notice of the Fort on Cairby Hill, and other Antiquities in Liddesdale, in a
Letter to Mr Stuart, Sec S.A. Scot. By the Rev. John Mauohan^ A.B.,
Uector of Bewcastle, Cumberland, ..... 108
Note relative to Excavations at Balgone, near North Berwick. By the
Rev. John Stbuthbes, F.S.A. Scot., Prettonpans, . 107
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XX TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Notice of a Group of Artificial Islands in the Loch of Dowalton, Wigtonshire,
and of other Artificial Islands or " Grannogs" thronghont Scotland. By
John Stuabt, E8q.,%ec. S.A. Scot. (Plates X.-XIII.), . .114
Notice of Stone Gists discovered near the " Gatstane," Kirkliston. By
RoBEBT HuTOHisoN of Oarlowrfe, Esq., F.S.A. Scot. (With Diagram.) , 184
Report on some Hnman Grania fonnd in Stone GofiSns, near the *' Gatstane/*
Kirkliston. By William Tuenke, M.B., . .196
Translation of an Assyrian Inscription on the Sculptured Slah recently pre-
sented to the Museum by Professor J. Y. Simpson. By H. Fox Talbot,
Esq., ......... 198
Account of Excavations at Hurley Hawkin, near Dundee. By Andeew
Jeevisb. Esq., Brechin, Gorr. Mem. S.A. Scot (Plate XIV.), . 210
Notice of Gaims recently examined on the Estate of Rothie, Aberdeenshire.
By John Stuabt, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot., . . . . .217
Notices of the Localities in a Grant of the Lands of Keig and Monymusk, by
Malcolm, King of Scots, to the Ghurch of St Andrews ; and a Sketch
or History of the Priory of Monymusk. By the Rev. Alezanbbe Low,
of Keig, Aberdeenshire, Gorr. Mem. S.A. Scot, .... 218
On some Remains of the Stone Period in the Bnchan District of Aberdeen-
shire. By Thomas F. Jamiesok, Esq., Ellon, . . .289
Notice of some Human and other Remains recently found at Kelso. By
WiLLDLM TUENEE, M.B. ...... 245
Notice of an Eirde House at EriboU, in the Parish of Durness, Sutherland-
shire. Ry Aethxte Mitchell, M.D., Gorr. Mem. S.A. Scot, . 242
Notices of Flint Flakes found in the Parish of Abemethy, Strathspey. By
Aethtte Mitchell, M.D., Gorr. Mem. S.A. Scot, . . . 261
Note of two Bronze Swords, recently found under Moss at South Uist By
Gaptain P. W. L. Thomas, R.N., Gorr. Mem. S.A. Soot., 262
Notice of Flints from Gaves in the Wady Meghara, in Arabia. By John
Tuekbull, of Abbey St Bathans, Esq., ..... 268
On the use of the " Mustard Gap and Bullet " in the North of Scotland. By
^ John Albxandee Smith, M.D., Sec S.A. Scot, . . .266
Notes on the Excavation of an Ancient Building at Tapock in the Torwood,
Parish of Dunipace, Gounty of Stirling, By Golonel Joseph Dundas (d
GarronhaU, F.S.A. Soot (Plates XV. and XYI.), .268
Note on a Human Skull found at Fyrish, InvemeBS-Bhire. By William
Tuenee, M.B., ........ 266
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PART II. 1865-66.*
PAGE
Annivenary Meeting, ....... 267
Aoootmt of the Opening of a Oaim on the Estate of Pittodrie, Aberdeenshire.
By Ohablks E. Dalbtmple, Esq., F.SA., Scot., . .276
Notice of Beoent Excavations in Ghedworth Wood, on the Estate of the Earl
of Eldon, in the Oonnty of Gloucester. By Jambs Fabbeb, Esq., Hon.
Mem. SA. Soot Gommnnicated by John Stuakt, Esq., Sec. S.A Scot., 278
Notes relating to Mrs Esther (Langlois or) Inglis, the celebrated Galligraphist,
with an Enumeration of Manuscript Volumes written by her between the
years 1686 and 1624. By Dayid Laino, Esq., Foreign Sec. 8.A. Scot
(Plates XVIL, XVIIL), 284
On the Eymric Element in the Geltic Topography of Scotland. By the Rev.
Thomas M'Lauchlan, LL.D., F S.A. Scot, .... 815
Notice of Gaims, called ** Fairy Enowes,'* in Shetland, recently examined.
By D. D. Black, Esq., F.S.A Scot, ..... 824
Notes of various Antiquities in Boss and Sutherland. By the Bev. James M.
JoASS, Gorr. Mem. S. A Soot, in a Letter to John Stuabt, Esq., Secretary, 827
Notice of the Glach-a-Gharra, a Stone of Memorial at Onich, in Lochaber.
By Jambs Dbfmmond, Esq., B.S.A, F.aA Scot (Plate XIX.), 828
An Account of Excavations in Gaims near Grinan. By the Bev. William
Grbenwell, Gorr. Mem. S.A. Scot. Gommnnicated by John Stuabt,
Esq., Sec SA. Scot (Plate XX.) 886
Notice of a Gaim at Kilchoan, Argyleshire, and its Gontents. By the Bev. R.
J. Maplbton, Gommnnicated by J. Stuabt, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot, . 851
Notice of Human Remains found in Digging at the Gitadel, North Leith. By
D. H. Bobbbtson, M.D., F.S.A. Scot, ..... 866
Notice of three small Bronze Blades, or Instruments believed to be Bazors, and
a Bronze Socketed Gelt in the Museum of the Society, with Bemarks on
other small Bronze Blades. By John Alexandbb Smith, M.D., Sec.
SA.Scot, 857
Notice of a Bronze Battle-Axe found near Bannockbum, now in the Museum
of the Society. By John Alexandbb Smith, M.D., Sec. SA. Scot, 872
Notice of a GoUection of Primitive Implements of the Ancient Swiss Lake-
Dwellers, &om Goncise, on Lake Neufchatel. S^ Danibl Wilson,
LL.D., Hon. Mem. S.A. Scot., Professor of History and English Literature
in University Gollege, Toronto. (Plate XX I), .876
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XXll TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Notes on some Northern Antiquities. By the Rev. James M. Joass, Edder-
tou, Ross-shire, Gorr. Mem. S. A. Scot., ..... 886
Account of the Discovery of a Circular Group of Cinerary Urns and Human
Bones at Westwood, near Newport, on the Tay. By Andrew Jbbvisb,
Esq., Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot Communicated by John Stuabt, Esq., Sec
aA.Soot (Plate XXIL), 888
Note regarding Cist and Urn found at Invergowrie. By Andrew Jeryisb,
Esq., Corr. Mem. 8.A. Scot., Brechin, ..... 894
Account of Excavations in Groups of Cairns, Stone Circles, and Hut Circles
on Balnabroch, Parish of Kirkmichael, Perthshire, and at West Persie,
in that neighbourhood. By John Stuart, Esq., Sec S.A. Scot, . 402
Notice of a Barrow containing Cists, on the Farm of Newbigging, near Kirk-
wall ; and at Isbister, in the parish of Rendall, Orkney. By George
Petrib, Esq., Kirkwall, Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot, &c (Plate, XXIV.), 411
Notice of the Discovery of Cists containing Urns and Burned Bones at Torran
Dubh, near Tain. By the Rev. James Joass, Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Communicated by John Stuart, Esq., Sec S.A. Scot (Plate XXV.), 418
Notes of the Excavation of two Shell-Mounds on the Eastern Coast of Aber-
deenshire By Charles E. Dalrtmple, Esq., F.S.A. Scot. Communi-
cated by John Stuart, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot, .... 423
Notice of the Church of St Congan at Turriff, in Aberdeenshire, and of a
Fresco of St Ninian discovered in it in December 1861. By John
Stuart, Esq., Sec S.A. Scot (Plate XXVI.), . .427
Notice of a Bronze Vessel found recently in the Vorarlberg. By John
Sholto Douglass, Esq. Communicated by Willlam Brown, Esq.,
F.R.C.S., P.SA. Scot, 484
On the Chambered Cairns of Caithness, with Results of Recent Explorations.
By Joseph Anderson, Esq., Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot (Plate XXVII.), 442
Notices of Robert Riddell of Glenriddell, Esq., and of some of his Manuscripts
and Books. By James T. Irvine, Esq., F.S.A. Scot, . . .461
Note of the Discovery of English Pennies of Edward I. and II. in the Parish
of Eeir, Dumfriesshire. By George Sim, Esq., Curator of Coins, S.A.
Scot, 467
Account of a Canoe of Oak found in the Castle Loch of Cloeebnm, Dumfries-
shire. By John Adam, Esq., Closebum Castle, 468
Index to the Volume, ....... 469
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
* On Separate Leaves.
PAGE
^Silver OmamentB found at Nomes Law, Fifeshire. Plates I., 11.,' 7, 8
Portion of an Engraved Silver Plate fonnd at Norries Law,' 9
*Bronze Armlets fonnd in Aberdeenshire. Plate III., . 11
♦Gronnd Plan of the Rnins of Gambnskenneth Abbey. Plate IV.,' 14
^Mouldings of Stones fonnd among the Rnins of Gambnskenneth. Plate IV.,^ 22
View of Beaton's Mill, where King James III. was slain ... 26
Monument erected by command of the Queen over the Remains of James III., 82
Stone Hammer found near Gorwen, North Walee,^ ... 48
Bronze Ornaments found in a Bog in Inverness-shire, ... 46
^Impression from Plates for Printing Paper Money, found in Inverness-shire.
Plate v., 47
*Stone Moulds for Spear Heads found in Argyleshire. Plate YL, . . 48
•Monument of the Regent Earl of Murray in St Giles' Ghurch. Plate YII.,* 54
•Tumuli at Hartlaw, Berwickshire. Plate VIII., .... 60
Ring of Gannel Goal found near Yarrow Kirk, .... 62
•Ebony Gasket, &c., found in Lanarkshire. Plate IX., ... 87
•Bronze Vessels, &c., found in Dowalton Loch. Plate X., . 109
•liap and Sections of Dowalton Loch. Plate XII. (by mistake for XL), . 115
•Section of Grannog, Ganoe, &c. (Marked Plate XL instead of XIL), 117
•Articles found in Graonogs in Scotland. Plate XIII., 126
Isle of the Loch of Banchory, ..... 127,128
•Plan of Ruins at Hurley Hawkin, near Dundee. Plate XIV., 210
Urn found in a Short Gist at Ninewells, . .216
Eirde House at EriboU, ....... 250
Mustard Gup and Bullet, ....... 256
Ganoe found in Loch Ganmore, Aberdeenshire, .... 258
•Plans and Sections of Tumuli at the Torwood, Ac. Plate XV.,» . 259
t, % Woodcata lent by the Royal Archieological Inatltate, London,
a. 4. Drawings faraiahed by W. Mackison, Esq., Stirling.
.\ Contributed by the Rer. E. L. BamwelL
6. Drawing famished by D. Coosin, Eeq., Architect.
7. Views, Ac famished by Culonel Dundaa
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XXIV
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
♦Interior of Chamber at the Torwood. Plate XV L.>
Spnrioiis Bronze Daggers, ......
Bronze Gelts fonnd near Bell's Mills, ....
♦Portrait of Mrs Esther (Langlois) Inglis, drawn by herself. Plato XVII
♦Portrait of Mrs Esther Inglis, from an Oil Painting. Plate XVIIl.,
Bronze Sword, Scabbard Point, &c., fonnd at Gogar,
Bronze Scabbard Point fonnd near Brechin,
♦*' Glach-a-Charra " Stone of Memorial in Lochaber. Plate XIX.,^
♦Urns and Flint Knife fonnd at Eilmartin. Plate XX.,
Bronze Implement found at Kinleith, Gnrrie^
Bronze Razor from the Royal Irish Academy,
Bronze Implements in the Museum of the Society,
Bronze Implement from Switzerland, ....
Chinese Razor, .......
Bronze Battle-Aze found at Bannockbum,
♦Stone Implements from Lake Dwellings in Switzerland. Plate XXI.,^
♦Group of Urns found at Westport-on-the-Tay. Plate XXII.,
Iron Key found at Bambougle Castle, ....
Yoke for Oxen found near Shapinshay, Orkney,
♦Roman Altars. Plate XXIII.,
♦Plans and Sections of Cists found at Newbigging, Orkney. Plate XXIV
♦Urns found at Torran Dubh near Tain. Plate XXV.,»
Sections of Shell Mounds at Forvie, ....
Fresco in St Congan's Church at Turriff. Plate XXVI.. .
Canoe of Oak found in the Castle Loch, Closebum,
Upper Stone of Quern found in the Parish of Fintry,
Chambered Cairns in Caithness. Plate XXVII., .
PAOB
262
278
275
284
290
811
812
828
840
868
869
861
862,864
871
874
880
888
897
898
899
411
418
424,426
482
486
486
446
1. Views forniahed by Colonel Dnndaa.
2. Plate contributed by David Laing, Eaq.
8, 4. Contributed by Messrs Nelson A Co., Publishers
5. Drawn on the Stone by the Rev. J. M. Joass.
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PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND.
EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION, 1864-65.
Anniysrsart Mbetino, 30<A November 1864.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON, Esq., LL.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The Office-bearers of the Society were elected for the Session as
follows : —
Patron.
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
President
THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBERRY, KG.
Vxee-Presidents.
Joseph Robertson, Esq., LL.D.
Hon. Lord Neayes, LL.D.
Professor James Y. Simpson, M.D.
CoumiUori,
George Patton, Esq. ) Representing the
FRANas Abbott, Esq. } fioard of Trustees.
Professor William Stevenson, D.D.
William Forbes of Medwyn, Esq.
vol. VI. PART I. A
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2 PUOCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, NOVEMBER 1864.
Adam Sm of Coulter, Esq.
Rev. Thomas M*Lauchlan, LL.I).
James T. Gibson Craio, Esq.
Professor Cosmo Innes.
James D. Marwick, Esq.
Secretaries.
John Stuart, Esq., General Register House.
John Alexander Smith, M.D.
David Laing, Esq., LL.D., \ For Foreign
John M. Mitchell, Esq., ] Correspondence.
Treasurer.
Thomas B. Johnston, Esq., 4 St Andrew Square.
Oiirators of the Museum.
James Drummond, Esq., RS.A.
Robert Mercer of Scotsbank, Esij.
Curator of Coins.
George Sim, Esq.
Librarian*
John Hill Burton, Esq., LL.D.
Auditors.
WnjjAM F. Skene, Esq.
Alexander Brtson, Esq.
William T. M'Culloch, Keeper of the Museum.
Robert Paul, Assistant,
The following gentlemen, upon the unanimous recommendation of the
Council, were balloted for, and duly elected to fill the vacancies in the
list of the Honorary Members of. the Soctkty : —
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^
ANNIVBB8ARY MEBTINO. O
Right Hon. Sir John Romillt, Master of the Bolls in England.
Thomas Dufpus Hardy, Esq., Deputy Keeper of the Public Records
of England.
Alexander J. Bsresford Hope, Esq., M.P.
M. Alexandre Teulet, of the Imperial Archives, Paris.
Rev. James Henthorn Todd, D.D., Professor of Hebrew, and labiarian,
Trinity College, Dublin.
An ordinary ballot then took place, and the following gentlemen were
elected Fellows op the Society : —
John Adamson, Esq., Newbmgh, Fife.
Arcbirald Andebson, Esq., Advocate.
Joseph Dundas of Canon Hall, Esq., Falkirk.
Robert J. A. Hat of Nunraw, Esq., Prestonkirk.
Morris Charles Jones, Esq., Solicitor, liverpooL
Samxtel Laino, Esq., London.
Rev. Hew Scott, Minister of Anstruther Wester.
Robert Shand, Esq., PertL
George W. Simson, Esq.» Artist.
William S. Soutar, Esq., Banker, Blairgowrie.
Also, as CoRRBSPONDiNa Members : —
Robert Dickson, Esq., L.R.C.S.R, Carnoustie.
M. Louis Prosper Gauchard, Keeper of the Belgian Archives.
M. J. B. Geroer^s, Keeper of the Library of Bordeaux.
Professor Peter Lorimer, D.D., London.
Thomas Watts, Esq., British Museum, London.
In the notices of Honorart Members deceased, usually given in the
proceedings of the anniversary meeting, Mr Laing, Foreign Secretary,
stated, that mention should have been made of Monsieur J. F. Artaud,
Director of the Museum of Antiquities at Lyons. He was elected an
Honorary Member so long since as 9th December 1814 ; and his name
had been continued on the Society's List for several years after his
decease.
M. FRAN901S Artaud was a native of Avignon, and bom in the year
1767. Having early distinguished himself as an archaeologist, he was
elected a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences in the
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4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, NOVEMBER 1864
Institute of France, after his appointment as Director of the large and im
portant Museum at Lyons. Much of his time was devoted to the prepara-
tion of a work on Ceramic Art. His " Mosaiques de Lyon et du Midi de
la France," twelve numbers, in large folio, appeared between 1818 and
1827. But he did not live to complete either this or another work,
entitled " Voyage ArchSologique et Pittoresque de TAube et dans
Tanciei^ Diocese de Troyes.*' Boyal 4to. It was commenced in 1837,
and was carried on to the thirty-sixth number. Monsieur Artaud died
at Orange, in the department of Vaucluse, in the year 1838.
It has not been the practice (Mr Laing observed) to notice in the
minutes the decease of Corresponding Members, partly owing to the
difficulty of tracing the history of individuals residing in distant locali-
ties ; but it is right that special exceptions, more especially of learned
foreigners, should be brought under the notice of the Society.
Of three learned Norwegians admitted on the 30th of November
1849, one was Professor P. A. Munch, then resident in Edinburgh ;
another was Christian Lanqb, Keeper of Norwegian Archives at
Christiania, who died in 1861. A third was Professor Budolf Ketseb, of
the University of Christiania, who died in October last. He was the joint
editor with Munch of an important collection of the old Laws of Norway,
entitled " Norge Gamle Love indtil 1387 j af det Kongelige Norske
Videnskabers selskab udgivne ved B, Keyser og P. A. Munch." 3 vols,
roy. 4to. Christiania, 1846-1849.
The cause of ArchsBology among our Northern brethren (Mr Laing
added) has, within these few weeks, sustained another loss in the person
of Councillor Cabl Chbistian Bafn, so well known in this country as the
active and indefatigable Secretary of the Boyal Society of Northern Anti-
quaries at Copenhagen. Mr J. M. Mitchell, Joint Foreign Secretary
(who is prevented by illness from attending this meeting), has requested
me to intimate that he purposes submitting to the Society a detailed
account of this learned Dane, which he is well qualified to do from
personal acquaintance. — [Before the close of the present session, Mr
Mitchell himself has died ; and therefore we may add, that Professor Bafn
was bom in the island of Funen, in Denmark, 11th January 1795. He
was for several years employed in the University Library of Copenhagen,
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ANNIVEBSART MEETINO. 5
where he received his education. He was elected a Corresponding Mem-
ber of our Society on the 28th of February 1831. He died at Copen-
hagen on the 20th October 1864. His widow has transmitted to his
friends in this country a tribute to his memory, being " Notices of the
Life and Writings of Councillor Carl Christian Bafn," &c. By Professor
L. E. Broning. Copenhagen, 1864, royal 8yo.]
The Chairman stated that the following Members of the Society had
died during the past year, viz.—
Honorary Member.
Jamss Skene of Bubislaw, Esq., ....
[Mr Skene was elected a Fellow of the Society in May 1818.]
Elected
1844
Fellou)8,
The Right Honourable James Bbuob Eabl ov Elgin and
Kincardine, K.G. (formerly President of the Society), . 1841
Adam Gib Ellis, Esq., W.S., .... 1829
Sib John Watson Gtobdon, Ent., B.A., President of the
Boyal Scottish Academy, ..... 1851
Albxandeb McLean, Esq., Haremere Hall, Sussex, . 1862
Hugh Paton, Esq., Carver and Gilder to the Queen, Edinburgh, 1846
Bev. Walteb Scott, Minister of Whittingham, . . 1854
Bey. John Sime, Edinburgh, .... 1848
The Bight Honourable Nobth-Hamilton Dalbymplb Earl
01 Stair, ....... 1856
Major-General Thomas Swinbubne of Marcus, . 1850
Joseph Young of Duneam, Esq., .... 1862
The Secbbtabt, Mr Stuabt, then read the following statement relative
to the Museum and Library : —
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, NOVEMBER 1864.
Number ov Visitors to the Museum from 1st Deoembeb 1863 to
31st October 1864:—
Woek Day.
Sat. Evening.
Total.
1863. December, . .
6,447
628
7,075
1864. January,
16,393
651
17,044
. . . February,
3,495
466
3,951
... March, .
4,278
335
4,613
::: i^^: :
3,739
373
4,112
4,952
578
5,630
... June, .
5,746
711
6,457
... July, .
9,588
1,586
11,174
... August,
15,941
1,748
17,689
... September, .
7,966
1,181
9,147
... October, . .
5,650
803
6,453
... November,* .
...
...
...
* (Shot for Cleaning
)•
84,195
9,050
93,245
The corresponding numbers for the year ending 31st October 1863
were— Day, 82,248; Saturday evenings, 9118; total, 91,366; being
1879 less than the number of visitors during the year just ended.
The donations to the Museum and Library were 212 articles of anti-
quity, 187 coins and medals, 71 volumes of books and pamphlets. Three
articles of antiquity were purchased, and also 13 volumes of books, &c.
The donations to the Museum and Library for the year ending 3l8t
October 1863 were 301 articles of antiquity, 140 coins and medals, and
104 volumes of books.
(The various donations here referred to have been specially described
in the Proceedings.)
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
Monday, 12th December 1864.
JOSEPH ROBEBTSON, Esq., LL.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen were balloted for and elected Fellows of the
Society : —
Sib William Jardine, Bart., of Applegarth, Dumfriesshire.
Adam Dawson, Esq., younger of Bonnytown, Linlithgow.
Edwaed Lee, Esq., 4 Marlborough Terrace, Penge and Thame, Oxon.
The Donations to the Museum and Library were as follows; and
thanks were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By Mrs Dundas Durham, of Largo.
Collection of Silver Ornaments found about the year 1817 in the
tumulus of Norrie's Law, near Largo, Fifeshire. (Plates I. and II.)
These articles were exhibited in the Museum formed by the Archaeolo-
gical Institute of Great Britain and Ireland during the meeting held in
Edinburgh July 1856, and are thus described in the published Catalogue
of that collection, drawn up by Albert Way, Esq., F.S.A. Scot. : —
" The Silver ornaments, rings, hooks, fragments of plate, chains, Ac,
consisting of 153 objects and fragments, being the collection of relics
rescued by the late General Durham from the large deposit discovered
about 1817 in a tumulus, known as Norrie^s Law, on the estate of
Largo. The precise facts connected with this remarkable discovery were
never ascertained, owing to the apprehensions of the interference of the
Scottish Exchequer to reclaim the * treasure trove.' Such particulars
as could be collected are stated in the report by Dr George Buist of
Cupar, on * The Silver Armour of Norrie's Law,' and in the notices in
the * ArchaBological Journal,' vol. vi. p. 248, and in Dr Wilson's *' Pre-
histonc Annals,' pp.. 511, 519. The chief relics of this remarkable
hoard have also been figured in Mr Chalmers's ' Sculptured Monuments
of Angus,' plate 23, and Mr Stuart's * Sculptured Stones of Scotland,'
plate 133. The date to which these ornaments should be assigned is
very uncertain. Dr Wilson is disposed to regard them as Scottish of
* The Christian Period," and to limit their age to the period between the
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8 PBOCEEDINOS OF THE 800IETT, DEOEMBER 1864.
third and sixth century. The accompanying woodcuts show the more
remarkable objects. Plate I. fig. 1 (original size) — one of a pair of leaf-
shaped plates of unknown use ; the boss at the upper extremity is merely
hammered up, and supplies apparently the means by which the plate
might be attached to any other object. This plate is chiefly remarkable,
however, as bearing two of the peculiar symbols occurring on early
sculptured monuments in Scotland, as shown in the late Mr Patrick
Chalmers's work on 'The Monuments of Angus,' and Mr Stuart's
^Sculptured Stones of Scotland.' Fig. 2 (original size), a bodkin,
probably for fastening the dress, or for the hair. A pair of these was
preserved. The head originally, as it is believed, enriched with enamel,
is of a peculiar fashion, of frequent occurrence on objects of this class
found in Ireland. Fig. 3 (half-size), the penannular portion of a brooch,
the acus lost. A brooch of silver, closely resembling this, was found in
Cumberland, and is figured in Pennant's ' Scotland,' vol. ii. p. 44. Fig.
4 (half-size), a plate of unknown use, with scroll ornaments in high
relief of admirable workmanship. Fig. 5 (half-size), a disk, measuring
3 inches in diameter ; at the upper edge there are two holes, possibly for
attaching the plate to the dress. [These holes appear to have been pro-
bably caused by the plate having been bent and broken at the place,
rather than made for suspension.] A smaller disk, like a button, formed
with a cavity, as if intended to be set with a gem, has no such perfora-
tions. Fig. 6 (original size), a spiral ring, the edges serrated at regular
intervals. Among the other relics preserved from the crucible may be
mentioned a stout double hook, in form of an S ; a narrow riband of
silver plate, length upwards of a yard in its present state, breadth
about half an inch, one end tapering to a point ; a fragment of a fine
interlaced chain ; two fragments of armlets ; a portion of a small pin or
bodkin of the same form as those before described. Also numerous
fragments of thin plate, possibly the remains of the coating of a shield
or of a corslet, such as that of gold found in Wales, and now in the
British Museum ; on some marginal portions appear a border of oblong
bosses, rudely hammered up, possibly to represent nail heads. The
entire weight of the relics is about 24 oz."
Three small portions of a silver band or plate selected from among
the scraps of silver, and weighing altogether 76 grains, show an engraved
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l^rueeedingt Society of AntiquarUi of Scotland.
VOL. VI. PLATE L
Fig. 1.— Full rise.
Y\z 2 —Full »i/-e.
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l*roeeeding9 Society of Antiquariet of Scotland.
VOL. VL PLATE IL
Fijr. 3.— «| Inc leji In greatest diameter.
Fiff. 4. — h inches in fpf atcst diameter.
SHYER FIBUU AND ORNAMENTS FOUND AT NORRIE LAW, FIFESHIRE.
{At pagt 8. omit thf. refereftces to xVog. 6 a»rf 6, inttndedfor this jiiHi^.}^^ by VJ O Sj^ I L,
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 9
ornamental pattern. These are figured of the full size in the annexed
woodcut.
The discovery of these singular relics was made ahout three miles
from the coast, on the estate of Largo^ the property of the donor, at no
great distance from the town of Largo, on the northern shore of the
Firth of Forth. The precise facts connected with the discovery have
not been ascertained with certainty ; even the date of their being found
is uncertain ; but it appears to have been either in the year 1817 or
1819. Nor was it till twenty years after the discovery that they came
under the notice of Mr Buist of Cupar, who drew up and published in
Portions of an Engraved Silver Plate (original size).
1839 a report upon the subject, which has been included in a com-
munication describing the discovery to the ArchaBological Institute, by
Bobert Dundas of Arniston, Esq., and from it the following particulars
have been gathered : —
*' The relics were found in or near a stone coffin, in an artificial heap
or tumulus of sand or gravel, called Norrie's Law, on the boundaries
betwixt the estates of Teasses and Largo. They [were supposed to
have] formed part of a rich coat of scale armour, the pieces of which
consisted of small-sized, lozenge-shaped plates of silver, suspended
loosely by a hook from the upper corner. The helmet and shield and
sword-hilt were, when found, quite entire, as were some portions of the
sword-sheath. This seems to have been a large cross-hilted weapon,
such as were commonly used with both hands. No part or relics of the
blade were discernable ; no ashes, bones, or human remains, appear to
have been found near. The pieces of armour were withdrawn piece-
meal, and sold by a hawker for what they would bring, and to whomso-
ever chose to purchase them. A considerable number of coins, now
wholly lost sight of, and said to have symbolic markings, were found
along with the armour of Norrie's Law, and about forty, [stated to have
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10 PK0CEBDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1864.
been] of the same kind, were found in an earthen pot, at Pittenweem, in
1822. A considerable part of the armour was partially corroded, the
alloy having been eaten away, as if by some weak ftcid, exactly after the
manner of that employed in certain operations of modern silversmiths.
These are nearly all the facts obtained respecting the Norrie's Law find,
for which Mr Buist was indebted to Mr B. Bobertson, jeweller, Cupar,
who first made a purchase of five pounds' worth, subsequently two of ten
pounds, and knew of another made by some one in Edinburgh to the
amount of about twenty pounds; and is under the belief that perhaps as
much as that may have been carried away, and bestowed on various uses.
This, by rough computation, may, together with what remains, be
reckoned not much under four hundred ounces of pure bullion. Mr
Robertson had a peculiarly distinct recollection of the forms of the
various portions of the armour procured by him, and gave a description
of the rich carving of the shield, the helmet, and the sword handle, which
were brought to him crushed in pieces, to permit convenient transport
and concealment/'
" The collection (now presented to the Museum) consists of the portion
of this remarkable discovery which came into the possession of the late
General Durham, being those pieces which were left or neglected by
the finder; they were picked up by the brother-in-law of the tenant
and another person, both now deceased, who brought them to the Greneral.
A bodkin and one of the scale-like plates were rescued from the crucible
in consequence of subsequent inquiry, and were added to the others at
Largo House."
<' It may deserve mention, although doubt has been expressed as to
the existence of such tradition previously to the discovery being made
at Largo, that, as we have been assured, an obscure belief had existed
amongst the neighbouring peasantry, that in " Norrie's Law" had been
deposited a warrior and his steed, placed in an erect position. He was,
according to this popular relation, the chief of a great army, and his
armour was of massive silver ; in the whole host, he alone was armed in
that manner."
Close by the " Law" are the " Standing Stones of Lundin." Three
only now exist. They measure, the highest, 16 ft. ; the smallest 14 J ft.*
' Archaeological Journal, vol. vi. p. 248. 1849.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 11
Half of the Upper Portion of a Sepulchral Urn of reddish clay. It
has a pattern of straight and vandyke lines, apparently done with a
twisted cord, or more prohahly stamped with a small toothed or comb-
like tool. It measures 8^ inches in diameter across the mouth, and was
found among charred wood, in digging at no great depth from the surface,
towards the west side of the tumulus, at Norrie's Law, Largo, in Fife.
(2.) By Mrs Morison of Bognie, Banffshire.
Portion of a Sepulchral Urn of yellowish clay, measuring 8J inches
across the mouth. The upper part is ornamented with a belt of alternate
Vandyke patterns, each half of the lozenge or vandyke being covered with
lines drawn parallel to one of the sides of the vandyke. The urn was
found in a stone cofiSn in a small hill near Mountblairy. Other stone
coffins have been found in the same hill, but they did not contain urns.
It is now imperfect.
Stone Ball of Greenstone, 3 inches in diameter, with its surface deeply
cut into six circular discs or facets, which are plain, or without ornament.
It was found at Montblairy, Banffshire, and is similar in character to a
a ball found in digging a drain several feet under ground, on the Glass
Hill or Gray Hill, parish of Towie, Aberdeenshire, described and figured
in the Proceedings of the Society, vol. iii. p. 439.
Large Bronze Armlet, measuring, in its longest diameter 6^ inches,
and 5f inches in its greatest depth, and weighing 3| lb. It is orna-
mented with three parallel rounded mouldings or belts, which are thickly
studded with alternately transverse, and oblique projections. There are
two oval apertures in front, measuring each 1 J inches in length. It was
found some years since on the farm of Maine of Auchenbadie, on the
estate of Mountblairy, parish of Alvah, Banffshire. The farmer was
trench-ploughing the field, which had long been in cultivation, and the
plough brought up the armlet from a depth of 12 or 14 inches. In an
adjoining field there is an artificial mound in which some relics were
found, but nothing of great interest. The armlet is figured in the
accompanying Plate (III.) fig. 2.
(3.) By the Honourable Captain Oqilvy of Loyal, Alyth, Perthshire.
Bowl-shaped Sepulchral Urn, measuring 4^ inches in height, and 6
inches in diameter across the mouth, including the thick and broad lip.
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12 PBOOEEDINGS OF THE SOCIBTT, DECEMBER 1864.
It is covered or ornamented with small lines of herring-bone pattern ;
two grooves run round the upper part of the um, the lower of which
has small projections left at irregular distances ; and the ridges between
the grooves are each ornamented with a row of small holes or punc-
tures. The um was found in a cist on the farm of Mill of Queich, parish
of Alyth, and is somewhat similar in character to one found in a cist at
Murleywell, ForCursfaire, described and figured in the Proceedings of the
Society, vol. v. p. 81.
Eude Cup of green-coloured stone, measuring 4} inches in diameter
across the mouth, by 3 inches in height, with a small rounded handle
projecting from one side of the mouth ; the handle is pierced by a per-
foration, probably for suspension.
The cup was found at Barryhill, in the parish of Alyth, Perth-
shire, and is similar in type to one found near the circle of standing
stones at Crookmore, in the parish of TuUynessle, Aberdeenshire, pre-
sented in the year 1852, by Mr John Stuart, Secretary to the Society,
and figured in the Proceedings, vol. i. p. 117.
(4.) By Colonel E. Erskine of Pittodrie, Aberdeenshire.
Large Cinerary Urn, measuring 12 inches in diameter across the mouth,
with an ornamented belt of vandyke pattern round the upper part, similar
in character to the um found at Mill of Queich, described above. Two
round stone balls, each 3 inches in diameter, found along with the urn.
(5.) By Pbter 0. Ogilvy of Ruthven, Esq.
Flattened Bronze King, now covered with patina. It is 2 inches in
diameter, and was found among a quantity of ashes, charcoal, &c., near
a " Pict's house*' at Ruthven, Perthshire.
(6.) By D. H. Robertson, M.D., F.S.A. Scot.
Tirling Pin, with shields (the precursor of the knocker), from the door
of a house in Queen Street, Leith (now demolished), one of the supposed
residences of Queen Mary of Lorraine in 1560.
(7.) By James M^Leavy, Esq., Glasgow.
Thistle Dollar of King James VI. 1581, found in a field at Cambus-
lang, Lanarkshire. This coin is figured in Mr Lindsay's work upon the
" Coinage of Scotland," plate 10, No. 206, and is marked as to rarity
No. 8, which is the highest degree given in his work.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 13
(8.) By the Irish Archjkologioal and Celtic Socibtt.
The Martyrology of Donegal; a Calendar of the Saints of Ireland.
Translated from the original Irish by the late John 0*Donovan ; edited
by J. H. Todd, D.D., and William Reeves, D.D. 8vo. Dublin, 1864.
(9.) By the Society.
Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History and
Antiquarian Society, session 1863-64. 8vo. Edin. 1864.
(10.) By the Society.
Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire.
New Series, vol. iii. Session 1862-63. 8vo. Liverpool 1863.
(11.) By J. B. Davis, M.D., the author.
Ancient British Coins. 8vo. (pp. 8.) Lond, 1864.
There was exhibited —
A Bronze Armlet, one of a pair of a similar description ; found several
years ago in digging at Castle Newe, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. By
Mr Alexander Walker, gardener, Castle Newe, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire.
This armlet varies somewhat in pattern from the bronze armlet described
above, the projections being less marked and the workmanship gene-
rally finer in detail. The two oval spaces or openings in front, are filled
up with separate oval pieces of metal, which are ornamented with patterns
in red and yellow coloured enamel. These oval portions have been fixed
to the armlet by iron pins. It measures 5| inches in its greatest dia-
meter, and 4^ inches in depth, and weighs 3| lb. It is carefully figured
in Plate III. fig. 2.
The pair of armlets were found together, embedded in the earth over
the mouth or entrance to an '' Eirde or Pict's House,*' in the garden at
Castle Newe. The place, at the time when the armlets were found, was
not known to be the site of a '' Pict*s House,'' but last year its existence
was discovered from the great amount of fire-burnt pavement, with
ashes, and parts of querns, antique beads, &c,^ which were come upon at
a depth of two feet below the surface soil. On a search being made,
the whole house was discovered : it was tolerably entire in outline ; but
unfortunately the garden wall had been built, several years before, run-
ning along its whole length, which extends to about fifty feet. The
remains of the walls of the house were 4^ feet in height, and built
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14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1864.
curviug inwards towards each other ; the hreadth of the paved floor was
7 feet. Altogether the house bore a great resemblance to the " Eirde
House " found at Buchaam, in the immediate neighbourhood, already
described in the Proceedings of the Society. (See Proceedings, vol. iv.
p. 436, and Plate XIV.)
A Denarius of the Emperor Nerva has been recently found close by
the place where the pair of armlets were discovered.
The following Communications were read : —
AN ACCOUNT OF THE EXCAVATIONS AT CAMBUSKENNETH ABBEY
IN MAY 1864. By Colonel Sib JAMES E. ALEXANDER, K.C.L.S.,
F.S.A. Scot., &o. (Plate IV.)
The Abbey of Cambuskenneth, founded in 1147 by David I. of Scot-
land, stood on a peninsula of the river Forth, and little more than a mile
in a direct line from the town of Stirling. A ferry requires to be crossed
to reach the remains of the venerable pile.
So complete has been the destruction of the Church of St Mary of
Cambuskenneth by the disciples of John Knox in 1559, that its site was
now found to be quite covered with greensward, where cows grazed. A
white- washed cottage and some old elms were on the south side, and
behind them the walls of an extensive orchard. On the east was the
winding river. In the centre of the field appeared a mound slightly
raised, and on it some thorn bushes : here, it was conjectured, stood the
high altar, for west of it was a broken arch, forming now the entrance
to a small enclosed cemetery in which are the tombstones of a few of the
people of the district. This arch, pointed, enriched with deeply cut
mouldings, the capitals of broken shafts and trellis carving, was evidently
the principal or western door of the church. The width is six feet
between the jambs.
Near the arch, but quite detached from the church, there yet stands
the campanile or belfry tower, a remarkable object in the landscape. It
is square, thirty-seven feet each face, substantially built of hewn stone ;
is seventy feet in height, strengthened with Anglo-Norman pilaster but-
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'..n.. ■ i '-is So-ieT:/ rf Ai-L^
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT CAMBU8KBNNETH ABBEY. 15
tresses, and provided with pointed Gothic windows, some of them built up.
A handsome blank arcade of six pointed arches and slender shafis faces the
town ; above this, and projecting from the battlements, are the remains
of a stone figure, now decapitated. " The oldest inhabitant," a fisher-
man, James Mathie, said he remembered when the head fell to the
ground, and the name the figure went by was " Maggie Touch" (tough ?).
It was evidently a gurgoyle or waterspout. The rows of corbels under
the parapet seemed to have been ornamented with rude masks.
On the north-west angle of the tower is an elegant octagonal turret,
containing a stair which conducts to the top of the building. The turret
is capped and provided with gablettes, like those seen on the Glasgow
cathedral, of the same date. The low and flat arch of the entrance is
surmounted by a triangular projection. On the apex is a fleur de lis,
A canopied niche is over the door, on opening which a well-preserved
groined roof is observed. In the centre of the roof is a large circular
aperture, up which the bells were passed. The square openings for
ringing the bells are at the sides of the groined roof, and the marks of
the ropes are still upon them.
The view from the top of the tower is extensive and varied. " Grey
Stirling," with its castellated rock, the favourite residence of many of
the Scottish kings ; the fields of Bannockburn, Sauchiebum, and Falkirk ;
the Abbey Craig, boLeath which the heroic Wallace fought for the
liberties of his country the battle of Stirling ; the grand solemn Ochil
range; the majestic Grampians, and the sinuous course of the noble
Forth, afford a rich treat to the admirers of one of the richest scenes in
Scottish landscape. Now also an additional interest arises from being
able to trace from the parapet of the abbey tower the foundations of the
cruciform edifice beneath.
The Wallace monument on the summit of the Abbey Craig, when com-
pleted with its lantern or diadem top, keeper's house, and courtyard, will
reflect great credit on the architect, Mr Bochead.
To the north-east, and near the river's bank, are the remains of a
building with lofty ruined walls, called the " Dovecot" or pigeon-house,
and where probably was the Eoe^iwn fat t^e inception atd entertain-
ment of strangers. •
After the accession of JaBies VI. to the English thiondy the tempo-;
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16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOOIETT, DECEMBER 1864.
ralities of GambuskenDeth were bestowed on John, Earl of Mar, by whom
the barony of the abbey was conferred on his brother, Alexander Erskine
of Alva, and in whose family it remained till 1709, when it was purchased
by the Town Council of Stirling for the benefit of Cowan's Hospital. It
is highly desirable, then, that means be taken by the trustees of the
Hospital to repair and point what yet remains of the ancient edifice, to
cut out the trees which are destroying the belfry tower, and remove the
unseemly stones and bricks which block up some of the pointed windows ;
to clear the foundations inside and outside, and repair the floors of the
different stories.*
In the Chartulary of the Abbey the orchards are particularly referred
to, and appear to have been bequeathed to the monastery by several of
the monks ; and one garden is termed '^ Paradise/' The orchards still
remain on two sides of the abbey, and have been long celebrated for their
delicious pears, apples, and " geans."
The Chartulary of Cambuskenneth, substantially bound and em-
bellished with various illuminations, and provided also with a great
seal, is in the possession of the Advocates Library, Edinburgh. It was
transcribed on vellum in the year 1535, at the instance of the Abbot,
Alexander Myln, from original documents which were decaying from
the damp situation of the Abbey. Water appears on its site at the depth
of four or five feet.
Due west from the abbey was the original ferry : it is now some dis-
tance higher up the Forth. In carrying off the large bell, it was said a
mysterious figure appeared at the stem of the boat, which suddenly upset,
and the bell has ever since remained in the bed of the river. It could be
easily dredged for during the summer months. Its recovery would be
highly interesting. In an old print of the abbey a chapel appears near
the ferry, and provided with a Norman arch, whilst the other arches that
now appear are the Anglo-Norman of the twelfth century.
In visiting lately the valuable collection of Scottish antiquities at
Dunfermline, collected by Mr Paton, father of the eminent painters of
that name, I saw, among clocks from the palaces of Linlithgow, Falk-
land, and Stirling, beautifully carved and inlaid cabinets from the same,
^ This is now being eKecutcd under the intelligent direction of Mr W. Mackison,
C.E., F.S.A. Soot., 1865.
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT CAMBU8KKNNETH ABBEY. 17
antique chairs, original paintings, &c. (all which should be catalogued
and minutely described), there was the alms-box of the monastery of
Cambuskenneth, found some years ago among the ruins. It is a square
box of iron with Grothic ornaments, and is well preserved. Keys were
found near it. I have in my possession a singular stone, said to be from
Cambuskenneth. It was for some years at Alloa, then at Menstrie
House, probably when possessed by the Alexanders, Barons of Menstrie.
I obtained it after much negotiation from an old woman of the name
of Moir, whose husband had built it into the front of his cottage at
Menstrie. It is a foot square, and from the ingeniously entwined letters
on its face the word '^ Cambuskenneth " can be made out.
It was conjectured by Mrs Coulson of Timsbury Hall, Bath (who care-
fully copied the stone), tbat the letters are an imitation, not of an entire
brass monogram, but of letters cut in brass and fastened to a cross of
hide, of which the centre is supported by a square of wood below, to
form a further relief for tbe deeply square cut letters.
It will be remembered that the unfortunate James III. of Scotland
married an amiable and beautiful Danish princess, Margaret of Olden-
burg, by whom were the Duke of Rothesay, afterwards James lY., and
the Princes Alexander and John. After the revolt of the nobles. Queen
Margaret sickened and died, and was buried before the high altar at
Cambuskenneth. King James, after his fatal flight from Sauchiebum,
his fall from his noble grey charger presented to him by Lord Lindsay of
the Byres — which, alarmed at the noise made by a pitcher dropped from
the hand of a frightened woman, swerved, and tbrew the king heavily
— and after his cruel assassination by a pretended priest at Milton or
Beaton's Mill, was also buried next his queen, and with due ceremony,
at Cambuskenneth. " Ane sweete youth," a royal prince, was also buried
there, according to the MTarlane manuscript in the Advocates' Library.
Tet another remarkable royal personage, no other than Richard II. of
England, is believed by many to have found a final resting-place at
Cambuskenneth, and that after his deposition he was not murdered by
steel or poison at Pontefract Oastle, but made his escape from it,
wandered to the Hebrides, where he was entertained by Macdonald,
Lord of the Isles ; from thence he was transferred to Stirling Castle, in
which he resided eighteen years, and was buried at the Abbey.
VOL. VI. PAKT I. B
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18 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1864.
The accomplished author, James Grant, says in one of his works :—
" Now none may say where James III. of Scotland and the Isles, or his
queen, Margaret of Oldenburg, are lying, for the noble Abbey of St Mary
has been swept from its foundations (a great part of the stones were used
by an Earl of Mar to construct the strange * wark* at the head of the
Broad Street of Stirling) ; one remnant alone survives, a lofty tower, and
though the country people still pretend to remember the royal grave, and
point it out to visitors, not a stone remains to mark the tomb of the mur-
dered monarch, for the place is now a bare greensward."
The author of a Journey through Scotland in 1723 says he saw the
grave of King James III. under a hawthorn tree at Cambuskenneth.*
It had been suggested to the Trustees of Cowan's Hospital that it would
be desirable to ascertain where the body of James III. lay, and his Queen,
so as to treat the royal remains with proper respect, and enclose the
tombs, also to trace out the extent of the Abbey Church and explore
generally among the foundations. The magistrates of Stirling, entering
into this design, and the sanction of the Crown having also been secured,
on the 2d May 1864, twelve workmen were placed under the charge of
Bailie Banken, treasurer of the Town Council of Stirling, a gentleman
of good taste and ability, who had for years been most usefully employed
in superintending public works in and about Stirling.
The following gentlemen were on the ground at the Abbey at the
beginning of the excavations: — Provost Murie, Bailies Monteath and
Yellowlees ; Treasurer Banken ; Councillors Davidson and Christie ; Bev.
Dr Beith, Bev. Paul Maclauchlan ; Dr Duncanson, Alloa ; Mr Wallace,
Alloa; Colonels Nugent, Boldero, and Sir J. E. Alexander; and Mr
Bochead, architect. Among those from Edinburgh were Mr Matheson, of
H.M. Board of Works ; and, as representing the Society of Antiquaries, Mr
David Laing, Mr John M. Mitchell, Belgian Consul, and Mr Andrew Kerr.
The excavators were divided into two parties, and what is singular,
1 Mr David Laing mentioned to me that the late Mr Adam G. Ellis, W.S., told
him an old inhabitant at the Abbey had pointed ont, many years ago, the monnd
near snch a tree, nnder which the King was buried. Mr Elh's, who imagined he
might still recognise the spot, had long expressed a desire that the place should be
explored ; bat at this time he was altogether nnable to accompany the deputation
from Edinburgh.
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT CAMBU8KENNETH ABBEY. 19
though there was not a stone of the church and the adjacent hnildings
to he seen when the work commenced, hut merely undulations on the
surface of the ground, owing to some judicious directions, the men had
not dug more than half-an-hour hefore one of the parties came upon the
site of the high altar — a square enclosure of masonry — and the other on
the transepts.
In the earth, ahove which had stood the high altar, was found the
body of a youth lying across the enclosure, the head in a recess. Beneath
this, and longitudinally, lay a fine skeleton of a yellowish colour, pro-
bably that of an ecclesiastic. The bones were carefully put aside for
re-interment, and I had them photographed by Mr Crowe of Stirling.
(These photographs were exhibited to the meeting.)
The church and chapter-house, with the base of a central pier to sup-
port an arched roof, were now traced out ; the scalloped capital of the
pier or pillar was found. The bases of some of the piers of the church
were in good order, and the clayey soil had so well preserved the founda-
tion stones that they appeared sharply cut as if recently laid.
The length of the church, from the high altar inclusive to the western
door, was ascertained to be 178 feet, breadth 37 feet.
On the south are the foundations of a long building, near one of the
orchards. This may possibly have been the Parliament House. At
Cambuskenneth, in 1326, the nobility, barons, and clergy assembled in
solemn Parliament along with a great number of persons of inferior
rank, and swore fealty to David Bruce as heir apparent to the throne.
" This," says Tytler, " was the first Scottish Parliament, as far as can be
ascertained, into which the representatives of cities and burghs were ad-
mitted as members." Here various of the Scottish monarchs granted
charters and the Scottish Parliament repeatedly assembled.
In the course of the excavations, coins of the Jameses and Charleses
were found ; three keys — one large enough to have been the key of the
west door; knives, razors, pieces of pottery (Dutch, probably)— one
piece with a curious dog's head on it ; tobacco pipes (similar to some I
had seen at the Bass Bock, supposed to have been used By the soldiers of
the guard there) ; portions of stained glass from the eastern window ;
broken stone shafts and capitals of pillars of the twelfth century ; a brass
shoe-buckle ; a brass chess-knight (the horse's head well defined) ; stone
b2
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20 PROOEEDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1864.
whorls for the distaff ; a small glass bottle ; a curious iron iDstrument, 14
inches long, of unknown use, with prongs, though certainly not a fork.
(Sketches of these various articles were exhibited.) It will interest the
curious in these matters, when all the rcliquice are laid out for inspec-
tion in a chamber of the belfry tower.
At one of the angles of the chapter-house, in which the sedilia or bench
tables are well preserved, is the figure of a mediaeval sword. This is in
a strange position, as if the stone on which it is carved had been over the
tomb of a warrior in some other part of the grounds, and the slab re
moved and made use of as a comer-stone of the chapter-house.
A fine stone coffin was found near the south transept (might this have
been that of Richard II. ?), and over it three massive blocks of stone. On
lifting these a skull was seen, but at the foot of the stone coffin, showing
that the dead had been previously disturbed. There was a large beam
of black oak under the stone coffin, and others squared and resting on
piles, to prevent the foundations falling in, for at no great depth water
is found here, and the clay had well preserved the timber. Some of the
logs have been raised and can be turned to good account, as the proceeds
of their sale for souvenirs of (he ancient edifice may help to enclose the
foundations. It is proposed to make chairs for the Provost and Dean
of Guild of Stirling of this oak.
Between the high altar and the thorn tree a slab of coarse blue
marble or mountain limestone lay under the soil, it was in a slanting
position as if disturbed formerly ; one comer of it was broken ofi*, and
it was also cracked across. What remained of the slab measured about
five feet square and seven inches thick. It had a hewn margin, and was
hewn as a panel across its rough face. This was the usual royal tablet
stone seen at Dunfermline, Dunblane, &c.* On close inspection bat-
holes were seen with lead in them, these had held the monumental brass
of which two portions were found, the one with the figure of a flower on
it, the other marked with cross lines ; the larger portion with the inscrip-
tion had been torn ofi* and removed.
It was resolved to look for a vault under the slab. It was accordingly
1 Lately bine moantain limestone has been found at the Abbey Craig ; and this
may be the quarry which produced the royal slabs, and the freestone there built
the old churches, which also is now employed for the Wallace Monument.
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ACCOUNT OP KXCAVATIONS AT CAMBU6KENNBTU ABBEY. 21
raised, and on digging down a few feet a large oak coffin was found, the
feet touching the enclosure of the high altar, the head to the west.
Inside the coffin was a skeleton, douhtless of King James III. On
being exposed to the air most of the bones crumbled to dust, some
remained, fragments of the skull and of the lower jaw, two molar teeth,
thigh bones, <!^c. Moist clay surrounded the coffin, which had preserved
it so long. The pieces of the coffin which remained showed the grain of
the wood — oak, and probably from the neighbouring Torwood. On the left
of the male bones were those of a female, also the bones of a child. The
three bodies had been disturbed before, perhaps for the sake of any orna-*
ments which had been buried with them. A small coffin ornament of
metal was found, in shape like a flower. The bones were carefully
placed aside for re-interment, and the tombs are to be enclosed.
In clearing out the foundations of the church great quantities of bones*
were discoyered, also on the south side of it, and about the chapter-
house. I took with me one day Colonel Monro, Bombay Army, and Dr
Alex. Paterson of the Bridge of Allan, to examine some of these remains
previous to their being again committed to the earth. The remarks of
the latter gentleman are as follows : —
'* I examined many of the relics found during the recent excavations.
A number of human skeletons were discovered, most of them in a state
of great decay. The bones in the meantime had been carefully put into
boxes and deposited in the tower of the Abbey. By far the most in-
teresting set of bones are those of King James III. Unfortunately the
only bone of the king found entire is the lower jaw, which is remarkable
on account of its large size,-*only two molar teeth remain in the jaw.
The frontal part of the cranium is well preserved, and from the appear-
ance of this part of the skull it shows that the king must have had a
very low receding forehead.* The only other circumstance worthy of
^ Historians say of James III. that in rude and warlike times he was unable to
control his turbulent nobles, whom he also yexed by secluding himself from them
and passing his time with architects, musicians, and astrologers, on whom he con-
ferred rank and distinctions. The highly interesting and valuable description bj
Mr David Laing of the altar screen now at Holyrood Palace may be referred to for
the general appearance of the King and of Queen Margaret. (See Proceedings,
vol. iii. p. 8.)
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22 PROCEEDINGS OT THE SOCIETY, DECEMBEB 1864.
notice in regard to the bones of the king is, that they differed in colour
from all the ether bones found, those of the king being of a dark brown
tawny colour ; this colour may have been produced by the decay of tbe
oak coffin. A number of entire skulls were found ; a curious fact con-
nected with them is that in all of them the cranial cavity is filled with
clay in a solid condition ; the clay must have got into the skulls through
the action of the water."
I have had casts taken of the cranium and lower jaw of the king by
Mr Barclay, the sculptor in Stirling ; and also had an oaken chest made
to contain the royal remains, that they might be re-interred with every
' r««pect.
Mr William Mackison, C.E., the town architect, Stirling, was in att^-
dance at the commencement of the excavations, and thus remarks on
the discoveries : — " When the walls of the north transept, part of the
chancel, and of the nave were exposed, the stone dressings, facings, and
cuttings were found in wonderful preservation, and the outlines very
9 decided. Two distinct base courses are particularly traceable in the
transept. The angle buttress is built over the remaining portion of the
original square one, and that part of the wall which is in the continua>
tion of the transept gable, and which forms the northern wall of what
is supposed to be the chapter-house of the last structure, is neither in
the proper line nor the original base over which it is built, nor with the
, building of which it forms a part. Angle buttresses have been always
troublesome. ... In connection with the transept a small door is
noticed in the west side- wall, facing the belfry tower, built up closely
with dressed masonry.
" The walls have all been grouted most effectually, some places so
much so that it is with difficulty one can say whether he is not looking
on solid stone rather than a conglomerate mass. Many oyster shells
were dug up and river sand, and these shells seem to have been freely
used in the mortar and grouting."
Mr Mackison took accurate measurements of the buildings (and a
reduced copy of his plan is given in Plate IV.)
** Part of the nave wall exposed, towards the small cemetery, is of good
design ; the stone seats and bases of four of the side piers are to be seen.
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT CAMBU8KENNETH ABBEY. JS
giviog a good idea of what the appearance of the interior must have heen.
The mouldings, trefoil in outline, of the shaft column hases are in fair
preservation. The south wall of the nave has heen traced v«tet to the
wall which surrounds the hurial enclosure, and from what the grave-
digger stated the hases of pillars (or piers) are also to he seen in the
grave-yard. The enclosure at the high altar is formed hy dressed stones,
having a check for covers much decayed."
A casual oh^erver may not remark a massive pinnacle with a finial like a
human iiead which no doubt belonged to the old church ; it is now placed
on its end on the south wall of the grave-yard ; it has a very weather-
beaten appearance, still, however, retaining its original form.
Mr Bochead, the architect of the Wallace Monument, &c., in a com-
munication to Mr J. M. Mitchell, F.S.A. Scot., Belgian Consul-Greneral,
thus writes : — "The area of the building at Gambuskenneth, as far as dis-
closed to our view on the first day of the excavations, is of the most in-
teresting description, and exhibits the splayed base lines of the north side
of the abbey, being perfectly sharp and fresh as when built, and of an early
though somewhat curious character. By the insertion of the ovolo, a
curved character of the upper member (A) of the splay base, the roll
moulding (B) just above is a very conclusive evidence, along with the
other parts below, of early pointed work, having quite a different
character, so to speak, from that known as early English pointed Gothic.
The Gambuskenneth Abbey ruins, as indeed I will venture to say from
my intimate acquaintance with Gontinental pointed architecture, partake
of the French model largely, as indeed does the whole ecclesiastical
architecture of our country; hence the blending of the baronial charactei.
in our abbeys and churches; and in illustration of this fact I would point
to Stirling High Ghurch, parts of Dunfermline Abbey, Inchcolme Abbey
and Monastery (Firth of Forth), and the deeply interesting ^remains of
Inchmahome Priory or Monastery, founded 1328, at Port of Mon-
teath ; and let me add one other instance, the old church of Linlithgow,
as strongly corroborative examples of homogeneity of style of Frenck
example and extraction.
" The base lines of Gambuskenneth Abbey are from three to three feet
six inches high, and so fresh are the surfaces of the stone splayed faces,
m
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24 PROCBEDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1864.
that they carry the incised masonic marks of the artisan who cut and
fashioned the stone, as perfectly as if done hnt yesterday.
'* At «ar first visit portions of the great stools of the piers that carried
or may have carried an imposing tower and spire were uncovered, exhibit-
ing a very peculiar formation and character of base moulding, in most
excellent preservation, section and plan thus (see Plate IV., No. 2) ; the
base moulding above is all that is left, that is, so far as was uncovered
at the first visit.
'^ The pavement of the area of the nave was partially laid bare, and near
it we discovered the section line of some four or five steps, leading from
the nave of the western portion of the abbey into the choir, close to the
entrance of which stands what seems to have been a magnificent sepulchral
vault, the cell of which, roughly speaking, may be about from seven to
eight feet long, by four feet broad or thereby, having thick walls all round,
carefully built, and throwing projections out from these lines of walls
as if light buttresses had formed a portion of the design of the elaborate
shrine that undoubtedly must have surmounted the whole tomb ; if we
are to judge from the large mass of fragmentary and smashed-up heaps
of foliated capitals, and six -inch diameter shafting, moulded bases and
mid-shaft clasps that were dug up all around the fine tomb, out of which,
and at about three or four feet deep (from base lines of tomb), was exca-
vated the remains of at least one male skeleton having a finely developed
skull, thigh bones, &c., all in a high state of preservation. Near to or
around this tomb were found some four or five elongated encaustic tiles,
red and blue, and yellow glazed, say about eight or nine inches long, five
inches broad, by one and three quarters of an inch thick.
^* A specimen of fragmentary stained glass, bearing marks as if partially
fused by fire, was found, likewise a silver sixpence of the time of Edward
II., on the morning of our visit. I hope still further to see the progress
and to witness the finish of this most interesting work of research and
discovery.*'
Finally, it is gratifying to know that Her Majesty's G-ovemment and the
Trustees of Cowan's Hospital will cause these most interesting founda-
tions to be enclosed, and the royal tombs preserved from desecration. It
might be useful also to run asphalt over the remains of the walls, and
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT CAMBU8KENNETH ABBEY.
25
paint with oil the delicate carved work to prevent injury from the weather.
After more trenching, but without disturbing the bones, the area of the
building might be covered with sand or gravel to keep down the grass.
Mr Joseph Eobbstson suggested a doubt whether there was any evi-
dence to show that either the Abbey or most of our ecclesiastical buildings
had been ruined by Knox and his followers, as stated in the paper.
In this view he was supported by Professor Stevenson and other
Member*.
View of Beaton's Mill, where King James III. was slain.^
Mr Laino said, that having prepared some notices connected with the
interment of King James III. and bis Queen at Cambuskenneth, he
would submit them to the present meeting, as a suitable addition to Sir
James Alexander's very interesting communication.
^ See notice of the house on the following page.
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26 PUOCEEDlNGfi OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBEtt 1864.
II.
NOTES RELATING TO THE INTERMENT OF KING JAMES III. OF
SCOTLAND AND OF HIS QUEEN, MARGARET OF DENMARK, IN
THE ABBEY CHURCH OF CAMBUSKENNETH. By DAVID LAING,
Esq., Foreign Seceetaey of the Society.
King James III. was slain on the 11th of June 1488, in the 28th
year of his reign and 35 th of his age. Nimmo, in his " History of
Stirlingshire," says, " the place where this barbarity was committed
is well known in that neighbourhood by the name of Beaton *8-milu,
said to be so called from the person who at that time possessed it ;
it is yet standing, though now converted into a dwelling-house, new
and more commodious milns having been erected near it. The lower
parts of its walls are still the same which received the unfortunate
James. The stones wear the marks of antiquity, being much mouldered
by the weather in the course of so many ages."^ A view of the
house is represented in the drawing by Sir James Alexander (see wood-
cut at p. 25) ; it stands on the east side of Sauchie Bum. According
to Buchanan's statement,' the king's interment took place in Cambus-
kenneth Abbey on the 25th of that month ; and this statement is repeated
by other historians. The mere circumstance that Sauchiebum, where the
King was slain, is within a few miles of Cambuskenneth, would have had
but little influence in selecting that Abbey as the place of his sepulture
in preference to the Abbey of Holyrood, where his father, James II., was
interred, or to Trinity College, Edinburgh, the burial-place of his mother,
Mary of Gueldres, but was undoubtedly owing to the fact that his Queen,
Margaret of Denmark, had previously been buried at Cambuskenneth.
Notwithstanding the silence of most of our historians, it is quite
certain that Queen Margaret predeceased her husband, probably in the
town of Stirling. In the contemporary chronicle of James Gray (fol. 22),
» History, &c., p. 280 ; Edinb. 1777. Second edition, p. 266 ; Stirling, 1817.
' '* Ea igitur consoltatione dilata, Edinburgnm ennt. Ibi certiores de morte
Regis facti, fttnus ei ampliisimum faciendum curant, ad Cummisfcennelhum^ Ccwuobium
Sterlino vicinum, ad vicesimum quintum diem ruensit JuniJ/' (Hist. lib. xiii.)
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ON THE INTERMENT OF JAMES III. OF SCOTLAND. 27
we find this brief notice : — " Obitns Mergarite Regine Scotie apud
Striuelin, I°> iiij* Ixxxvi." In like manner, Drummond of Hawthornden
says, " Margarite the Queen about these times, a good and virtuous lady,
died 1486, and was buried at Cambuskynnel the 29th of February."*
This would be the year 1486-7, which, as Pinkerton* remarks, was not
bissextile; but I find a reference to another authority, which gives the day
as the 27th of February. The most remarkable proof, however, of the
fact is, the King's desire to contract a second marriage. On the 27th
of November 1487 an indenture was subscribed at Edinburgh^ by com-
missioners of the two kingdoms for establishing a lasting peace ; and
at the same time overtures were made for negotiating three marriages —
that of James III. himself with Queen Elizabeth, the widow of King
Edward IV. of England, and of Prince James of Scotland (afterwards
James IV.), and his brother, the Duke of Boss, with two of the daughters
of the same English sovereign. But not one of these alliances was
fated to take place. It is farther evident that during his reign James
himself had appointed a chaplain to sing masses for Queen Margaret.
On the 3d of August 1488, the Treasurer paid " To a Prest callit Schir
Thomas Mersell that sang for the Qtvene in Stirling, L.4 .0.0." After
the king's death, James IV. appointed the same priest. Sir Thomas
Merschell, to perform this service, as expressed in the Treasurer's Ac-
counts, " Item, to Schir Thomas Merschell that aingia for the King and
Qwene in Cambuskynnell," and he continued till at least November
1507 to receive his half-yearly fee of L.6, 13s. 4d. Among other pay-
ments, 5b. was given '^ to the cobill mane (boatman) of Cambuskynnell
quhen the King past cure (crossed over)," the 27th April 1490; and
three days later, '^ Item, to the Abot of Cambuskynnell, be a precep of
the Kingis, that he lent to the King quhen he wes Prince, L.IOO."
The Abbey of Cambuskenneth was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and
is usually assigned to the middle of the twelfth century. It was for
monks of the Augustine order ; and from the first had received royal
patronage. The church of Kippan had been granted to the Abbey by
Walter, Earl of Menteith, and Alexander, his son and heir-apparent, for
* Drnmmond's History, p. 106. Lond. 1665, folio.
2 Pinkerton's History, vol. i. p. 324, nofe.
3 Rymer's Fosdera, vol. xii. p. 828.
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28 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER iaU4.
salvation of their own souls, and of Matilda, the wife of the said Alex-
ander, and for their sepulture appointed to be within the monastery.*
There is no date to this grant ; but in confirming this grant, on the
6th of April 1496, James IV. added clauses de novodamus, which pre-
scribe the usual religious services for the salvation of the souls of his
own most noble father James III., and Margaret his spouse, of happy
memory, whose bodies (it is added) rest in our said monastery of Cambus-
kenneth. The following are the words of the charter, as recorded in the
Register of the Great Seal, lib. xiii. No. 231 : —
" Carta super Rectoria et Vicaria Ecclesie de Kippane et jure patrona-
tus ejusdem alias data per Gomitem de Menteth et nunc de nouo per
Regem Monasterio de Cambuskynneth et Canonicis ejusdem."
After reciting the words of the original grant, with reference to the
burial of Alexander Earl of Menteith and Matilda his spouse within the
said monastery, one of the clauses introduced is to this effect : —
" Nos igitur in honorem Dei omnipotentis prefateque gloriosissime
Virgin is et matris sue Marie ac pro salute animarum quondam nobilis-
simorum Patris et Matris nostrorum Jacob! Tertii et Mergarite eius
sponse bone memorie, quibus propicietur Deus, qtwrum corpora in dicto
nostro Monasterio requiescunt, Necnon orationum suffragiis pro nostris
Patre et Matre antedictis ac pro nobis et successoribus nostris imper-
petuum fiendis Ratificamus, approbauimus, &q, Apud Striueling sexto
die mensis Aprilis, anno Domini Millesimo quadragintesimo nonagesimo
sexto, et Regni nostri octauo.''
The various payments in the Treasurer's Accounts, of a subsequent
date, during the reign of King James the Fourth, having reference to
Cambuskenneth, all clearly point to the erection of the lair or place of
sepulture within the monastery, not for his parents, but for the King
himself. The following entries may be quoted : —
1501-2, March 15. Item to David Prat and the masounis that hewis the
lair in Cambuskinnethe, of drinksilver, . . . xiiij*.
1502, June 7. Item, to the werkmen in Cambuskinneth, of drink-
silver, be the Kingis command, .... iij'.
1 Dalyell's Analysis of the Chartuluries of CambuskeDnotb, &c., p. 28. Ediu.
1828, 8?o,
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ON THE INTERMENT OF JAMES III. OF SCOTLAND. 29
1502, June 12. Item, giffin to David Prat qnhen he began the
laying of the lair in Cambuskinneth, . . . xiiij*.
1502, July 10. Item, in Gambuskinnethe to David Prat and the
masonnis that workis on the lair, be the Kingis command, xxviij*.
1502, December 20. Item, to David Pret to by colouris to the
Kingis lair in Cambnskynneth, .... xxviij'.
1502-3, February 16. Item, to David Pret pay n tour in part of
payment of the making of the Kingis sepultur in Cambus-
kinneth, ....... ziiij lib.
1503, May 3. Item, to David Pret in part of payment of the
sepultur making in Gambuskinneth, . vj lib. xiij*. iiij**.
1508, July 5. Item, to the Almanye (the Flemish or Grerman artist)
that suld mak the Kingis lair in Gambuskinneth in marbill, xxviij*.
1508, July 7. Item, to the Abbot of Tungland to gif the man
that suld mak the Kingis lair in Gambuskynneth, . iiij lib. iiij*.
1511, November 10. Item, to the botesman of Gambuskynnel for
turning (carrying) the King our the wattir, . . iij*
(Same day.) Item, in Gambuskinneth to the masounis in drink-
silver, ....... xxviij*.
' It may be added that Ferrerius, in his continuation of Hector Boece^s
Ghronicle, in recording the death of James III. in 1488, says, '' Et ad
Gambuskynneth coenobium canonicorum S. Augustini regia pompa de-
latum sepulturad traditur : ubi et hodie tumulus, in quo cum Begina
uxore sua conditur, magnifice olim extructus cernitur.*'*
The calamitous death of King James IV. at Fiodden, in September
1513, aged 41, was the means of rendering unavailing his purpose to have
had his resting-place in the tomb which had for many years been in pre-
paration. His body was carried to Loudon, and treated with indignity,
although Henry YIII. in his letter to Pope Leo X., on the 12th October
had signified his desire, on obtaining the sanction of his Holiness, to
pay royal honour to his brother-in-law, by an interment within St Paul's
' Scotomm Historia a prima Gentis origine, &c.» p. 401. Paris, 1574, folio.
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30 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1864.
Church ; but the Scottish King being under the ban of excommunica-
tion, this intention was neutralised, and his body was deposited in the
Abbey of Shene or Eichmond.*
The priest who succeeded Merschell to sing for James III. and his
Queen at Cambuskenneth was Sir James Inglis, apparently in the year
1508 or 1509.' He continued to hold this benefice for upwards of forty
years, as we learn from the Treasurer's Accounts. On account of his
advanced age, between the year 1550 and 1552, Inglis seems to have
resigned in favour of Sir Kobert Paterson. The Keformation in 1560,
of course, put an end to all such religious services.
Postscript.
[The success which attended the operations of clearing out and tracing
the foundations of the Abbey of Cambuskenneth has been greater than
was anticipated. No discovery of articles of special antiquarian interest
has indeed been made, but it was of importance that the actual site, the
form, and dimensions of the buildings should, if possible, be ascertained,
as well as the precise spot where James the Third and his Queen wer^
interred. These points were hitherto quite conjectural, as the only visible
portions above ground were two detached objects, the upper part of an
arched doorway and the lofty tower. It remained, therefore, to be seen
what results might attend the exploring of the raised mounds covered
with greensward for the space of nearly three centuries.
1 have little to add to the details given in the preceding communica-
tion by Sir James Alexander : the portion of ground enclosed as a small
public cemetery unfortunately proves to have been the western part of
the nave of the Church, and this necessarily precluded any exploration
in that quarter. But by clearing away the earth on the exterior to the
^ Danbar*8 Poems (Supplement), vol. i. p. 281.
2 Dunbar's Poems (Notes), vol. ii. p. 894.— The Treasurer's Accounts from August
1508 to August 1611 are lost.
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ON THE INTERMENT OF JAMES III. OF SCOTLAND. 31
depth of about two feet, the original west door of the Church was brought
to light, exhibiting its Anglo-Norman character in its moulded shafts
and bases, thus materially serving to ascertain the form of the entire
building. The question also naturally arises, Where was the site of this
mausoleum erected by James IV. ? That it was an imposing structure
inside of the church cannot be doubted, and some indications still visible
clearly point out the place to have been in the nave, not far from the
south transept, which Mr Bochead has described at p. 24 ; and it seems
equally certain that this sepulchral vault had been surmounted by a
splendid shrine. Such a structure being near the centre of the church,
might be one of the Rrst objects destroyed, either in the hope of plunder
or of employing its rich materials elsewhere.
The Trustees of Cowan ^s Hospital, to whom the property belongs,
have shown no ordinary degree of zeal and liberality in carrying on
these operations. As above stated by Sir James Alexander, they have
now resolved to enclose the whole of the ground, and by new pointing
and other repairs on the Tower, which has always been a picturesque
object, it will be secured from the injurious effects of the weather.
Such a liberal and patriotic spirit merits the praise of all true anti-
quaries.
Another fortunate result has likewise to be recorded. The Provost of
Stirling entered into a correspondence with the Home Seorbtart, on
the propriety of erecting some monument to commemorate the place of
royal interment. The Right Honourable William F. Cowper, Her
Majesty's First Commissioner of Public Works, having, upon inquiry,
satisfied himself that the site was now well ascertained by the discovery
of human remains in that part of the Abbey church where the High
Altar must have stood, he brought the matter under the Queen's notice ;
and Her Majesty was graciously pleased to command that a suitable
Monument be erected. This is now nearly completed from a design
prepared by Mr Matheson, of the Board of Works, Edinburgh (see
the annexed drawing). It is composed of beautiful freestone, about
4} feet in height, 8 feet long, and 4^ feet broad at the base, and 3 feet
at the top.
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32 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 80CIETV, DECEMBER 1864.
The following inscription is cut on one side the Monument :
IN THIS PLACB, NEAR TO THE UIOQ ALTAR
OF THE ABBST OF CAMBU8KBNNETH,
WERE DEPOSITED THE REMAINS OF
JAMES THE TUIRD. KING OF SCOTS,
WHO DIED THE llTH JUNE 1488,
AND OF HIS QUEEN
THE PRINCESS MARGARET OF DENMARK.
-^'--r^^^^^jf^/^'
On the other side : —
THIS RESTORATION OF THE TOMB OF HER ANCESTORS
WAS EXECUTED BY COMMAND OF
HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA,
A.D. 1865.
At one extremity of the monument the Royal Arms of Scotland (the
Red Lion on a field of gold) are sculptured, surmounted by a crown, and
supported by the unicorns, with the motto — In Defence.
At the other, the Royal Arms of Scotland impaled with those of
Denmark, surmounted by a crown, and surrounded by a wreath of thistles.
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ACCOUNT OF A MANUSCRIPT OF THE ELEVENTH CENTURY. 33
It only remains to add that, on Saturday the 23d September 1865,
according to the newspaper report, the Provost of Stirling, and various
other persons interested in the proceedings, assembled at the Abbey of
Gambuskenneth, when the remains (as supposed) of King James III.
and his Queen were deposited under this monument. From this report
may be added the following extract : — " The remains having been
carefully deposited in the recess of a sarcophagus, and the mason-work
of the tomb completed. Provost Murrie of Stirling briefly addressed
those present, to the effect that they had now witnessed the re-interment-
of James III. and his Queen in the sarcophagus and tomb ordered by
Her Majesty Queen Victoria — a memorial which did great honour to the
best feelings of Her Majesty. The structure was also highly creditable
to the skill and taste of the designer, Mr Matheson, of the Board of
Works, Edinburgh, and also to the contractor, Mr John Ehind of Edin-
burgh. From the beautiful situation of the memorial, and surrounded
as it was by so many historical associations, he (the Provost) had no
doubt it would be a favourite attraction to the numerous strangers who
annually visit Stirling and its neighbourhood. The Provost then
thanked those present for their attendance, and the interesting proceed-
ings terminated. It may be added that the ground around the spot
is to be laid with gravel, and the whole enclosed with an elegant iron
railing." D. L.]
III.
ACCOUNT OF A MANUSCRIPT OF THE ELEVENTH CENTURY BY
MARIANUS of RATISBON. By the Right Rev. Bishop ALEXANDER
P. FORBES, D.C.L.
By the courtesy of the Kev. Father Anselm Robertson, the last of the
Scottish Benedictines of Batisbon, I am able to give an account of a
curious MS., written by the founder of the monastery, Marianus of Batis-
bon, and finished by his disciple Johannes.
It has been in the possession of the monastery for eight hundred years,
with the exception noted below, and has been brought to Scotland on
the occasion of its suppression by the Bavarian government.
A learned paper by Dr Beeves, read on April 9, 1860, before the Boyal
VOL. VI. PART I. c
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34 PR0CODIKG8 OF THE SOCIETY, DECEHBEU 1864.
Irish Academy, and published in the Proceedings of the Academy,
vol. vii. pp. 290-301, has introduced Marianus to the knowledge of
English readers.
Quoting from the Vita Mariani, published by the Bollandists in the
" Acta Sanctorum," Febr., tom. ii. pp. 365-372, Dr Beeves gives an
account of the foundation of the Scottish monastery of Weich. Sanct.
Peter at Eatisbon, in the year 1076, and specially mentions the industry
and skill of this monk as a scribe. " Such," says the memoir, ** was
the grace of writing which Divine Providence bestowed on the blessed
Marianus, that he wrote many and lengthy volumes with a rapid pen,
both in the Upper and Lower Monasteries. For, to speak the truth, with-
out any colouring of language, among all the acts which Divine Provi-
dence designed to perform through this same man, I deem this most
worthy of praise and admiration, that the holy man wrote from beginning
to end, with his own hand, the Old and New Testaments, with explanatory
comments on the same books, and that, not once or twice, but over and
over again, with a view to the eternal reward ; all the while clad in sorry
garb, living on slender diet, attended and aided by his brethren both in
the Upper and Lower Monasteries, who prepared the membranes for his
use. Besides, he also wrote many smaller books and Manual Psalters
for distressed widows, and poor clerics of the same city, towards the
health of his soul, without any prospect of earthly gain."
Dr Beeves goes on to mention three of the transcripts of this pious
man.
1. A Psalter, with a commentary, preserved in the Neiderminster at
Batisbon, described by Aventinus in the " Annales Boiorum," p. 654,
ed. 1554.
2. " Liber Mariani genere Scoti excerptus de Evangelistarum volumi-
nibus sive doctoribus," now preserved in the British Museum. (Cotton.
Tiberius, £. iv. 26. foil. 162-178.) It was damaged by the disastrous
fire in 1731 ; but has lately been repaired.
3. A copy of the Epistles of St Paul, with an interlinear gloss, appa-
rently by Marianus himself, and a copious marginal commentary, con-
sisting of extracts from the Fathers and theological writers popular in
his day, preserved in the Imperial Library at Vienna. This MS., as I
am informed by F. Anselm, the monks of St James' have been searching
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ACCOUNT OF A MANUSCUIPT OP THE ELEVENTH CENTURY. 35
for for more than two hundred years. It is specially valuable as giving
the Graelic name of the scribe, Muiredach Mao Bobertaig ; by the Irish
interpreted M^Buertie or Magroertie, and modernised into O'Bafiferty and
M'Grotty,
The interesting volume which I proceed to describe consists of a series
of ascetic treatises, well known to all medisBval students, and all of
which have been printed more than once. They are as follows : —
Codices quos continbt ibtud voluuinb.
1. Dicta Basilii Magni ad Exhortaudos Monachos.
2. B. Effraim, lib. vii. I™'", est de Judicio Dei, et Besurrectione, &c.
3. S. Gesarii Homilie ix. ad Monachos.
4. Autperti Presbyteri libellus de Conflictu Virtutum et Vitiorum : D.
Augustine vu]g6 ascriptus. (It is to be found in the sixth vol. of the
Benedictine edition of that Father, with a short and interesting admo-
nitio prefixed to it, attributing it to Ambrosius Autpertus, Abbas S^
Vincentii ad Vultumum in Benevento.)
5. Isidori Hispalensis Synonyma duobus libris distincta.
6. Alcuini Sermo de Virtutibus.
7. Martini cujusdam ad Mironem Begem libellus de IV. Virtutibus.
(Of this Mr Coxe of the Bodleian says, " Martinus (Damianus) de iv
Virtt, occurs often with the letters of Seneca and St Paul.*')
8. Smaragdi Abbatis libellus Diadema Monachorum nominatus. (It is
to be found in the 16th volume of the " Bibliotheca Maxima Patrum.")
The codex is of parchment, 10 J inches long by 7 J inches broad. There
are 141 folia. There is very little decoration on the initial letters, which
are coloured with vermilion only. The sheepskin is in many places
pierced with holes, most of which have been filled in with patches
neatly sewn in with horsehair. The horsehair is as strong and as crisp to
the touch to-day as it was on the feast of St Martin and Udabrick, that
is, July 4, in the year 1080. It. is not in the original binding. The
present binding is of strong oak, backed with white vellum ; stamped on
the back is, " Autographum Beati Mariani Scoti." Within is — " Liber
Monasterii divi Jacobi Scotorum Batisponensis quern conuentus fecit
denuo ligari (anno Domini 1524)." Then in the same hand as the
c2
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36 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1864.
last — '^ .... facito aliquid agis ut semper te diabolus inveniat occu-
patum."
And below, in a hand of the sixteenth century, " Volumen hoc manu
Beati patris Mariani conscriptum magna veneratione ideo habendum
censeo, quod precipius nostratium in hac urbe Marianus monasticen
coluerit. Fundator dictus et a Patribus nostris Sanctus quoque appel-
latus." In the margin, " In Necrologio ad 9 Cal. Maii." Then follows
a list in the same hand of the contents. On the other board there is
scribbled *' Jesu . .. Jesu Maria;" and in a sixteenth century hand the
important information, — '* I am ane guid writar, and I (if I) had ane
guid pen." At the bottom, " miseri hominis anima requiescat in pace."
On the first page of the manuscript itself is, " Ex libris. Monasterii
S. Jacobi Scotorum Eatisbonas redemit ex alienis manibus, post centum
circiter annos, Bemardus Baillie Abbas, an. 1737." Bernard Baillie was
Lord Abbot of St James', and died in 1743. Below there are traces of
an erasure.
The first thing to be noted is the existence of certain inscriptions at
the bottom of the pages, which are generally pious invocations of saints,
suggesting probably the day or rather night on which the particular
passage was transcribed. The greater part of them are in Latin, but
some are in Gaelic. By the aid of the Eev. Dr Beeves I am enabled to
give their interpretation. His communication is as follows : —
'' I am unable to say why Marianus so often commemorates St
Gervasius and Protasius. I know of no local veneration of them in
Ireland. There must have been some special connection between the
19th of June and some event in the history of Marianus.
" The entries which you sent me resemble those which are found in the
St Gall Irigh MSS., mentioned in the Preface of Zeuss's ' Grammatica
Celtica,' and those which are noticed in my paper on Marianus of Ka-
tisbon.
" Your notes are as follow : —
and
The intercession of Gervasins and Protasius on their festival to-day to
Fol. 41. Impebe jepuap "} Ppocaj-i afa peil mbiu pop
with the God of mercy (or forgiveness),
[or jrpi] bia in biljcuh
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ACCOUNT OF A MANUSCRIPT OF THE ELEVENTH CENTUKY. 37
et
Interceesio Gervasii and Protasii in eornm festo hac nocta ad apud
Fol. 48. Impebe S^puap 3 Ppocap apa fed in nocc fop [or ppi]
Deum rfif misericordie at nostri misereatur.
bia in bil^ub biapcpoje.
et
Intercessio Gervasii and Protasii in buo festo hodle ad apud
Fol. 59. Impebe jepuap "3 Ppocap afa peil mbiu pop [or ppi]
Denm ti*; misericordisB.
bia m bil2;ub
vigilia feflti Petri et Pauli in nocte super dominicnm eorum
Fol. 65. uipLa peb Petaip ocuf Foil in noct pp bomnacb a
interceasio apud Denm tS; misericordie nt nostri misereatur.
nimpebe fop [or jrpi] Dia m biljub biapcpo^e*
Tertia Julii hodie in die Lnne.
FoL 122. Tipcia luil mbiu pop loan anno Dom. 1080.
Impebe may perhaps be better rendered supplicatio,**
Here follow the Latin inscriptions : —
Fol. 11. S.*Barnaba apostole pro misero Mariano intercede.
FoL 23. S. Vite pro misero Mariano intercede.
Fol. 49. Ad collationem banc orationem prsetermitte.
Fol. 55. Ad collationem prsetermitte banc orationem.
Fol. 56. Sit nomen Domini benedictum ex boc nunc et usque in ssecu-
lum. A quo est omne datum optimum et omne donum perfectum.
Domine miserere miseri scriptoris, suis fratribus peregrinis, bee dicta
Bcribentis, causa tui amoris.
Fol. 68. Kal JuiL {lege lulii) in nocte
Fol. 84. See Martineet Udalrice indulgentiam nobis miseris adquirite.
Fol. 96. Sancte Kiliane pro misero Mariano intercede.
Fol. 106. Translatio S. Benedicti est bac Sabbati nocte Anno Domini.
MLxzx. Mariani miseri Domine miserere.
Fol. 109. On erasure, illegible (probatio).
Fol. 122. Sit nomen Dfii benedictum a quo omne datum optimum et
omne donum perfectum. Dne miserere miseri scriptoris, qui bee scripsit
suis fratribus peregrinis. Tertio Idus luil {lege lulii) ibio fop luan, &c,
(see before). . , . Anno Domini mlxxx.
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38 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBEK 1864.
Fol. 136. Domine Jesu Christe propter tuam magnam misericordiam
misero Joanni propitins esto.
Fol. 137. Sit Domen Dni. &c, Sanctissima Maria et Sancti Dei omnes
pro misero Johanne apud Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum intercedite,
ut sua ei demittantur peccata.
Below are some erasures hopelessly illegible. The last page is a
treatise on the text '' Dixit Dominus ad Abraham egredere de terra tua,"
&c. The author of the note in the hand of the sixteenth century that
gives the text at the beginning, says, '' Authorem hujus commentationis
B. y. N. Marianum ideo facio, quod eam ipse scripsit peregrinis nobis
accommodatam, neque alium auctorem cognosce. '' On the verso of this
page there is a great deal of erasure.
It is followed by a part of the office, '^ In Coena Domini ad Manda-
tum,'' consisting of the 13th to 17th chapters of St John, beginning,
'' Ante diem antem festum paschsa," ending " dilexisti in ipsis sit et ego
in ipsis.''
This extract is from the Latin Vulgate, although here and there some
of the words are transposed. The sections do not entirely correspond
with the present division of chapters.
Immediately after this, at fol. 141, there is a gift of certain properties,
dated, '^ Tertia'Kalendas Aprilis hodie in quinta feria A.D. millessimo
octagessiroo tertio, mee autem peregrination es pene septimo, et hujus
loci habitaiionis ab Scottis octavo. Begnante quarto Henrico. Miseri
Jobanuis anima requiescat in Dei Pace Amen."
In the hand of the sixteenth century, there follows this note, — " Ex
hoc, 50 annis vetustius D. Petri prioratum, hoc S. Jacobi Monasterio
deduces, si secundum indubitatas has rationes, ex subductis 8 annis
1076 primum incolatur a Scottis D. Petri annum 1128 fundati S. Jacobi
annum conferas."
The document is as follows : —
'^ Cunctis fidelibuB notum fore cupimus, quod domina Luikardis advo-
catissa, mater Friderici Katisponensis advocati vineam unam in villa que
dicitur Einnebach, et tres particulas vinearum que unam perficiunt
vineam in eadem villa cum omni terticea que vinitoribus eorum vinearum
debetur, curtim etiam et duos piscatores in villa que diciter Frishaim
Bemoldum videlicit et Hinricum duos Germanos dimidiam etiam huvam
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ACCOUNT OF A MANUSCRIPT OF THE ELEVENTH CENTURY.
39
que septuaginta denarioB annuatim persolvit in villa que dicitur Braitin-
felt HaiDricum viuitorem pelliparium Sivgerum pro remedio anime sue
et parentum suorum Deo et S. Petro extra muroe Eatispone et Scoiis
ibidem [com]morantibuB coutulit, Cujus rei testes sunt Bodigerus prepo-
situs. Conradus trusarius. Earolus Grdno. villicus. Rotlib pistor.
Adalbrech Berhtolt carpentarius. Gerloch de S. Petro. Rodolf van
Soaithart. et plures alii.
Od the reverse of the last page is a long list of names : —
*^ Hemicns dux Bawarie — Loitkarth adrocatissa
firat nr
Salemon dnz de Boemia [a hopeless erasure] Wemhart van f . . .
filius Bemoldi
Odalricns Odalricus . Chnno Hirmgar MaM Maetilt
de oreigne de ayel marberg de Naburch
Almannus Walt. Maigareta Conrat Hadlhalt Adalbrech
de mimbore [Cisila Judita Cuonrat
Rueger Asbrect. Luibinc unillibire Maethilt Gisila Heinrich ludita
Bartho Comes et filius ejus Hermamius et Gterdrat et Hildigart
file Steph. de Campo
Et Helena Sophia filie ejus Henricus Diebold Yihi Linta besra
Sigibld Guinnec
Rudeger prb. Verislaus rex mobnanna
Tomel
Ricart
Fridemn, Hainiich
Rudeger rect. ru
Tietrich
Adalbert
Qodbold. Rudiger
Wesel [erasure]
Adalbert
Matdelt
Cuano
Judita Hainrich.
Alstein
Burchard
Hizele
Hebemolt
£ppo. Adalbrech
Dragbod
Luitbold
Helica
Diamot
Ricart
HUd^t. Bertolt.
Husman
Adalbrech
Herlog
Martin
fidelis sine fil
Eggebrecht Mcgiihart
Hermricus
Maria
Diamot
Herburgt
Otto. Hainrich
Bertoldus
Laurentius Macdilt
Judita
Kadloch. Herbrech.
TitU8.silin7tibiest
Benedicta
MacdUt
Regin
Judita
Hirmgar
Adalben
Livi mulier nondum ne Michul
Geltdrut
Sicilt
Winniger
Herchinbold me
Fridrath
Vulberg
Ita
Helica
Grosam
Ouonrad
Woppo
Ruodalf
Bemait
Duta
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40
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIBTf, DECEMBER 1864.
Efferad
Cttno
Maria
regina
Gixla
Gumguit
Luitkar
Masoelin
Titrich
Hisa
Adalata
Adalbeit
Cothscalg
Arba
Budin
Guno
Adalbrat
Echen
Hildigard
Vultberg
Udo
Sicer
Bertolt
Sigifrit
Hugo
Dofrisdav
Getlin
Helica
Cumbrect
Bertolt
Sigifridus
Adalbrer
Berta
Elaim
Martinus
Cristina
HeUca
Gizla
Hohelt Hell
Heimanniis
Judita
MaccaU
Uuooo
Gabrec Gotfrit
Burchard
Lubolt
Henric
HeHca
Yalter Gepga Gotfrit
Luippold
Meigert
Heuzbend
Joada Roace Hildigart Petras. pbr.
Berta
Helfd
Berta
Getzo
Radobnan Adalbrec
Burchard
Ruadger
Hirmgart*'
The Henry Duke of Bavaria mentioned in the list at the end, must be
the son of that Rudolph of Bavaria who set up as anti-emperor, and sup-
ported by Pope Hildebrand, died in 1080. I cannot make out who the
Maria Regina is, or Salemon Dux Boemiae.
I have thus given an account of the peculiarities of what may be said
to be one of the most interesting manuscripts in Scotland. In date it
comes next to the book of Deer, and is anterior to the celebrated '' Liber
Ruber," which contains the ancient privileges of the Church of Glasgow,
During the summer in which it was written, Ingulphus was composing
his history, Marianus Scotus compiling his chronicle; Lanfranc and
Bengarius contributing to the theological thought of the age ; William I.
of England consolidating his conquests ; Gregory VII. fighting the battle
of the investitures ; and our own Malcolm Canmore, with the help of St
Margaret, civilising Scotland.
Professor Stevenson made some remarks as to the interest both of the
paper and the manuscript which it described, and added that from the
absence of invocations of any Irish saints except St Eilian, as well as the
character of the writing and other circumstances, it was not unlikely that
Marianus might have been a North Briton instead of an Irishman.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 41
ToKSDAT, Slat January 18G5.
JOSEPH KOBERTSON, Esq., LL.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen were balloted for and elected Fellows of the
Society : —
Augustus W. Fbamks, Esq.* AJf ., of the British Museum, London ;
William BIackison, Esq., Architect, Stirling.
The Donations to the Museum and Library were as follows; and
thanks were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By the late Right Honourable the Earl of Stair, F.S.A. Scot.
The lower portion of a Sepulchral Urn of coarse reddish Clay, showing
a black fracture, and measuring 4 inches across the base. It contained
calcined human bones, and was found on Fala Moor, Mid-Lothian.
(2.) By Mr Jambs Patbrson, Longman, Macduff.
Four Leaf-shaped Arrow-heads of reddish Flint, averaging 1 inch in
length.
One Barbed Arrow-head ; and another, of grey Flint, with Stem and
Barbs ; each arrow-head measuring about an inch in length.
Oval shaped Stone-hammer Head, 4 inches in length, with a perfora-
tion 1 inch in diameter in the centre, for the insertion of a handle.
Bronze Flanged Celt, measuring 3^ inches in length by 1 J inch across
the face.
Small Iron Hammer, with iron handle, or Model Battle- Axe, 4 inches
in length.
Small Plate of Brass in form of a death's head.
All the above articles were found in the district around Longman,
Macduff, Banffshire.
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42 rUOCEEDINGS OP THE SOCIETY, DEOBMBEH 1S64.
(3.) By James Farrer, Esq., M.P., Hon. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Oval-shaped piece of Sandstone, 5 inches in its greatest diameter, and
2 inches in thickness, rudely hollowed on each side, with a small per-
foration through its centre.
Fragments of reddish Pottery, apparently the remains of small howl-
sha{)ed vessels.
Bounded piece of Clay, IJ inch in diameter, with a hole through the
centre ; prohably a whorl for the distaff.
Double-edged small-toothed Comb of bone, 3^ inches in length, with
separate longitudinal bar of bone along its centre, attached by pins of
iron, the corresponding bar on the opposite side is awanting.
Flat portion of Bone, measuring 13J inches in length by 2J inches in
breadth, showing marks of cutting along its edge, and pierced with three
holes, each ^ths of an inch in diameter ; apparently a portion of the rib
of a whale.
Two portions of the Antlers of a Bed Deer, cut transversely across,
the one 4| and the other 2^ inches in length.
Canine Tooth or Tusk, of a Boar.
These articles were all found in the course of digging in the ruins
of an old house in the parish of Deerness, Orkney.
(4.) By George Pktrie, Esq , Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Block of irregularly-squared Sandstone, 17 inches in length by 10
inches in breadth, and 7 inches in thickness, with a volute or spiral,
incised on its largest extremity, found in Orkney.
Square-shaped Sandstone, 8 inches in diameter, with a cup-shaped
depression 4^ inches in diameter, and 2 inches in depth, cut on its upper
surface. It was found in a mound of stones and rubbish near the
Church of Deerness, Orkney.
(5.) By the Bev. Edward Lowry Barnwell, Buthin, N. Wales,
Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Beautifully sculptured Hammer Head of pale flint or chalcedony,
3 inches in length by 2| inches in depth, and the same in thickness
across the middle ; it is perforated toward one extremity by a circular
aperture |th8 of an inch in diameter. The hammer is figured of the
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
43
original size in the annexed drawing, for the use of which the Society
is also indebted to Mr Barnwell. Mr Barnwell supplies the following
notes respecting its discovery, <&c. : —
Stone Hammer Head found near Corwen, N. Wales (fnll size).
'* About twenty-five years ago, a man stubbing up a wood at Mays-
more, near Corwen, found the hammer, which is made of the hardest
chalcedony, none of which exists within many miles of the district.
" The enormous amount of labour that must have been bestowed on
cutting and polishing would indicate that it was not intended for ordinary
use as a common hammer. Various suggestions have been made. Some
have considered it as the war implement of a distinguished chief ; others,
that it was intended for sacrificial or other religious purpose, or as a
badge of high office. Others again have conjectured that it may have
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44 PKOCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMJBEH 1864.
been used as a counterpoise, or as a lamp. It is too large and heavy to
have formed the central bead of a necklace, as has also been suggested.
*' Whether it has been worked with metal tools or not is uncertain ;
but probably with the latter, owing to the hardness of the stone. The
hole seems to be very slightly converging at each aperture, so slightly as
to present a very faint appearance of such converging. How the polish-
ing also has been effected is uncertain, as the ordinary method of friction
would have been difficult, from the nature of the pattern."
(6.) By the Directors of the Edinburgh Academy, through John
M. Balfodr, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Boman Altar of White Marble, with moulded panel and niche in
front, which contains a bust of a youth in high relief, and below is the
following inscription : —
DIS-MANIBVS
C • IVLIO • RVFO • VIX • ANN • XVIIII • M • VI
PIENTISSIMO
PARENTES • ARAM • POSVERVNT
The altar measures 29 inches in height by 21^ inches in width, and
has been cut vertically through the centre, showing, from this cause, only
a portion of a patera, &c. on the sides. The back part is wanting.
This altar has been for a considerable time in the possession of the
Directors of the Edinburgh Academy, but its history is not known.
(7.) By Brigadier-Greneral J. H. Lefroy, E.A.
Cast, in plaster, of the Eoyal Arms of Scotland, taken from a gun in
the Museum of Artillery, in the Eotunda, Woolwich, which is described
in the catalogue of the collection as " A brass minion of the time of
Charles II., a.d. 1676," richly ornamented. On the first reinforce the
words " IN DEFENCE," undcmeath them a crown, with the Boyal Arms
and supporters, and the motto " honi soit," &c., in a scroll round it. In
a second scroll underneath, '^ disu et mon droit." The dolphins, repre-
senting two fish, are handsome. Length of gun, 6 feet 6 inches ; calibre,
3*44 in. ; weight, 9 cwt. 44 lbs. Then the inscription, " carolus
SECONDUS DEI GRATIA, MAGN^E BRITANNLS HIBKRNLfi ET GALLIJE RKX 1676."
On the base ring, " Johannes odderogge me PECit roterodami."
Official Catalogue of the Museum of Artillery in the Rotunda,
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 45
Woolwich. By Brigadier-General J. H. Lefroy, R.A. 12mo. Lond.
1864.
(8.) By D. H. RoBEETSON, M.D., F.S.A. Scot.
Iron Chain and Pot Hooks, from Macnab's Inn, Lochard, the original
of the Hostelry of the " Clachan" of Aberfoyle of Sir Walter Scott's
Rob Roy.
(9.) By Professor J. Y. Simpson, M.D., V.P.S.A. Scot.
Large and beautifully Sculptured Marble or Alabaster Slab from
Nineveh, measuring 8 feet square by 6 inches in thickness. It displays
the figure of a king performing a religious ceremony, attended by a
Eunuch. There is an inscription in cuneiform characters on the lower
portion of the slab. (See Communication, and Translation of the In-
Bcription by H. Fox Talbot, Esq., at a subsequent meeting of the
Society.)
(10.) By M. A. Bbrgsob, Copenhagen.
Grey-coloured Flint Dagger or Knife, with handle, measuring 7 inches
in length, and 1} inch at the widest part of the blade.
(11.) By Alexander Auchib, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Two Photographs, one of the Parthenon, the other of the Temple of
Theseus, 15 by 11 inches, procured at Athens by the donor.
(12.) By Alex. Jeffrey, F.S.A. Scot, (the Author).
The History and Antiquities of Roxburgh and Adjacent Districts,
from the most remote period to the present time. 4 vols, post 8yo.
Edinburgh, 1864. (With maps and plates.)
(18.) By the Associated Societies.
Reports and Papers read at the Meetings of the Architectural Societies
of the County of York, Diocese of Lincoln, Archdeaconry of North-
ampton, County of Bedford, Diocese of Worcester, and County of
Leicester, during the year 1863. Vol. vii. part 1. 8vo. Lincoln, 1864.
(14.) By M. C. Jones, Esq., F.S.A. Scot, (the Author).
Reminiscences connected with Old Oak Panelling now at Gungrog.
8vo (pp. 40). Welshpool, 1864.
Notes respecting the Family of Waldo. 8vo (pp. 46). 1804.
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46
PROCEBDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECElflll^R 1864.
(15.) By the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, U.S. America.
Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution for 1862. 8vo.
Washington, 1863.
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. Vol. xiii. 4to. Washing-
ton, 1864.
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections. Vol. v. 8vo. Washington,
1864.
There was exhibited to the Meeting —
Fig. 3.
^^S- 1. Fig. 2.
Bronze Ornaments, found in a bog at Bonibhrea), in Lochaber, Inverness-shire.
(1.) By Cluny Macpherson of Cluny, Esq., through John Stuart,
Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot.
Three Bronze Ornaments : one, a belt of bronze of a circular shape
(fig. 1) ; another, a horse-shoe shaped belt (fig. 2) ; and the third, a cup-
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ARTICLK8 EXHIBITED. 47
shaped ornament (fig. 3). They were found together under 6 feet of
moss on the hill of BenihhreaB, in Lochaber, and are well shown in the
accompanying woodcuts. Also,
An Engraved Copper Plate for printing paper money, found some
years ago near the west end of Loch Laggan, Inverness-shire.
The Bronze Ornaments referred to above consist : First, of a circular
piece or band of bronze plate (fig. 1), measuring 1 8 inches across its
greatest diameter, in the centre of which is an aperture 8 inches in
diameter. Traces of a minute vandyke pattern remain along its outer
edge. Second, of a horse-shoe shaped plate of bronze (fig. 2), measuring
in its greatest length 2 feet 1 inch ; the greatest breadth of the belt or
plate is at the top or head of the horse shoe, where it measures 3^ inches
across, and from this part it tapers to the lower extremities, which are
1| inch in breadth, and are ornamented by a small vandyke pattern ;
they are cut in a slightly sloping direction from within outwards, and
when placed against the circumference of the circular part are found
exactly to coincide. Third, an oblong cup-shaped ornament (fig. 3),
8 inches in its greatest length, by 4 inches in breadth, and 1} inch in
depth.
It has been supposed that the horse-shoe ornament was placed above
the circular plate, and both formed the ornaments of an oblong-
shaped shield of wood ; the cup-shaped portion being the oblong boss of
the shield, which was probably placed in the open part of the horse-shoe
plate.
The Plate of Engraved Copper also exhibited measures 9 inches square,
and on it are engraved various small oblong Notes, showing they were
probably intended to have formed Paper Money for the use of the army
of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. The Notes are for various small sumft
of one penny, twopence, threepence, and sixpence. The plate is suppose^
to have been lost in the flight after the battle of CuUoden, in the year
1746. It is believed to have been engraved by Sir Robert Strange, who
was with the army. An impression taken from the plate itself is given
in Plate V.
(See " Note of a Copper Plate and Bronze Ornaments," by, Mr John
Stuart).
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48 • PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1S64.
(2.) By Arthur Mitchell, M.D., Corr. Mem, S.A. Scot.
Stone Mould, in two portions, for casting spear-heads. Also,
Another Stone Mould, in two portions, for spear-heads, both sides
being cut for moulds). They were found while breaking up old land,
near Campbelton, in Kintyre, Argyleshixe, along with them on the same
spot were found two stone celts (Plate VI. figs. 4, 5).
The first of these moulds is of dark-coloured stone (serpentine), and is
for casting spear- heads, viiih open loop at the neck (Plate VI. fig. 3).
It measures 7 inches in length by If inch in breadth.
The second stone mould, also of a dark-coloured serpentine, is cut on
both sides so as to form moulds for two spear-heads (Plate VI. figs. 1, 2)
the one, of a ruder character, being on the opposite sides of the stones.
It measures 4J inches in length by 2 inches at one end, tapering to
1 inch at the other. The two sides of this mould are not alike, as in
the one first described *, in this case one side has the shape of the spear-
head deeply cut into the stone, so as to include the whole thickness of
the edge of the spear, and the other side has simply the mid-rib alone
cut on it, and the rest of that side of the mould is gently bevelled towards
the edges, the result of which simple plan is, that w^hen the two sides
are laid together, a perfect mould is made, the two sides of the casting
being almost exactly alike — and the spear- he ad is perfect in both its
sides J less labour being thus required in forming an outline exactly
alike on both sides of the stone mould, and the result being equally
satisfactory.
The Stone Celts (figs. 4, 5) found along with the mould are formed of
a dark-coloured compact clay iron-stone ; they are polished to a smooth
surface, and measure respectively — the one, 7 inches long by 3 across
*0 '^ the face ; the other, 3.J by 2^ inches.
^^ * ■ The moulds are well shown in the accompanying Plate VI, figs. 1,
iP • 2, 3, drawn to half their size ; and the celts to one-third of their size
• (figs, 4, 5).
• . The following Communications were read : —
.•
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ON THE MONUMENT OF THE REGENT EARL OF MURRAY. 49
NOTICE RESPECTING THE MONUMENT OF THE REGENT EARL OF
MURRAY, NOW RESTORED, WITHIN THE CHURCH OF ST GILES,
EDINBURGH. By DAVID LAING, Esq., Foe. Sec. S.A. Scot. (Plate Vll.)
Lord James Stewart, Prior of St Andrews, created Earl of Murray^ in
1562, and afterwards Begent of Scotland, was, it is well known, assas-
sinated by Hamilton of Botbwellbaugh in tbe streets of Linlitbgow, during
his progress to Edinburgh on tbe 23d January 1569-70.* Tbe Regent's
body was brought to Edinburgh, and his funeral took place on Tuesday
tbe 14th February, in the south aisle of tbe great kirk of St Giles, Edin-
burgh. On this occasion Knox preached a sermon from the words
" Blessed are those who die in the Lord." It was delivered in the pre-
sence of many of the nobility, and of such a concourse of people, that
Calderwood says, " He moved three thousand persons to shed teares for
tbe losse of such a good and godlie Grovemour.''
Immediately above the vault where the Begent was interred a public
monument, in the form of an altar-tomb, was erected, with an engraved
brass-plate, containing a Latin inscription, written by George Buchanan.
This part of the building was tbe transept of tbe church, and seems to
have remained as an open thoroughfare for nearly two hundred years.
But there are no old ground-plans from which we can ascertain tbe
changes that were made in this part of tbe interior of the building
during the last century, at the time it was converted into a parish church.
It was, however, reserved for the last unfortunate remodelling of tbe
entire building to have such monuments cleared away as encumbrances,
without regard either to historical associations or family rights. The
destruction of the Begent*s Monument was, in truth, to use plain words,
1 The comparatively modem fsisliion of spelling the name Stuart and Moray were
probal»ly adopted from the French, or from Buchanan's Latinised form, but the
Regent himself uniformly wrote his name Stewart and Murray.
* See Postscript at p. 64.
VOL. VI. PART I. D
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50 rROCEBDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
a disgrace to Ediaburgh ; but the brass-plate, being regarded as a
curious piece of antiquity, was fortunately saved from the melting-pot,
and after a time was restored to the family.
In the year 1840 the propriety of restoring this brass to the walls of
the church had been brought before the Town Council, upon the recom-
mendation of this Society. A memorial upon the subject was again
presented to the Lord Provost and Magistrates in 1853. The proposal
was favourably enough received, but the question of expense, and the
want of any correct representation of the monument itself, seemed to
present formidable obstacles to its restoration.
The brass itself was exhibited to the Society in May 1853, and at
the time the late Mr W. H. Lizars having succeeded in taking not a
mere rubbing, but in fact a copperplate impression, which could be
transferred to stone, the full size of the engraved plate, I was at the
expense of having copies thrown off for private distribution, as the
surest mode of preserving its appearance in case of any accident happen-
ing to the original brass. Of this facsimile a very accurate reduced
copy is given in the Society's Proceedings, vol. i. p. 196.
About two years ago, whilst engaged in preparing for the Society
Notes relating to the Antiquities of Edinburgh, I was favoured by Mr
Forbes Skene with the use of a large collection of sketches and drawings
connected with Edinburgh and its vicinity, made by his father, the late
James Skene of Bubislaw, Esq., in the early part of this century. Among
these I was happy to find one which exhibited the interior of the " Old
Kirk," with the monument in question. This appeared to furnish a
good excuse for renewing the scheme for the restoration of the Monu-
ment ; and having submitted, through John Phillips, Esq., the sketch to
the Earl of Moray, his Lordship, with a becoming regard to the memory
of his distinguished ancestor, not only expressed his readiness to give
the original brass, but authorised the monument to be reconstructed at
his own expense, with as near an approach to its first design as possible.
To allow of this proposed restoration, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners,
and also the Minister and kirk-session (through Baillie Cassells) per-
mitted a few steps to be removed, and a side door that was seldom made
use of to be closed. The restoration has now been happily accomplished
from a design and under the direction of David Cousin, Esq., city
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ON THE MONUMENT OF THB REGENT EARL OF BIURRAY. 61
architect, executed by Mr John Rhind, sculptor (see Plate VII. at p. 54) ;
and the old Brass, after several adventures, again occupies its original
position on the wall of the church.*
In the examination of the vault which took place in the year 1850, as
described in the Proceedings, vol. i. p. 194, three coffins were discovered.
The Earl of Moray having expressed a wish that a careful examination
of the vault should again be made, as it was not improbable that the
form of the vault might have been changed, and some other remains
might still be discovered, more especially with the view of identifying
the remains of the Regent. After a good deal of labour was expended
for this purpose, as nothing further could be ascertained, it was suggested,
that the oldest leaden coffin should be brought up from its narrow
enclosure and opened in the presence of one or two of the medical pro-
fessors, as the surest mode. left to identify whether it was actually that
of the Regent. But the Earl of Moray thought this proceeding unneces-
sary. From the mode, however, in which the three coffins are now
placed, any such examination may afterwards be more easily accom-
plished.
But I am not yet done with the Brass and the old Monument. In
examining the family papers in the charter-room of Donnybristle, the
Earl of Moray discovered a detached sheet without name or date, endorsed
" The Compt of Geir furnisit to my L. Buriall." It was shown to me
by John Phillipps, Esq., his Lordship's Commissioner, in order to ascer-
tain its precise date. From internal evidence it clearly refers to the
Regent's funeral, in 1569-70, and is in a contemporary hand. With his
Lordship's permission I had it transcribed, and a copy of it is here
inserted. It is indeed a very interesting document, and furnishes us
with the names of John Roytel* and Murdoch Valker as the masons who
constructed the place of sepulture, at the expense of L.133, 68. 8d. ; and
of James Gray, goldsmith, who engraved the brass plate, at the charge
of L.20 ; while the same plate of brass (which then was rather a scarce
commodity) was bought from David Rowane for L.7.
* Mr Cousin's Working Drawing was exhibited to the meeting.
* Roytel was probably the son of Nycolas Roytcll, a Frenchman, appointed the
king's master mason 22d April 1689. His own name appears as such in the Trea-
surer's Accounts in 1579.
D 2
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52 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
" The Compt op Gkir purnisit to my L. Buriall."
Item, vpouQ the xxvi day of Januar 1569 deliuerit to Maister
Jhone Wod, for to transport the geir that was in my Lordis
luidgen in Edinbur*, ..... xxiiii li.
Item, gaif the same tym, to my Lordis buriall for four ellis zallow
tauffateis, to be banaris, at xxiiii s. the aell summa, . iii li. xvi s.
Item, for yi ellis zallow and blak bukrame at vii s. vj d. the aell
summa, ....... xlvi s.
Item, gaif to Villiame Harlay saidlair, to be fwytmantillis^ to
Grange hors and the Lard of Cleischis, for the dwU* v ellis blak
stemmyng at It! s. the aell summa, . . . xiiii li.
Item, to the herauldis xxxvi aellis blak tanffateis to cover thair
coit of armes at xxiiii s. the ell summa, • xliii li. iiii s.
Item, for vi quarteris of craipe to Grrangis dwll, . . xxvii s.
Item, for iii} ellis blak stemmyng' to be ane buriall cleyth vpoun
my Lordis heir pryce of the aell iii li. summa, . x li. x s.
Item, for ane paper of preynis to buisk* the herauldis, . xvi d.
Item, the same tyme to Peir Antuene and the Meir* at their de-
parting to France for the hattis pryce, . . . v li. ii s.
Item, for iiii} ellis Tranche russat to be the Meir ane clok coit and
ane pair of gargasis — ^pryce of the aell xl s. summa, . ix li.
Item, for to be ane doublat of Poldowy' to the Meir and lyning of
his gargasis, . . . . . xv s. viii d.
Item, for thre ellis blak stemming to be Peir ane clok coit and
ane pair of gargasis at iii li. the aell summa, . . ix li.
Item, for cammes to be ane doublat and lynyngis to his hois, xxxiii s. xi d.
Item, for heir to buis thair cleis and gargasis, . . xv s.
Item, growgraue^ versettis to be cannonnis to their hois, . xvi s.
I Footmantles. ^ Dole, or mourning habit.
^ A kind of woollen cloth. ^ Pins to dress.
* A Moor, or the black servant and a dwarf, who formed part of the Regent's
household.
• Poldowy, or Poledavy, a coarse cloth or canvass.
7 The English grograin, a coarse kind of silk laflfety.
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ON THE MONUMENT OF THE REGENT EARL OF MURRAY. 53
Item, for Peir Antueyne and the Moris buirdis in Jhone Mycli
CnllowiB fra the xxvii day of Januar 1569 to the xxvi. of
Aprill thairafter ilk day vii s. summa, . . xxx li.
Item, for thair fraucht and victualis frome Leyth to Deipe in
France, ...... xvi li.
Item, gaif to thame in Deipe at thair landing xl frankis extending
to, ...... . XXX li.
Item, for iii pair schone' to thame at thair departing, . x s.
Item, gaif to Jhone Byotaill and Mwrdoche Yalkar measounis for
the making of my Lordis sepulteur according to the inden-
tour maid betuix vmquhill Maister Jhone Wod* and
thame, ..... i^xxxiii li. vi s. viii d.
Item, to James Gray goldsmyth for ingraving of ane platt of bras
vpoun my Lordis sepulteur, , . . . xx li.
Item, to Dauid Bowane for the same platt of bras, . vii li.
Item, for varnising of the same plaitt and putting ype and fixing
thairof, ...... iiii li.
Item, to the payntour for bleking of the sepulteur and his paynis, xx s.
Item, for the len' of certane daillis to be ane vaill the tyme of the
building of the sepulteur, .... xl s.
♦ Lateris iii* Ixxi li. iiii s. i. d. (£371, 4s. Id.)
When the brass was exhibited to the Society at a meeting in May
1853, it was pointed out by Dr D. Wilson that the half of an older
engraved brass plate had been employed. (See vol. i. p. 181.) If any
opportunity should occur for examining the similar brass at Ormiston,
evidently engraved by the same hand (see vol. iv. p. 225), we might
possibly find on the reverse the remaining portion of the two figures
with the rest of the inscription which contained the names and date.
In order to fill up the vacant space in the centre of the restored menu-
1 Shoes.
* Umqnhil (the late) Mr John Wood of Tilliedavy, in Fife, the Regent's con-
fidential Secretary. He was mnrdered during the short interval that elapsed
between the time of this funeral and the making up these accounts. (See Knox's
Works, vol. vi. p. 560, note.) * Loan.
^ The whole of the original is written on one page or side. The " Item" in the
first line shows that it is only a portion of the account.
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54 lUtOCEEDlNGS OF THE SOCIIOTY, JANUARY 1865.
ment, Mr Cousin has introduced an ornamental scroll tablet, surmounted
by the family crest, with this simple inscription : —
ERECTED
BY UIS CODNTRY
TO
JAMES, EARL OF MURRAY,
REGENT OF SCOTLAND,
ANNO DOM. MDLXX.
RESTORED
BY
JOHN, 12th earl OF MORAY,
ANNO DOM. MDCCCLXIV.
In conclusion, I have to express my thanks to Mr Forbes Skene for
again permitting me to exhibit to this meeting the volume of his
Father's drawings which contains the Regent's Monument. I think,
also, the members of the Society and the inhabitants of Edinburgh are
under a debt of peculiar obligation to the Right Hon. the Earl of Moray
for having thus restored, in a satisfactory manner, this public Monument.
The thanks of the Meeting were voted to the Earl of Moray for the
satisfactory restoration of his ancestor's monument ; and to Mr Laing
for the interest which he has taken in this matter for a long time, and
for his present communication.
P.S. — Without entering upon minute details of family connexions,*
the following note may be added in reference to the mention that occurs
at page 49, respecting the murder of the Regent Earl of Murray.
Mr Tytler in his history, where be describes the tragical scene at
Linlithgow, says, " But Bellenden the Justice- Clerk, a favourite of
Moray's, who had obtained a grant of the escheats (of the forfeited pro-
perty of Woodhouselee), violently occupied the house, and barbarously
turned its mistress, during a bitterly cold night, and almost in a state of
nakedness, into the woods, where she was found in the morning furiously
' See Anderson's House of Hamilton, p. 240.
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Proceedings fjftiie Society of Andtixianee of Scotland
Vol Yl TJATE 711
r " «.»rr Arrh*
/'■">> WkA.llJolfurt.oo.Eain:
MONUMENT OF THE EARL OF MURRAY. RECE
NT OF Sc"0'?i!i^g1)''^^^°8l^
, _ c t r
. L> - . i 1 w
,..t.. 1.1 i.'«-„ 1.^V, It,,.?
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ACCOUNT OF 0UAVR8 RECENTLY DISCOVERED AT HARTLAW. 55
mad, and insensible to the injury which had been inflicted on her. If
ever," he adds, " revenge could meet with sympathy, it should be in so
atrocious a case as this,*' <fec. The same story is detailed by Sir Walter
Scott, and other writers ; and, no doubt, forms a very romantic episode,
but it %8 neither more nor less than a pure fiction. It can be proved, from
authentic evidence, that Woodhouselee was previously conveyed to Sir
John Bellenden by his relative James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh him-
self, with consent of his wife, for the express purpose of preventing for-
feiture ; that she never suffered any such outrage ; and that she survived
for upwards of forty years the date of the alleged event. For enabling me
to state this with greater confidence, I am indebted to information commu-
nicated by James Maidment, Esq., advocate. Bothwellhaugh was one of
those desperate characters who acted as the hired assassin of the Hamilton
faction ; private revenge having no influence in the matter. — D. L.
• II.
ACCOUNT OF GRAVES RECENTLY DISCOVERED AT HARTLAW. ON
THE FARM OF WESTRUTHER MAINS. With Dbawings by the Lady
John Scott. By JOHN STUART, Esq., Sec S.A. Scot. (Plate VIII.)
On the summit of a rising ground, called Hartlaw, on the farm of
Westruther Mains, part of the estate of Spottiswoode, are two gravel
knolls of no great prominence, adjoining each other. The site commands
an extensive prospect on all sides. On the south are the Cheviots, the
Eildons, Hume Castle, and Mellerstane. On the west are Boone Hill
and the hills on Gala Water. On the north are the Lammermoor Hills,
and prominently the Twinlaw Cairns, which is the highest point on their
south ridge ; and on the east, Dirrington Law and Langton Edge.
The two knolls (see Plate VIII. figs. A and B) were lately excavated
by orders of Lady John Scott, and the work was done under her inspec-
tion. That on the south (B) was found to be a natural formation of
gravel with a subsoil of sand. On its north side, part of a surrounding
circular wall or foundation was laid bare, formed of small slabs set on
edge in the ground. In one place the circle described by this outer wall
measured 24 yards across. No traces of it were discovered on the south.
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56 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
and little on the east side of the knoll ; hut it is prohahle that the stones
may have been disturbed by the plough in these parts, as they were
found immediately below the surface. Within this external wall vestiges
of walls, forming smaller enclosures, were noticed, very irregular and
undefined in shape, but with a tendency to a circular or oval form.
Some of them were about 6 feet across.
About the centre of the knoll a round pit was found about 2 feet deep,
and less than that in diameter, lined with stones, the mouth being formed
of small slabs like those of which the inclosures were made. This pit
was filled with charred wood and burnt matter.
Small holes formed of stones on edge within the interior enclosures were
also filled with charred wood, which also occurred occasionally elsewhere
in small portions mixed with the soil.
Two graves formed of stone slabs on edge were found on the south side
of the knoll. They were in the direction of east and west, with the head
to the west. They were not paved in the bottom, and charred wood was
found in and around the coffins, which were of full length.
In the other knoll (A) many graves appeared, fourteen of which were
uncovered. They were formed of small stone slabs, with which they were
also paved in the bottom and covered above. In the course of digging,
the site of a grave was always to be detected by the occurrence of charred
wood in the surrounding soil. On opening the graves, ashes of wood
were generally found in the centre, and in some cases towards the head,
mixed with the soil with which they were filled. In some of the graves
portions of human remains were found, generally the portions at the west
end, and in some cases the bones appeared very fresh. The coffins were
laid east and west, with the head to the west. Their average length was
about 6 feet ; but I measured one which was 6 feet 8 inches, and others
which were respectively 5 feet, 3 feet 10 inches, and 4 feet 6 inches.
On the north-east side of this knoll were two pits like wells, and near
the south are portions of a curving wall, which was only traceable for a
short way. One of the pits was deeper than the other. It was lined with
stones, and the mouth was formed of slabs on edge like the walls. It
was about 15 inches across, and 2 feet deep. It was filled with charred
wood and slaky earth, and portions of black matter had penetrated below
and outside the well, as if it had escaped when in a liquid state.
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ACCOUNT OF QUAVES RECENTLY DISCOVERED AT HARTLAW. 67
The site of the graves, and the appearance of the remains of the walls
and pits, will he understood from the accompanying sketches made hy
Lady John Scott (see Plate VIII.) The general appearance of the
knolls appears from the plan (exhibited) made by Mr Spottiswoode.
Portions of the bones, charred wood, and greasy earth, are also produced.
The graves in question may be compared with the cists at Clocharie
in the same neighbourhood, excavated by Lady John Scott, and described
at one of our meetings of last session. In this case three short cists were
found, which had been covered by a cairn. One of these contained a
large urn inverted on a slab, filled with incinerated bones and ashes of
wood. The other cists also contained burned bones and ashes, but no
urns. In the centre of the space covered by the cairn a large pit was
found, containing ashes of wood and unctuous earth.
In an adjoining knoll another pit was found, containing a large quantity
of charred wood and unctuous matter, and in three spots deposits of ashes
and bones were found, and in different places two flint implements, three
or four stone celts and round pebbles ; and in both knolls many founda-
tions formed of slabs set on end in the ground, like those at Hartlaw,
some of which enclosed small spaces, were found.
There was a resemblance between Clocharie and Hartlaw in regard to
the occurrence of pits containing burnt matter and foundations of walls ;
but they differ in that the cists at Clocharie were short, and contained
an urn and burned bones, with flint and stone implements near them,
while the graves at Hartlaw were long, of a uniform disposition east and
west, and contained no relics and no burned bones.
The latter have more the appearance of being the graves of Christians,
like those of the Anglo-Saxons, which for a time seem to have been
placed in groups in spots not yet attached to the church, although the
consecrated cemetery around the church was from the earliest period the
idea to be aimed at. We may gather from a capitulary of Charlemagne,
what would occur to us as likely in itself, that for a time the converts to
the new faith preferred the burial places of their forefathers. '* Jubemus
ut corpora Christianorum Saxonum ad coemeteria EcclesiaB deferantur et
noD ad tumnlos paganorum." '
* Walter's •* Corpus Juris Germanici Antiqui," vol. ii. p. 107.
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68 PROCEEDINGS OP THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
In several cairns which I have recently examined, the traces of hnrning
were very marked, as in the cairn of Clocharie; hut in these cases the
occurrence of calcined bones in urns is sufficient to account for such
traces, at least to some extent.
A careful investigation of our early sepulchral remains seems to show
that at one time the burning of the body had been all but universal.
The burning of the body was confined to the pagan system, and the
custom was denounced by the Christian missionaries. One of Charle-
magne's capitularies makes the act a capital offence. " Si quis corpus
defuncti hominis secundum ritnm paganorum flamma consumi fecerit,
et ossa ejus ad cinerem redegerit, capite punietur." ^
But in some cases, as at Hartlaw, there are many traces of burning,
where the body does not appear to have been burned.
And in others where the body was burned, there are found, in addition
to the vestiges of burning which that act would require, great quantities
of the bones of animals, such as those of the ox, sheep, and horse.
Many such remains were found in a group of twenty cists, containing
unbumed human remains at Haly Hill, near St Andrews, along with
flint flakes, a broken ceU, and other remains. At Law Park, on the
opposite side of the Einness Burn, a group of eighteen large urns, part
of a more extensive series, were found. The urns were filled with burned
bones, and in one of them two small bronze knives. Among the urns
large quantities of the teeth of oxen and sheep, with cores of their horns,
were found.
Some long stone cists were recently discovered in and about the ruined
chapel on the Eirkheugh of St Andrews, which was the site of an early
Culdee settlement there. Among other traces of conformity to the ear-
lier system, I have noted the occurence of three small circles of sea
stones, and within them fragments of charred wood, with bones and teeth
of boars, horses, and oxen.
Great quantities of horses' teeth and bones of animals were found
throughout the great barrow of Maeshowe in Orkney, and such remains
are of frequent occurrence about the graves and Pict's houses in that
country.
A notice in the confessional of Archbishop Ecgbert of York, would
* " Corpus Juris Gcrmanici Antiqui," vol. ii. p. 106.
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ACCOUNT OF GRAVES RECENTLY DI8C0VBRED AT HARTLAW. 59
seem to shew that the flesh of the horee was an article of food among the
early races of Northumbria. ^ Caro equina non est prohibita, etsi multaa
gentee eam comedere nolunt/'^ An opposite rule was laid down at
the Synod of Gloveshoe, a.d. 785, where, it is said " Equis etiam plerique
in vobis comedunt, quod nullus Christianorum in orientalibus facit, quod
etiam evitate.*
The custom of feasting at the graves of the dead seems to have been
common in heathen times. One of the Frankish capitularies is directed
against it, " Et super eorum tumulos nee manducare nee libere prassu-
mant.'^ St Boniface complains that the Christian priests were apt to
join in eating the sacriflces of the dead, consisting of the bulls and he-
goats which had been offered to the gods of the pagans^ Two provisions
of the Indiculus mperstilionum et paganiarumy in a capitulary of Carlo-
man seem to refer to this custom, " De sacrilegio ad sepulchra mortu-
orum," and " De sacrilegio super defunctos id est dadsisas."*
The letter of Pope Gregory to the Abbot Mellitus, preserved by Vener-
able Bede, refers to the pagan custom of slaying oxen, ^^ in sacrificio
dasmonum,'' and advises that the rite should be changed into Christian
feasts, to be held on festival days.
It seems not unreasonable to believe, from the remains found in the
cemetery of the Kirkheugh, that the stone cists there mark burials of a
transitional character, when the Christian site had been adopted, but
the older feasting at the grave was not yet abandoned.
Whether the traces of burning at the Hartlaw are marks of a like
character it may not be easy to say — as no bones of animals appeared
among the burned debris of the pits — but if we are to conclude from
other indicise that the graves were those of Christians of a very early
date, it would seem most likely that the traces of burning are in like
manner to be accounted for by a continuance of the ancient feasts.
It may be well to record that in the month of November last, a group
of nearly forty short cists was discovered on Gallery Knowe, on the
1 Thorpe's ** Ancient Laws and Institutes of England," vol. ii. p. 168.
« Wilkins* " Concilia," torn. i. p. 160.
^ Quoted by Thrupp in his ** Anglo Saxon Home," p. 397, et scq.
* Ibid.
* Walter's *' Corpus Juris Germanici," torn. ii. p. 64
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60 PROCEKDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
estate of Newhall, near Tester House. The site had been long under
cultivation, but the land having come into Lord Tweeddale's natural
possession, the deep ploughing which the soil underwent brought the
cists to light. They were examined by Mrs Warrender, who assisted in
the exploration of Clocharie, and although they were all in a state of
confusion, she could make out that the cists were short (about 3 feet to
4 feet), formed of slabs, with which they were paved in the bottom and
covered at the top.
In the cists there was a quantity of blackish earth, similar to the
greasy substance of which so much was found at Clocharie, but no bones
or relics of any sort appeared. ^^ Some of the cists had a round stone
for a cover, evidently wrought with tools, not unlike part of a quern.''
(Letter from Mrs Warrender to me.)
The cordial thanks of the Meeting were voted to Lady John Soott
for carrying out the examination of the graves, and for the beautiful
drawings which she made to illustrate the description of them.
Description of Plate VIII.
(From SktUhei by the Lady John Scott.)
Sketch of two Mounds (A and E) at HartXaw, Westruther Mains^
Spottiawoodey Berwickshire,
Mound A,
Showing series of stone cists, cnnred wall, and pits.
Mound B.
1. Remains of a large stone circle, stones put in edgewise, from 1 foot to 1} foot
high.
2^ Circular hole about 2 feet in diameter, built with stones like a well to the depth
of 8 feet, and containing a quantity of charred wood, ashes, and black
adhesive matter.
8. Smaller circle of stones, only rather more than half the circle remaining.
4. Circular hole like No. 2, but smaller, and in the semicircle of stones, containing
the same stuff as No. 2.
6. Semicircle of stones and clay, about 6 inches high.
6. Foundation of old building, 8 or 9 inches high, of stones.
7. Bit of old building.
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ACCOUNT OF GRAVES RECENTLY DISCOVERED AT HARTLAW. 61
8. Stone cofi&n, containing ashes and bones.
9. Do. do.
10. Fonndation of building, about 1 foot high.
11. Circular cayity in the foundation, filled with charred wood and ashes.
12. Large circular cavity, filled with charred wood and ashes.
[Mr Stuart, at a subsequent meeting, read the following note connected
with this subject : —
ISth March 1865.
In company with Professor Simpson, Mr Innes, and other friends, I
this day examined two graves on the estate of Mortonhall, which Mr
Trotter was so good as open up for inspection. They were discovered in
a rough dry knoll on the highest point of the Braid Hills, near a little
hollow called the Elf Kirk. A third was said to have been found by
probing, and I have little doubt that more are placed round the knoll, but
only two were opened up. The first was formed of slabs, of which we
were told that none are to be found nearer than Limekilns on the one
side, and Hailes on the other. The top consisted of several covers of thin
slab, of which the bottom and sides were formed. The grave was about
five feet ten inches in length, sixteen to eighteen inches wide at the
bead, and half that at the foot. When it was opened a few days ago,
as I learned from Miss Trotter, she observed portions of charred wood in
the grave, some of it in the shape of powder, and some in small pieces,
which her brother took up and squeezed between his fingers. When the
grave was re-opened to-day, we saw the bones of a human skeleton, in
tolerable preservation, the skull in fragments, but no relics of any sort.
The second grave seemed to have partly given way and was filled with
rubbish, among which portions of human bones appeared. It was con-
structed in the same way as the first, lay a few yards from it, and was
nearly in the same direction, viz., east and west.]
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G2 PUOCEKDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1805.
III.
NOTICE OF A LONG-SHAPED CIST, WITH SKELETON, FOUND NEAR
YARROW KIRK, SELKIRKSHIRE, from Communications by the Rev.
JAMES RUSSELL, Yarrow. By JOHN ALEX. SMITH. MJ)., Sec. 8.A.
Scot.
The cist, with its contained skeleton — an account of which I have
now to lay before the Society — has an especial interest from the fact of
its being found in the immediate neighbourhood of the two ancient un-
hewn standing stones near Yarrow Kirk ; it is
also in the very locality, where the large un-
hewn stone with its Eomano-British inscription
rudely cut on it, was discovered many years
ago, and a notice of it was formerly brought
by me before the Society ;' a cast of the stone
being presented to our Museum by our noble
President, the Duke of Buccleuch, the proprie- Ringof Cnnnel Coal fonnd
tor of the lands around. Since that inscribed '^^^^ ^^'^''^ ^'^^•
stone (which apparently formed the cover of an interment) was found,
various stone cists have been at different times exposed in the same
locality, and the curious ring of cannel coal formerly described, and now
in our Museum (see the annexed woodcut), as well as part of a stone
hammer, were also found along with them.
The discovery of this cist is detailed in a letter which I received from
the Rev. James Russell of Yarrow, and I cannot do better than give his
own words.
Mr Russell says : — " One of the Duke of Buccleuch's game-watchers
came to me this forenoon to £isk what steps should be taken with regard
to a sepulchral cist that had been discovered on Saturday evening, near
the spot where the others had been found some years ago, and contain-
ing a human skeleton. He told me that two servants on Whitehope
Farm had seen a rabbit enter a warren, as they thought, and on digging
^ See Proceedings, vol. ii. p. 484, and vol. iv. p. 624.
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NOTICE OF A LONG-SHAPED CIST. 63
it turned out that it had taken up its quarters in the old cist. This,
on the upper stones being removed, disclosed the full-length skeleton of
a man, the bones mostly in their natural position, though some of the
smaller ones had been disturbed by the tiny occupants. I at once went
with the game- watcher to the spot, when he and one of those who had
made the discovery again removed the covering. The cist is composed
of undressed slab stones all round, the bottom being formed like the top,
and all carefully fitted to each other. It is about 5 feet 9 inches in
length, at the top about 16 inches in breadth, gradually lessening to 12
inches at the bottom. The upper stones forming the lid were only about
one foot beneath the surface of the ground ; and though the air seems for
some time to have had access from the aperture at the end made by the
rabbits, the bones are in wonderful preservation. It is exactly similar
in character to the other eight cists found here some years ago, and like
them lies directly east and west ; it is about 25 yards to the south of
them, and on the ground which I suggested to the Society of Antiquaries
as worthy of being explored. Unfortunately, on Saturday evening, the
two men had displaced the bones, and a medical man, who lives near
this, and who was passing at the time, had carried off the skull. When
I saw the bones, they were collected into a heap. As the story had got
abroad, and in case the people in the neighbourhood might disturb them,
we had them put into a box, and this deposited under ground near my
manse, till they should be carefully examined by an anatomist or anti-
quary. The skull is very entire, with upper and under jaw ; many of
the teeth, a good deal worn in the crowns, were in their places, though
they soon fell out ; the thigh and arm bones, with parts of the spine,
are in good preservation. The forehead is somewhat low. I have
written to the Duke of Buccleuch (in London, I believe, at present) a
statement of these facts, as he takes a deep interest in all antiquities
found on his ground, and mentioned that I had communicated also
with you."
Mr Russell concludes his letter by kindly inviting the officiab of the
Society, and any friends who might take an interest in such matters, to
come out and make a careful examination of the cist and the whole loca-
lity, offering to obtain assistance, and give us the hospitality of his
picturesque and comfortable manse. Unfortunately advantage could not
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64 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
at the time be taken of his kindness, and I wrote to him for more informa-
tion, and begged he would be good enough to send us the cranium for
examination, after steeping it in thin glue to prevent its being broken in
its transit. I had a letter in reply, from which I shall also quote : —
" I duly received both your letters, and was sorry to learn from them
that neither yourself nor friends could come and examine the cist or its
contents. I inclose the answer of the Duke of Buccleuch to my com-
munication mentioning the discovery, and asking what he would wish
done with the bones. In accordance with his Grace's desire, I wrote Dr
Anderson to come here, and on his arrival had them taken up from their
place of concealment in my garden. He could not make out the sex
from the remains that are in preservation, but the skull has all the
appearance of being that of a male, and (judging from the thigh bones
and size of the cist) one about 5^ feet in height. He thought it best
that I should send them in hodily to you, with the Duke's letter, and
accordingly painted the head and principal bones with a solution of glue
and water. On opening the cist anew, we found nothing save two of
the teeth that had dropped out. The bones, after a thorough exami-
nation, should be sent back for re-interment, according to the Duke's
desire. Though lying in a closet here, exposed to the action of the air
for a week past, till I had the opportunity of sending them safely to
Selkirk, they have shown no symptom of decomposition. How are we
to explain this ? It seems all the more strange, considering that in the
adjacent cists previously laid bare, which were in ground equally dry,
and were more completely covered up, few remains were found, and
these on exposure immediately crumbled into dust. In the present
instance, could any process of embalming have been adopted, or has the
interment been simply of more recent date than the others ? When did
the custom of burying in cifits cease ? Such are some of the inquiries
which naturally suggest themselves, and on which, I trust, you will be
able to throw some light."
As the letter of our President has been sent to me, and shows the in-
terest His Grace takes in these matters, as well as gives an opinion on the
proper respect to be shown to all such remains, which Antiquaries, I fear,
are too often apt to overlook, I shall take the liberty of reading it : —
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NOTICE OF A LONG-RHAPBD CIST. 65
"London, July 21, 1864.
* My dkar Sir, — On my return to London last night I found your
letter of the 18th, giving an account of the discovery of an ancient
sepulchral cist to the west of your manse. From the circumstance that
it lies directly east and west, it is probahly the grave of some Christian,
whose friends would little dream that his remains would be disturbed
by rabbits or by man. Tou have done quite right in at once informing
the Secretary of the Antiquarian Society of this discovery, in case
he should wish to visit the spot and examine the remains. Should he
wish to have a cast of the skull he is most welcome, and if he wishes
very particularly to place the skull in the Museum, I do not object ;
but I think in most such cases it is as well to rebury the bones, for I
have as much reverence for the ashes of those buried 1300 years as I
have for those that have been buried at a recent period, and have as
much regret in disturbing their remains. This instance is curious as
to the bones remaining sound instead of crumbling into dust, and in-
formation may be derived from it. Dr Anderson would be interested,
and it would be well that he should have an opportunity of examining
the bones. A correct drawing and measurement should be made of
the cist and of the various stones comprising it, as well as a record kept
of the circumstances under which it was discovered. — I remain, my dear
Sir, yours very sincerely, " Bucclecch.
'* The Rev. James Russell."
The cranium and some of the bones are now on the table, and with the
valuable assistance of my friend Mr William Turner, M.B., Demonstrator
of Anatomy in the University, the whole have been subjected to a careful
examination.
The cranium, though rather small, is well formed, and the various
regions are fairly proportioned to each other; the parietal bones are
flattened in the posterior half of the region, but the supra-spinous por-
tion of the occipital bone is well rounded.
The skull has an extreme length of 7*2 in., an extreme parietal
breadth of 5*2 in., and a height of 4*7 in. — the ratio of length to breadth
being 100 to 72, and of length to height 100 to 65. It belongs there-
fore to the claps of long-shaped or dolicocephalic skulls.
VOL. VI. PART I. K
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66 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
Its longitudinal arc, measured from the root of the nose to the poslerior
edge of the foramen magnum, consists of a frontal arc 4*7 in., a parietal
arc of 5 in., and an occipital arc of 4 6 = 14'3 in. Extreme frontal
breadth 4*4 in., occipital breadth 4 3 in. Its horizontal circumference
is 20 4 in.
The radii of the skull — which give the size or greatest length of its
different regions, are measured from the external meatus of the ear to
the greatest projection of each region, and are therefore interesting, as
showing the relative extent of each — are as follows : — Maxillary radius,
3*8 in.; frontonasal radius, 3*6 in.; frontal radius, 4 3 in.; parietal
radius, 4*5 in. ; occipital radius, 41 in.
The length of the face is 4 iu., and the breadth at the zygoma 5 in.
There are alveolar sockets for the 32 permanent teeth.
The lower jaw is well formed, though rather slender, with square-
shaped projection in the middle of the base, and the depth from condyle
to angle of jaw is 2*2 in.
The internal capacity of the skull was taken by carefully filling it
with glassmaker's sand, having previously stuffed the orbits with wool ;
the sand was then poured into a glass measure, graduated to inches
and parts of an inch, and the cubic capacity was in this way found to
amount to 83 cubic inches. The average capacity of modem British
crania has not yet been determined on a large scale with very great
precision, but Mr Turner informs me that ^^ the mean of 30 normal male
German crania measured by Welcker was 88*4 cubic inches ; mean of
30 female, 79 3 cubic inches. The mean of 20 male German crania,
measured by Huschke, was 8817 cubic inches ; of 17 female German
crania, 79*3 cubic inches." This skull, therefore, gives a capacity some-
what below that of average modern male German crania, but still con-
siderably above that of the females, and it falls below the mean capacity
of the crania from the long barrows recorded by the authors of the
" Crania Britannica."
The skeleton is of moderate size, the femur measuring 17 inches in
length ; the humerus 125, the radius 9, and the ulna 9| inches. The
extreme length of the body of the scapula being 58, and the breadth
opposite the attachment of the spine 38 inches. I need not enter into
any other details, but shall only state that the bones seem to be thosp
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NOTICB OF A LONG-SHAPED CIST. 67
of an adult male of rather moderate stature and of fairly developed
muscular power.
In looking over the various hones, I was struck hy the appearance of a
peculiar tubercle-like process projecting upwards and inwards from the
upper surface of the first rib of the right side, the left being quite
natural. This is of very rare occurrence, and is believed by anatomists,
from a careful study and comparison of the several and varying cases
which have been observed, to be an indication of a cervical rib, — a rib
arising from the seventh or last cervical vertebra. The Museum of
Anatomy in the University here possesses no less than three or four
specimens of this rare variety in different degrees of development — one
shows the free head of the rib, and the attachment of its body to the
first true rib of the chest ; and others show varieties, in size and shape,
of this tubercle-like process. Its occasional presence is curious and
suggestive, in an anatomical point of view, of the relation or analogy of
the transverse processes of the vertebrsB to the ribs ; and it is also in-
teresting to find such a rare peculiarity occurring in the occupant of one
of our early cists. From the rarity of the occurrence of this peculiarity
and its anatomical interest, I have added the specimen to the Anato-
mical Museum of the University.
With regard to the queries in the Bev. Mr RusselUs letter as to the
cause of the excellent preservation of the bones, and the period when
burial in cists of this kind was given up, I shall be glad to hear the re-
marks of the members.
The former I suppose to be due perhaps to their more recent date,
and they would therefore show the long-continued use of the ground
beside the old standing stones, as a place of burial ; or simply to their
higher position in the dry bed, in which the bones were laid — the animal
matter of the bones has, however, been all, or almost all, removed. I
am not able to answer the latter query in a definite manner, as it appa-
rently has extended over a very lengthened period of time, from the
days of the earliest inhabitants of the country with their short stone
cists, down to comparatively recent times. It appears to be very diffi-
cult to judge whether any of these early interments are Christian in their
character, simply because the cists happen to lie east and west, as many
exactly similar ones are laid in very varying relations to the cardinal
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68 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
points ; indeed, thb rule would not even agree with our modem inter-
ments, at least in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, as we find in our
newer cemeteries the graves are laid indiscriminately in every different
position, from east and west to north and south, according to the slope
of the ground, or the plan upon which the mere subdivisions of the
burying-ground are laid out.
The presence among these Yarrow cists of the inscribed stone with its
Bomano- British inscription — and of the ring and stone hammer — would,
however, seem to take us back to a comparatively early period, to times
not very long posterior, shall I say, to the last Roman occupation of the
country.
Some time after this paper was read to the Society, the bones were
returned for re-interment to the Rev. Mr Russell of Yarrow, and in a
letter received from him acknowledging their safe arrival, he refers again
to the question of their state of comparative preservation, as compared
with those found in the adjoining cists ; and as he believes he has now
got at the true causes of this difference, and the subject is one of con-
siderable interest, I think it right to add an extract from his letter to
this communication. Mr Russell states : —
" The box, with the sepulchral remains, reached me safely. They
were not in the very slightest degree injured by their long carriage to
and from Edinburgh, and have heen carefully restored to their former
resting-place.
" I have been occasionally considering the questions to which your
attention was invited. My first impression was, that their hard and
tangible state might perhaps be ascribed to the somewhat peaty nature
of the soil. The preservative qualities of moss are well known. On
Berrybush, a farm in my parish, the body of a suicide was dug up in a
moss, where, according to tradition, it had been hastily buried — the
person, clothing, even the hay rope with which the rash act was com-
mitted, being fresh as yesterday, after the lapse of more than a century.
The circumstances have been minutely described in a letter published
in " Blackwood's Magazine** for August 1823, and furnished the ground-
work of a tale by the Ettrick Shepherd, entitled 'Confessions of a
Fanatic' Now, the scene of the present disinterment was formerly a
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NOTICE OF A LONG-SHAPED CIST. 69
waste undulating moor, from which feal and divot bad for a long period
been taken, and in certain hollow portions of which, peat three or four
feet deep was cast at no distant date. Had the bones in question been
imbedded in any of these low damp spots, their preservation from decay
would have been at once accounted for. But seeing they were discovered
on a dry and elevated slope, and were carefully protected by the srab
stones that enclosed them, it cannot possibly be due to the nature of
the soil ; and besides, this theory fails to explain how the remains in
one cist should be so numerous and entire, while in all the others along-
side of it, the few bones that were met with should almost immediately
have become a heap of dust.
'^ I am now able, as I think, satisfactorily to solve the difficulty. In
recently reading ' Eawlinson's Ancient Monarchies,' I was much inte-
rested by the description of the tomb-mounds formed by the early
Chaldeans, the most remarkable feature of which is the system of
drainage. By the effectual arrangements adopted, it is stated that ' the
piles have been kept perfectly dry ; and the consequence is, the preser-
vation, to the present day, not only of the utensils and ornaments placed
in the tombs, but of the very skeletons themselves, which are seen perfect
on opening a tomb, though they crumble to dust at the first touch'
(vol. i. 114). We are told, however, in a footnote, that this latter state-
ment is qualified by Mr Taylor, who has done so much in the work of
disinterment. ' Directly on opening these covers,' he says, * were I to
attempt to touch the skulls or bones, they would fall into dust almost
immediately ; but I found, on exposing them for a few days to the air,
that they became quite hard, and could be handled with impunity.'
" Here, then, we have an explanation of the comparatively perfect
state of the recently discovered skeleton. The cist, as has been stated,
was on dry and sloping ground, and, though near, lay sufficiently beneath
the surface to have prevented any injury from rain. The widening of
the public road, about thirty years ago, had left its lower end all but
uncovered, and thus, it would seem, partially subjected it to atmospheric
influence. Judging from the disturbance of the remains, and the com-
fortable lair at the other extremity, the rabbit had for some time been
the occupant of the strange retreat, and the small opening among the
slabs by which it entered had admitted the air still more freely. The
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70 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
verj circumstance, therefore, which I had fancied would have tended to
decompose the bones, has been the secret of their compactness and
durability, and readily accounts for a result which the exposure of only
a few days produced on the greatly more ancient relics of Chaldsea."
'The thanks of the Meeting were voted to the Duke of Buccleuch for
his interest in the preservation of this and other early remains on his
lands, and for his desire to make the discovery subservient to the
purposes of the Society; abo to the Rev. Mr Russell for hb careful
notices of the discovery.
. IV.
OBSERVATIONS ON SOME OF THE RUNIC INSCRIPTIONS AT
MAESHOWE, ORKNEY. By R^LPH CARR. Esq.
Thk Name Maeshowk.
In considering what may probably be the origin of such a designation
as this for an ancient and elaborate sepulchral mound of a people an-
terior to the Norsemen in Orkney, and who dwelt there we know not how
long, we see at once that the latter syllable is merely the ordinary Norse
term applied to sepulchral mounds in general. But this very circum-
stance may well lead us to surmise that the former one, Maes, not impro-
bably represents the term applied to the barrow by the people, whoever
they may have been, who were in the islands when the Norsemen first
arrived there. We must therefore look to the Celtic tongues, in the first
place, for its meaning. And the first thought which presents itself is
that of the well-known Cymro-British, maes, a plain, which enters largely
into the topothetic nomenclature of the Cambrian Principality.
But if this Cymro-British element occurred thus in Orkney, we ought
to find it applied in many localities on the Scottish mainland, and more
particularly to the many alluvial levels denominated carses. And the
fact that it is not so found, affords a very strong presumption against its
remote and isolated application to a tract of flat coastland in Orkney.
But in the Erse or Irish we find the word mais, signifying massa
acervus. I cannot for my own part hesitate in believing this to be the
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ON SOME OF THE RUNIC INSCRIPTIONS AT MAE8H0WK. 71
etymon of the first syllable of Maeshowe ; and when we know that several
promontories of the Orkneys are designated by the Erse or Gaelic term
moul, it is difficult to resist the inference that, when the Norsemen first
showed themselves on those weather-beaten isles, they found there cer-
tain inhabitants speaking a tongue approximating to Erse and Gaelic.
And, if I mistake not, the few other remaining traces of Celtic place-
names in the Orkneys leave this inference unshaken, so far as they are
indicated by the ordinary maps. Yet it is quite possible that a perfect
collection and survey of all the designations given to the natural and
artificial features of the country, might bring to light Celtic elements of
a different character, and at present it is rather our duty to search for
evidence than to hasten to conclusions.
Several words and modes of expression in these interesting inscriptions
still require elucidation, whilst the two lines constituting No. VII.*
have not yet been satisfactorily interpreted, even in their general sense.
It seems to me that light is thrown upon certain terms by parallel or
analogous Anglo-Saxon forms or idioms, and being not altogether igno-
rant of Old-Norse, I have ventured to bring these Eunes under the
scrutiny of an Anglo-Saxon eye of somewhat long experience, in the
hope that from a perhaps untried point of view I might be able, and yet
without presumption, to perceive the meanings of some words or turns
of expression more clearly than even Scandinavian scholars have yet
explained them.
Though it has not yet been in my power to visit and inspect the Bar-
row of Maeshowe, yet the carefully-executed casts of the Kunes, now
accessible in the Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh, have been
studiously examined, as well as the lithographed transcripts of the latter.
The first case of doubt that calls for examination is the word haua in
Runes II.
THOLPB E0LBAINS80N RUNAR THisAR HAUA. And the following remarks
upon it are offered to suggest a possible and even probable signification,
without laying any claim to greater certainty.
* The Numbers of the Inscriptions are taken from the work, " Notice of Runic
Inscriptions, discovered during recent excavations in the Orkneys, made by James
Farrer, M.P. Printed for private circulation. 4to, 1862."
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72 PROC££DINGB OF THE BOCIETY, JANUARY X860.
From haugr, a how or barrow, and from the verb bauga, to coDBtruct
a barrow or grave-mound, a derivative noun of agency or personal asso-
ciation, in the form of haugi or hauga, haui or haua, might have been
regularly formed, in accordance with Old-Norse, or Icelandic, usage and
analogy, no less than with Anglo-Saxon. And the term would be used
to indicate a person specially concerned with, or associated with, the
How.
Nothing is more likely than that a How- warden should be so called ;
— a man who either assumed, or was charged with, the care of the bar-
row. Even now, such a person would be called in Northumberland *^ the
howey." If this be the true account to be given of haua, then the trans-
lation of No. II. would run :
•• Tholf Kolbainson inscribes these Bunes, — The How-warden."
Or in Latin,
** Tholf Kolbainson hoBce sculpit runas acervi custos."
* (" acervarins.")
KuNBti VII.
The obscurity of the first half of this inscription has perhaps been
caused by some of the partly obliterated voweb having become very like
the Bunic sign for S. There is also, near the beginning, a combination
of syllables suggestive of a proper name, and readily misleading the eye
from the true reading. And to a Scandinavian the latter is less evident
possibly than to an Anglo-Saxon, from the absence of a definite article
in a place where in more cultivated Old-Norse it might be looked for.
We find, however, the key to the true reading of this first half-line in
its final word, which has been well shown by Dr Charlton to be most cer-
tainly vALHi, or falhk, that is, falkhi, falcon. And fortunately there is no
great difficulty in identifying the next word behind it, as ukurib, the
possessive pronoun, our, with its masculine nominative termination.
Then if we continue to trace backward by this same inductive method
(de noto in ignotum), we come to an unquestionable personal name in
URMIN, or URMIR, Or BRMINR. .
But now, on the principle of kindling the fuel at both ends and
leaving the middle to illuminate itself, it is time to look to the beginning.
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ON SOME OF THE BUNIC INSCRIPTIONS AT HAESHOWB. 73
Glancing over this initial portion, the eye quickly seizes the familiar
phrase i eieh. The rest is now all plain, and the Bnnes may be read,
NU SB I BlXn LIDI BBMIN UKXTBtB FALHI.
" Now ia in the country (of Orkney) Mate-Ennin our falcon."
'* Nunc adest in regno Bodalis (eive dilectus) ErminuB, falco noeter.*'
Before we take a step farther and look at the second half of these
Bnnes, let as bear in mind that the Old-Norse, or Icelandic language, on
the one hand, the Anglo-Saxon on the other, are found to afford con-
tinually the means of reciprocal elucidation or correction. In the pre-
sent instance it chanced that Anglo-Saxon habits of thought led to a
different reading of the last five letters of the second half-line, from that
which had presented itself to Scandinavian scholars, and simply because
it was the first meaning that these same five letters would convey to an
Anglo-Saxon, though not the first they would express to a Norseman.
And yet it is quite as good Old-Norse to read them om otr, as to connect
them into one word, forming an adjective comprising a negative particle,
and having no obvious aptitude in connection with Kiabik and the inter-
mediate words. But the sense is perfect if we read om otr : —
KIABIK VIL 8ABH1A IB OM OTB.
*' Kiabik will tell you abont Ottar,"
or *' about the otter."
If OTB is a proper name, then it may be intended to designate another
falcon called, like the first, after some friend or person of distinction who
may have been the donor, or at least a former possessor of the bird. But
the omission or absence of the definite article, and above all at the con-
clusion, and where space was perhaps wanting, is not decisive- against the
claims of a real otter or Mustela Intra to the honours of Kiabik 's recital.
These keen and sagacious animals are quite capable of domestication, and
of being rendered as serviceable to their masters, under water, as the fal-
cons were in the air.
Eiabik was doubtless the menial falconer. The intent of the inscrip-
tion was, we may infer, to make known the long-expected arrival in
Orkney of a stanch and favourite tiercel, or male, of the ger-falcon, from
Iceland or Norway.
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74 PB0CEED1N08 OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
In closely literal Latin ; —
" Dicebat Orcason in runis quae inscripeit ;
nunc adest in regno dilectus iUe Ermin, falco noBter :
Kiabik autem referet Tobis de Ottare" (sive •* de lutra.")
Or again, a little expanded, and in metre, for the original has a certain
measured cadence and a semblance of alliteration ; as
Orcasonr eahthi *a ninon thaem ir han ristu
Nu er i riki lid Ermin nk'rer falki
Kiabik vil saehia ir om otr.
Gonsidet advectns bene nostro in litore falco
Erminins ; socii, yoa qnoque scire yelim !
Lntor enim Orcasins, ranasque incidere euro ;
Pluraque de Intra Ejibicus ipee feret.
Or much better, in old English and in congenial rhythm,
Orcason here sajeth, — In mn^ he writeth, —
Ha ! Now in the land ia — Litl Enn our^ falcon !
Kiabik wille aaye you— o' th' ottre 1
Runes Vni.
This interesting inscription may perhaps be read,
INUEBORO HIN FAHBI iBHKIA.
MORHK KONA HAFEB OABIT LUTEIN HEB MIHKIL OFLATE.
Ingeborga pulcra vidua,
Tenebrarum Domina banc demissd Be gerentem magnificam augurarit futuram.
Ingeborg the fair widowe ;
The Mirk-Quene hath here decreed the depressed to become greatly exalted.
It may, however, be argued that we are scarcely justified in assuming
that mork is only another form of myrk, darkness (the final r being cast
out in composition) ; — and I must admit that my own thoughts sug-
gested also mork kona, silvarum foemina^ the woman of the woods and
wilds, — some poor Celtic captive who had acquired the character of a
spaewife. But against this are the emphatic particle her, here — that ia
to say, in the dark and haunted How ; and the fact that the Old- Norse
myrkr or myrk has passed into the Danish and Swedish morke, in the
same sense of darkness.
The Mirk-Queen would be the female sprite supposed to inhabit the
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gloom of this mysterious chamber within the barrow of Maeshowe. All
such barrows were believed to be haunted, and sometimes defended, by
supernatural beings.
The verb luta, to loot, or bow down the head, might supply like others
a verbal noun of agency, lutarij one who louts, who bends low, and in a
secondary sense one who is either downcast and depressed, or submissive
and tractable. And like other such verbal nouns in Icelandic, as in
English, it might include the idea of feminine agency though masculine
in form.
Since this short suggestion of the above as a possible reading was
written, the following fuller examination has seemed necessary, in the
hope of offering a better : —
The second portion of this inscription hardly indeed admits of being
read and interpreted with any assured exactness, not that its words fail
to convey a meaning, but because the letters may be read differently,
and so as to form very different words. To begin with, the runic sign
for a and for k is one and the same, so that the first two words may either
be read morq kona, many a woman or lady, — or more kona, the Mirk-
Queene, or female spirit of the darksome interior of the How.
Id the next place, a large and tortuous flaw of the stone, which is ex-
actly shown upon the plaster casting, traverses one of the characters, in
such a manner as to cause a word to have been read and copied as vabit,
which se.ems to have been intended for oarit.
And this, if it be so, will not indeed invalidate the interpretation given
in Denmark and Norway ; but as the word oabit is one of very various
power and idiomatic use, it opens the door to other possible readings of
the next word, besides those which had at first presented themselves.
And not only does this following word contain runes which may stand
either for u or t, for t or d, but there is much uncertainty whether the
important consonant b is present or not, and by which of two vowels it
is succeeded, and whether even, if the b be discarded, we ought not to
admit an s.
Yet instead of dismissing the whole inquiry, when so much is uncer-
tain, let us rather see how many readings can be entertained, and allow
them to come successively under the impartial examination of any who
may be curious in the matter.
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76 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
The invefitigatioD may not be altogether barren, even though its direct
object be not attained.
First, then, — still retaining the band-rune tr,
MORK KOMA HAFIB GABIT LUTKI IN HEB MIHKIL OFLATE.
Tenebrarum domina fecit hue pronam introgredi Taldd arrogantem.
The Mirk-Queene caused a very proud personage to creep in hither.
If we reject the band-rune, we then have the readings communicated
by the Scandinavian interpreters, and exhibited in Mr Farrer's beautiful
book on Maeshowe.
Yet if instead of farit we read oarit, it is our business to see whether
such a change may not render further inquiry requisite.
It seems to me that at least three readings must be considered.
MOBK RON A HAFIB OABIT (h) LUT SIN HEB MIHKIL OFLATE :
Ingeborg, pulchra vidua ; —
Tenebrarum domina hie sortem augurayit pland magnificam.
Ingeborg the fair widowe ; —
The Mirk-Queene has here bespoken her a splendid destiny.
MOBO KONA HAFIB OABIT (h) LUT SIN HEB MIHKIL OFLATE :
Ingeborga, pulchra vidua ;
Malta foemina hie sortem impetravit sibi magnificam.
Many a dame has here secured very splendid prospects.
MOBK KONA HAFIB OABIT LUTIN HEB MIHKIL OFLATE :
Tenebrarum domina hie proedizit incurvatam multd splendidiorem futuram.
The Mirk-Queene has destined the prostrate here, to become very exalted.
There is also the possibility of ltdi in hkb, people in here, indefinitely.
But hlul stnn, sortem suam^ is more probable.
Runes IX.
THORNY SAKRTH.
In Irish and in G-aelic, sagart, from the Latin sacerdos, is the common
term for a priest. Thorny must have been conversant with Celtic coun-
tries either by education in the Christian seminaries of Ireland or of lona,
or by missionary labours among the Celts. For his Celtic title as Priest
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had come to be appended as a surname. Tbe g in sagart is, I believe,
sometimes but little heard in pronunciation. The Anglo-Saxon word is
sacerd, and this again would readily slide into Saerth.
Bunks X.
THOREB PAMETR.
The last Rune in Thorer's appellation of F&metr, was found by me,
on carefully inspecting the cast at Edinburgh, to be a band-rune of tr,
not simple r, as it had been read. F&metr means one who is sated, or
satisfied with few things, with less than others, a moderate, ungrasping,
temperate man. All honour to him who had earned such a title in those
times : Pauco-satur, moderatus.
I have now, however, discovered from Mr Farrer's and Mr Petrie's
admirable transcript of the Bunes, that the first character in this inscrip-
tion has by myself and others been entirely misread. It is not th,
but p, as may be seen by the distinctive line below preserved in the
transcript. But this is not all. Another line, preserved at the head
of the second Bune in the following word, shows that it stands not for o
alone, but for ok. Now iok is snow-drift, and meiddr is the participle
hurt or stricken, from meida, to hurt, Fok-meiddr is therefore snow-
stricken. But what is porrir or porir ? We have it still in our own
expression purblind. Here it stands as the byname of this northern
Hannibal, his real name being omitted.
POBIU FOKMEIDDR,
" Purblindy the snow-stricken.'*
And beside him is a quadrupedal likeness of perhaps an ancestor of our
Skye-terriers, by which, doubtless, he was led from place to place. The
inscription may be represented in Latin by lusgints, Nivs-Lissus.
BnuBs XII.
TOTAR FILA.
Totar the fooler or jester ; Totar scurra. From the noun fifl, fatuusy
proceeded the verb fifia, to befool, or to play the fool ; and hence would
be formed in the regular manner a personal noun of agency, fifia or fila,
meaning a buffoon or professional banterer and jester. Similar deriva-
tions are common enough in the living popular speech on either side of
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78 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
the Border ; and such a hyname as Foolej would be readily assigned to
any one who deserved it by his buffoonery.
In the Orkneyinga saga we find five or six bynames thus formed,
chiefly terminating in a, but also in i. Thus Kolbeinn Hruga (in Latin
Kolheinn accumulator), but in plain Scottish and English Kolbein, the
rugger, the rogue. Aulver E6sta, Aulver the brawler ; Erik Spaki,
Erick the cautious, the pawky ; Kulfr Skurfa ; Eysteinn Glumra, or the
thunderer. Such words in a may sometimes be regarded as indeclinable
adjectives formed from nouns.
RUNBS XIII., XIV.
This inscription is an animated defence of the Jerusalem pilgrims
against the imputation cast upon them in No. XX.
THAT B£AN SAT ER IK I QiKNHIAT. — PE VAB FORT ABROT ;
THRIUNAUD0H8 VAR FE BROT FORT, HiELTER AN THAIR lERRALA
MEN BURTU HAUO THANA iEHROSTITH :
JBHI, IMILI AY VILFOKS iBMURUM.
" That maun be sooth that's not gaynsaid !"
The treasnre was carried away, —
Of a certainty it was carried away, —
Before The Jerusalem-men most miserably broke this Howe,
Alas ! amid the wild-folk's lamentations.
" Varum putatur quod non negatur."
Ablatus fuit thesaurus, —
Proculdubio ablatus fuit priusquam
Jlierosolymitani infregere tumulum tristissim^ ; —
Eheu, inter lamenta indigenarum.
BuNEs XIX., XX.
On looking at the transcripts of the Runes of Nos. XIX., XX.,
(having previously merely seen the interpretations sent from Denmark
and Norway, and also Dr Charlton's), I was gradually led to read them
very differently from any of these, and from the other readings and ren-
derings exhibited in Mr Stuart's " Notice of Excavations at Maeshowe."
They begin —
8ia houhr var fyrlathin haellr lothbrokar
8yn(d)ar h^n(d)ar
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and the first five words are of themselves extremely easy to read and
translate. They are as manifest to an Anglo-Saxon as to an Icelandic
student, and signify
** The how was a forsaken vault* (or cavity)/'
and then follow three words, which the idiom of the Old-Norse language
points out to he all in the genitive plural, but truncated of their final
vowel a, because here not heard in pronunciation.
To an old Norseman the foregoing context would at once show the
genitival character of these words, and the unessential final vowels would
be left out. But the question remains : What do they import ?
Ragnar Lodbrok obtained his bjmame, which conveys a stronger
meaning than the more produceable one of shaggy-breeched, commonly
given to it, from being a northern Esau or Orson. It signifies htrsutie brae-
catus; or, as we may venture to express it in old English, shag-behosed.
When the appellation was conferred upon him, there is little doubt but
that, in admiration of the Scottish garb, he had appeared among his
countrymen in the kilt, and that their keen wit marked him ever after
with an appropriate hyname. But what can the term mean here ?
To make out this we must look forward and examine stnar hanar,
which are (coming after ftrlathin hjsllr) plainly genitive plurals.
The most essential word to determine is that which must be the leading
substantial term, hsenar. Hitherto it has been construed as a feminine
pronoun, her^ or of her, and as representing henner, ejus, feminine.
But as such it has no antecedent, for from the very nature of things
lodbrokar cannot be one. Hsenar, however, may very easily stand for
hsendar, or hsendara, yacuZotorMm " of lance-casters." But synar cannot be
what it has been rendered. Yet it may very well be in like manner an
imperfect spelling of syndar, or syndara, the d after n being often sup-
pressed in pronunciation, as in the Banish, Scottish, and Northern Eng-
lish, and this word would mean natatorum or natanitum, swimmers. And
the three words taken together, namely, lothbrokar' stndar' bandar'
would be in English, — of shag-behosed swimming harpooners,— jact^-
torum natantium hirsutie hraccatorum. And they point to a race of kilted
^ Hodlr, doubUess the same as hopllir, cavema^ a cave, natnral or artificial.
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80 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIKTY, JANUARY 1865
harpooners, who, leaving their heats on approaching the marine animals,
swam forward to inflict the deadly harpoon-cast.
Now, had the words of the first line in XIX. and the first in XX., thus
interpreted, constituted the whole inscription, I could not have felt any-
thing like the confidence I do feel in the soundness of the present inter-
pretation, though I was led to it hy the words themselves, and hy no
previous theory whatever.
But let us see what the next lines say. We are reading the lines in
the order followed hy Munch and Eafn, with the improvement adopted
hy Br Charlton, to which we shall presently come. The second line in
XIX. and the second in XX. stand thus, as I read them, keeping as in
one word eight characters that have heen divided into two.
/ (o)
THJBIR VOBO HVATIB 8LYTU0BA — MiEN BMU THJBIB VOBO
FTKI 8IDR.
Had we found slttbakra instead of the present word, the sentence
would have heen at once read with what I helieve to he its tme meaning,
namely,
" They were adventurous whale<<men, that were they for the south."
But in reality slttuora has just the same sense, unless that perhaps it
applies more especially to the old males, or hull- whales.
^r or uri was the great northern hison or urus ; Slethakr was the ap-
pellation given to the smooth-hacked or great bearded whale, Balmia
mysttcetusj In contradistinction to the fin-hack and grampus. T hus the
term sltto^r, or smooth-bull, is equivalent to a longer and more cum-
brous word sLYTBAKtjR, or smoothback-bull; whether applied to the old
male of the Greenland whale, or to all his tribe. Our sailors still speak
familiarly of the bull, the cow, and the calf-whales.
In this instance the vowel of the genitive plural has been inserted,
obviously because it was necessary in pronunciation. Sidb has hitherto
been translated as if it were sib, Latin sibi ; but the band-rune db is
clearly shown by Dr Charlton in his engraving.
In the last clause we detect the national self-complacency of the
Norsemen, even whibt they bear honourable and willing testimony to
the remarkable prowess of the Celtic, or rather, let us say, the Gaelic
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ON 80MB OF THE IIUNIO INSCRIPTIONS AT MAKSflOWE. 81
whale-harpooneni, for they were pronounced to be gallant and dexterous
for southern men, the achievements of the Norsemen themselves being
of course superlative.
UTNORTHB IR FE FOLHIT MIKIT
THiET VAB J0I18ALAFARAB BBUTU OBKOUH LIF1CID8 iBLIA
JARLS
LOEFT ER HEB VAB FE FOLHIT MIKIT. ILGI8T
SIMON 8IHBY UB R0NI8BYE
8IHRITU.
'* Northwestward is much treasure hidden.
It was the Jerusalem-pilgrims (who) broke the Orkhow in the mid life
of Jarl MWj,
When here lifted was much hidden treasure.
Writes
Simon Sihry from Ronaldsey.
Sihrith."
SALIR SA EB FINA MA THAN OUTH BIN MIKLA.
" Happy is he who may find that great treasure."
(Meaning that said to be concealed to the north-west.)
The participle losft is the same as the more commonly written lopt,
lifted ; whereas ' left ' would be leifit. Lifted is here precisely asporta-
tum. And it shows the antiquity of the Scottish legal phrase of ^' lifting
money.**
The whole inscription would read in Latin : —
Fuit hicce tumulus derelicta qusedam cavema
jaculatonim natantiam, hirsute-braccatorum.^
Erant hi audaces balaanarum insidiatores, imb erant pro meridie.
Alicubi, caurum verstis, latet infossa ingens pecunia.
Hierasolymam peregninantes fnerunt,quiOrco-tumulum rupere.florente^UioComito
Qudm quidem pecunia multa dehinc sublata fuit, quad sepulta lituerat.
Inscrihit Simon Sihry k Boiniseye, — Sihrith.
Felix qui inveniet thesaurum ilium ingentem.
O-Conacan abstulit nummos ex hoc tumulo.
From this inscription we learn that the Celtic people, who were inhabit-
ing Orkney until driven out by the Norsemen, wore no trews or breeches,
and that their nether limbs were hirsute ; hence it is evident they were
* Hoc est, solo cincticulo Celtico, hirsuti^ue induti.
VOL. VI. PART I. f
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82 PROCEBDINQS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
a kilted race, and of the Gaelic stem. They were expert in the use of
the harpoon, whilst swimming from their hoats to attack cetaceous
animals. They were daring and successful in slaying the great hearded
whale, and, as has heen suggested, possihly the walrus. To them, and
not to any earlier race, was the erection of Maeshowe attributed by the
Norse writer of these runes.
Much treasure had been found in the how and carried away by the
Norsemen, although the tumulus had been " forsaken '' by those of the
race to whom its origin was attributed. Hence we may infer that the
treasure deposited there was for sacred purposes, — for the benefit of the
dead, — and not such as could be withdrawn in times of danger.
We may further infer, that a successful whale fishery had been a
leading cause of the existence of sufficient population and wealth upon
the islands to account for such a structure as Maeshowe, and for the
other marvels of these ancient people ; and that the isles were not the
mere sepulchres of Sutherland or Ulster, as I for one had been disposed
to think not improbable. Lastly, additional probability accrues to the
Gr. opv(, Lat. orcay and Gaelic orCj a whale, as the etymon of Orkney,
whilst a people using that term were there in the time of Mela, at the
beginning of our era.
BuNss XXII.
B&D HBODKIL 8V0B OENOOLOENBKU.
Marriage Rokil swore to the Englishwoman.
Nuptias Rokil Angl» juravit.
These runes are in great part Anglo-Saxon, and are inscribed in a
beautiful feminine hand, indubitably that of an Anglo-Saxon lady, who,
willingly or unwillingly, had been conveyed to Orkney by the Norse
invaders of her country.
It is an old story briefly but clearly told.
The two first characters of the man's name are in a coarse male hand.
They are either a fabification, or an honest restoration after an erasure.
KUNES XXXII.
The inscription here, divided into two parts by the figure of a compli-
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ON A COPPER PLATE AND BRONZE ORNAMENTS FROM CLUNY. 83
cated knot skilfully designed, is quite unintelligible if read from left to
right. But if we try it from right to left the difficulty vanishes, and we
find it to be, —
THI88E 8LI (blIt). Hoc solve— Undo this.
We have before us, therefore, a riddle-knot, which had doubtless often
afforded amusement to the Norsemen and their fair dames and damsels in
hours of winter leisure.
Mr Stuart, in reference to the preceding communication, said it was
remarkable that the Norsemen, who were so much given to the inscrip-
tion of runes on stones in their own country, had left no such mark of
their occupation in Sutherland, Caithness, and the Orkneys, except at
Maeshowe ; and it added to the interest which we must feel for that
singular monument.
The thanks of the meeting were voted to Mr Carr for his valuable
paper.
V.
NOTE OF A COPPER PLATE AND BRONZE ORNAMENTS FROM CLUNY.
By JOHN STUART, Esq., Sec. S. A. Scot. (Plate V.)
Sir Bobert Strange, the celebrated engraver, joined the Jacobite army
in 1745, and continued to act along with it as one of the corps styled
the Life-Guards, till the defeat at Culloden compelled him to fly for
shelter to the hills, where he endured many hardships in the course of
his wanderings.
Shortly before the battle of Culloden, the first battalion of Life-
Guards, commanded by Lord Elcho, was billeted upon Culloden House.
One evening, after Strange had retired to rest, as we learn from an in-
teresting fragment written by himself,^ an express arrived from Inver-
ness about midnight, with an order for him to wait on the Prince as soon
as possible. He rode directly to Inverness, and was shown into the
^ Dennistonn's Life of Strange, vol. i. pp. 60-55.
r 2
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84 FllOCEEDlNGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1865.
Prince's bed-chamber. Soon after, the Prince, accompanied by Sir
Thomas Sheridan and Mr Murray the secretary, came into the room, and
Strange was informed that His Eoyal Highness wished to have his
opinion, '* relating to a circulation of one species of money or another,
which it had been thought expedient to issue for the service of the army
in general, but more particularly amongst the soldiery."
The result was, that Strange prepared a device for the notes which
were to be issued. " It consisted," he says, " of nothing but the slightest
compartment, from behind which a rose issued on one side and a thistle
on the otlier, as merely ornamental ; the interior part I meant should
be filled up by clerks with the specific sums which were intended, &c. ;
and I proposed etching or engraving, in the slightest manner for expe-
dition, a considerable repetition of this ornament on two plates, for the
facility of printing; that each should be done on the strongest paper [so]
that when cut separate, they should resist in some measure the wear
they must sustain in the common use of circulation. The Prince had at
this time taken the compartment out of my hand, and was showing [it] to
Mr Murray, and seemed much pleased with the idea of the rose and the
thistle. In short, everything was approved of, and the utmost expedi-
tion recommended me."
This seems to refer to plates for small sums, as Strange proceeds, —
" We now talked of a circulation of larger sums, which would likewise
be required. I gave it as my opinion, that I thought they could not do
better than issue notes in imitation of the Bank of England, or the Boyal
Bank of Scotland, in the execution of which there was very little labour;
that it would be necessary, if possible, to see such notes, in order to con-
cert a form how they were to be drawn up, by whom paid, or at what
period ; if at a given time, tliat of the Restoration, I imagined, would be
the properest. This produced a general smile."
Strange then describes the difficulties in getting his materials prepared
in Inverness on the next day, which was Sunday, but succeeded in get-
ting his copper plate on Monday about noon. '^ I had passed that morn-
ing," he proceeds, " in making a composition of etching varnish ; but
had not perfectly proportioned the materials, for I well recollect the aqua-
fortis playing the devil with it ; but which was repaired with some little
trouble. In short, it mattered not much, provided the purpose was
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ON A COPPER PLATE AND BRONZE ORNAMENTS FROM CLUNY. 85
answered ; and indifferent as things might he, I would at this moment
purchase a series of them, even at a considerahle expeuse, to decorate,
as it were, this volnme with the more juvenal works of its author. Such
would be a curiosity of the kind. The reader may naturally conclude,
that on this occasion I lost not a single hour. Solicitous in the service
in which I was employed, my activity was of course redoubled. I laboured
till late at night, and waited the approach of day with impatience. Not
a fortnight had elapsed when I was ready to begin printing, and had even
forwarded the notes for a larger circulation."
At this juncture came tidings that the Duke of Cumberland with his
army had passed the Spey on the 13th of April. Strange then went to
the secretary's office, and delivered over the whole of his charge, together
with the English notes which he had got as patterns for his large notes.
The plate which, by the kind consent of its owner, Cluny Macpherson,
is DOW exhibited, is without doubt one of those prepared by him, although
the device is somewhat different from that referred to by Strange, in the
fragment of autobiography just quoted. Its history cannot be traced
from the time when it, along with the other materials for printing notes,
was placed in the hands of the Secretary, Murray. It was found on the
west end of Loch Laggan about thirty years ago, and it is supposed that
it had been dropped there in some of the hasty movements which followed
the rout at GuUoden. It was presented to Cluny by General Hugh Boss.
The plate contains eight notes, of which only the first four are filled up
with the sums of " one penny," " two pence," " three pence," " six
pence." All the notes are of the same design, the letters P. C. in the
centre, surmounted by a crown and three feathers, and with a trophy of
warlike weapons on each side. The engraving is slight, but is marked
by the delicacy and skill of the great artist.
In Plate V. an impression is given of the Notes from the Original
Plate, transferred to stone.
The bronze ornaments now exhibited, belonging to Cluny Macpherson,
were found in a box on the Hill of Benibhreac, in Lochaber, under 6 feet
of moss, by a shepherd of Colonel David Ross of Tirindrish. — See pages
46, 47.
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86 PROOEBDINGS OF THB SOClBTr, FEBRUARY 1866.
Wednesday, 15th February, 1865.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON, Esq., LL.D., one of the Vice-Presidents,
in the Chair.
The following gentleman was balloted for and elected a Fellow of the
Society : —
Aechibaxd Amdbsson« M.D., Inspector-General of Hoepitals, Netley.
The Donations to the Museum were as follows, and thanks were voted
to the Donors.
(1.) Treasure Tkoye. By the Hon. The Lords or H.M. Treasury,
through John Henderson, Esq., Queen's and Lord Trea-
surer's Remembrancer.
Six Rings of rich yellow gold, each formed of several wires. Two of
the rings are formed of three wires simply plaited together, the other
larger rings, apparently of eight wires, are interlaced, so that two of them
form a twisted ridge projecting round the circumference of the rings, one
of these rings is imperfect; their respective weights are, 143, 210, 130,
234, 198, and 214 grains. Small, plain penannular Ring l^^^th inch in
diameter, tapering towards its opening extremities, weighing 104 grains.
Two portions of apparently larger rings or armlets, weighing respectively
173 and 184 grains.
Piece of Native Gold, showing marks of cutting at one extremity, and
weighing 209 grains, found among ruins in the Western Islands of
Scotland.
Stone Hammer Head, measuring 11 inches in length, with perforation
towards the thickest and rounded extremity, gradually tapering to a thin
edge or face in front. Found at Silvermine, parish of Torphichen, Linlith-
gowshire.
Irregularly-shaped piece of Sandstone, about 8 inches in diameter, with
a shallow cup-shaped indentation on its upper surface. Flat piece of
triangular Mica Schist, pierced with a hole at the top, probably a net-
sinker, its greatest length is 8 inches. Small piece of Micaceous sand-
stone, measuring about 4 inches in greatest diameter, with a circular
perforation in the centre. Found together at Fetterangus, Aberdeenshire.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 87
Bronze three-legged Pot with Ears for the handle, and encircled at its
greatest circumference by a belt of two projecting lines, it measures
12 inches in height, and 9 inches across the mouth, and was found
while digging in a garden at Bathgate, Linlithgowshire.
Ebony Casket, 5 inches long, by 2^ inches broad, and 2^ inches deep.
The lid of the Casket is ornamented with seven pebbles set in silver ;
each side is covered with a plate of copper, showing a row of lozenge-
shaped openings, in which pebbles are also set, a Scots Thistle is engraved
between each of the openings ; the rest of the plate is covered with an
ornamental pattern of lines crossing each other diagonally ; each end, and
the bottom of the casket, is rudely cut into rounded projecting bars or
ribs, and in the centre of the bottom part is a lozenge-shaped plate of
copper, rudely ornamented with a pattern of crossing lines. On the lid
inside, there is a long-shaped plate of lead, on the centre of which is
planted a small lozenge-shaped plate of copper ; the lead plate has the
following inscription roughly etched upon it, apparently with an acid,
and on the small copperplate, in its centre, is engraved the date^ and
below it is a continuation of the inscription : —
A N A D
O M A
688)
T.S. W.8.
MADE
BT GEO
RGB HE
ARIOT
which may be read anno domini 1588. t.s. w.s. hade bt george ueariot ;
the initials t.s. w.s. are no doubt those of a husband and wife, the owners
of the casket. The inside of the box is lined with thin plates of copper,
with a plate of the same metal dividing the interior into two portions.
It contained a large rough pearl, various specimens of crystal, amethyst,
and quartz, many of which are polished on the natural facets ; and also
a number of small pebbles or agates of different colours.
The box is a very curious and interesting relic, and the more so as
it seems to bear the name of our ancient Edinburgh Goldsmith and
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88 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOCIETy, FKBHUARY 1865.
Jeweller, the well-known George Heriot, or perhaps that of his father. A
sketch of the casket is given in the accompanying Plate IX. figs. 1 and 2.
Heart-shaped Nodule of Clay Ironstone, with copper handle.
The stone measures 3^ inches long, and 2^ inches hroad, and shows
numerous natural markings ; a band of copper, |ths of an inch in breadth,
folded into two small and one large central loops, forms a handle, which
is fastened by a piece of metal pierced though the top of the stone. On
the centre loop is engraved what appears to be the following letters :
baIwirey ; and on each of the side loops are square-shaped ornamental
patterns, divided in the centre by crossing lines, in each of the sub-divisions
of which is a letter or symbol. At the one extremity of the handle, where
it is fixed to the stone, hangs a heart-shaped pendant of copper, on which
some letters are engraved, apparently, e h j, on the outside of this pendant
is fixed a small oblong-shaped plate of silver. At the other extremity
of the handle is appended an hexagonal plate, on which is inscribed
A.D.
1200
M.S.
over this, again, is suspended a somewhat cross-shaped piece of copper,
pierced with a circular hole at the lower and cross-shaped extremity.
The whole appearance of this curious relic is suggestive of its having
been used as a charm; and its rude cabalistic looking natural marking,
and inscribed characters, or letters, at least reminds us of our celebrated
wizard, Michael Scott of Balwearie. (See Plate IX. fig. 8.)
The casket and heart-shaped stone were found together, in a box,
during the process of trenching the ground at Grockbet, in the parish of
Carmichael, Lanarkshire.
Five Silver Table Spoons (one of which wants the handle) with oval
mouths, and having straight handles, terminating in ornamented cir-
cular extremities, on which are engraved the letters i.b. ; on the back
of the mouth of the spoons are engraved the letters a.^.c. The spoons
were found, in taking down an old house in the Townhead at Irvine,
Ayrshire.
Portion of the upper part of a Sepulchral Urn of yellowish-coloured clay,
with black fracture, and rudely ornamented with crossing lines; also a
Necklace, formed of seven oblong triangular pieces of jet, and thirty-
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 89
seven oval shaped beads, found at Bogbeadly, in the parish of Fetteresso.
Kincardineshire.
Portions of a small Sepulchral Urn, five inches in height, of reddish
clay, with specks of mica interspersed, and showing a black fracture, it
is unomamented on the surface, and of a tall cup-shape form, and was
found in a cist in ploughing a piece of uncultivated ground at Besting-
hill, parish of Dunnottar, Eiocardineshire.
(2.) By the Hon. Arthur H. Gordon, Governor of New Brunswick,
through John Stuart, Esq., Secretary.
Two Stone Cups, with short handles. One of the cups is of a roundish
shape, of micaceous sandstone, 3^ inches in diameter, and 2^ inches in
height ; it is ornamented round the upper part with a band of rudely cut
projecting knobs, the handle is 1^ inch in length, and has a round de-
pression cut on its upper surface. The other cup is larger, somewhat oval
in shape, and straight in the sides, which are covered with incised lines
in zigzag herring-bone patterns; the handle, which is imperfect, has
been short and rounded, and has had a perforation through the centre. It
measures 4 inches in diameter at the top, and is three inches in height.
The cups were dug out of a large cairn on the south slope of Enockargity,
Aberdeenshire, while trenching, some years ago. They are referred to
in a communication ^*0n the Earlier Antiquities of the District of
Cromar, in Aberdeenshire," by Mr John Stuart, printed in the Proceed-
ings of the Society, vol. i. page 261.
Small trangular-shaped Stone Celt, 3| inches in length, and 1^ inches
across the face.
Greyish Flint Arrow-head, 3 inches in length, and 2^ in greatest
breadth, showing remains of a stem and barbs. The arrow-head and celt
were found near the village of Tarland, Aberdeenshire, in the neighbour-
hood of a circle of upright stones, which are now removed. These are also
noticed in Mr Stuart's communication, referred to above.
Two Stone Celts ; one 5 inches in length, by 3| inches in greatest
breadth, of greenish -coloured stone, with a groove deeply cut round the
greatest part of its narrowest extremity ; probably for attaching it to the
handle.
The other is more cylindrical in shape, 4.J inches long, 2 inches in
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90 PHOCEEDINGS OF THB SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1865.
breadth, with a groove similar to the other for attachment to the handle.
These celts are similar to some specimens in the Museum received from
America, and they probably are also from the North American Continent.
King or Whorl for the distaff, of soft stone or coarse earthen ware,
measuring 1} inches in diameter.
(3.) By the Kirk- Session of the Parish of Dull, Perthshire.
Sculptured Slab of Yellowish Sandstone, measuring 2 feet 8 inches in
length, by 16 inches in breadth, and 2 inches in thickness. On it is
rudely sculptured in low relief, towards one extremity, a group of 6 men,
apparently wearing bonnets, their dresses formed of numerous vertical
folds, and each man carries a circular shield, which is ornamented with an
incised circle in the centre, and a pair of smaller circles on each side of it ;
a horseman and dog follow the men, and he is again followed by another
dog and another horseman, only partially sculptured, the stone being
imperfect.
(4.) By the Bev, J. 0. Haldanb, Kingoldrum, Forfarshire.
Large Stone Ball of a greenish stone, measuring 6 inches in diameter,
it was found by a labourer at about a depth of 2 feet below the surface
of the ground, in the parish of Airlie, Forfarshire.
(5.) By William Wilson, Esq., Berwick- on-T weed.
Iron Pile Shoe, formed of a solid square-shaped and pointed extremity,
from which proceed four long iron straps ; it formed the point of one of
the piles of the old wooden bridge of Berwick- on -Tweed.
(6.) By James Simpson, Esq., Melrose, through John Alexander
Smith, M.D., Secretary.
Portion of a Glazed Floor Tile, 4^ inches in breadth, and 2 inches in
depth ; it is formed of red clay, with a layer of yellowish-coloured clay
on its surface, about ^ of an inch in thickness, on which is figured a
coloured pattern of curved lines and fleur-de-lis. It was found 3 feet
below the surface of the ground, and at a distance of about 300 yards to
the east of Melrose Abbey.
(7.) By the late Eobert Sclater, Esq.
Two square-shaped Steel Dies, being the obverse and reverse of a
silver twopenny piece of* Queen Anne, of the date 1711. E., mint mark
for Edinburgh, under the bust.
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NOTICE OF THE SITE OF THE BATTLE OF ARDERYTH. 91
(8.) By the Botal Irish Aoadxut.
Transactions of the Boyal Irish Academy, yol. xxiv. part 2. 4to.
Duhlin, 1864.
Proceedings of the Boyal Irish Academy, vol. viii. 8yo. Duhlin,
1861-64.
The following communications were read : —
NOTICE OF THE SITE OF THE BATTLE OF ARDDERYD OR ARDERYTH.
By WILLIAM FORBES SKENE, Esq, F.SA. Scot.
Chalmers, in his Caledonia, after narrating the events connected with
the reign of King Arthur, and which followed his death, gives the
following account of this hattle, couched in that extraordinary style,
which he seems to have considered as the perfection of historical nar-
rative.
" Such were the events which occupied five and thirty years, from the
death of Arthur, to the battle of Arderyth, in 577. The British Triads
reprobate this skirmish, as the nugatory hattle of Britain. Whatever
cause may have moved the wrath of the kings, whether a bird's nest^ or a
disputed boundary, Byderech, the munificent king of Strathcluyd, de-
feated, on the height of Arderyth, Aidan of Eintire, who is stigmatised
by Merlin, the Caledonian Poet, as Aeddan Fradawg, the perfidious
Aidan. Merlin was a witness of the conflict, and he had the envied
honour of wearing on that decisive day, the golden torques. Gwenddolau,
the patron of Merlin, fell in the treacherous field. He merited a more
disgraceful fate : Gwenddolau, according to the habits of the people and
the perturbations of the age, had called in Aidan as an auxiliary against
the munificent king of Alclyd" (vol. i. p. 246). And he adds, in a note : —
" It is of more importance to settle the site of the conflict of Arderyth ; to give it
a local position as well as a poetic name ; it was not on the Solway, as the editor of
Lhwyd's ' Commentariolum * supposes (p^ 142), but on the Olyde, as probability
attests : from a consideration of all the circumstances, it seems more than probable
that Airdrie^ in the parish of New Monkland, Lanarkshire, which was in the territory
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92
raOCEKDlNGS OF 'IHE SOCIKTY, KEBRUAKY 1865.
of Rydderecli, and is at no great distance from the Clyde, is the true site of the
battle of Arderyth."
Chalmers took this account from the Welsh traditions, which he has
strangely perverted; but, though I conceive he is right in considering
this battle to have been a historical event, I consider him quite wrong
as to the site he has fixed upon.
It maybe as well to state first, what the Welsh traditions really tell us
regarding this battle.
They are to be found partly in the triads, partly in the old poems.
In the triad called the three frivolous battles of the Isle of Britain.
The second is said to be the battle of Arderyth, and a lark's nest was the
cause of it, where 80,000 men were slain of the nation of the Cymry,
In the triad called the three retinues of the passes, the third is the
retinue of Drywon, son of Nudd in Eliodwydd Arderydd. The word
Gosgord here translated Ketinue, was a body of 300 horsemen who
defended the different passes in the island.
In the triad of the three horses who carried three loads of the Isle of
Britain, the second load was that of Cornan, the horse of the sons of
Eliffer Gosgord vawr, which carried Gwrgi and Peredur, and Dunawd
Bwr the sons of Pabo and Cynvelyn Drwscl, to see the sacred fire of
Gwenddolau in Arderydd.
In the triad of the three loyal tribes of the Isle of Britain, the third was
the tribe of Gwenddolau, the son of Ceidiau, who maintained the conflict
for forty -six days after their lord was slain, and would not desist from
battle and conflict until they should revenge his death.
In the triad of the three men who wore beards, that achieved the three
good assassinations of the Isle of Britain, the first was Gall son of
Dysgyvedawg, who killed the two brown birds of Gwenddolau, son of
Ceidio, that had a yoke of gold about them, and devoured daily two bodies
of the Cymry at their dinner, and two at their supper.
And in the triad of the three bulls of battle of the Isle of Britain, the
secon-l is Gwenddolau ab Ceidio.
There is a curious poem in the black book of Caer mar then, a MS.
of the 12th century, which evidently relates to this battle. It is in
the form of a dialogue between Taliessin and Myrdin, and is so
curious a specimen of these old Welsh poems, that I may give it entire.
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NOTICK OF THE 8ITK OF THE BATTLE OF ARDERYTH. 93
It is also curious, from containing a mention of Nemhtur, the mysterious
tower, which was the hirth place of St Patrick.
How sad to me, how sad,
Is it come to an end with Kedwy and Cadvan.
Glaring and tumultuous was the slaughter,
The shield was battered thro' and perforated.
Talikssin.
It was Maelgwn that I saw combating,
His household before the tumult will not be silent.
Mebdin.
Before two men in Nevtur they will land ;
Before a passing object, and an apparition on a pale horse.
The slender bay will bear them.
Soon is seen his retinue with Elgan.
Alas for their slaughter, a great journey they came.
Taliessin.
Rhys the one-toothed, a span was his shield ;
Even to thee he came a perfect prosperity.
Kyndur was slain ; beyond measure they deplore.
The generous ones were slain right speedily.
Three men of note, great their fame.
Merdin.
Through and through, in excess and excess they came ;
Beyond and beyond, there came Bran and Melgan,
They slew Dinel in their last conflict,
The son of Erbin, and his retinue.
Taliessen.
The host of Maelgwn, it was fortunate they came,
Slaughtering men of battle, penetrating the gory plain.
Even the battle of Ardderyd,
When will be its use,
Continually his hero they will prepare.
Mebdin
A host of flying darts, reeking with blood was the plain,
A host of wounded warriors, fralj they were,
A host, when wounds are given,
A host, when put to flight.
A host is overturned
In their combat.
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94 PROCRRDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
TilLIEBSIN.
The seyen sons of Eliffer,
Heroes when put to proof,
Avoid not the seven spears.
In theii; seven stations.
Merdin.
Seven blazing fires,
Seven in front of battle,
9 The seventh is Cynvelyn,
In every chief assault.
Taliessin.
Seven spears that shall pierce,
Seven river fulls
Of blood of chieftains.
They shall fill.
Mebdin
Seven score generous ones,
Become ghosts,
In the wood of Celyddon,
They came to an end.
Since I am Merdin,
After Taliessin,
Let my prophecy,
Be made known.
The battle of Arderyth, is also frequently alluded to in the poems at-
tributed to Myrddin. In his Avallenau he says : —
Alas Gwendydd, loves me not, greets me not,
I ara hated by the chiefs of Rhydderch,
For after Gwenddolau no princes honor me
Yet in the battle of Ardderyd, I wore golden torques.
Again,
I have been here so long, that sprites do not shock me.
And I tremble not at the dragon
Of my Lprd Gwenddolau and his brethren,
Who have bred a pestilence in the woods of Celyddon.
and in the Cy voesi Mynldin, which is in the form of a dialogue between
him and his sister Gwendydd, lie calls it Gweith Arderyd ac Erydon,
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NOTICE OF THE SITE OF THE BATTLE OF AKDERYTH. 95
that is, the battle of Ardderyd and Erydon, and says of it, ^* as 6 wend •
dolau was slain in the blood-fray of Ardderyd."
Finally, in the metrical life of Merlin, we are told that this battle was
fonght between Peredwr, leader of the North Welsh, and Gwenddoleu
who governed kingdoms in Scotland; that Merlin went to the battle with
Peredwr, and that Rodarcus or Bydderch, king of the Cambri, also was
there, and that Merlin fled to the woods after the battle.
This completes the traditionary accounts of Ardderyd as a mythic
battle, but we can see that, concealed under these extravagant fables, are
the outlines of one of those great historical struggles which altered the
fate of a country. Bydderch was a Christian king ; he restored Kentigern
to his bishopric; was in communication with St Columba, and received a
visit from him. Aedan was solemnly inaugurated as king by St Columba.
They were the leaders of the Christian party. On the other hand, Gwend-
dolau, with his sacred fire, and his birds who devoured men, was surely
the type of the old paganism of the country. He b said to have been
slain in the battle. Bydderch and Aedan became established in their
respective Christian kingdoms. It was, in short, a great struggle between
the supporters of the advancing Christianity and the departing paganism,
in which the former were victorious. That it was an historical event,
and that this was its character, appears from this, that it occurs in the
"Annales Cambrisd," as a real event about the year 573; '^Bellum
Armterid inter filios Elifer et Gwendolen filium Keidiau in quo hello
Gwendolen cecidit. Merlinus insanus effectus est," and that 573 is the
first year of the reign of Bhydderch over Strathclyde, and of Aidan
over Dalriada.
Where, then, was this battle fought ? We ought, in the first place,
to look for it in one of the great passes into the country ; and a curious
passage in Fordun first gave me a clue to the probable situation. In his
notice of St Kentigern, he describes, evidently from some older authority,
his meeting in the desert a wild man, who informs him that his name
was Merlin, and that he had lost his reason, and roamed in these soli-
tudes because he had been the cause of the slaughter of so many men :
'^ qui interfecti sunt in hello, cunctis in hac patria constitutis satis moto,
qwfd erai in campo inter Lidel et Carwanoloto aituato.
Liddel, as is well known, is the name of the river which flows west-
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96 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1865.
•ward through Liddesdale, and joins the Esk about nine miles north of
Carlisle. Near the junction is the border between England and Scot-
land, and from thence the flat and mossy district, called the Debateable
Lands, bounded on the east by the Esk, extends to the Sol way Firth.
Now, I find among the baronies which formed part of the great pos-
sessions of Banulph de Meschines, in the reign of Henry the First, was
the Barony of Lyddale, and that it consisted of the lands of Esk,
Arthuret, Stubhill, Carwindlaw, Speersykes, Randslington, Eitin, Nicol
Forest, and the English part of the Debateable Lands. This barony
afterwards reverted to the Crown, and was granted by James I. to
George, Earl of Cumberland, under the name of the Lordships of Arthu-
reth, Liddel, and Randslington, within the Forest of Nicholl ; and from
Francis Earl of Cumberland passed to the Grahams of Netherby.
I consider that Arthuret or Arthureth is the same word as Ardderyd
or Arderit, double d in Welsh being equivalent to th, and Carwindlaw is
evidently the Carwanolow of Fordun.
It is here, then, that the site of the battle should be looked for; and I
resolved to inspect the ground personally.
I took the railway to Hawick, and from thence I proceeded by rail up
the Valley of the Slitrig, across the Catrail, and through the Maiden
Paps by a tunnel, from which we emerged into Liddesdale, along which
we rattled, sweeping past what proved afterwards to be the site in ques-
tion, and past the junction of the Liddel with the Esk, till we came to
Longtown, where I stopped, resolving to make it the point from which
I should search for the site.
Longtown, the first stage on the great north road from Carlisle to
Edinburgh and Glasgow, and formerly a bustling coaching little town,
was now deserted and quiet, like a city of the dead ; and I found the
great coaching inn shut up, and an old mail-coach guard living with his
wife and family in a corner of the deserted house. Though the sign of
the Graham Arms was still hung, the landlady was so astonished at the
sight of a traveller actually proposing to stay there for a day, that she
hardly knew how to receive me. I found, however, that they kept an
old dog-cart and a horse or two, which they hired occasionally; and,
fortunately, the old retired guard was a native of the district, and knew
the localities well. The poor people soon became reconciled to their
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NOTICE OF THK SITE OF THE BATTLE OF ARDERYTH. 97
unexpected guest, and did everything in their power to make me
comfortahle, and to assist me in visiting the localities in the neighbour-
hood.
About a mile south from Longtown is the church and rectory of
Arthuret, situated on a raised platform on the west side of the river Esk,
which flows past them at a lower level ; and south of the church and
parsonage there rise from this platform two small hills covered with
woody called the Arthuret knowes. The top of the highest, which over-
hangs the river, is fortified by a small earthen rampart, enclosing a space
nearly square, and measuring about 16 yards square. On returning to
Longtown, I asked the old guard whether he knew of any place called
Garwandlow. He said that Carwinelow was the name of a stream which
flowed into the Esk from the west about three miles north of Longtown,
and also of a mill situated on it, and that beyond it was a place called
the Roman Camp. I asked him to drive me there, which he did. Pro-
ceeding north from Longtown, we passed Netherby, the seat of the
Grahams, and then came to a ravine through which the burn of Car-
whinelow flows from Nicholl Forest about six miles into the Esk. Here
the road dipped down into the hollow, passed through the village and
over the bridge of Carwhinelow, and rose on the other side, where we
passed the farms of Lower and Upper Moat ; the latter exactly at the
junction of the Liddel and the Esk. Proceeding half a mile up the south
bank of the Liddel we came to what is called the Boman Camp, and
which, I found, was known by no other name in the country, though it is
called in the " Statistical Account " the Moat of Liddel. It is situated on
the top of a high bank overhanging the river. On the north side, the
rock goes shear down to the river. The highest point is about 160 feet
above the river. On the other side it is defended by prodigious earthen
ramparts, which rise from the field to a height of nearly 30 feet. The
space enclosed by the great rampart measured about 38 yards from east
to west, by about 55 yards from north to south. There is a small inner
citadel measuring 13 yards by 9, and also a well in the enclosure, and
on the west side there is a second great rampart.
I am sorry that I am not a draughtsman, and cannot lay before you
a plan or sketch of this magnificent fort. It is obviously a native
strength, and would well repay a visit. The view from it is magnificent.
VOL. VI. PART I. a
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98 rROCBBDlNOS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
Standing on the highest point and looking north, the river Liddel and
the railway winds at the base of the rock un4er your feet. Looking
north-east, the beautifully wooded Tale of the Esk opens out before you,
up which the eye carries you almost as far as Langholm, and the bare and
pastoral valley of Liddesdale extends to the north-west. In the horizon,
the top of Birrenswork hill, notable for its Eoman camps, is most pro-
minent. On the west the Solway Firth stretches before you ; and look-
ing due south, the eye rests upon the Arthuret knowes, and beyond them
the chain of the Cumberland hills bounds the horizon.
On the east side of the fort the ground slopes down till it comes to the
level of the river at a place called Ridding, not quite half a mile off.
Between the fort and Carwhinelow is a field extending to the ridge along
Carwhinelow, which is about half a mile off. This is the site indicated
by Fordun, viz., the ground between Liddel and Carwhinelow. The
old farmer of the Upper Moat, who accompanied us, informed me that
the tradition of the country was that a great battle was fought here
between the Romans, and the Picts who held the camp, in which the
Romans were victorious ; that the camp was defended by 800 men, who
surrendered it, and were all put to the sword and buried in the orchard
of the Upper Moat, at a place which he showed me. This part of the
tradition is curious, as the Triads mention the Gosgord of Drywon-ap-
Nudd at Arderyth which consisted of 800 men.
In the fortified know of Arthuret, I recognised the place called
Ardderyd. The name of Erydon, which Merlin attaches to it as a
name for the battle, probably remains in Ridding at the foot of the fort,
and I have no doubt that the name Carwhinelow is a corruption of
Caerwenddolew, the caer or city of Gwenddolew, and thus the topography
supports the tradition.
II.
ACCOUNT OF THE RECENT EXAMINATION OF A CAIRN CALLED
" CAIRNGREG," ON THE ESTATE OF LINLATHEN. By JOHN STUART.
Esq., Sbc. S.A. Scot.
Some years ago, when describing an underground chamber and gallery
on the Hill of Cairn Conan in Forfarshire, I adverted to existing tradi-
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RECENT EXAMINATION OF A CAIRN CALLED ** CAIRNGREG." 99
tioDB of a structure which they supposed to have stood on the same hill
side, and which was known by the name of Castle Gory. This castle
was attributed to a £ing Greg or Gregory, and I added some reasons for
believing that an ancient rath or fort really had originally been placed
above the spot occupied by the chamber.
The tradition of the country has always believed that this King Greg
was buried under a cairn on the Estate of Linlathen, belonging to Mr
Erskine/ in the neighbouring parish of Monifieth, which is known by
the name of " Cairn Greg."
This cairn, which is placed on a rising ground commanding an exten«
sive view of the surrounding country, was opened by Mr Erskine in the
year 1834, in presence of the late Lord Eutherfurd (then Mr Eutherfurd),
and Mr Greorge Dundas, Advocate. It was found to contain a central
cist, in which no remains appeared except a bronze dagger and a small
um. These were removed to the house of Linlathen, where tbey have
been preserved since that time. A fragment of a sculptured stone was
found between the covers of the cist, and was replaced when the cairn
was closed up. Having recently heard that this fragment had on it
figures resembling some of those on our sculptured pillars, I was desirous
to have an opportunity of examining it. For this purpose, Mr Erskine
was so obliging as to open up the cairn a second time, and an inspection
of it took place in the month of August last, in presence of Mr Erskine,
Mr Neish of Laws, Mr Paterson, Mr Cosmo Innes, the Eev. J. Gerard
Toung of Monifieth, Mr Joseph Eobertson, and myself.
Alexander Brymer, a mason, who took part in the operations at the
first opening, and who recollected the incidents of it very distinctly, was
also present.
The cist now again exposed, was found to rest on the natural surface
of the ground. It was formed of great slabs of freestone, much honey-
combed by the action of water. The bottom of the cist was paved with
I A little North from LiDlathen is a large heap of stones called " Cairn Greg."
A local chieftain famous in ancient Scottish Story is said to have fallen in battle
here. His name was Greg or Gregory, and the place of his residence near Colliston,
in the parish of St Vigeans, is still known by the name of " Castle Gory." Numer-
ons other cairns within the circuit of a mile around the principal one mark the
burial place of the other slain. — New Stat, Ace, of Fcrfanhire, p. 646.
g2
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100 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBUUAUY 1865.
small waler-worn pebbles, and the top was covered by an enormous slab
of freestone, also honeycombed, measuring about 7 feet in length, by 4^
in breadth. On this rested another cover of still greater size and weight,
which was cracked into two pieces.
The direction of the cist was east and west. It measured 4 feet 10
inches in length by 2 feet 9 inches in breadth, and 2 feet 10 inches in
depth. When it was opened in 1834, a small urn, lying on its side, was
found about the centre of the south side, and near the west end a bronze
dagger appeared. Between the two great covering slabs there occurred a
layer of earth, perhaps a foot in depth, and in it was the fragment of sculp-
tured stone already referred to. From its appearance it seems obviousl/
to have formed part of a larger stone, which had been broken across. A
large ball of stone, about the size of a twenty-five pound cannon ball,
was found somewhere about the cbt, but the exact spot could not be
recollected. The stone was brought to Linlathen at the time, and was
subsequently lost.
The joints of the slabs forming the cist were plastered with clay, on
which the marks of the thumb which had pressed it remained, and were
observed in 1834. Portions of the clay so marked, were still to be seen
at the recent examination.
Many stone cists were found in the adjoining fields, and were used in
the construction of drains.
The evidence as to the spot where the sculptured fragment was found
in 1834, rests on the recollection of Alexander Brymer. That, however,
was remarkably minute ; as an instance of which I may mention, that
on my questioning him about the bronze dagger (which at the moment
could not be found), he described its appearance very accurately, especially
dwelling on the fact that it was rather square-shaped at the point. In
any event, it cannot be doubted that the sculptured fragment was found
in connection with the cist.
There is no reason for supposing that the cist had been opened prior
to 1834, or that the sculptured fragment could have been introduced at
a period subsequent to its first arrangement, as the cairn was apparently
untouched until the neighbouring dykes began to be built in recent
times.
The inference from these circumstances would be, that at the time
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RECENT EXAMINATION OF A CAIRN CALLED " CAIBNGREG." 101
^rben the cist was formed, the sculptured fragment was part of an older
monument, which prohahly had been on the spot.
If this inference be well-founded, the result would come to tell in any
discussion relating to the date of the pillars with similar sculptures, for
we could not doubt that they were at least contemporary with, if not
earlier than, people who used bronze, and buried their dead in cists
under cairns.
It will be observed that the fragment has on it the figure of the animal
which has been called an elephant, and is merely in outline. It thus
appears to have been one of a class of rude pillars, with similar sculpture,
some of which have been found still standing on sepulchral cairns, as at
Eeilor in Angus, and at Insch in Aberdeenshire. These pillars are un-
hewn, and bear other marks of having preceded the cross slabs found so
frequently in the same districts with the pillars. The elephant, and
other objects which appear in outline on the latter, are filled up od the
cross slabs with intricate figures, which imply, both in design and execu-
tion, a considerable progress in art.
Although there seems to be nothing apparently an ti- Christian in the
figures on these pillars, yet they have not been found in other parts of
Christendom, throughout which various symbols of the Christian faith
were difi'used from the earliest times.
The position of some of them on sepulchral cairns seems also to assign
them to a pre-Christian people, when taken in connection with other
circumstances, and the occurrence of the fragment at Cairngreg in con-
nection with a cist of the character already described, harmonises with
such attribution.
The discovery of silver relics in or near the sepulchral mound of
Norries Law at Largo,— on some of which relics figures of the same class
as the elephant were engraved, — has a bearing on this point, to which I
hope to revert when describing an excavation of that mound made in the
course of the last summer.
The mere occurrence of burial under a cairn may not of itself in all
cases be held to be conclusive evidence of its pagan character. But, as
I recently observed, in describing the graves at Hartlaw, the idea of
the Christian system required from the first that the bodies of the
faithful should be laid in the consecrated cemeteries around the church.
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102
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1865.
We can trace the practice of consecrating cemeteries in Scotland to the
time of St Ninian ; and the Southern Picts, in whose province Cairn greg
is placed, were converted by him.
We read, no doubt, of the burial of a converted Pict under a cairn in
the time of St Columba. This was in the Isle of Skye, and may have
taken place before a cemetery was consecrated,' but we may gather from
various sources, that burials in cairns and sites of old usage (such as the
great burial places in Ireland) were abandoned, and regarded a»
heathenish, from the first knowledge of the Christian system.
The occurence of an urn with a weapon of bronze in the cist at Caim-
greg, must be held to mark the burial there as one of heathen character.
The absence of any trace of bones in this instance leads to the con-
clusion that the remains were burned.
In a group of cists under a cairn at Warrackstone in Aberdeenshire,
recently examined, a small urn was found in most of them without any
appearance of bones. But in other spots of the area of the cairn, great
traces of burning were observed, and two urns filled with calcined bones
were found. Similar vestiges of burning and of burned bones were
found at Norries Law ; but as our attention was confined to the central
cist at Cairngreg, the surface was not turned up so as to lead to the
detection of any traces of burning which may have been there.
It has been suggested that the non-appearance of bones in such cists
is frequently to be attributed to their complete decay and absorption in
the soil. In the case of Cairngreg this could hardly be the case, as the
dry-paved bottom would have hindered any such operation ; and in the
cists at Warrackstone, the pure yellow subsoil had not a trace of dis-
coloration, such as the decay of animal matter produces.
It may be impossible to suggest a date for Cairngreg, but it does not
seem rash to ascribe it to a period before the sixth century. Indeed, the
urn found in the cist is of the rude unskilful type usually ascribed to a
primitive period.
Our annals make us acquainted with a King Grig, who, along with Eocha,
reigned over the Picts and Scots towards the end of the ninth century.
It is possible that the traditional King Greg, who lay under the cairn on
> Life of St Columba, Recv. p. 62.
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NOTICB OF THE FORT ON CAIRBY HILL. 103
the dry knoll at Linlathen, may have heen the predeoessor of that '^ Duf-
syth of ConaD," who meets us in charters of the twelfth century/ and
as such have heen the chief of a Pictish trihe or clan like those alluded
to in the '^ Book of Deir," as existing in Buchan, when Bede was Mor-
maer of that country — ^hut if so, he must have lived at a period long he-
fore that of his historical namesake, who, after dying at place called by
our chroniclers " Dundome," and " Dornedeore," which has been some-
times identified with Dunadeer, was, according to their statements, buried
at lona, his epitaph remaining, as Wyntoun tells us, to he read in his
days.'
III.
NOTICE OF THE FORT ON CAIRBY HILL, AND OTHER ANTIQUI-
TIES IN LIDDLESDALE, IN A LETTER TO MR STUART, Sec. S.A.
Soot. By the Rev. JOHN MAUOHAN, A.B., Rectob op Bewcastls, Cumb.
The remains, which occupy the site called Cairby Hill, cover a very high
conical eminence, with a steep, and in some parts a rugged ascent. The
site leads one at once to suppose that it had been selected by the ori-
ginal occupiers not only as a place of safety, but from aspirations to the
home heyond the skies. The position is one of very great strength, and
commands an extensive view on all sides. The conical high hill rises
with a very steep incline of about 300 or 400 yards from the summit of
a high ridge of ground formed by the junction of the rivers Liddle and
Eershope— the latter river forming the present boundary between Eng-
land and Scotland. The Eershope forms a deep narrow glen or gorge
on the south side of CaiVby Hill, and is one of the wildest passes of the
Borders. On the north side of Cairby Hill is Liddlesdale, so celebrated in
Border history ! The etymology of the word Cairby Hill is significant of
its original purport. The word, '^ caer," leads to the presumption that it
was at first '^ a city " of the ancient Celto-Brltish. This assumes a pre-
historic occupation of the country. The word " by " leads to the inference
that it was afterwards occupied by the Norsemen, of whom we find so many
traces in this district. It may also be observed that the ancient name is
» Reg. de Arbroath, pp. 40, 162. 2 Cronykil ; vol. i. p. 174.
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104 PROCEEDINGS OF TUK SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 18U5.
still retained in the word '* Kershope," or " Kersop," the modem name
of the farm in which it is situated. The remains now consist of an irre-
gular circle of loose stones, most of them of small size. This circle is
about 100 yards in diameter, from four to five yards broad, and has no
appearance of mortar of any kind, although there is abundance of lime and
other materials in the district, thus raising an hypothesis that our Celtic
forefathers were ignorant of the use and importance of these materials in
the construction of their fortresses and other dwellings. In this outer
circle there are four gateways, each of them opposite to one of the four
cardinal points of the compass ; and within this curtain rampart we find
twelve smaller circles of loose stones, the largest of them about 30 feet
in diameter. These we may assume to have been the dwelling-houses of
the principal families; in other words, the barracks of the fortress.
This construction Las a striking resemblance to the descriptions given by
Diodorus Caesar, and other early historians of the houses in Britain, In
the smaller circles the ring is now perfect and unbroken, as if they had
been originally without doors at the bottom, a hole higher up serving the
purposes of chimney and window as well as a doorway. This peculiarity
of configuration, I believe, closely corresponds with the accounts given by
former historians of the want of all social comforts in these dark abodes
of the ancient Celts. The site of this city is founded on a rock, as the
crags rise above the surface in several parts of the interior, and some-
times form a floor to the house. Hundreds of cart-loads of stones were
led away, about forty years ago, to build the stone walls of the adjacent
fields, so that there is now nothing more than the mere debris of the
rampart by which the city was surrounded and defended. The fortress
in its general appearance resembles the British cities of Ingleborough,
Carn-Engley, Birdhope, Wool-law, Carrock-fell, and the celebrated
Arthur's Bound Table. The works on Cairby Hill are supposed by many
in the district to be Roman, but I can find no Roman vestige about
them. Some even attribute them to Michael Scott and his satanic
agent. In my opinion, everything bears a decided British impress, and
hence I assume their British origin. The historians already men-
tioned, whose authority on such a question cannot be doubted, tell us
that the cities of the ancient Britons were generally erected on some
almost inaccessible hill or promontory, and a better site than Cairby Hill
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NOTICE OF THE FORT ON CAIBBT HILL. 106
could not have been selected in this district, — dodo which commaDds a
more extensive prospect. On the slope of the hill, at the distance of
about 400 yards» is a green flat eminence called the ** battle-knowe/'
where, it is said, a severe battle was fought in former times, but of which
I can learn no particulars. At the foot of Cairby Hill lies the ^^ day-
holm of Kershope," Mangerton, Stonegarthside, and Whithaugh Towers,
and many other places of cherished memory in the border lore of Lid-
dlesdale and Kershope.
The works on Eirkhill occupy the summit of another high and coni-
cal eminence on the north side of the river Liddle, about three miles
from Cairby Hill, and directly opposite to it. This relic is merely a dyke
or rampart of earth and stone, and nearly circular — now covered with
green turf. It has been formed by the materials thrown up in forming
the deep ditch by which it is surrounded. There is also a smaller ditch
within* The circle is about 100 yards in diameter, and in some places
about 10 or 12 feet high. A modem stone wall runs through the
centre of the enclosure from east to west, and the hill falls away from
each side of the wall, giving the enclosure an oval appearance, although
it is in reality very nearly, if not quite circular. There has been an en-
trance on the south side, and the ditches have been discontinued here.
This circle probably belonged to the Druidical system of religion, — a
circular temple of considerable size dedicated to the worship of Apollo,
or the Sun. It resembles Maybrough, near Penrith ; and they may have
been two minor temples, connected with Long Meg, the mother church
of the district. The modem name leads to the inference that the origi-
nal design of these remains was a place of sepulture and religious worship.
"Kirk" is probably a corruption of the words " cir" and " rock " — " a
circle of stones"— denoting. and referring to the form of constmction
adopted by the ancient Draids. On the slope of the hill, but consider-
ably lower down, we find the groundworks of Ettleton Chapel, where
there is a place of sepulture still generally used as a burial-place by the
inhabitants of the district, who, becoming wiser in their generation, have
chosen the more accessible place as the last home of their departed
friends. In Ettleton kirkyard were deposited the remains of the Lord of
Mangerton, whose murder was so foul a blot on the chivalry of Hermi-
tage. The cross of Lord Mangerton is still standing at the foot of the
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106 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUAKY 1865.
hill, a little way below the kirkyard of Ettleton. On the south-western
slope of Kirkhill are the groundworks of the dwelling-place of the noto-
rious Jock o' the Side, whose exploits form so conspicuous a portion of
Border history. Although neither the cromlech, nor the pedestal for the
Deity, are now to be found in the circle at Kirkhill, yet I find a sort of
ancient tradition that there was once a cromlech somewhere in this
locality, although the precise site cannot now be pointed out. The ring of
the circle is now much lower and smaller than it was, as a great quantity
of its stones have been carted away to build the adjacent fences ; and I
think it not unlikely that for some such vile and inferior purpose the
cromlech or gravestone, which was here originally raised to commemo-
rate the burial-place of some distinguished Celtic chieftain, has been
broken up and desecrated. From the accounts given us by Diodorus
Siculus of the circular temples in which Apollo was worshipped by the
ancient Druids, I am induced to suppose that the circle on Kirkhill was
once not only a place of sepulture, but a temple in a complete state, asso-
ciated with all the mysterious legends of a complicated mythology, and
endowed with all the usual privileges of the sanctuary.
The Flight Camp is situated on a large flat moorland about three
or four miles higher up the river Liddle than Kirkhill or Cairby Hill.
The site is low, but commands an extensive prospect. It is probably the
camp to which Stuart alludes in the " Caledonia Rom ana.' ' The ground-
works of the modern Border towers, called Flight Castle and Clintwood
Castle, are a few hundred yards on the south-west and south-east of it —
all in the parish of Castleton. The camp is a small square, strongly
fortified, about 50 yards in the outside. It consists of a wide ditch, with
a rampart on each side of it, the interior of the camp being about 40
yards square. Many of the later Border fortresses resemble it in form,
and it may possibly have served as a model to succeeding builders. It is
doubtful whether the exterior rampart has been anything more than a
mound formed by the materials obtained in digging the fosse, but the
interior rampart has evidently been formed of stone, and is now of an
average height of 6 feet. The whole fortress is now covered with a
thick deposit of green vegetation. The ditch and outer rampart are not
very distinct on the north side, but the other sides still forcibly remind
UBof the strength of the Roman preetenturae. This camp is frequently
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NOTICE OF THB FORT ON OAIBBT HILL. 107
called the " thresbiDg-floor/' and the tradition of the diBtrict Bays that
the people of Liddleedale used to bring all their com here to be thrashed.
From this tradition we may suppose that if a search were made, and the
soil removed, a stone floor at least, if not some superior pavement, would
still be found, a valuable record of the works of the Bomans.
The other camp is situated to the north-west of the Flight Camp, on
that part of the Dyke Bow Farm, called Aislie Moor, and close upon the
river Liddle. It is a short way above the old castle at Castleton, which
I think has been the site of a large Boman station, to which these two
minor camps have originally belonged. It is about 100 yards north of
the turnpike-road leading from Castleton to Jedburgh, and close to a shep-
herd's cottage called Florida. This fort appears to have been similar in
form and construction to the Flight Camp, and perhaps a little larger, but
to what extent it is impossible now to ascertain, in consequence of the en-
croachments of the river. The fosse and ramparts have not been so broad
as those at Flight, and its interior would in consequence be more commo-
dious. It occupies a very commanding position, having the deep glen of
the Liddle, with its rugged and precipitous banks on the north, and the
deep glen of the Harden bum on the west. On the east and south sides
the ground is nearly level, and on these sides the vestiges of the works
are still distinct, but fast becoming obliterated by modem cultivation.
In the centre and north side of the camp is a plantation, in which the
traces of the fosse and ramparts are very visible and perfect. The north
side has been washed away. In 1686, Claverhouse pitched his camp,
it is said, on Aislie Moor during his residence in Liddlesdale, and very
possibly his soldiers may have occupied the camp which previously was
garrisoned by the Boman cohorts.
IV.
NOTE RELATIVE TO EXCAVATIONS AT BALGONE NEAR NORTH
BERWICK. By the Rkv. JOHN STRUTHERS, F.S.A. Scot., Pbebtonpans.
In the course of draining operations at the northem base of the crags
of Balgone, 2^ miles south of North Berwick, and within 300 yards
or so of the Mansion House of Sir Greorge Grant Suttie, Bart., a some-
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108 PROCEBDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
what remarkable and extensive collection of bones of various animals
has recently been discovered imbedded deeply in the moss. Some years
ago, a little to the westward of the same locality, and at a slightly
higher elevation of what appears to have been an ancient lake or morass,
there were found a number of bronze culinary vessels, four with loops
at the sides for handles, one with a long handle, two flagon -shaped and
two shallow basins, both imperfect, which were transmitted to the
Museum shortly afterwards.
The bones which have more recently been discovered were found lying
on a nearly horizontal base, at a depth of between 6 and 8 feet of black
moss, and with another foot of similar black moss beneath them, which
again rests on a bed of soft marl, of between 4 and 5 feet in thickness.
The locality is near to what seems to have been the outlet of the ancient
lake, and the soil underneath the marl is composed of gravel and the
debris of the rocks adjacent.
The bones consist of the antlers of deer — some of them very large — of
boars' tusks,, of the vertebrae and thigh and other large bones of oxen,
horses, &c., and also of some human bones, including two very well pre-
served crania, which have been forwarded, through Sir Roderick Murchi-
son, to Professor Owen of London. Several of the bones, of which one
or two were exhibited, appear to have been formed into cutting imple-
ments J and another article, of doubtful use, of jet or bituminous shale,
and similar to a jet ornament found in the Isle of Skye, now in the
Museum. It is cylinder-shaped, with the ends rounded off, and measures
3 inches by 1 inch in diameter ; in the centre is a long opening, and it
has obviously had considerable labour bestowed in its fabrication.
Monday, 13th March 1865.
Professor J. Y. SIMPSON, M.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen were balloted for, and elected Fellows of the
Society : —
William Brown, Esq , F.R.C.S.E.
William Sim, Esq., of Lunan Bank. Forfarshire.
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Procetdinga of the Society of A ntiqwmea of Scotkmd,
r
PL A TE X.
(Lcn«r»h. 7 Inch I S.J
I
ARTICLES FOUND IN DOW ALTON LOCH. C^ C>iC\C>\c>
1.2, a Bronze- Vessels, and a Roman Paicllju 4. Glass Bead, with Metal Core 5. Portion of Ornamcnt<^irVLailb^K^*.lV^
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 109
The following Gentlemen were elected CorrespoDdiDg Members : —
Rev. WiLLTAH Gbeknwell, Durham.
Bey. Edward L. Babnwell, Rathin, North Wales.
(1.) By Sir William Maxwell of Monreath, Baronet.
Collection of Articles found in exploring a Crannoge, or Artificial
Island in Dowalton Loch, Wigtonshire, consisting of a
Square-shaped Stone, 5 inches in length, 1 inch in breadth, and §
inch in thickness, and tapering to a point § inch square ; probably a
whetstone.
Tbree Bronze Basins ; one measures 10 inches in diameter and 4 inches
in depth. It is formed of sheet metal, fastened by rivets, with portions
of an iron handle. This pot or basin shows several patches or mendings.
(See Plate X. fig. 1.)
Another Vessel of Bronze, measures 12 inches in diameter and 4 inches
in depth. It appears to have been made by hammering it into shape
out of one piece of metal.
The third Vessel measures 12 inches in diameter and 3 inches in
depth, and is also formed out of one piece of metal. On its upper edge is
a turned-over or projecting rim, 1 inch in breadth. (See Plate X. fig. 2.)
Pot or Patella of yellowish-coloured Bronze, with a handle springing
from the upper edge, 7 inches in length, on which is stamped the letters
oiPiPOLiEi ; at the further extremity is a circular opening. The bottom
is ornamented by five projecting rings, and measures in diameter
6 inches ; it is 8 inches in diameter across the mouth ; the inside appears
to be coated with tin, and has a series of incised lines at various dis-
tances. The vessel is ornamented on the outside opposite to the handle
by a human face, in relief surrounded by a movable ring which could be
used in lifting the pot. (See Plate X. ^g. 3.)
Bronze Ring, measuring 3^ inches in diameter, which passes through a
loop fastened to a portion of broken bronze, apparently part of the upper
edge of a large bronze vessel, the ring having formed one of the handles.
Small, very rude Clay Cup or Crucible, 2^ inches in diameter.
Bronze Implement, being a short tube 1 inch in length, with a pro-
jecting rim at one extremity, which is 2 inches in diameter. It is not
unlike in shape to the socket portion of a modern candlestick.
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110 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIBTT, MARCH 1865.
Bronze Penannular Bing or Brooch, 1| inch in diameter, with bulbous
extremities.
Small plain Bronze Bing, 1 inch in diameter.
Small portion of Bronze, probably portion of a vessel.
Small Bronze Plate or Ornament, 1 inch in length, having a project-
ing tongue at three of its comers, each projecting portion being pierced
with a hole through in its centre.
Two Iron Axe Heads ; one with a square-shaped head, which tapers
to a sharp cutting face, and measures 6^ inches long ; it has a large
perforation close to the square head for receiving the handle.
The other measures 6 inches in length. The perforation for the handle
is near the centre ; and one end has a sharp cutting face, the other a
blunt rounded extremity, or head.
Iron Hammer Head, 8^ inches in length, with hole in the centre for
handle ; the head is square, and tapers slightly to a blunt face.
Several masses of Iron Slag.
Wooden Boat Paddle, the blade measures 2 feet 4 inches in length, by
10 inches in breadth, and 1 inch in thickness. It has a short, rounded
handle, measuring 7 inches in length.
Portions of Wooden Piles, several showing mortice cuttings.
Portions of the Common Fern or ^^ Bracken " (PierxB aquilina), which
formed the bed on which the Crannoge was built.
Half of a Bing, 3 inches in diameter, formed of white glass or vitreous
paste, and streaked with blue.
Half of a similar Bing, formed of yellow-coloured glass or vitreous
paste.
Large Bead, measuring 1} inch in diameter. The centre portion is
formed of blue glass, of a ribbed pattern. The central perforation or
opening is formed of a tube of bronze, and the edge of both sides of the
perforation is ornamented by three minute bands of twisted yellow glass.
(See Plate X. fig. 4.)
Bead of Earthenware, f inch in diameter, of a ribbed pattern, and
showing traces of green glaze.
Small Bead of Vitreous Paste, of a white colour with red spots, and
measuring i inch in diameter.
Amber Bead, } inch in diameter.
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DONATIONS TO THB MU8KUM. Ill
Half of a Small Bead, measuring } of an inch in diameter, of white
glass streaked with blue.
Small portion of Blue Glass.
Portion of a Leather Shoe, measuring 7 inches in length, and 3^ inches
in its greatest breadth, nearly covered with ornamental stamped patterns.
(See Plate X. fig. 5.)
Various Bones of Animals, Ac.
(See Communication, page 121.)
(2.) By Colonel Jobkph Dumdas, of Carron Hall, F.S A. Scot. *
The following articles, found in excavating an underground chamber
at the Tappoch, Torwood, Stirlingshire. (See details in Communica-
tion made to the Society by Colonel Dundas in a subsequent part of this
Volume, page 114.)
Three irregularly shaped Blocks of Grey Sandstone, measuring 2 feet
in greatest length, 1^ foot in breadth, and 8 inches in thickness. On the
upper side of one is incised two concentric circles, surrounding a project-
ing boss in the centre ; on the second is a circle, and portions of two con-
centric circles, surrounding a cup-shaped indentation ; portions of two
similar circles are on the third stone. The outer circle measures in
diameter from 5 to 6 inches.
Upper and Lower Stones of a Quern or Grain-rubber ; the upper stone
is of granite, and measures 12 inches in diameter, and is pierced with a
hole in the centre, and also a hole at one side, apparently for the handle.
The lower portion is oval shaped, and measures 20 inches by 16 inches.
Upper Stone of a Quern, measuring 16 inches in diameter.
Thirteen Water-worn Stone Balls, varying from 1^ to 4 inches in
diameter.
Two Oval Stones, with cup-shaped depressions on the upper surface ;
greatest length 4 inches, and 3 inches in breadth.
Oval-shaped Stone, measuring 5 inches in length by 4 in breadth, with
a cup-shaped depression on each side.
Small circular Cup or Lamp of yellowish clay, measuring 3 inches in
diameter, with a projection at one side, as if to form a handle.
Oblong Stone, with flattened sides and rounded ends, measuring 5
inches in length and 2 inches in diameter; apparently a whetstone.
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112 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
Stone, polished on all sides, 3 iDches long by 2 inches in breadth, and
1 inch thick ; which may have been used as a burnisher.
Flat, Pear-shaped piece of Shale, having a hole at the narrow end ;
greatest length 2^ inches, and breadth 2 inches. One side is covered with
scratches of a Vandyked pattern.
Stone Ball, flattened above and below, 1^ inch in diameter; it is
pierced with a hole through the centre, and has a groove round its
sides.
Two flat circular Stone Whorls or Buttons, with a hole in the centre ;
ovh measures 2 inches in diameter, and the other 1} inch in diameter.
Small portion of an Urn of coarse clay, probably a sepulchral urn.
Portions of Charcoal.
Various Teeth of the Ox, &c.
Iron Axe Head, 6 inches long, with a large hole for the handle ; it
tapers gradually in thickness from near the head, which is rounded,
towards the face, which is imperfect.
Iron Hammer, with handle, both the head and handle being of iron ;
the back portion of the head is round, the other extremity terminates in
a sharp point. The hammer-head measures 6^ inches long, the handle
is 12 inches long ; and it has a hook for suspension at its extremity.
Portion of a Jar of coarse Pottery, showing remains of a yellowish-
coloured glaze.
The two last articles were found outside of the entrance to the chamber.
(3.) By Arthur Mitchell, Esq., MJ)., Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Portion of a Bronze leaf-shaped Sword, part of the handle and of the
point being awanting. It measures 10} inches long by 1 inch in breadth.
The portion of the handle that remains shows two small holes pierced
on each side for fixing it to the bone or wooden handle. It was found in
Dumfriesshire.
(4.) By John Alex. Smith, M.D., Sec. S.A. Scot.
Portion of a small Bronze Candlestick, measuring 4 inches long. At
the upper part is a cup-shaped portion, for receiving the candle, which
is pierced with a square aperture at the side, in the middle of the stalk
is an ornamental projecting ring. It was found, many years ago, in a
moss near Denholm, Boxburghshire.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 113
(5.) By Gbobgb S. Vbitch, Esq., P.SA., Scot.
Flat circular Brooch of Copper, measuring 1| inches in diameter ; in the
centre is a Monogram of the Letters 6 f^ in relief, which is surrounded
by a border of leaves, and the letters tnftl^ : fibll : The brooch has appa-
rently been enamelled. It was found in excavating the foundation for
the recent extension of the Bank of Scotland, Bank Street, Edinburgh.
(6.) By D. H. KoBBRTsoN, M.D., F.S.A. Scot.
Iron Knife, vrith a narrow, rounded handle, and a curved razor-shaped
blade; all in one piece. The blade measures 4| inches in length, and the
handle, 4 inches in length, is ornamented by three groups of incised
grooves encircling it, one at each extremity, and the third in the centre ;
the lower end is tapered off to a sharp four-sided point, each side of
which is ornamented by an incised pattern. This razor-like knife is
stated to have been found in a cairn at South Uist, Orkney.
(7.) By the Bev. J. G. Bbvbbidgb, Minister of the parish of Inveresk,
East Lothian.
Communion Tokens,— one, circular, on one side M. E. Musselburgh
Kirk, on the other |^ for the Bev. Mr Richard Howieson, ordained
1690 ; three, square, 1727 I. W. in monogram, for the Rev. Mr John
Williamson, ordained 1701, died 1739 ; another, oval in shape, on one
side nnrxRBSK kibk, on the other Rev' L « M. 1806, for the Rev. Leslie
Moodie, admitted 1806, died 1840.
Denarius of Trajan, dug up in the manse garden, Inveresk.
(8.) By A. D. Cowan, Esq., through Jatoes Sinclair, Alhany Herald.
Large Wooden Saddle-Tree and Leather Crupper.
Pair of Turkish Stirrups of Steel, with large triangular sides, which
are inlaid with silver, and ornamented with two brass studs on the outer
surface.
(9.) By William Pagan, Esq., F.S.A. Scot, (the Author).
The Birthplace and Parentage of William Paterson, founder of the
Bank of England, and projector of the Darien Scheme, with suggestions
for improvements on the Scottish Registers. 12mo. Edin. 1865.
(10.) By the Prbsidbnt and Council of the Royal Scottish Academy
Thirty-Seventh Annual Report of the Council of the Royal Scottish
Academy of Painting and Architecture. 8vo. 1864.
VOL. VI. PART I. H
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114 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
(11.) By Miss Cabnbgib, Laverock Bank House.
The Scot's Magazine, containing a general view of the Beligion, Poli-
ticks, Entertainment, &c, in Great Britain ; and a succinct Account of
Public Affairs, foreign and domestick. 64 vols. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1739-
1802.
(12.) By WiLUAM Beeves, D.D., Hon. Mem. S A. Scot, (the Author).
The Guldees of the British Islands, as they appear in History ; with an
Appendix of Evidences. 4to. Dublin, 1864.
The following Ck)mmunication8 were read :—
I.
NOTICES OF A GROUP OF ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS IN THE LOCH OF
DO WALTON, WIGTONSHIRE, AND OF OTHER ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS
OR "CRANNOGS" THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND. By JOHN STUART,
Esq., Seceetaby Soc. Ant. Soot. (Plates X.-XIII.)
In December 1857, Mr Joseph Bobertson read a paper to the Society
entitled " Notices of the Isle of the Loch of Banchory, the Isle of Loch
Canmor, and other Scottish examples of the artificial or stockaded
islands, called Crannoges in Ireland, and Keltischen Pfahlbauten in
Switzerland."
This paper was not printed in the Proceedings, in consequence of
Mr Bobertson's desire to amplify his notices of these ancient remains.
Other engagements having prevented him from carrying out his design,
he recently placed his collections in my hands, with permission to add to
my account of Scottish crannogs, anything from his notes which I might
care to select. Of this permission I have gladly availed myself, and the
passages introduced from Mr Bobertson's collection are acknowledged at
the places where they occur. J. S.
June 1866.
•
The late Loch of Dowalton, or, as it is called in the Survey of Timothy
Pont in Blaeu's Atlas, the Loch of Boirlant, was situated in the centre
of that district of Wigtonshire called The Machars — a peninsula bounded
on the west by the Bay of Luce, and on the east by the Bay of Wigton.
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- 3 U 1 1 10 j: 01 S ' L: -Uld
yoL.n plate:,
PLAN SHEWING THE DIFFENENT LEVEUS OF ISLI^NOS A BEACHES OF THE LOCH.
O t t S * J fktt to MS /hot
T-ri i^^^i^z
ARTIFIC1A.L ISLANDS OR CKAKN
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OaS IN DOWALTON LOCH, WWTONSI
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 115
It was about five miles from the burgh of Whithorn, and occupied the
lower end of a narrow valley of some five miles in length. It was
environed by mosses on the east and west (those on the west extending a
distance of four miles, under the names of Dnimmodie Moss, DrumscalUd
Moss, and others), which emptied part of their waters on the west end
into the sea near Monreith, and the rest into the loch. The Moss of
Bavenston is on the east of the loch, and there were rising grounds on it«
other sides. It was surrounded by the parishes of Eirkinner, Sorbie, and
Glasserton, which met at a point in its centre. The old parish of Long-
castle, now part of Eirkinner, is on its north-west side, and ruinous
walls, of no determinate character, are yet to be seen on the island^called
Longcastle, and Hern Isle, on the north shore of the loch. The loch was
of an irregular form, about 1^ mile in greatest length by about |ths of
a mile in greatest breadth, without any marked outfall for drainage. Sir
William Maxwell has recently effected this, by making a cut at its south-
eastern extremity through the wall of whinstone and slate which closes
in the valley. This cut is 25 feet in depth for some distance.
The water having been partially drawn off in the summer of 1863, the
island abodes now to be described became visible. In the month of
August of that year, some of them were examined by Earl Percy (then
Lord Lovaine), who read an account of them to the meeting of the British
Association held at Newcastle in the course of that month. At that
time, however, the depth of water and mud only permitted a partial
examination. About a year after this, I had an opportunity of examin-
ing these remains, when on a visit to Sir William Maxwell. By this
time the whole bed of the loch was exposed, and all the islands were
approachable, although in many places the great depth of quaking
clay rendered it somewhat difficult to walk upon, and in some deep
spots, where the clay was softer than elsewhere, even dangerous, from
the risk of sinking.
The rough outline sketch (Plate XI.) will give an idea of the shape
of the loch, and it will be convenient to describe the islands in the order
in which they there occur, beginning at the west end ; in doing so, I
avail myself of the details in Lord Percy's paper.*
The first is called Miller's Cairn, from its having been a mark of the
1 Tr&nBactions of the British Aflsociation Meeting at Newcastle, 1863, p. 141.
h2
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116 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
levels, when tbe loch was drained by cuts for feeding neighbouring mills.
One of these cuts is known to have been made at a remote period. It
was still surrounded by water when the place was visited by Lord Percy
in 1863. On approaching the cairn (Plate XI. fig. 1), the numerous
rows of piles which surrounded it first attracted notice. These piles
were formed of young oak trees. Lying on the north-east side, were
mortised frames of beams of oak, like hurdles, and below these, round
trees laid horizontally. In some cases the vertical piles were mortised
into horizontal bars. Below them, were layers of hazel and birch
branches, and under these were masses of fern, the whole mixed with
large boulders, and penetrated by piles. Above all, was a surface of
stones and soil, which was several feet under water till the recent drainage
took place. The hurdle frames were neatly mortised together, and were
secured by pegs in the mortise holes.
On one side of the island, a round space of a few feet in size appeared,
on which was a layer of white clay, browned and calcined, as from the
action of fire, and around it were bones of animals, and ashes of wood.
Below this was a layer of fern and another surface of clay, calcined as
in the upper case. A small piece of bronze was found between the two
layers. On the top another layer of fern was found, but the clay, and the
slab which probably rested upon it, had been removed. There can be no
doubt that this had been used as a hearth. In one of the crannogs in
Loughrea, in Ireland, the flag which formed the hearth-stone rested in
the same way on a mass of yellow clay.*
Near this cairn a bronze pan was found ; and opposite to it, on the
south and north margins of the loch, uprooted trees, mostly birch and
alder, were seen, which had all fallen to the east. Hazel branches had
been much used in the formation of the island, and many hazel nuts
were found among the debris. In the layers, the leaves and nuts were
perfectly distinct. The bark also remained, and the fern and heather
looked as if recently laid down. The fern is the common bracken, of
which in many places the fronds were quite perfect. In some places
innumerable chrysalides of an insect occurred between the layers of fern ;
tbey are found to be those of a dipterous fly of tbe genus Dicara, closely
allied to the " daddy long-legs."
1 Proceedings of the Royftl Irish Academy, vol. viii. p. 421.
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ro-eciiiigs ot tlif Society of .Antiquaries oi .Scotland
TOiri PLATE XI
21 feet iod4
2 ,, deop
3 II broaii
fi^.7. Tadclle fotmd m KiiveiuUoe Mois
Fiil. CANOE
J! Forn of Sappo«ad Breakwatei
,, y pOT-tion of Larger Islet
5' with Irencli cut mil
PORTION or CRANNOG & CANOE &x FOUND AT DOWALTON LOCH WIGTONSmRE ^L^
SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS/' 117
In the vicinity of this oaim is a ridge of rock which might have
formed the nucleus of a superstructure, but it was not used. Miller's
Cairn was much dilapidated. Lines of piles, apparently to support a
causeway, led from it to the shore.
The next in order is the largest island (Plate XI. fig. 2). Lord Percy
succeeded in reaching it in a boat in 1863. It appeared to him to be
3 feet below the level of the other islands, and, from several depressions
on its surface, to have sunk. The progress of excavation was, however,
soon checked by the oozing in of the water. On the south side of the
island great pains had been taken to secure the structure ; .heavy slabs of
oak, 5 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 inches thick, were laid one upon
another in a sloping direction, bolted together by stakes inserted in
mortises of 8 inches by 10 inches in size, and connected by square pieces
of timber 3 feet 8 inches in length. The surface of the island was of
stones, resting on a mass of compressed brushwood, below which were
branches and stems of small trees, mostly hazel and birch, mingled with
stones, apparently for compressing the mass. Below this were layers of
brushwood, fern, and heather, intermingled with stones and soil, the whole
resting on a bed of fern 3 or 4 feet in thickness. The mass was pinned
together by piles driven into the bottom of the loch, some of which went
through holes in the horizontal logs. The general appearance of the
island, and of the mortised beams on its south side, will be gathered from
the sketches engraved on Plate XII. figs. 2 and 3. For these sketches I
am indebted to the courtesy of Lord Percy. I noticed some of these flat
beams of great size and length (one of them 12 feet long) with three
mortise holes in the length, 7 inches square. A thick plank of oak of
about 6 feet in length, had grooves on its two edges, as if for something
to slide in ; and it may be noted that some of the oak beams in the Irish
crannog at Dunshaughlin, county of Meath, had their sides grooved in
like manner, to admit large panels driven down between them.* This
island measured about 23 yards across, and was surrounded by many rows
of piles, some of which had the ends cut square over, as if by several
strokes of a small hatchet. Mr Chalmers, the intelligent overseer of Sir
William Maxwell, pointed out to me vestiges of branches interlaced in
^ Wilde's Catalogue of Antiqaitiea in Museum Koyal Irish Academy, p. 222.
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118 PnOCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAUCH 1865.
the beams of the hurdles. On the north-east side, and under the super-
structure of the island, a canoe was found, made of a single tree of oak.
It was 21 feet in length, 3 feet 10 inches across over all near the stern,
which was square. Its depth at the stern was 17 inches, or, including
the backboard which closed the stern, 20 inches. The stem was formed
by a plank inserted in a groove on each side, with a backboard pegged
on above it. The part containing the grooves was left very thick. There
were two thole-pins on each side, inserted in squared holes in the solid,
which was left to receive them, and wedged in with small bits of wood.
One thwart of fir or willow remained, A plank or wash-board, projecting
a few inches over the edge, ran round the canoe. It rested on the top,
and was fastened with pegs into the solid. The vessel was pointed at the
bow, and the sketch, for which I am indebted to Lord Percy (Plate XII.
fig. 1), will give a general idea of it. As I have said, it was found in the
foundations of the island, with hurdles and planks above it. It was very
complete, and in good order. In the mass of stuff thrown out, a piece
of curiously stamped leather was found, apparently part of a shoe. Great
quantities of the teeth and bones of animals were strewed over the surface
of the island and surrounding mud. Bones were also found at different
depths in the mass, but always below the upper layer of faggots, and
towards the inside. All the bones were split, probably to admit the
extraction of the marrow. Specimens of the bones were submitted to
Professor Owen, who has expressed his opinion of them in the following
note : —
'* The bones and teeth, from the lake dwellings, submitted to my
examination by Lord Lovaine, included parts of the ox, hog, and goat.
The ox was of the size of the Bos longifrons or Highland kyloe, and
was represented by teeth, portions of the lower jaw, and some bones of
the limbs and trunk. The remains of the Sus were a lower jaw of a sow,
of the size of the wild boar, and detached teeth. With the remains of
the small ruminant, of the size of the sheep, was a portion of cranium
with the base of a horn core, more resembling in shape that of the he-
goat. Not any of these remains had lost their animal matter. — B. 0."
Other specimens of the bones presented by Sir William Maxwell are
in the Museum. Begarding these I have been favoured with the follow-
ing memorandum by Dr John Alex. Smith, Sec. : —
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOOS.'* 119
" After a careful examination of the bones now in the museum, found
on an artificial island in Dowalton Loch, in which I was kindly assisted
by Mr William Turner, M.B. ; we find them to consist of those of small
short-horned cattle— the Bos longi/rons, I doubt not, of Professor Owen
— similar to those found with Roman remains at Newstead, and presented
by me to the museum — a rather small-sized pig, and the sheep ; also a
bone of a large bird. The mass of fern leaves forming the substratum
of the dwelling consisted of the Fteris aquUinay the common bracken.''
On one spot, a few flat stones were placed as if for a hearth. They
showed marks of fire, and around them were ashes and bones. The bronze
dish of Boman work afterwards described was found in the mud, near
the east margin of the loch. The best saucepan was found between this
island and the shore. A small circular brooch of bronze, four whetstones,
and two iron hammers, were found an the island. A third iron hammer
was found near it, and may have been thrown out with the debris.
Lumps of iron slag were also found on this island, and similar masses
have been found on several of the Irish crannogs.
The original depth from the surface of the island to the bottom, was
probably from 6 to 7 feet ; but the structure was much dilapidated before
I saw it.
Proceeding southward, we come to the island first examined by Lord
Percy (Plate XI. fig. 3). It proved to be nearly circular, and to be
about 13 yards in diameter. Its surface was raised about 5^ feet above the
mud, and on each side of it were two patches of stone nearly touching it.
These, probably, answered the purpose of the jetty or pier, formed of a
double row of piles, about 8 feet asunder, which supported horizontal
logs, noticed on one side of the crannog in Cloonfinlough.i On the north
side lay a canoe of oak, between the two patches, and surrounded by
piles, the heads just appearing above the surface of the mud. It was
24 feet long, 4 feet 2 inches broad in the middle, and 7 inches deep, the
thickness of the bottom being 2 inches. Under the stones which covered
the surface, teeth of swine and oxen were found. A trench was cut round
the islet, and at the south end a small quantity of ashes was turned
up, in which were teeth and burned bones, part of an armlet of glass
1 Proceedings Royal Irish Academy, vol. v. p. 209.
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1S20 FBOCEBDINQS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
covered with a yellow enamel, and a large broken bead of glass, together
with a small metal ornament ; two other pieces of a glass armlet, one
striped blue and white, were also found on the surface. These objects
were found on the outside of the islet, about 2 feet from the surface.
On cutting into the islet itself, it proved to be wholly artificial, resting
on the soft bottom of the loch, and in its composition exactly the same
as the large island already described. The whole mass was pinned
together by piles of oak and willow, some of them driven 2^ feet into
the bottom of the loch. The islet was surrounded by an immense
number of piles, extending to a distance of 20 yards around it; and
masses of stone, which apparently were meant to act as breakwaters,
were laid amongst them. On the sinking of the mud, a canoe was found
between the islet and the northern shore. It was 18^ feet long, and
2 feet 7 inches wide. A block of wood cut to fill a hole, left probably
by a rotten branch, was inserted in the side, 2 feet long, 7 inches wide,
and 5} inches thick, and was secured by pegs driven through the side ;
across the stern was cut a deep groove to admit a backboard ; in both
canoes a hole 2 inches in diameter was bored in the bottom.
The next islet is about 60 yards from the last, and nearer to a rocky
projection, on the south margin of the loch. It was examined by Lord
Percy, and was found to be smaller ; the layers were not so distinctly
marked, and some of the timbers inserted under the upper layer of brush-
wood were larger, and either split or cut to a face. A stake with two
holes bored in it about the size of a finger, a thin piece of wood, in which
mortises had been cut, and a box, the interior of which was about six
inches cube, with a ledge to receive the cover, very rudely cut out of a
block of wood, were found. I saw this rude box, but it has gone to
pieces since that time.
On the south-east side of the loch, near one of the little promontories,
were several cairns surrounded by piles, of which the outline had mostly
disappeared at the time of my visit. When they were first seen by Lord
Percy, there were six structures of the same character as those already
described, arranged in a semicircle. They were, however, much smaller
than the others, and appeared to have been single dwellings. Though
upon some of them charred wood was found, nothing else was discovered
except a mortised piece of timber, which might have been drifted there;
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SCOTTISH AUTIFICIAL ISLANDS OB " CRANN008.
121
aud in one, inserted under the upper lajer of brushwood, a large oak
beam, measuring 8 feet long by 3 in circumference.
This group of small islets was close to the shore. They had, however,
been surrounded by water at the time when the level of the loch reached
the highest beach mark. I could not discover any causeway or piled
connection with the shore.
Near the north margin of the loch, a canoe was found in the mud. It
measured 25 feet in length, and was strengthened by a projecting cross
band towards the centre, left in the solid in hollowing out the inside ;
lying under it a portion of another canoe was found. Along this shore
many uprooted trees occur in the mud, mostly birch and alder ; some
trees also are still rooted.
The articles already found on the islets and neighbourhood are : —
1. Bronze dish, with handle, of
Boman work.
2. Two bronze dishes, hammered
out of the solid.
3. A smaller bronze dish of separ-
ate pieces, rivetted together.
4. A bronze ring, having attached
to it a portion of the vessel of
which it had been a handle.
5. Fragment of leather, with a
stamped pattern on it.
6. A large blue glass bead.
7. Two glass beads, with streaks
and spots.
8. A bead of amber.
9. A bead of vitreous paste.
10. A small brooch of bronze.
11. A small ring of bronze.
12. A copper coin.
13. Five querns.
14. A fragment of bronze.
15. Pieces of iron slag.
16. A small earthen crucible.
17. Whetstones.
18. Three iron hammers.
19. Portions of armlets of ena-
melled glass.
20. Five canoes.
Most of the articles were found in the neighbourhood of the islands.
It is probable that the bronze vessel found near the eastern margin, as
well as other articles, may have been floated off during the period when
the islands were submerged. It is plain, from the appearance of several
beaches of rolled stones around the margin of the loch, that the waters had
stood at different levels at different times, — at one time 6 or 7 feet above
its last level, to which it was reduced by three successive cuts made
to feed neighbouring mills,— one of them certainly of great antiquity.
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122 PROOESDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAUCH 1865.
When at this height, the surface of the mosses to the west must also
have been under water. Lord Percy has remarked, that at 3^ feet below
the ordinary level, there are unmistakable appearances of a former beach,
with which the top of the islet, first examined by him, coincides. Sir
William Maxwell suggests, as an easy explanation of the different levels
found in the loch, that the waters originally discharged themselves into the
sea from the western end of the valley, and at last, in consequence of the
formation of moss towards its centre, a part of them could only escape in
that way, while the remainder was forced into the loch. On this as-
sumption. Lord Percy concludes that the structures must be supposed to
have been formed in the early stages of the growth of the moss, while the
loch was so shallow as to make it easy to raise the obstructiDg moss above
its waters, and yet deep enough to float canoes and afford the desired
security from an enemy. He adds that it is difficult to conjecture the
state of the loch when these edifices were formed, and whether or not
they were completed at one period. The finding of the large stones in
the lower layer of ferns might, he thinks, lead to the belief that they
were gradually raised as the waters of the loch increased ; and that the
strengthening them by breakwaters might be held to prove that the loch
had risen considerably before they were abandoned.
The rising of the level of the loch is a feature common to this with
the Irish lochs, in which crannogs have been found. In some Irish
cases there are appearances of these having been raised to meet
this change of circumstances ; but when we consider the compressible
nature of the materials, it is more likely that the islands may, in many
instances, have required such heightening from the effect of natural
subsidence. The stones among the lower strata of fern were probably
used to compress and solidify the substructure in the course of erection,
and it seems to me most probable that the islets were wholly erected at
one time.
It would appear that no islets were above the surface of the water at
the time of Pont's survey, about the middle of the seventeeth century.
In Blaeu's map of Galloway no islets are seen on the loch of Dowalton,
while several are laid down in the neighbouring loch of Mochrum, which
shows that such projections were not overlooked.
In the moss of Ravenston, a little to the east of Dowalton, five paddles
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OB " CRANNOGS." 123
of oak were discovered lying close to a mass of timbers about 6 feet
UDder the surface. Lord Percy was led to believe that these were the
remains of a structure similar to those in the loch of X)owalton. One of
these paddles forms part of the donation of Sir William Maxwell to the
Museum (Plate XII. fig. 4).
In the White Loch of Mertoun (a name which reminds us of the
Gluain-fin-lough in Boscommon, which is said to mean '* the enclosure of
the White Lake"), about three miles westward from Dowalton, there was
formerly a stockaded island. The discovery of the islands in Dowalton
Loch, brought to the recollection of an old man in the service of Sir
William Maxwell, that when the loch was partially drained by Sir Wil-
liam's grandfather, he had seen a small island in it with timbers, pilett,
and flat stones on its surface. This led to an examination of the island,
from which it appeared that it was surrounded by piles, and was con-
structed, like those at Dowalton, of layers of furze, faggots and brush-
wood, layers of fern, &c. This island, prior to the lowering of the loch,
had been covered by eight feet of water.
On Dunhill, which is a rising ground a short way from the south-eabt
end of Dowalton Loch, there remains a circular rath, surrounded by a
deep ditch. The rath is about 36 yards in diameter. Similar elevations
occur on the north and south-west sides of the loch, where raths may
also have been placed, but if so, they have been obliterated by cultivation.
It will be remarked that no weapon or tool of stone has as yet been
found at Dowalton ; but no certain inference can be drawn from this, as
such objects, with many others, may yet be found below the deep bed of
clay surrounding the islets.
Of the bronze objects which have been discovered, one is a dish of
Boman work, with a stamp (apparently cipipolis), on the handle
(Plate X. fig. 3). It measures 8| inches in diameter at the mouth,
and 6 at the bottom. Its depth is 5^ inches. The handle is 7 inches
long, and there are five raised and turned rims on the bottom. It is
turned in the inside, in which respect, as well as its general appearance,
it resembles a bronze patella found in Teviotdale, presented to the
National Museum by Dr J. A. Smith, and figured in the Proceedings of
the Society (vol. iv. p. 598).
Two vessels of the same character, the one within the other, were found
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124 PROCKEDINGB OF THJS BOCIKTY, HARCH 1865.
in a mo68 near Friars Carse in Dumfriesshire, in 1790. The largest one
has engraved or stamped on its handle the letters ansikphabb. They are
figured in the ArchaBologia, vol. xi. p. 105. Another similar vessel, which
formed one of a remarkable collection of ornaments of the Boman period,
found in the county of Durham about the beginning of last century, now
in the British Museum, has on its handle the letters matb * vab * dvbitJ
Other two bronze dishes have each been hammered up into form out
of a single piece, and to one an iron handle has been rivetted. They
resemble bronze culinary dishes found at Bodingfield, in Essex, figured
in Archadologia, vol. xvi« p. 364. They are about 14 inches across by 3
or 4 in depth, and one of them is figured on Plate X. fig. 1. A third
is formed of two separate pieces welded together. It has obviously
been much used on the fire, and bears many marks of rude mending by
rivets.' It has had an iron handle for lifting it, and it measures 10 inches
across by 3 in depth. (See Plate X. fig. 1.)
The iron hammers have a great resemblance to those found with
Boman remains at Grreat Chesterfield, in Essex, in 1854, and figured in
the Archaeological Journal for 1856. Iron hammers of a^ somewhat
similar shape have been found in some of the Swiss deposits. An iron
hammer was found on a fortified island in Carlinwark Loch, and specimens
occur in the Irish crannogs. The axes figured on the column of Trajan
are generally narrow at one end, and expand into a wide cutting edge at
the other, and do not resemble those found at Dowalton.
The ring of bronze has obviously been rivetted to another object of
the same metal, of which a fragment remains. It so exactly resembles
one of two rings attached to a large Irish caldron, presented to our
Museum by the late Mr Leckie of Paisley, and to those of another caldron,
formed of plates of hammered bronze, rivetted together with pins of the
same metal, found under twelve feet of bog in the barony of Famey, in
Ulster, and figured in Mr Shirley's "Account of the Dominion of
Famey" (p. 185), that I cannot doubt of its having been originally
attached to a vessel of the same description. A similar ring formed part
of the mass of bronze relics dredged from the Loch of Duddingston.
The largest glass bead has a core of bronze, and is finely milled on u
projecting band of yellow glass on each neck (Plate X. fig. 4).
* Arch»ological Journal, vol. viii. p. 87.
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800TTI8H ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 125
Such beads of glass, and amber, are often found in cists, and occasion-
ally in Picts' bouses.
Enamelled glass armlets, like tbose found at Dowalton, are of very
rare occurreDce. Two specimens are in tbe National Museum, of wbich
one was discovered in tbe Flanders Moss, in Stirlingshire, and the other
was found, with a necklace of jet banging from it, in a sepulchral cairn
at Bogbead, near Eintore, in Aberdeenshire.
Part of a similar armlet was recently discovered in excavating one of
the but circles at Greaves Ash, in Northumberland.
The stamped piece of leather seems to have formed part of a mocassin
OT shoe (Plate X. fig. 5).
All these remains seem to be associated witb an early period. The cop-
per coin is of doubtful character, but does not appear to be of great age ;
as, however, it may have been dropped into the loch at any time, its occur-
rence does not disturb any inference which may be drawn from tbe general
character of tbe deposits. The coin was found near the third small island.
The general plan of construction of Scottish crannog islands, was
different from that of the crannogs in the Loch of Dowalton and the
White Loch of Mertoun.
The island in tbe Loch of Forfar, known as Queen Margaret's Inch,
was discovered in 1781, on the partial drainage of the loch, when it lost
ten feet of its depth. The island was formed in very deep water, by
driving oak piles into the bottom, and heaping on them a prodigious
quantity of stones, with a considerable stratum of earth above all. A
layer of heather was laid below the stones ; and the island which, about
fifty years ago, measured about 450 feet in length by 150 in breadth, was
surrounded by piles of oak. Dr Jamieson, who then described the struc-
ture, believed that it bad been reached from the shore by a drawbridge,
over a ditch which separated the island from the north side of the loch.
The drougbt of 1864 brought to light a sort of causeway, leading
from tbe west end of the island. It was traced for about 100 yards ; and
it is supposed that it turned to the shore on one side, the popular belief
being that it formed a way of escape in former times. As, however, it
must have formerly been under a great depth of water, it seems doubtful
for what purpose it may have been designed.
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126 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAKCH 1865.
Two islands in Carlinwark Loch, in,Gral1oway, discovered in 1765, are
described as having been formed by strong piles of wood driven into the
moss or marl, on which were placed large frames of black oak, covered
with soil.* On inquiry, I learn that neither of them are now visible, being
covered with mud, and, when the Dee flows into the loch, with water also,
but that they are known to be composed of earth and stones, resting on
oak beams.
The island in the Loch of Einellan, parish of Contin, Boss-shire, is
said to be formed of logs of oak, on which soil seems to have been
heaped, till it emerged above the surface. It was of a nature to bear
a house of strength, which came to be built upon it.'
Of this island, Mr J. H. Chalmers, advocate, Aberdeen, notes, in a
letter to me, —
" The island has along the south, west, and north sides a rough facing
or embankment of stones about as large as one strong man could lift.
Inside this bulwark, at a distance of some feet from it, there may still
be traced, more or less completely all round the island, the remains of
an enclosing wall. Along the west side of the island are several wooden
piles of oak driven into the bed of the loch, just outside the stone bul-
wark. The piles seem to have been squared ; and one pile, which pro-
jected almost horizontally from the bulwark, had a hole in the end;
holes also appeared in some of the vertical piles, suggesting the occur-
rence of mortising. Some large masses of rock, lying on the south
side opposite the island, would seem to suggest that there had been a
pier opposite to what was a landing-place on the island.''
The isle of the Loch of Banchory, Kincardineshire, was found to be
composed of earth and stones, resting on a foundation of oak and birch
trees, and was surrounded by oak piles.
The following interesting details of this crannog are taken from Mr
Robertson's paper : —
** Before the recent drainage of the Loch of Leys — or the Loch of Ban-
chory, as it was called of old — the loch covered about 140 acres, but, at
some earlier date, had been four or five times as large. It had one small
island, long known to be artificial, oval in shape, measuring nearly 200
feet in length by about 100 in breadth, elevated about 10 feet above the
J New Stat. Acconnt, Kirkcudbrightshire, p. 154. * Ibid., Roes-shire, p. 288.
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Proeeedingi Society of ArUiquarie$ of Scollard.
PLATE XUL
nc. 2.
Fig. 3.
(Height. 11 Inches ) (Height, 9 Inches.)
Found In the Loch of Banchon-.
Fie. 1.
(Full size )
Found in the Loch of Forfar.
Fig 4.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 6.
Found in the Loch of Banchon*.
(Height. lOi inchen.)
Found in Loch Cannior.
ARTICLES FOUND IN CRANNOGS IN SCOTLAND. (^ r\r\n\o
Table-man (1) and Bronze Vensils (./-«). Digitized by VjiJiJ V IV^
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS."
127
bottom of the loch, and distant about 100 yards from the nearest point
of the mainland. What was discovered, as to the structure of this islet,
will be best given in the words of the gentleman, of whose estate it is a
part, Sir James Horn Burnett, of Crathes. In a communication which
he made to this Society in January 1852, and which is printed in the
first part of our Proceedings, he quotes from his diary of the 23d July
1850, as follows, — * Digging at the Loch of Leys renewed. Took out
two oak trees laid along the bottom of the lake, one five feet in circum-
ference and nine feet long; the other shorter. It is plain that the
foundation of the island has been of oak and birch trees laid alternately,
and filled up with earth and stones. The bark was quite fresh on the
trees. The island is surrounded by oak piles, which now project two or
three feet above ground. They have evidently been driven in to protect
the island from the action of the water.'
Isle op the Loch of BANcnoEY. — Fig. 1 (General View of Site).
" So far this exactly answers the description of the Irish craunog, and
the resemblance is completed by the remains which were found below
the surface. These were the bones and antlers of a red deer of great
size, kitchen vessels of bronze, a millstone (taking the place of the
quern in the Irish crannogs), a small canoe, and a rude, flat bottomed
boat, about nine feet long, made, as in Ireland and Switzerland, from one
piece of oak. Some of the bronze vessels were sent to our Museum by
Sir James Burnett, and are now on the table. Here, too, are drawings
of the place, for which I am indebted to the kindness of an accomplished
lady of the neighbourhood. One shows the general appearance of the
island as it now is, since the bottom of the lake was turned into corn
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128
PR0CF.EDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
land. The other gives us a bird'»-eye view of the surface of the cran-
DOg, which you will see had been occupied by a strong substantial
building. This has latterly been known by the name of the Castle of
Leys, and tradition, or conjecture, speaks of it as a fortalice, from which
the Wauchopes were driven during the Bruces* wars, adding, that it was
the seat of the Bumets until the middle of the sixteenth century, when
they built the present Castle of Crathes. A grant of King Bobert I. to
the ancestors of the Bumets includes locum de Banchory cum tnaula
ejusdem. The island again appears in record in the year 1619, and in
Isle of the Loch of Banchoby. — Fig. 2 (Surface of Crannog).
1654 and 1664, under the name of ' The Isle of the Loch of Banchory.'
Banchory itself, I may add, is a place of very ancient note. Here was
the grave of one of the earliest of our Christian missionaries — St Teman,
archbishop of the Picts, as he is called in the old Service Books of the
Church, which add that he received baptism from the hands of St
Palladius. Along with St Ternan's Head and St Ternan's Bell, called
* The Ronnecht,* there was preserved at Banchory, until the Reformation,
# a still more precious relic, one of four volumes of the Gospel which had
belonged to him, with its case of metal wrought with silver and gold."
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS/' 129
The craoDog in Dhu Locb, Isle of Bute, coDsisted of a surrounding
wall, formed of double rows of piles, 4J feet asunder, the intermediate
spaces having been filled up with beams of wood, some of which remain.
The island within this external wall was formed of turf and moss covered
with shingle.
An island in Loch Tummell is formed of stones resting on a founda-
tion of beams, with a causeway leading to it from the side of the loch.
There is a fragment of a stronghold on it, said to have been erected by
DuDcan the First of the Clandonachaidh, in which it is believed that
King Bobert Bruce and his Queen were sheltered during their wander-
ings.
An island in the west end of Loch Bannoch is believed to be formed
of stones similarly disposed, on which there is a tower, erected in the
present generation. There is a causeway leading to the island from the
Strowan, or south side of the loch, which is said to be fordable in summer.
In Loch Kinder, in the parish of New Abbey, there is an artificial
island. It is formed of stones which rest on a frame of large oaks.^
In the Loch of Moy, Inverness-shire, is an artificial island, formed in
the same way, of stones resting on piles. It is called EUan-na-Glack,
the SUmey Island.
The small island recently discovered in the Loch of Sanquhar was
formed of beams of wood, supporting a quantity of stones, the whole
being surrounded by piles. The crannog in Loch Canmor, Aberdeen-
shire, was formed by driving oak piles into the bed of the loch, and filling
up the enclosed space with stones, crossed with horizontal beams.
Of the Irish Crannogs, we learn from Mr Mulvany, Commissioner of
Public Works in Ireland, an attentive explorer of these remains, that
the general constructive features are very much alike in all. They are
surrounded by stakes driven generally in a circle, from sixty to eighty
feet in diameter, a considerable length of the stakes projecting over
the ground, and were probably joined together by horizontal branches
interlaced so as to form a screen. The portions of the stakes which
were above ground have been destroyed by time ; but the portions
» Old Stat. Ace., Dumfriesahire, vol. ii. p. 189.
VOL. VL PART I. I
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130 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
remainiDg below grouDd, particularly where the stratum is pure peat,
are generally very sound at the heart, and have become as black as the
oak usually found in bogs. The foundation within the stakes is generally
of one or two layers of round logs, cut into lengths of from four to
six feet, over which are layers of stone, clay, and gravel. In some
cases, where the foundation is soft, the layers of timber are very deep.
In other cases, where the ground is naturally firm, the platform of
timber is confined to a portion of the island. In almost every case a
collection of flat stones appears near the centre of the enclosure, having
marks of fire on them, and apparently having served as hearths. In
some cases several hearths have been found on one island. Considerable
quantities of bones are generally found upon or around the island, being
apparently those of deer, black cattle, and hogs ; and, in almost every
case, one or more pairs of quern stones have been found within the en-
closure.*
A section of one of the crannogs in Loughrea, county of Gidway, shows
at the bottom squared oak beams, above which is a layer of branches, and
trunks of oak trees, then large stones, above which are layers of peat
and marl, and above all a surface of loose stones laid in regular order.'
A section of another crannog in Tonymore Lough, county of Gavan,
gives the following arrangement, — beginning at the surface, which was
of clay ; then ashes, with small stones and sand ; next bones and ashes,
with lumps of blue and yellow olay ; then a quantity of* grey ashes ; and
lastly horizontal beams and hazel branches resting on the peat bottom.'
Dr Reeves thus describes a crannog in Loughtamand, county of Antrim,
— it was found to be formed of piles, from seventeen to twenty feet long,
driven into the bed of the lough. They were bound together at the top
by horizontal oak beams, into which they were mortised, and secured in
the mortise by stout wooden pegs. Above the piles, was a surface of
earth of several feet in depth, on which a stone house, which was said
to have been a stronghold of the McQuillans, was erected. Near the
island a canoe was discovered, and there was also a paved causeway of
stone leading from the margin of the loch to the island.^
1 Proceedings R. I. A. vol. v., App. p. xliv. 2 jbid. vol. viii. p. 414.
* Proceedings R. I. A. vol. viii. p. 277. * Ibid. voL vii. pp. 166-166.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 131
While the conBtruction of the DowaltoD Islands differs from that
""adopted in the Irish crannogs, and in other islands in Scotland, there are
many points of analogy between them. The situation of Dowalton— a
loch amid marshefs and embosomed in wood — is that of most of the Irish
structures. The rath on the adjoining height, — probably one of a larger
number, — affords also an instance of agreement with the Irish plan.
The concurrence of raths and crannogs in the same neighbourhood has
been so often obserred in Ireland, that the remains have come to be
associated with each other, and it has been supposed that the islands
were used as places of retreat for the dwellers in the raths.
In Tonymore Lough, in Gavan, are three crannogs, and the rising
ground on either side is crowned with a rath, while lesser raths are in
the neighbourhood. In Loughrea, county of Galway, are four crannogs,
with twenty- one raths in the neighbourhood.
Gloonfree, one of the three lakes containing crannogs near to Strokes-
town, county of Roscommon, is close to the raths which formed the royal
residence of the kings of Gonnaught ; and around Ardakillin, another of
these lakes, are three earthen raths.
It is probable that similar remains will be found in the neighbourhood
of the Scotch lochs containing stockaded islands, where they have not
been obliterated by cultivation ; and that such island retreats are to be
regarded as the centres of a neighbouring population.^
^ Since this passage was written, I have selected from Mr Robertson's Notes the
foUowing passages, descriptive of a crannog in Loch Lomond, which show its neigh-
bourhood to a stone cashel on the shore, and preserve a tradition which ascribes the
erection of both structures to the same hands : —
Qraham of Duchray, writing in 1724, tells that the founder of a cyclopean castel
called the Giant's Castle, on the north-eastern shore of Loch Lomond, built beside
it an artificial island. *' This Keith Maclndoill," he says, " notwithstanding the
great number of natural isles in the loch, was, it seems, so curious as to found an
artificial island, which is in the loch at a little distance from the point on which the
old castle stands, founded on large square joists of oak, firmly mortised in one an-
other, two of which, of a prodigious size (in each of which there are three large
mortises) were disjoined from the float in 1714, and made use of by a gentleman in
that country who was then building a house." The account of Buchanan of Auchmar,
who wrote about the same period, is somewhat more circumstantial *' A small isle,"
he says, '* lying at a little distance from the north shore of that loch, near a point of
i2
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132 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
It seems obvious that the crannogs both of Ireland and bcotiand
were, in their idea, rather fastnesses and keeps than places of perma-
nent residence ;^ as a general rule they were inaccessible except by means
of a boat,^ but a few of them were approached by causeways. Until a few
land called Row of Gashill, is known to be founded upon a float of timber, quhicb,
in the summer 1715, was dearly discovered by one Walker, who, with his boat pass-
ing this isle, observed one end of a large square oak joist below the island, quhich,
with another of the same sort, he found means to get up, both being of a prodigious
bigness ; the manner of joining that large float being thus : There wero in the one
joist three or four large square mortises, and in the other ane equal number of
plancks proportional to the mortises, and joined so firmly together as if all were one
solid piece, upon which this isle was built. . . . Upon the row, or point of
land next adjacent to this isle, is the ruin of an old building called Castle-na-fean, or
the Giant's Castle. It is built of a round form, being near sixty paces in circum-
ference. . . . The stones are of a hard blue whin, made mostly quadrangular,
and of that prodigious bigness as clearly evinces the strength of the builders, seeing
in place of art. all seems to be performed by main force. The inhabitants of this
building seem to be those who were so needlessly curious as to build the above-
mentioned island." — Mr Robertson's Notes, quoting Nimno*» History of Stirlingthire,
pp. 693-696, edit 1817.
' The following instructive notice extracted by Mr Robertson from the Register of
the Privy Council, associates crannogs with houses of defence and strongholds : —
** Instructions to Andro bischop of the Yllis, Andro lord Steuart of Vchiltrie, and
James lord of Bewlie, comptroller, conteining suche overturis and articles as they sail
propone, to Angus M'ConeiU of Dunnyvaig and Hector M'Clayne of Dowart for tlie
obedyence of thame and thair clanis. 14 Aprilis 1608.
That the haill houssis of defence strongholdis and cranokU in the Yllis perteining to
thame and their foirsaidis sal be delyverit to his Maiestie and sic as his Heynes sail
appoint to ressave the same to be vsit at his Maiesty's pleasour
That they sail forbeir the vse and weiring of all kynd of armour outwith thair
houssis especiallie gunis bowis and twa bandit swordis, except onlie ane handit
swordis and targei8."--i?<ywr. Seereti Concilii : Acta penes Marchiorum et Iniularttm
Ordinem, 1608-1628, pp. 4, 6.
2 A.D. 1486. The crannog of Loch Laoghaire was taken by the sons of Brian
O'Neill. On their arrival, they set about constructing vessels to land on the crannog,
in which the sons of Brian Oge then were : on which the latter came to the resolution
of giving up the crannog to O'Neill, and made peace with him. (Annals of the Four
Masters, vol. iv. p. 907.) The solitary island in Loch Earn, called Neish's Island, is
said to have been surprised, in the time of James V., by the Macnabe in a similar way.
The Neishes felt secure in their island from its inaccessibility, but their enemies
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANN0G8." 133
centuries ago, the Irish lakes in which the islands were constructed
were emhosomed in dense forests. The country was intersected in all
directions, especially in Ulster, by bogs and morasses ; so that in some
cases, as at Kilknock Locli, in Antrim, the edge of the loch could only
be reached on a causeway through the surrounding bog.
The early notices of crannogs in the Irish Annals are connected
with scenes of strife, when, as is frequently the case, the island of the
weaker party is said to "have been burned down and destroyed. The
term applied to them in the Ulster Inquisitions of 1605 is " insula forti-
ficata;'' and in answer to an inquiry made by the Lords of Queen
Elizabeth's Council in 1567, as to " what castles or forts O'Neil hath,
and of what strength they be," it was answered " that for castles h«
trusteth no point thereunto for his safety and that fortification
that he only dependeth upon is in sartin ffreshwater loghes in his
country ; ... it is thought that there in ye said fortified islands lyeth
all his plate w*** is much, and money, prisoners and gages ; w^** islands
hath in wars before been attempted, and now of late again by the Lord
Deputy, then Sir Harry Sydney, w'** for want of means for safe conduct
upon y* water it hath not prevailed." (Quoted in Shirley's Account of
the Territory or Dominion of Farney, p. 93.)
It is recorded of Brian Borumha, under a.d. 1013, ''multa propugna-
cula et insulas firmis munimentis vallavit." — Annah of the Four Masters
{O'Donovans Ed%t,\ vol. ii. p. 770, note.
It is plain, however, from the extensive remains which have been
found around some of the crannogs, that they had been places of residence,
and scenes of busy industry for long periods, and at various times.
The great masses of bones around and upon the large island at
Dowalton, would alone have suggested that they were the remains of
long occupation, or of occasional occupation frequently repeated. They
are, however, not to be compared with the deposits about some of the
Irish Islands, from two of which (in Loughrea) three hundred tons of
bones have been collected.
There can be Uttle doubt that in such cases, if not in all. wooden huts
carried a boat from Loch Tay over the hills, and were thus enabled to reach the
island.
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134 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MABCH 1865.
had been erected on the surface of the islands, although none of these
have been preserved in their complete state.
The county of Monaghan, formerly Mac Mahon's country, contained
many crannogs in the small lakes which occur in every district. They are
particularly noticed in the early maps of the county (in the State Paper
Office) as " The Hand/' with the addition generally of the name of the
chief who resided in each. At Monaghan, we have '^ The Hand — Mac
Mahon's house/' represented as a mere hut, occupying the whole site of a
small island in one of the lakes adjoining the present town.
The residence of Ever Mac Cooley Mac Mahon, chief of the celebrated
district of Farney, in Mac Mahon's country, in the reigns of Elizabeth
and James I., was at Lisanisk (close to the town of Carrickmacross),
and is marked in Jobson's map, made in 1591, as '* The Hand — Ever
Mac Cooley's house." The foundations of this ancient residence were
discovered in the autumn of 1843. Seven feet below the present surface
of the earth, in the little island at Lisanisk, and two feet below the pre-
sent water level of the lake, a double row of piles was found sunk in the
mud ; the piles were formed of young trees, from 6 to 12 inches in dia-
meter, with the bark on. The area thus enclosed, from which we may
judge of the size of the house, was 60 feet in length, by 42 in breadth.'
Some crannogs in the south of the county of Londonderry were be-
sieged in the Irish wars in the time of Charles I. One at Lough in-
sholin was garrisoned by Shane O'Hagan.^ On his refusal to surrender,
the enemy contrived to flood the island. '' The garrison kept watch in
the island house, and one of their men was killed by a cannon ball while
on watch. However, they refused to surrender the island on any terms.
One man in attempting to swim away had his leg broken. The enemy
at length departed."
It seems plain that, in this case, the elevation of the hut on the
island, saved the garrison from the effect of the flooding.
Two years afterwards, viz., in 1645, we read that the people of
O'Hagan burned the Inis O'Lynn for want of provisions, and followed the
general eastward.
J Mr Shirley in Arch. Journal, vol. iii. pp. 46, 46.
2 Friar CMellan's Irish Journal of the Rebellion of 1642, quoted by Dr Reeves.
Proceedings of Royal Irish Academy, vol- vii. pp. 167-8.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR '' CRANNOGs/' 135
It is not improbable that the cabins in Mac Mahon's islands, and
*' the island hoase " just referred to, were of the same construction as a
curious wooden house discovered in 1833 in Drumkelin Bog, county of
Donegal, under a depth of 26 feet of bog. On an examination by Cap-
tain Mudge of the Boyal Navy, who has given a description of this
house, with drawings, in " Aroha^logia*' (vol. xxvi. p. 361), it appeared to
be only one portion of a collection of houses covered by the bog. It
consisted of a square structure, 12 feet wide and 9 feet high, with a flat
roof. The framework was composed of upright posts and horizontal
sleepers, mortised at the angles. These frames contained planks laid
edgewise one upon another, the lower one being fixed in a groove cut in
the thick sleeper at the bottom. The marks of cutting in the mortises
and grooves corresponded with the size and shape of a stone chisel
found on the floor of the house.
The structure was surrounded by a staked enclosure, portions of the
gates of which were discovered. A paved causeway, resting upon a
foundation of hazel bushes and birchwood, led for some distance from
the house to a hearthstone, on which a quantity of ashes and charred
wood remained, and near to it several large logs of wood half burned,
and also pieces of bog-turf partly burnt. Dr Beeves gives a notice of a
crannog in Kilknock Lough, county of Antrim, on which a wooden hut
was placed, constructed of oak beams. These, however, were removed,
aud used as part of the roof of a neighbouring barn, before any correct
description of the structure was recorded.'
One of the timbers from Toneymore has a mortise cut in its centre, 8
inches by 5, and has been supposed by Dr Wilde to have formed a
portion of one of the crannog-houses on the island.*
On one of the four crannogs in Lough Bea, county of Galway, an
upright beam was mortised into a horizontal one. From the upright
beam stakes ran away as if to form a partition.' Mr Mulvany heis also
reported, that in many cases, pieces of oak framing have been found
with mortises and cheeks cut io them. Some of these appear to have
been portions of an ordinary door frame, but others are portions of a
heavy frame, the use of which does not appear so evident.*
' Proceedings B. I. A. vol. vii. p. 164. * Ibid. voL viii. p. 290.
* Ibid. vol. viii. p. 419. * Ibid. vol. v. p. xlv.
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136 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
Some of the the numerous mortised beams and frames of oak rafters
on the island at Dowalton correspond to the descriptions of those which
formed the wooden house in Drumkelin Bog; and I think it most probable
that they, as well as the morticed and grooved beams described by Mr
Mulvany, formed the framework of the huts which had originally been
placed on the islands. At Dowalton these frames were numerous and
of varying size, some of them of a length which suggested to Lord Percy
their resemblance to a modern Gralloway gate ; and in some of them, as
I have stated, there appeared traces of wattling. Such objects could
hardly have been required in the construction of the body of the islands,
although the position of some of them on the margin led Lord Percy to
the conclusion that they had been there used as breakwaters. In Irish
crannogs, wooden logs have frequently been found resting on the layers
of which the under part of the islands were formed, and the mortised
hurdles at Dowalton were found lying as if they might have been used
for such a purpose. But it seems unlikely that objects requiring such
an expenditure of skill and labour would have been there used for a
pjarpose, which was elsewhere accomplished by undressed logs as a floor
for any necessary superstructure.
If any of the mortised beams at Dowalton can be regarded as portions of
wooden huts, their confused condition may have been the result of their
violent overthrow by an agent which threw them to the south-east side.
Such overthrow was occasionally the result of a tempest of wind, as we find
it recorded of an Irish crannog in a.d. 990, " the wind sunk the island of
Loch Cimbe suddenly, with its dreach and rampart, t.c, thirty feet."*
Dr Gregor of Nairn, a fellow of this Society, has recently brought
under our notice a curious wooden house, of which the walls were formed
of oak beams, with a steep-pitched roof of oak rafters, in the Loch of the
Clans, on the estate of Kilravock, in Nairnshire. Its foundation was
surrounded by piles, and covered by a cairn of stones.
Our late colleague, Mr John Mackinlay, in describing a crannog in
the Dhu Loch in Bute, remarks, that at the south-east corner of the
island is an extension of it, formed by small piles and a framework of
* Annals of the Four Masters, vol. ii. p. 727. At Dowalton the prevailing winds
are from the west, and the trees which have heen blown down have fallen to the
r/isiward. Most of the mortised frames were found on the south-east side.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 137
timbers, laid across each other in the manner of a raft. It appeared to
Mr Mackinlay to have formed the foundation of some wooden erection,
which was destroyed by fire, as the tops of the piles were charred.
The absence of any farther definite traces of island huts cannot be
used as an argument for proving that they were not originally con-
structed, as the natural decay of timber not under the protection of the
water or mud, would be sufficient to account for their disappearance.
At the period when the islands were constructed, the surroundiug piles
would have projected some way above the surface of the water, thus
formiug a palisade which seems in some cases to have been strengthened
by horizontal beams laid on it, and was probably closed by interlacing
branches or wicker work, as in one of the crannogs in Lough Bea.
The use of wooden piles for defence was common among the Britons
when they came under the notice of Caesar. The oppidum of Cassievel-
launus is described by the Boman Greneral as being ^^ Sylvis paludibusque
munitum,'' and by Orosius '* inter duas paludes situm, obtentu insuper
sylvarum munitum." Cesar adds, " oppidum autem Britanni vocant,
quum sylvas impeditas vallo atque fossa munierunt, quo, incursionis
hostium vitandae causa, convenire consuerunt."*
When Caesar arrived at the Thames, *^ripa autem acutis sudibus
praefixis munita; ejusdemque generis sub aqua defixas sudes flumine
tegebantur."* According to Venerable Bede, some of these stakes re-
mained till his day, when they were about the thickness of a man's thigh,
and being cased with lead, remained fixed immoveably in the bottom of
the river.*
It seems probable that our own Kenneth Mac Malcolm, nearly a
thousand years afterwards, took the same means of strengthening the
fords of the Forth, as we are told in the Chronicle of the Scots, '^ vallavit
ripas vadorum Forthin." *
Perhaps we may recognise a palisaded crannog in the description by
Boece of a Scottish ** munitio," in the time of the Roman conflicts in
this country. In Boece's own words it is called ^* tumulus quidam in
1 MoDumenta Hist Brit pp. xxxiii, Ixxix. ' Ibid. p. xxxii.
^ Hist Ecc. lib. i. cap. 2. ♦ Innes' Essay, vol. ii. p. 7b8.
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138 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
paludoso loco, equitibus invio, situs. Cui, crebris succisis arboribus, omnes
introitus, uno duntaxat excepto, praecluserant.*' Bellenden's conception
of the passage is thus expressed, " the Bomanis went forwart to assailye
this munitioun of Scottis with thair horsmen ; bot it wes sa circulit on
ilk side within ane mos, that na horsmen micht inyaid thaim ; and it
had na out passage bot at ane part quhilk was maid be thaim with
flaikis, scherettis, and treis." ^
Palisades are found in the most ancient forts in Ireland, but there they
are formed of sharp stones. Thus the cyclopean walls of Dun ^ngus,
and other forts in the south isles of Arran, county of Galway, are sur-
rounded by a chevaux defrUe of sharp pillars.
The monastic establishments of an early period consisted, like that at
lona described by Adamnan, of a church, with a number of detached
huts for the monks, all within an enclosure, and we are told that the
walls of these structures were of hurdle work. The early Irish and
Saxon monasteries were on the same plan. Many of the former were
erected within the raths which were conceded by chiefs to the Church,
and St Monenna's establishments in Scotland were placed on the
tops of fortified hills. Wilfrid's monastery at Oundle was surrounded
"magna saepi spinea;" several of the royal residences bf Charlemagne
are described as "circumdatsB cum sepe,'' and the enclosure as "cur-
tem tunimo circumdatam desuperque spinis munitam cum porta lignea.'*'
The idea of pallisaded fortifications is unquestionably a primitive one,
although its use, with some modifications, was thus long continued.
Some of the Irish crannogs are placed, not on artificial islands, but
on natural shallows of clay or marl, connected with the shore by piled
causeways, and some of the Scotch structures are of the same character.
Thus the island on which the fort in Loch Quein, Isle of Bute, is placed,
is described as being of natural formation, and fenced with a wall of
stones instead of palisades. Two rows of piles extend from it to the
shore, on which a causeway had rested.
In the Carlinwark Loch near Kirkcudbright, are both artificial and
natural islands. One of the latter, called the Fir Isle, was surrounded
1 Book i?. cap. 8, vol. i. p. 117. ' Pertz. Alonumeuta German, vol. i. p. 179.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICTAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 139
by a stone rampart, and was reached from the shore by a causeway of
stones, secured by strong piles of oak.^
Many of the strengths in the Hebrides, in Sutherland, Caithness, and
the Orkney Islands, are placed on natural shallows, surrounded by water
and i^proached by causeways ; but there, no piling appears.
In many of the larger lochs of Ireland, the crannogs are found in
groups of two, three, and four. We haye parallel groups of crannogs in
Dowalton. There were four fortified islands in Carlinwark Loch, of
which two were artificial. There were two in the Loch of the Clans.
There were at least two fortified islands in Loch Canmor, of which one
was artificial ; and the same arrangement occurred in the Loch of Forfar.
Single crannogs have been found in the Loch of Banchory, in the Dbu
Loch, and Loch Quein. In the course of 1864 a crannog was discovered
in the Black Loch of Sanquhar. This is now a very small sheet of
water, being about 100 yards in length, by 60 in breadth. The island in
the centre is a circular structure of piles and stones, measuring from
10 to 15 yards in diameter. A causeway led from the island to the
side of the loch, and a canoe, of about 15 feet in length, was found in
the loch.
The objects found on the Irish islands comprehend specimens of
almost everything found on those at Dowalton, and show the same com-
bination of articles of personal ornament with such homely objects as
querns and the like. Querns and hones are of almost universal occur-
rence.
Several pieces of iron slag were found on one of the crannogs in Tonny-
more Loch. In the same crannog were found a variegated enamel bead,
1 While these sheets are passing throngh the press, an interesting discovery, made
in the Loch of Carlinwark, by Mr Samuel Gordon, of Castle Douglas, and a friend,
has been communicated to me by Mr Gordon. While fishing in the loch in a boat,
at a spot near to the Fir Isle, on the 2l8t of June 1866, they discovered in the mud a
large bronze cauldron, of about 2} feet in diameter at the top, formed of separate
pieces riveted together, and patched in many places in the same manner. It was
found to contain numbers of spear and dagger points, axes, hammer-heads, horses'
bits, portions of chain armour (of very small links), and a lot of armourers' tools, all
of iron, with some small objects and fragments of bronze.
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140 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866
a large irregularly-shaped amber bead,* a smaller one of enamel paste,
and a small blue glass bead ; several small earthen crucibles, supposed
to be for gold smelting. Amber and blue glass beads were found in the
crannog on Lough-na-Glack, county Monaghan.' At Ardakillan a brass
bowl, hammered out of the solid, was found, and two brass vessels most
curiously rivetted together. A portion of a leather sandal was found in
the wooden house in Drumkelin Bog before referred to. Brooches,
bracelets, and pins of bronze, were found at Ardakillan, as also buckles,
some of which contained pieces of enamel and Mosaic work. A brazen
pot and three brass bowls were found at Dunshaughlin ; but although
large bronze caldrons are frequently found in Irish bogs, I observe hardly
any mention of the bronze dishes, pots, or '^cofifee-pot'' vessels among
the relics of crannogs, which are so frequently found in those of Scot-
land. An iron axe was found at Dunshaughlin.
These are analogous to most of the objects at Dowalton, except the
armlets of enamelled glass found there ; but besides these, there have
been found in some of the Irish crannogs iron chains, metallic mir-
rors, circular discs of turned bone, whorls, shears, bone combs, wooden
combs (of yew), toothpicks, and other articles of the toilet, pieces of
stag's horn sawn across, spearheads of iron, a bronze pin of the same
form as those found at Norrieslaw, &c,^
The circular discs of turned bone above referred to are the table-men
for chess, which, with similar games, was a favourite pursuit of the early
Celtic people.* On the discovery of the crannog in the Loch of Forfar by
drainage, in 1781 , about thirty or forty of these table-men, made of round
pieces of horn, were found. One of these, perforated and ornamented, is
in our Museum* (Plate XIII. ^g, 5), In* the same place, several silver
objects, shaped like ear-rings, were found. There were found at Banchory
> een enam elled glass beads from Dunshaughlin are in the Irish Museum.
* Arch. Jour. vol. iii. p. 48. ^ Arch. Jour. vol. vi. p. 102.
^ Among the objects found on the crannog in Cloonfinlough were horn discs like
backgammon men (Proc. R. I. A. vol. v. p. 209) ; and in a moss in the parish of Parton,
in Galloway, at a depth of twelve feet from the surface, was found a set of seven
*' reel-pins" and a ball, all made of oak, which are now in the Museum of the Anti-
quaries. The pins were found standing just as the players had left them.
^ Among the subsidies due by the Monarch of Ireland to the Ghief of Famey
were six chess-boards. — Book of Lecan^ in Shirley^ t Dominion of Famey ^ p. 11.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 141
bronze vesBels shaped like coffee-pots, and others like modem kitchen
pots (Plate XIll. figs. 2, 3, 4, 5). A similar bronze coffee-pot was
found at Loch Kanmor (Plate XIII. Gg. 6).
It must be remarked, however, that all the Dowalton relics yet dis-
covered must be referred to the occupation of an early period ; while the
remains on many of the Irish crannogs afford evidence of a continued
and late occupation. Thus, while on the island at Cloonfinlough
there were found various relics of bronze, horn combs of great artistic
merit, with a canoe, there were discovered besides, a coin of the Em-
peror Hadrian, coins of the English Edwards', and a coin of James II.
The indications of occupation drawn from the occurrence of coins in
any given locality are always liable to doubt, but are entitled to weight
when they are found in connection with such objects as Mr Shirley dis-
covered at Loch-na-Glack, viz., iron coulters of ploughs, a long gun*
barrel of the sort called a calliver, part of the lock of a pistol, an earthen
pot of Dutch manufacture, with the figure of a man's head below the
spout, used in Ireland during the seventeenth century, and called grey-
beards, with some small Dutch tobacco-pipes.^
Many notices in the Irish annals, some of which I have already quoted,
concur, with these vestiges, to show that crannogs were occupied as for-
tified retreats in the wars of the seventeenth century.'
It has been taken for granted by some that the crannog in Loch
Canmor, in Aberdeenshire, was used for a like purpose about the same
time. It appears, however, that besides the crannog, or artificial island,
there were other three natural islands in the loch. The largest is about
an acre in extent, and on it the traditional castle of Malcolm Can-
more was placed. When I first visited the spot, many years ago, I saw
great rafters of black oak, with the rude mortisings which joined them,
lying on the margin of the loch opposite to this island, which seem to
have formed part of a pier. Wyntown, when describing the battle of
Eilblene, which was fought on the neighbouring moor of that name,
says —
> Arch. Joor. vol. iii. p. 48.
* A.D. 1608— ^Hugh Boy O'Donnell, having been wounded, was sent to Crannog-
na-n-Duini, in Ross Gnill, in the Tnathaa, to be hetAed.^ Annals of the Four Matter*
in UUter Journal of Archaeology^ vol. ii. p. 142.
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142 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCO 1865.
•* Schyr Robert Meyhneis til Caiimore,
Went, quharo he wonnand wes before ;
Tbiddor he went, and in a pel©
He sawfyt hym and hia menyhe welle."
ForduD, in describing the skirmish, says that Menzies was received
** in turre sua de Canraore.* This " pale " occurs in the investitures of
the Huntly estates in the sixteenth century as the " mansion of Loch
Cawnmoir," and was obviously a place of occasional residence of the
Earls of Huntly, being probably used as one of those Highland fastnesses
which most of the Scottish nobles of early times found it useful to possess
in the emergencies which were then frequent, such as the demolition of
their more accessible castles in the low countries. In 1497 Lachlan
M'Intosh of Galowye granted his bond of manrent to the Earl of
Huntly " at Lochtcanmor."^ In 1519 one of the earl's vassals appeared
at " lie Peir de Lochtcanmor" (being the construction of which I saw
the ruined materials), to have presence of the earl, and ask from him
his lands of Kincraigy.^ According to Sir Robert Gordon, the army of
the Scottish Parliament took the Isle of Lochcannor, which the Marquis
of Huntly had fortified,* and in June 1648 the Estates of Parliament
ordained the fortifications of Loch Render to be "slighted."*
*' On one of the frequent pilgrimages which James IV. made to the
shrine of St Duthac at Tain, this tower received the wandering monarch
within its walls, and the treasurer's accounts preserve the expense of
* trussing the king's dogs in the boat when he went to Canmore, and
of a payment to the boatmen for carrying them across."®
All these statements, however, refer to the large island on which the
pele was erected, and not to the artificial island in another part of the
loch.
It has, in the same way, been assumed that a castle, also ascribed to
Malcolm Canmore, was erected on the stockaded island in the Loch of
Forfar. But here also there were other two natural islands, besides
the one of artificial construction, and the castle in question stood on
1 Vol. ii. p. 321. » Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. iv. p. 190.
3 Antiq. of Shires of Aberdeen and Banff, vol, iv. p. 344.
* Hist, of Family of Sutherland, p. 637. » Acts of Pari. vol. vi. p. 826.
s Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. i. p. 259.
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SCOTTISH AUTiriCTAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 143
one of the former. This was on the north side of what is now the
town of Forfar. Qneen Margaret's Inch, as the stockaded island was
called, was nearly equidistant from hoth ends, and the third was called
the West Inch. In the end of last century there remained a con-
siderahle part of a huilding of some sort on the Queen's Inch, and a
structure which is described as '^ an oven," almost entire ; but it was not
the site of the castle of Malcolm Canmore, which is said by Boece to
have been " castellum valde munitum uti ejus docent ruin», undique
pene septum immenso lacu, ubi post deletes Pictos, Scotorum reges, loci
capti amaenitate, sese frequentius continebant (fol. 67).^
Qaeen Margaret's Inch is described in 1781 as almost of a circular
figure, full of trees, and used as a garden, surrounded with water of
many fathoms.* It became accessible from the north side after the
partial drainage which then took place.
For the following historical notices of this " Inch" I am indebted to
Mr Bobertson's Notes : —
" By a charter dated at Kinross 18 July a.d. 1234 King Alex. II.
granted to the monks of Cupar decem mercas annuatim ad sustentationem
duorum monachorum de dome de Gupro qui perpetuo ministrabunt et
divina celebrabunt in insula nostra infra lacum nostrum de Forfar ....
Concessimus item dictis monachis manentibus in dicta insula ad susten-
tationem eorumdem communem pasturam in terra nostra de Tyrbeg ad
sex vaccas et unum equum. Concessimus itaque dictis monachis ut de
terra de Tyrbeg rationabiliter habeant focale ad usus sues proprios et ad
usus eommdem qui extra insulam predicta auimalia sua conservabunt."^
" On the 24th of July 1508, the abbot and convent of Cupar in Angus,
granted for life to Sir Alexander Tumbull, chaplain, their chaplaincy of
St Margaret's Inch, in the Loch of Forfar (capellaniam nostre capelle
Insule Sancte Margarete Scotorum Begine iuxta Forfar), taking him
bound to personal residence ; to see to the building and repair of the
chapel, and houses, (quod diligens sit et assiduus circa structuram et
reparacionem capelle et edificiorum eiusdem) ; to suffer no secular lords
> Monipennie, in his Deecription of Scotland in 1612, says, " the tonne of Forfar,
with an old castle, with a loch and an isle therein with a tonr.'* — Mr RoberUan*8 Note:
« Letter from the Rev. John Ogilvy, Forfar, 26th Jnne 1781.
s Regist. Monast. de Onpro in Angns, MS. at Panmnre.
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144 PR0CEEDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
or ladies, or strangers of any sort or sex, to make their abode in the island
without leave of the abbot and convent asked and given (nee dominos vel
dominas temporales, aut alienos cuiuscunque generis vel sexus recipiat,
ibidem permansuros, sine nostra licentia petita et optenta); to make plan-
tation of trees within and without, and to make works of stones for the
defence and safety of the loch and its trees, lest the trees be overthrown by
the force and violence of the water (eciam dictus capellanus faciat planta-
Clones arborum extra et infra ac constrnet congeries lapidum pro defen-
cione et tuitione laci et arborum eiusdem, ne arbores cum impetu et
violencia aque destruentur.)" *
I have remarked that no weapon of stone or bronze has been found at
Dowalton, and Dr Wilde tells us that " they do not find any flint arrows
or stone celts, and but very few bronze weapons, in the Irish crannoges." *
The remains, however, described by Mr Shirley from the crannogs in
MacMahon's country include stone celts of the common type, a rough
piece of flint, apparently intended for an arrow-head, three bronze celts
with loops on the sides, a dagger and chisel of bronze, two bronze
arrow-heads, double-pointed, the boss of a shield of bronze, bronze
knives,* <fec.
Dr Wilde is inclined to suggest as the probable date of the Irish
crannogs a period " from the ninth to the sixteenth century." *
This may be called the period of their historical existence, but if we
are to judge from the character of some of the remains found on them,
and other circumstances, their origin must be assigned to a period much
earlier.
That they continued to be erected, and even by the English con-
querors of Ireland, in times comparatively recent, we may learn from
a notice in the Irish Annals under the year 1223, to the efiect that
*^ William de Lacy came to Ireland, and made the crannog of Inis
Laegachain ; but the Connacians came upon the island by force, and let
out the people who were on it on parole." ^ This is one instance of
what the Statute of Kilkenny complains of, that many of the English,
1 Regist. Afised. Monast. de Cupro. MS. ^ Proceedings H. I. A. voL vii. p. 162.
3 Arch. Journal, vol. iii. p. 47. * Arch. Journal, vol. vii. p. 149.
^ Annals of the Four Masters, vol. iii. p. 208, note, quoting Annals of Kilronan and
Clonmacnoise.
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8COTTI8H ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANN0G8." 145
forsakiog the English language, maoDers, modes of liTing, laws and
usages, live and govern themselves according to the fashion, manners,
and language of the Irish enemy.
Mr Robertson quotes the following passage from Fordun, which shows
the use of an ''isle'' in Murrayland in a.d. 1211, as a fastness and
store for goods and treasure : —
<' Dominus Bex electorum quatuor millia hominum de exercitu misit,
ut ipsum Grothredum [Macwillam] quaererent, ubi eum latere putabant.
Quibus in campi-doctores praefecit quatuor militares, comites videlicet
Atboliaa et de Buchan, Malcolmum Morigrond, et Thomam de Londy
ostiarium suum : qui pervenientes in quandam insulam, in qua ipse Groth-
reduB victualia congregaverat, et thesauros suos inde asportaverat, cum
Grothredicis congressi sunt ; ubi utrinque ceciderunt interfecti multi ;
plares tamen ex parte rebellium : quorum qui remanserunt, ad proximum
nemus et loca tutiora pro tempore declinarunt. Dominus autem rex,
circa festum S. Michaelis, rediens inde cum manu valida, Malcolmum
comitem de Fyfe Moraviae custodem dereliquit." *
'* Qui Grothredus anno praecedenti. . . • venit ex ^tftemia."*
Fordun, about the same time [1228], records that a Scot, called Grilles-
cop, set fire to sundry '' munitiones ligneas ** in Moray, and killed Thomas
of Thirlestane, a robber, by an unexpected night attack on his '' muni-
tion'^ And if these notices can be held to refer to crannogs, they are
probably the last historical reference to their occupation ; although, no
doubt, islands in lakes may have afforded occasional retreats in troubled
districts to such robbers as Thomas of Thirlestane in much more recent
times. But such casual occupation has nothing in common with the
systematic use of palisaded islands in early times. The use of one lake
island, among the wilds of Strathspey, as a retreat amid the disorders of
the seventeenth century, is preserved in an account of that country,
written about 1680, in which Loch-an-£ilan is described as ''useful to
the country in time of troubles or wars, for the people put in their goods
and children here ; and it is easily defended, being environed with steep
hills and craigs on each side, except towards the east."
Among other points of coincidence between the Scotch and Irish
^ J. de Fordun SootiohroDicon, lib. viii. c. Ixxvi. > Ibid.
* Lib. ix. c. xlvii.
VOL. VI. PART I. K
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146 PROCBEDINQS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
crannogB, I may notice a tradition connected with some of them, com-
mon to both countries, which seems to have arisen from the submersion
of the island houses by the rising of the waters in the lochs. In Lough
Rea, county of ttalway, four crannogs have already been brought to
light, and heaps of regularly placed stones have been observed under
water in the shallow parts of the lake, which may prove to be structures
of the same kind. There is a tradition in the country about Lough Bea,
that " a city lies buried under the lake."
In Carlinwark Loch, near Kirkcudbright, are two natural islands— one
near the north, and the other near the south end. Around the latter
was a rampart of stones, and a causeway secured by piles of oak led from
the island on the north-east to the side of the loch. Close to the side
of the island there was a break in the causeway, in which large beams
of wood remain, and are supposed to have formed part of a drawbridge.
On this island the remains of an iron forge are to be seen. The recent
discovery of armour and armourers' tools near this island have been
previously described.
Canoes were found in various parts of the loch, as also several very
large heads of stags, a capacious brass pan, and a bronze sword.
The loch was drained for marl in the year 1765, when the two arti-
ficial islands, which had previously been under seven feet of water,
emerged. A tradition has always prevailed in the parish that there was
a town sunk, or " drowned," in the loch.*
The analogies between the Scottish crannogs and the Swiss pfahl-
bauten, or pile building, are not many. They had one common idea in
their construction, in that their builders sought for security in the midst
of waters. But the Swiss structures seem chiefly to have been colleo-
tions of villages situated on platforms resting on piles along the shores
of the lakes. These platforms were reached from the shore by gangways
formed on piles, and on the platforms were placed the huts of the
people.
In the year 1860, twenty-six such village sites had been traced in the
Lake of Neufchatel, twenty- four in that of Geneva, and sixteen in that
of Constance. The number of relics of various kinds found on the site
1 New Stat. Accoant of Eelton, Kirkcudbrightshire, p. 154.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANN0G8." 147
of these ancient Tillages is immense. Twenty-four thousand were raised
from one locality, that of Concise, in the Lake of Neufchatel. The ohjects
differ greatly in character in different villages. In some are varieties
of stone implements, many of them fixed in deer-horn hafts, ohjects of
bone and horn, a few ohjects of bronze, an occasional amber bead, rude
pottery ; and great quantities of teeth of the bear, boar's tusks, bones of
the deer and wild boar, of sheep and oxen, and more rarely of a small
species of horse, are found.
At the Nidau Steinberg, in the Lake of Bienne, an extensive collection
of bronze relics was found, consisting of swords, spear-heads, sickles,
celts, rings, and armlets, many of them covered with ornamental designs.
In some cases Boman remains have appeared.
The people were not unacquainted with agriculture, if we may
judge from the occurrence of grains of wheat and barley ; and they had
mats of hemp or flax. All the facts connected with the pfahlbauten
seem to speak of their quiet, long continued occupation by a race of
hunters, farmers, and fishermen, living in considerable communities. It
must be noticed, that we cannot now speak of them merely as Swiss
erections, as they have been found in Savoy, in the lakes of upper
Italy, in Hanover, and Brandenburg, and, as some have said, in Den-
mark.
The idea of the Scottish and Irish crannogs is more that of occasional
retreat, as the strengths of a people driven by an enemy from their
ordinary abodes. It would seem, no doubt, from the numerous and
various remains found on some of the Irish crannogs, that this necessity
of retreat was in many parts of the country an abiding one ; and we learn
from Dr Beeves, that four crannogs in the county of Antrim were each
the accompaniment or head- quarters of a little territorial chieftaincy.
" They were," he says, " the little primitive capitals of the four Irish
tuoghs or districts, which, being combined in pairs about the beginning
of the seventeenth century, went to form two English half baronies,
exactly preserving their main boundaries."* No evidence of late occupa-
tion of this kind appears in regard of any of our known Scottish examples,
nor can we trace their influence in the arrangements of property and
population, in the way just referred to as occurring in Ireland.
> Proceedings Royal Irish Acad. vol. vii. p. 156.
x2
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148 PKOCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETV, MARCH 1865.
But, although in most cases the pfahlbauten were erected on platforms
supported by piles, yet exceptional examples have been found in the
Swiss lakes, of structures which have a good deal more in common with
the crannogs of this country. At Nidau, in the lake of Bienne, where
the great collection of bronze relics was found, an artificial island has
appeared, encircled by piles, with horizontal planks at the bottom, to
retain the stones of which it is composed in their place. Similar attempts
at stone islands appear at Corcelette, and at Concise, in the Lake of
Neufchatel, and still more perfect attempts at crannog constructions
have been found at Inkwyl Lake, near Soleure, at Nussbaumen, in the
canton of Thurgau, and Wauwyl, near Lucerne. To the construction
of this last class the term of packwerk, or fascinen-bau, has been applied
by the Swiss antiquaries.
Still, in the main, the use of piles in Switzerland was for the purpose
of sustaining large platforms, on which whole villages were erected ;
while, in Scotland and Ireland, the piles were used for protecting the
single solid island within them, and forming a palisade for defence
round the margin of the island.
To other points of agreement between the Scottish and Irish systems
of fortified islands, I may add, that canoes hollowed out of single trees
are generally found near the crannogs of both countries. Besides the
canoes which have been found in connection with crannogs in Scotland,
and which were thus originally designed for use on the waters of
the surrounding lochs, others have been discovered in positions which
show that they had been used for sailing on rivers. This will appear
from the following notice of the canoes discovered in Scotland, which I
have prepared for the purpose of comparison, and from which it will be
seen that they vary very much in size, and somewhat in construction.
Of two found in the Lochar Moss, one was 8 feet 8 inches long, by
2 feet in width and 11 inches in depth; the other was 7 feet long.
One found in Loch Doon was 23 feet in length, by 3 feet 9 inches in
greatest breadth. Another measured about 12 feet in length, by 2 feet
9 inches in breadth. The lesser one was square at both ends ; the larger
was square at the stern, with a pointed bow. The stern was a plank
fitted into grooves cut in the solid wood, left thicker for receiving them.
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SCOTTISH AHTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CKANNOGS." 149
The plank was also fastened by two strong pins of wood passing through
well-cut square holes on each side.
One found in 1726, at the mouth of the Carron, under a great depth,
was 36 feet long, by 4 feet in breadth.
^venteen canoes have been found in the ancient bed of the Clyde at
Glasgow. Of the first, which was discovered in digging the foundation
of St Enoch^s Church, at a depth under the surface of 25 feet, the length
is not noted. It contained a stone celt, which may have been used in its
manufacture. Of the others, one, which was formed of several pieces of
oak, though without ribs, was 18 feet in length. One, now in our Museum,
was found at Springfield, on the south bank of the Clyde, at a depth of
17 feet below the surface. It measures 10 feet 4 inches in length, by
22 inches in breadth at the stern, and 9 inches in depth. Another,
found on the same side of the river, was 19J feet in length, 3^ feet in
width at the stern, and 2 feet 9 J inches midway, the depth being 30
inches. Here there was an outrigger fastened into holes in the side by
pins ; a cross seat at the stern, and another in the centre, resting on
supports of solid wood, left in hollowing out the boat. The stern is a
board inserted in grooves. Another vessel found here had a hole in the
bottom, which was stopped with a plug of cork. Another was 13 feet in
length.
In the Loch of Banchory a rude boat was found, about 9 feet long,
made without nails, except two, now in the possession of Sir James Horn
Burnett. A small canoe was also found.
A canoe, found at Castlemilk, in Lanarkshire, was 10 feet in length,
by 2 feet in breadth. One found in the Moss of Knaven, in Aberdeen-
shire, was 11 feet long, by 4 feet broad. One found in draining the loch
at Closeburn, in Dumfriesshire, was 11 feet 9 inches in length, by 29
inches in breadth at the stern, the average depth being 20 inches. The
stern is a plank let into grooves on the sides of the vessel.
Of the Irish canoes, one at Derryhollagh, in Antrim, was 20 feet 9 inches
long, 4 feet 7 inches broad, and 1 foot 8 inches deep. One at Ardakillin
measured 40 feet in length, by 4 feet across the bow.^ One at Druma-
league Lough, county of Leitrim, was 18 feet long, by 22 inches broad,
' Ulster Jour, of Archteol. vol. vii. p. VH.
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150 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
square at stem and stem. One at Cahore, county of Wexford, measured
22 feet in length, 2| feet across at the middle, and 11 inches in depth.
The stern was formed of a separate piece let into a groove. One of this
size was strengthened by three projecting bands or fillets left in the solid
in hollowing the inside.^ One of a lesser class was found in the Bog of
Ardragh, in Monaghan, and is described by Mr Shirley as being 12 feet
long, by 3 feet broad.' It had wooden handles at each end, by which it
could be raised and carried from one loch to another. Mr Shirley de-
scribes another, found in the Lake of Monalty, as 24 feet in length, 3
feet at its greatest breadth, and 13 inches in height.'
A canoe found in Loch Canmor was 22^ feet long, by 3 feet 2 inches
in breadth at the stern.
Canoes are found in the Swiss lakes, but we have not many details of
their measurement. In the Bienne Lake a large canoe, hollowed out of
the trunk of a tree, 50 feet in length, by 3 in breadth, has been dis-
covered at the bottom. It is filled with stones, with which it was pro-
bably freighted, as materials for one of the stone islands found in this
lake ; but smaller boats of the same construction are more common.^
Of the four paddles in the collection of the Boyal Irish Academy, the
largest measures 2 feet 7 inches in length, and is 5^ inches broad in the
blade, the thickness being half an inch. The five paddles (or rudders)
found in the Moss of Bavenstone are all of one size, being 3 feet in
length, by 10 inches in breadth in the blade, the thickness being half
an inch.
It may be noted, that while canoes hollowed out of single trees^ seem
1 Wilde's Catalogue, pp. 203, 204.
2 " Dominion of Famey," where a cut of the canoe ie given in the Index.
3 Arch. Jour. vol. iii. p. 46.
* Wyllie in Archaelogia, vol. xxzviii. p. 180.
^ The mode in which canoes are formed out of single trees at the present day is
thus described by the late Captain 8peke : — *' Sd March 1858. — All being settled, I
set out in a long narrow canoe, hollowed out of the trunk of a single tree. These
vessels are mostly built from large timbers, growing in the district of Uguhha, on
the western side of the lake. The savages fell them, lop off the branches and ends
to the length required, and then, after covering the upper surface with wet mud, as
the tree lies upon the ground, they set fire to and smoulder out its interior, until
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SCOTTISH AUTIFIOIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANN0G8." 151
to have been in universal use in the riyers and lochs by the early in-
habitants both of Scotland and Ireland, there was a different kind of boat
also in use by them, which is alone described by the classical writers.
Pliny> says, " Etiam nunc in Britannico oceano vitiles coreo circumsutas
fiunt," and that when the Britons sail to the Isle Mictim [St Micbaers
Mount?] it is ^' vitilibus navigiis corio ciroumsutis ; " when CsBsar had
to build some vessels after the British fashion, it b said, '* carinae primum
ac statumina ex levi materia fiebant, reliquum corpus navium viminibus
conteztum coriis integebatur.''' Solinus also, speaking of the rough sea
between Britain and Ireland, says that *' navigant autem vimineis alveis
quos circumdant ambitions tergorum tribulorum/''
It appears also from one of the miracles of Ninian, related by his
biographer Ailred, that similar vessels were used on the shores of Gal-
loway.^ One of the scholars, of the saint, fleeing from his discipline,
sought a vessel by which he might sail to Scotland ; for, says the writer,
there is in use in these parts a vessel formed of wicker like a basket,
large enough to hold three passengers. This, being covered by the skin
of an ox, is rendered impenetrable to the water.
The currach, or vessel covered with skins, thus described, is mentioned
by Adamnan as in use in his day. Another class, to which he applies
the term " naves,'' is believed by Dr Beeves to refer to the canoes made
of hollowed trees.^ The building of a currach is minutely detailed in a
passage in the Life of St Brandan, quoted by Dr Reeves: " Fecerunt navi-
culam levissimam, costatam, et columnatum, ex vimine, sicut mos in illis
partibus, et cooperuerant cam coriis bovinis ac rubricatis in cortice
roborina, linieruntque foris omnes juncturas navis.''
The canoe which so generally accompanies the crannog may be held
to mark a very early period, but the currach is said to be still in use on
nothing bnt a cave remains, which they finieh up by paring ont with ronghly-con-
structed hatchets. The seats of these canoes are bars of wood tied transversely to
the length. — ** Journal of a Cruise on the Tanganyika Lake, Central Africa/' Black-
wood*t Magazine, Sept. 1869 [Mr Robertson's Notes].
> Hist. Natrin Monom. Hist. Britan. p. viii. 2 Pe Bell. Civil, i. 64.
3 Hon. Hist. Britann. p. x.
* Vita Niniani, in Pinkerton'a Vitas Antiq. Sanct. cap. x.
* Life of St Columba, p. 170, noU.
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152 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, If ARCH 1866.
the Severn and in many parts of the coast of Ireland, especially of the
counties of Donegal and Clare. Some years ago I saw a currach which
continued to he used on one of the upper reaches of the Spey till a time
comparatively recent.
From the accounts of the early inhabitants of Britain preserved to us
by the Eoman writers, we may fairly picture to ourselves a settlement of
one of their tribes or clans in the neighbourhood of Dowalton, mostly
occupied with the chase, living, when at peace, in the wattled huts
within their raths on the high grounds, and when pressed by danger
betaking themselves to their fastnesses in the waters.^
Of British strengths we find various notices in the pages of a writer,
whose greatness as a general and politician, has, at this long interval,
suggested his Life as a worthy theme for the pen of an Emperor of the
French.
Of one of these, Caesar says^ that it was a place among the woods,
strongly fortified by nature and art, which as it seemed had been pre-
pared beforehand for the purpose of domestic war, as all the entrances
were obstructed by numerous felled trees; and he adds, they themselves
rarely fight out of the woods. He afterwards speaks of the fortified town
of Cassievellaunus,^ in which a considerable number of men and cattle
were collected, and which appears to have been an extensive enclosure
like those on the hill tops at Yevering and Ingleborough in England,
and the Cater thuns in Scotland, in which vestiges of hut circles are
found on the extensive flat platforms on the top, protected by the sur-
rounding walls, which would also have sheltered great numbers of cattle.
In some cases, as at Noath in Aberdeenshire, there is, besides the fort
on the top, another surrounding wall, some way down the hill. The
space between the two walls is of a bright verdure, indicative probably
of its early use for penning cattle, while the heather begins outside of
this lower rampart.
To the same effect Strabo writes, — " Forests are their cities, for having
1 Tbey probably had some grain to be ground in the querns which 'they have left
behind them, but the masses of bones about the islands, would seem to indicate that
the flesh of animals was their mainstay.
2 De Bello GaUico, bb. 6, c. 9. ^ ibid. c. 21.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 153
enclosed an ample space with felled trees, here they make themselves huts
and lodge their cattle, though not for any long continuance.^''
It would seem that we have here described a space surrounded by a wall
and ditch, and probably stockaded with trees, very much of the character
of the pah of New Zealand of the present day ; and it is plain that they
were capable of being well defended, as the pahs proved on the assault of
our own soldiers last year, for on one occasion Caesar's soldiers of the 7tb
legion had to make a testudo, and throw up a mound against the outworks
of one of these strengths, before they could take it.*
In the hilly country of the Silures, the stockaded wall and ditch were
superseded by the use of stones. Caractacus fortified himself against
Ostorius on a rocky height with a vallum or agger of stones: *'rudes et
informes sazorum compages, in modum valli praes-
truit."'
There are many references in the books of the classical writers to the
woods and marshes of the Britons.
Eumenius speaks of the woods and marshes of the Caledonians and
other Picts; and Pliny describes the Caledonian forests (Sylvae Cale-
doniae), as " Bomanorum armis terminus."*
Herodian tells us that Severus, on his expedition into Britain, more
especially endeavoured to render the marshy places stable by means of
causeways, that his soldiers, treading with safety, might easily pass them,
and having firm footing, fight to advantage. He adds, that many parts
of the country being flooded by the tides, became marshy, and that the
natives were accustomed to swim and traverse about in these, and being
naked as to the greater part of their bodies, they contemned the mud.*
Xiphiline, when describing the Caledonians, speaks of their ability to
endure every hardship; and adds, that when plunged in the marshes, they
abide there many days with their heads only out of water.'
The situation of the islands on Dowalton, which combined the advan-
tages of surrounding wood and swamps, completely answers to the Boman
description of a British strength. The loch was in the midst of woods
' Qeogr. lib. iv. ap. Monom. Hist. Brit. p. vii.
» Lib. T. c. 9. » Tacitus Ann. lib. xii. c. 88-86.
* Mon. Hist. Brit. pp. Ixiz. and viii.
» Mon. Hist. Brit p. Ixiv. « Mon. Hist. Brit. p. Ixi.
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154 PROCBBDINGH OF THE 80CIETY, MAKCH 18€5.
mostly of birch and alder ; it had on each end long stretches of swamp,
while on the sides it had rising grounds, which probably were covered
with the lofty oaks out of which the canoes were fashioned.
The district is indeed full of lochs, some of them in groups, and it is
very probable that the site of the mosses in the neighbourhood of Dowal-
ton may also have contained lochs in early days. If so, they no doubt
contained artificial islands also, and this is rendered probable by finding
paddles with portions of beams and querns in the Moss of Bavenstone.i
To the south-west is the White Loch of Mertoun, which, as we know,
contains a stockaded island. In Pontes Survey, there is laid down Loch
^' Remistoun,'' a little way to the south, which may be intended for
" Eavenstone,'' now in moss. On the west is a group of small lochs, called
Loch of Aryoullan, Loch Duif, Loch na Brain. North of them is the Loch
of Mochrum, Loch of Shellachglash, Kraga Loch, Loch Dyrhynyen, Loch
Chraochy, Loch Dyrsnag, Loch Dyrskelby, Loch Bibben, and Loch
Machrymoir. Further to the north are larger lochs, called Loch Bonald,
Kerron Loch, Glassoch Lochs, Loch Mackbary, Loch Uchiltry, Loch
Dornel, and Loch Mowan.
It seems probable that similar structures had been placed in these
lochs, or such of them as were suitable for the purpose.
The locality may thus have been the bead-quarters of a considerable
population, whose presence probably determined the site of the neigh-
bouring Boman station at Whithorn, in the same way as the position of
the British strengths in Northumberland seems to have fixed the track of
the Boman road called the Devil's Causeway, and other Boman works on
the opposite side of the valley of the Breamish and the Till.
Islands, constructed of layers of vegetable substances like those in
Dowalton and the neighbouriug White Loch of Mertoun, have not as yet
been found elsewhere in Scotland. It will be interesting to watch, in the
light of future discoveries, whether this was a local use, or whether it de-
pended on other circumstances, such as the depth of the loch, and the
abundance of vegetable materials in the neighbourhood.
1 Since this was written, I learn that marks of beaches have been found on the
face of the rising grounds above these mosses, at the distance of a mile from
Dowalton.
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SCOTTISH ABTIFIOIAL ISLANDS OR ** CRANMOQS." 155
There can be no doubt that both palisaded enclosures, whether in woods
or waters, and strengths formed of ramparts of stone, were resorted to by
the British tribes at the time of the Boman invasion, and their use in
other countries can be traced in much earlier times.
A'passage (pointed out to me by Professor Sir James Simpson), in a
treatise on "Airs, Waters, and Places," by Hippocrates, who lived up-
wards of 400 years before our era, seems to describe a structure of the
same kind as those in Dowalton Loch. Speaking of the inhabitants of
Phasis, a region of the Black Sea, he says, " Their country is fenny,
warm, humid, and wooded, and the lives of the inhabitants are spent among
the fens; for their dwellings are constructed of wood and reeds, and
are erected amidst the waters." He adds, that " they seldom practise
walking either in the city or the market, but sail about up and down
in canoes, constructed out of single trees, for there are many canals
there."*
Herodotus furnishes a still earlier account of an artificial construction
among waters, used by a Thracian tribe who dwelt on Prasias, a small
mountain lake of Pceonia, now part of modem Boumelia. But their habi-
tations were more in keeping with the dwellings in the Swiss lakes than
with the island craonogs of Scotland, inasmuch as their habitations were
constructed on platforms raised above the lake on piles, and were con-
nected with the shore by a narrow causeway of similar formation.
There is a peculiar interest in this small colony of Dowalton, from its
neighbourhood to the site of Ptolemy's Boman town of Leucophibia,
which probably suggested the site of the Saxon settlement of Whithorn,
and from the circumstance that at least one object of Boman work-
manship— the bronze vessel already described — has been found among
the relics of the old inhabitants of the islands.'
It is only matter of conjecture how it came there, whether in the course
of commerce, by gift, or by appropriation after the removal of their
Boman neighbours. It seems, however, not unreasonable to regard the
' ** Aire, Watere, and Places/* in the genuine works of Hippocrates, by Adams,
Tol. i. p. 209.
' The remains of a Roman camp are said to be placed abont half a-mile to the
west of the town of Whithorn, and Boman coins are not nnfrequently fonnd in the
grounds adjoining the mined priory. —JVetr Stat, Aec. Wigtonshire, p. 56.
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156 PROCEEDINGS OP THE SOOIETV, MARCH 1866.
occurrence of a Boman vessel at DowaltoD, associated as it is with relics
which are elsewhere found in early sepulchral cairns and British hut
circles, as pointing to a period of occupation of the islands not later, and
prohahly earlier, than that of the Boman settlement at Whithorn.
It seems plain, from the new bottom and the numerous mendings of one
of the rude bronze dishes, that such objects were not easily procurable.
The Boman dish was doubtless much regarded, and bears no marks of
use. Two vessels of the same description were found, in connection with
an encircled earthen barrow, at Gallowflat, in Butherglen. They were
both white on the inside (probably from tinning), and on the broad
handles of each was engraved the name of " Congallus," or " Conval-
Lus.'' In the mound, a flat stone, perforated with two holes, was found,
and beside it three beads, one of which exactly resembles the bead of
vitreous paste found at Dowalton.^ The native appreciation of Boman
articles may also be inferred from the occurrence, in an ** Eird house," oi
weem, at Pitcur,' of portions of vessels of embossed Samian ware.
The absence of all relics of a necessarily later period, makes it probable
that the occupation of Dowalton was not continued, either from the sub-
mersion of the islands, or from some other change of circumstances.
Among events which may have conduced to such a change was the
settlement in the neighbouring Boman town, towards the end of the fourth
century, of the illustrious Ninian, from whose lips the dwellers amid
the woods and marshes of Dowalton would hear of a new and better hope
than had yet animated them, by which they may have been led to more
settled habits of life. However this may be, it is certain that Ninian
erected at Whithorn a church of stone, after the Boman fashion, and that
it remained two centuries afterwards, in the time of Bede, who tells us
that the place took its name of " ad Candidam Gasam'' from this stone
church. Here also, it would seem, Ninian erected a monastery, after the
custom of the time, where he gathered a religious community to assist
him in his missionary work, and in the education of the youths, who, as
we learn from his biographer Ailred, were committed to his charge by
parents of high and low degree. We gather from another part of Ailred's
* Ure's Kilbride and Rutherglen, p. 124.
2 Proc. Soc. Ant. Scot. vol. v. p. 82.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OB " CBANNOGS." 157
work, that Ninian had a flock of cattle, which were pastured on ground at
some distance from his monastery.
We do not know how long the church and monastery of Ninian lasted,
hut when Galloway came under the sway of the Saxons of Northumhria,
a hishop's see was set up at Whithorn, and Pecthelm was the first who
sat in its chair. That this prelate was a man of some note we may learn
from a letter addressed to him hy Boniface, the great apostle of Germany,
in which he asks for Pecthelm 's advice on one of the ecclesiastical
points which were then agitating the Christian world. The celebrated
Alcuin, the friend of Charlemagne, in the beginning of the following
century, addressed one of his letters to the brethren at Whithorn.
Amid the many vicissitudes to which the See of Ninian was exposed,
and while the material fabric erected by the masons whom he brought
from Tours had given way to more than one successor on its site, the
sanctity of the founder's name seemed only to gather strength as time
went on. Pilgrimages continued to be made to his tomb down to the
period of the Eeformation by persons of all ranks, from the monarch to
the peasant ; and in a letter from James Y. to Pope Innocent X., he
says that the tomb of Ninian was still to be seen at Whithorn, and that
it was visited yearly by flocks of devotees from England, Ireland, the
Isles, and adjoining countries. For the bodily comfort of these pilgrims,
James IV., by a charter to Sir Alexander M*Culloch, which is now in the
charter-chest at Monreith, erected Mertoun into a burgh of barony, " pro
asiamento et hospitacione ligeorum nostrorum, extraneorumque, versus
Sanctum Ninianum in Candida Casa, aliasque adjacentes partes pere-
grinacionis et alias negociandi causa proficiscentium et revertencium.''
We can hardly fancy that the community of Dowalton remained un-
influenced by the neighbourhood of Boman civilisation, or that they
gathered no settled habits under Boman rule, while their early know-
ledge of the Christian religion must have conduced to their progress in
every way.
The traditions of the Scottish Church associate with Ninian the name
of St Medan, who, coming from Ireland to avoid the addresses of a lover,
first settled at the Binns of Galloway, where her chapel in the rocks
may jret be seen ; and her persecutor having followed her to that place,
she is believed, on the same authority, to have sailed across the Bay of
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158 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
Luce OD a stone, and effected another settlement on the sea-shore in a
recess of ^* The Heughs/' where the ruins of a church, dedicated under
her name, still remain. This was the church of the parish of Eirk-
maiden, which was co-extensive with the harony of Monreith, and
reached to the Loch of Dowalton.
Much has heen done in Ireland hy Dr Wilde, Dr Beeves, Mr Mulvany,
and others, to illustrate the history of the crannogs of that country. It
is not much more than twenty-five years since they first attracted the
notice of Dr Wilde, who descrihed the crannog near Dunshaughlin in
the Proceedings of the Boyal Irish Academy for April 1840. Our know-
ledge of the Swiss pile buildings dates from 1853-4, when the subsidence
of the lakes, through long-continued drought, revealed the piles, and led
to many subsequent discoveries of the greatest interest.
It was only in the light of these that the incidental notices of artificial
islands in our own Proceedings and elsewhere came to have a meaning ;
and the paper read to this Society by Mr Bobertson, in December 1858,
for the first time discussed the question in a systematic way, and claimed
for our Scottish forefathers a place among the island builders of Europe.
I cannot doubt that these islands were numerous, and that many of
the lochs in which they were situated were, like that at Thornhill, of
very small dimensions. The gradual drainage of such sheets of water
generally leaves their site as a morass, which after a time is brought
under tillage. And where no outlook is kept in such a process, the
remains of piles are destroyed, without any suspicion that they formed
part of an ancient structure, and consequently without any opportunity
of investigation being afforded. The occurrence of canoes in situations ,
where little of the old loch remains to attest its former existence beyond
a bog, as at Enaven, in Aberdeenshire, and at Bamkirk, near Newton
Stewart ; or where, without a canoe, great quantities of bronze vessels
and horns of deer have been found, — as in a morass at Balgone, in East
Lothian, — all suggest the sites of early piled habitations.
Several canoes have been found in Loch Doon, under circumstances
which give reason to hope that crannogs will yet be found there. Some
years prior to 1832, two canoes were discovered close to the rock on^which
Doon Castle stands. Soon afterwards, a great drought caused the'fall of
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANN008." 159
the loch to an unutiually low level, when near the same spot, parts of
canoes and other large pieces of timber became visible under the water.
It was found a difficult task to extricate the canoes from the debris of
large stones, sand, and mud with which they were surrounded. The work-
men believed that there were many more canoes lying below and across
those which they raised, but although their feet rested on these when at
work, yet from the great depth of the water by which they were covered,
and which reached to their necks, they did not see the objects which
they supposed to be canoes. It seems much more probable that these
and the large pieces of timber already referred to, are portions of a ruined
crannog.
Somewhat to the south of this spot is another small island, which is
laid down in Blaeu's Atlas as '* Prisoner's Stone," and in the Ordnance
survey as '' Pickman Isles/'
The artificial island in Loch Canmor, in Aberdeenshire, was known as
" The Prison " in the end of last century.'
Before the end of last century several canoes had been discovered in
Lochwinnoch, and many have been found since that time.' One person
says he saw twenty-one buried in the mud between the isle on which the
pele stood, and the north side of the loch. It is much more likely, how-
e?er, that what he saw was the timbers of a ruined crannog.'
The following facts, for which I am indebted to the Rev. Dr Duns,
of the New College, Edinburgh, enable me to preserve the memory of a
stockaded island in the loch at Lochcot, in the parish of Torphichen : —
The loch lies at the foot of the southern slope of Bowden Hill, and is
DOW drained. An old man who belonged to Dr Duns' congregation,
when he was at Torphichen, more than once described to him the appear-
ance of the loch before it was drained — '' its central island, and the big
logs taken from it and burned." Horns were also found in the loch,
but were neglected, and have disappeared. Dr Duns found part of a
quern on an examination of the site; and on digging into a mound
at a short distance eastward from the loch, he found an urn of rude
type. To the south are the remains of a circular earthwork; to the
' Letter from Mr C. Innee of Balnacraig to Mr G. Chalmers, 7th August 1798.
» Old Stat. Account, vol. xt. p. 97. * New Stat. Account, Renfrew, p. 97.
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160 PB0CEEDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
south-west, traces of what has been called a Boman camp ; and to the
south, a camp of peculiar form, noticed by Sibbald.
In the middle of Lochrutton is a small island of circular form. It is
said to be formed of stones on the surface, and to be founded on a frame
of oak.i In Loch Urr is an island approached by a stone causeway, both
of which are now submerged, probably by the growth of moss at the
spot through which the river finds its way from the loch. Mr Eobertson
notes that at Lochore, in Fifeshire, great quantities of oak timber were
dug up since the loch was drained. They are believed to have formed
part of a causeway connecting the Castle Island with the mainland.
In the Castle Loch of Lochmaben, on the south-west side, is a small
artificial island, where there are stakes of oak still remaining on either
side of it, which have been put in as a fence against the water.'
Of an artificial island in Loch Lochy, Mr Bobertson gathered some
particulars from '' Ane Descriptione of certaine Pairts of the Highlands
of Scotland," — a MS. in the Advocates* Library, written towards the end
of the seventeenth century. " Ther was of ancient," says the author,
^* ane lord in Loquhaber, called my Lord Cumming, being a cruell and
tyirrant superior to the inhabitants and ancient tenants of that countrie
of Loquhaber. This lord builded ane iland or an house on the south-east
head of Loghloghae ; . . . and when summer is, certain yeares or dayes,
one of the bigge timber jests, the quantitie of an ell thereof will be sein
above the water. And sundrie men of the countrie were wont to goe and
se that jest of timber which stands there as yett ; and they say that a
man's finger will cast it too and fro in the water, but fortie men cannot
pull it up, because it lyeth in another jest below the water." Here,
obviously, we have an allusion to the mortising of one beam into another,
after the fashion so common in the Irish crannogs, as well as the Scottish
examples at Dowalton, Loch Canmor, and Loch Lomond.
In the midst of a morass, about half a mile north-east from the farm
of Nisbet, in the parish of Culter, in Lanarkshire, is a mound, of an oval
shape, called the Green Knowe, which measures about 30 yards by 40,
and rises about two or three feet above the level of the surrounding
1 New Stat. Account ; Kirkcudbrightshire, p. 287.
2 ArchsBologia Scotica, vol. iii. p. 77, note c; also ''Lochmaben Five Hundred
Years ago," pp. 72, 78. Edin. 1865.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 161
bog. On penetrating into this elevated mass, it nvas found to consist of
stones of all different kinds and sizes, which seem to have been tumbled
promiscQously together without the least attempt at arrangement.
Driven quite through this superincumbent mass, are a great number of
piles, sharpened at the point, about three feet long, made of oak of the
hardest kind, retaining the marks of the hatchet, and still wonderfully
fresh. A causeway of large stones connected the mound with the firm
ground. All around it, is nothing but soft elastic moss, and beneath it
too, for on cutting through the bed of stones you immediately meet with
moss. Near the spot are the remains of some very large trees.
The mound has long been used as a quarry, and is in the gradual
course of demolition.* Mr Sim of Culter Mains, who first directed atten-
tion to this structure, states that the valley in which the Green Knowe
is placed was probably well wooded in early days. In a morass at
the base of Tinto Hill, a perfect forest of magnificent oak trees has
been recently discovered in the course of drainage operations — some of
them of great size. Mr Sim recently found an oak under the ground at
Culter Mains, a branch of which was four feet in diameter. The stem
was not removed. He also states that the old name of the moss, in
which the "Green Knowe'* is placed, was the ** Cranney Moss," which
may probably preserve a recollection of its early name of " Crannog."
In this neighbourhood were found two gold ornaments of crescent
shape (one of which was presented to the National Museum by Mr Sim) ;
and other relics of early times, such as stone celts, are of frequent occur-
rence.
It is probable that the sites of crannogs may be traced through similar
names in other parts of Scotland. Thus we have Crannach Bog or
Crannabog, part of the barony of Camousie ; Cranna and Crannabog,
part of the estate of Bothie ; Cranbog and Lochlands, part of the barony
of Belhelvie, — all in the county of Aberdeen, A meadow in the parish of
Kilmarnock is called Cransyke. Cranberry Moss is in the parish of Kil-
winning, and Cranberry in the parish of Auchinleck.
That a crannog had originally been placed in the Loch of Budding-
ston seemed very probable, from the discovery of many bronze weapons,
1 New Stat. Account, vol. yi. p. S46.
VOL. VI. PART I. L
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162 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
a ring handle of a caldron, masses of melted bronze, along with
gigantic deer's horns, which were dredged up from the bed of the loch,
about 150 yards from the side next the Queen's Park, in a search for marl
in 1778; and the following facts, which have just been brought under
my notice, seem to add considerably to the probability : — ^Dr Thomas
Thomson of Leamington, son of the Kev. John Thomson, minister of
the parish of Duddingston, in answer to my inquiries, thus writes : —
" I have a distinct recollection of the piles or stakes in DuddingstoD
Loch to which you refer ; but I am sorry to say I do not so well recollect
their exact or relative position, or how many there were. My impression,
however, is, that there was at one time a considerable number, and that
almost all of them had disappeared when I left Scotland, upwards of
thirty-five years ago. They were all of a dark blackish colour, looking
as if they had been charred, about from 6 to 8 inches in diameter, and
some of them standing above the surface as much as two feet, while
there were others only just above it, and a few quite below the surface,
rendering it necessary to be careful when rowing in that part of the
loch which they occupied. They were firmly fixed in the bottom of the
loch, and were used occasionally when sketching or fishing to fasten the
boat to them. They were all, I think, on the south side of the loch,
and occupying somewhere about the middle third of its length, or per-
haps a little higher up to the west end. For the most part, they were
at irregular distances from each other, although in one or two instances
there were two close together, and there were several not very far from
the reeds.'*
The drainage operations, which are so general throughout Scotland,
cannot fail to bring to light more of these island structures ; and I must
express an earnest hope that opportunities will be afforded for their care-
ful investigation, and that lists of them may be furnished to the Society.
As yet we are very ignorant of the details and varieties of their con-
struction ; and every well- authenticated examination is a valuable contri-
bution to the history of structures, which mark a special point in the
progress of the early inhabitants of the country.
It may help to such a result, if the knowledge which we already pos-
sess of these ancient remains was more generally diffused, so that the
discovery in a new locality, of any of the features found in connection
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 163
with such islands elsewhere, may lead to an expectation of their occur-
rence, and to increased care in the search for them.
It was the appearance of the Boman hronze dish at Dowalton, which
first suggested to Sir William Maxwell that other remains of early times
might he at hand. This led Lord Percy to visit the loch, where his
lordship detected the appearance of piles in various places, and made a
partial examination of most of the islands. Sir William suhsequently
hestowed long and patient care in overseeing the excavations of the
islands, and the collection of the relics ; and believing that such objects
are only of real use in a public museum such as ours, where they can
be classified and compared with like remains, he has transferred to us
the whole collection, with the intention of adding to it from time to time,
as fresh discoveries are made.
If such an example should be generally followed, we may be enabled
ere long to give shape and body to a class of our antiquities, of which as
yet our knowledge is hazy and uncertain.
For the following account of a structure in a moss in the parish of
Applegarth, which in some respects has an analogy with the crannogs, but
as a whole is unique, I am indebted to my friend, Dr Arthur Mitchell : —
Curious Structure in a Peat Moss at Corncockle^ in Applegarth^ discovered
hy Sir William Jardine^ Bart.
" Last summer — that is, in 1863 — while ' casting peats' at Corncockle,
in Applegarth, from a bank of the average height of 12 to 14 feet, the
labourers came upon a large number of oak trees, lying parallel and quite
close to each other — forming, in short, a platform, with 6 or 7 feet of peat
below, and as many above. The size of this platform is as yet undetermined,
but, from the portion uncovered, it is from 20 to 30 feet wide, while the
ends of the trees can be followed in the face of the bank for at least 150
feet. The platform is covered with twigs of birch, and then over these
there is a layer of the common bracken, which at present grows with
extraordinary luxuriance in the neighbourhood. This layer of birch
twigs and bracken is about 10 inches thick, and appears uniformly to
cover the platform, except at one point, where fiattish whinstones are
laid on as a sort of pavement over the trees — the space so covered being
l2
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164 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
an irregular circle 6 or 7 feet in diameter. On this spot fragments of
burnt wood were very numerous, and beside it were found seven large
bowls or cups cut out of oak, and a rude oak mallet, with a branch as a
handle. The bowls were 10 to 12 inches in outside diameter.
'^ The ei.ds of all the logs indicate cutting. I know nothing but iron
which could have done it. Cleaner cuts I never saw. Some of the cut
faces even showed the ragged line which would have been produced by a
turned point on the edge of the tool.
'^ Moreover, two of the logs have mortise-holes cut in them. These
were 2 or 3 inches square, and were empty.
'' The oak logs are not of great size — the largest having a diameter of
14 inches. All the branches were cut off. They are all soft and spongy,
and quite rotten. They do not show the antiseptic power of the peat,
and are not black. From these facts, I suppose we may infer that they
had been long felled^ and 'partially immersed in water ^ before they were
covered by the peat,
^' From all I saw, I conclude that this erection has been one of these
three things : —
" (1.) A corduroy road across a morass.
'^ There are, however, many things against this theory, as, for instance,
the existence of the paved spot (a fire-place in all probability) ; the breadth
of the platform ; the mortising in the logs ; and the want of any appa-
rent need for crossing the morass in this way, as a slight detour would
have formed a road on terra firma,
" (2.) A large raft or floating island, on which dwellings were erected
— a modification of the Lacustrine habitations.
'* This would involve the idea of there having been a lake at one time
at the place where the platform is found, and also of this lake's having
had a bottom of peat — a thing we know to be true of other lakes in the
district. When the water was drawn off, the raft on this supposition
would settle down on the peat. So far as the topography goes, it appears
probable that at at one time there was a lake here. The moss is situated
in a basin about a mile across, with an outlet in the shape of a small
stream, presently delivering a considerable quantity of water into the
Annan, not far from Speddling's Tower. Dam this rivulet up, and a lake
could be again formed where the platform is.
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165
" Against this theory, however, there is this important ohjection— the
logs are not in any way hound together, and do not rest on sleepers.
** (3.) A platform erected on the hog, on which to build habitations,
with a trench round the platform filled with water — a sort of moat — for
defence.
'^ Against this there is, as in the last case, the want of binding together,
and also the absence of piles to give firmness to the structure.'' *
I have received a communication from Sir William Jardine, in answer
to some inquiries suggested by Dr Mitchell's paper. He states that no
indication of driven piles have been found. As to the nature of the
surface on which the beams were originally placed, he remarks that it
may have been less compact than at present, but the beams of wood,
with brushwood and fern above, must have been placed on a somewhat
solid substructure at first.
From this we may infer that the moss was formed before the beams
were laid ; and it appears in like manner, that the crannog in the parish
of Culter rested on a surface of moss.a
^ April 9, 1864. From Dr Mitchell's Journal.
* Having, when engaged in the preparation of this paper, communicated to Dr
Keller, of Zurich, my impressions of the difference in character between the cran-
nogs of Scotland and Ireland and the pile buildings of Switzerland, I have, since
it was written, received an answer from that gentleman, from which I venture to
quote some passages ; and I need scarcely remark, that the experience of Dr Keller,
in investigating the pfahlhauten of Switzerland, added to his weil-eamed reputation
as a sound archadologist and historian, give a special value to his statements.
" I am quite of opinion that the crannogs were different from our pfahlbauten,
and that they merely served as places of refuge for single chieftains, their family,
and property; whereas our pfahlbauten formed complete villages, inhabited for cen-
turies by groups of families, which pursued their agricultural and other labours on
the shore. In their lake dwellings, they fabricated their house utensils (pottery,
&c) and their warlike implements, their wearing apparel, &c. We therefore find
roM of huts, each furnished with its hearth, weaving-loom, Ac. When such villages
were burnt, they were invariably reconstructed on the same site, which proves that
these places were permanently inhabited. The crannogs appear to be strongholds,
castles, belonging to mdividualt,
** As regards the construction of the pfahlbauten, there existed two kinds. In
one of them the huts were erected on platforms, supported by perpendicular piles ;
in the other, the foundation was composed of horizontal layers of branches, inter-
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166 PKOCfiKDlNGS OF THE SOCIKTY, MARCH 1865.
APPENDIX. No. I.
The following description of Loch Canmor, in Aberdeenshire, with its
islands, and the relics discovered in it, was prepared by the Eev. James
Wattie, Bellastraid, at the suggestion of Mr Kobertson, who intended to
use it in his paper on crannogs. Mr Wattie has been so good as permit
me also to make use of it ; and as it furnishes a detailed and picturesque
account of an early island settlement, with its " surroundings," I have
quoted from it at some length : —
" It is uniformly pronounced by the country people Loch Ceannor.
" It lies at the foot of the hill of Culbleen, in the parish of Tullich. It
is 36 miles from Aberdeen, and half-way between Aboyne and Ballater,
being 6 miles from each.
" The loch is about 3 miles in circumference. It abounds with pike
and eels. It is fed by the burn of the Vat. The level of the lake was
reduced a little about 26 years ago, by deepening the outlet. A second
deepening, in the autumn of 1858, reduced the bed of the loch from 2^ to
3 feet below its original level.
" Until this last deepening, there were four islands in the loch : — 1. A
small island near the shore, at the north-west corner, called the Crow
Island, covered with birches. 2. One at the east end, also near the
shore, covered with birches and firs, called the Bramble Island. Both
these islands have now ceased to be islands, having been joined to the
mixed with leaves and gravel, which were held together by upright piles. This
system bears some resemblance to the crannogs, the huts standing on ierra firmoy if
I may use this expression, and not [on piles] above the surface of the water.
*' The pfahlbauten were always isolated, but connected by a bridge with the
shore, the distance being sometimes very small, but also frequently [extending] to
a thousand feet.
** We never find pfahlbauten on natural islands or promontories.
*' Artificial islands are not found, but so-called Stein berge, stone hills, which con-
sist of artificial elevations composed of gravel, which has been transported in boats
from the shore to places where huts were to be erected. This was done for the double
purpose of creating a solid foundation for the piles, and also in order to shorten the
distance from the bottom, to the surface of the water."
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 167
mainland by the last drainage of the loch. 3. The Castle Island ; and,
4. The Prison Island.
'^ The Castle Island is about 60 or 70 yards from the north shore. It
is of an oval shape, having an area of about a Scotch acre. The founda-
tions of the castle may be traced in the dry, parched colour and stunted
growth of the grass where the walls stood. There is a rickle of loose
stones around the shore of the island, many of them showing evident
traces of the hammer. Some suppose this island to have been artificial,
but there is not the slightest appearance of its having been so. It is
evidently a natural heap of detritus,
^' Between it and the shore there was a bridge .of open frame-work of
black oak. The country people say it was a draw-bridge, but it was too
long for that, although without doubt part of it was so. The two piers
on which the ends of the bridge rested are still to be seen— one on the
island, close to a large ash tree ; the other on the mainland, directly oppo-
site. From time to time immense beams of oak have been fished up
from this part of the loch, which evidently formed part of the bridge.
So late as 16th June 1859, an oak beam was fished up, 23 feet 9 inches
long, 16.^ inches broad, and 13 inches deep, sloped or skairtd at the
ends for joining to other beams, with holes for wooden pins 14 or 15
inches apart, and some of the pins still remain. On the same day
another oak plank was taken up about the same place, 22^ feet long, 3
inches thick at the thickest side, and 2 inches at the other, and 16 inches
broad. In some places it was brought to an edge, and at one place
marked as if it had been fastened to a beam. It seeems to have been
split, and not sawn. At 8 inches from one of the ends is a hole, of
an oval shape, 4^ inches by 3^ inches. At several places it looked as if
it had been charred by fire on the edge. A third oak beam is to be seen
lying at the bottom of the loch, between the island and the shore, appa-
rently about 30 feet in length, with two short pieces attached to it. A
fourth oak plank stands up near the island, at an angle of 45°, and 3 feet
above the surface of the water.
*' Another oak beam is to be seen at MTherson, the turner's, near the
west end of the loch, where it was taken up some years ago. It is 24
feet long, 13 inches square, and notched, sloped, or skaired at one end,
with a view seemingly to its being joined to another beam. At MTherson 's
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168 PUOOEEDINGS OF TH£ SOCIETY, MABCH 1865.
also is to be seen a bronze vessel, 10^ inches high, with three legs and a
handle, found on the beach of the Castle Island. (See Plate XIII. fig. 6.)
*^ The present depth of the loch, between the Castle Island and the
north shore, is from 5 to 7 feet.
^^ On the north shore, rather to the east of the Castle Island, are the
remains of what has been considered the Castle chapel, 52 feet long, and
18 feet wide within walls. There seem to have been two partitions in it,
one near each end.
*' On the top of a brae, called the Claggan, not far from the chapel, and
opposite to the island, stood a sculptured stone, now removed to the park
at Aboyne. Between the site of the stone and the loch, on the slope of
the brae, is a low cairn of stones, of a crescent form, with the convex side
up the brae, 70 feet long, and 24 feet wide at the broadest part.
*' The Prison Island is about the middle of the loch, and about 250 yards
from its north shore. It is something of an oval shape. It is 25 yards
long, and 21 yards broad. It is evidently artificial, and seems to have
been formed by oak piles driven into the loch, the space within the
piling being filled up with stones, and crossed with horizontal beams or
pieces of wood, to keep all secure. The piles seem to have been driven
or ranged in a rectangular form. They are quite distinct and apart from
one another. The upright ones are generally round, though some of
them have been splitted. The horizontal beams are mostly arms of trees,
from 4 to 6 inches thick ; but there is one horizontal beam squared evi-
dently with an iron tool, about 8 inches on the side. There are not many
horizontal beams now to be seen. I remember having seen more (the
ends of trees) a good many years ago. My recollection of them is, that
they had been splitted. There seems to have been upright piles on all
sides of the island, but least distinct at the east end, and most numerous
at the west. At the west end thirty upright piles are visible. On the
south side, outside the regular row of piles, is a kind of out-fencing of
upright and horizontal beams, seemingly for protection against the force
of the water. At the west end there are two rectangular comers, and
there may have been the same at the east end, though now overgrown
with grass. Outside the piles is what may be called a rough, loose cause-
waying of stones sloping outwards into the water ; while inside is what
may be called a heap of stones, arising, no doubt, from the putting into
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR '' CRANNOQS." 169
the water of whatever huilding had heen on it. At the west end the
piles stand 18 inches above the present level of the stones, and from 12
to 15 inches apart. They are 4 inches thick at the top, and 6 inches
thick where they had been under water. Scarcely any of the upright
piles are perpendicular; they slope to the north on the west side of the
island, and to the west on the south side. Bound the heap of stones
now forming this island, a clump of trees has sprung up. There is no
appearance of a pier or jetty about the island, nor any mark of communi-
cation between it and the shore or any of the other islands. The pre-
sent depth of the loch near the island is 7 feet ; half-way between it and
the Castle Island, 10 feet. On the north-west side of the island, Dr
Taylor and Mr Wattie fished up, in 1859, a crooked oak spar, 12 feet
long, broad at one end like the tail of a fish, and pointed at the other,
rather triangular in shape, 4 inches on the broad side, and 2 inches on
the other.^
'* About the middle of the loch, the depth of the water to the mud is
about 8 feet, but no hard bottom was found with a pole of 10 feet. On
the south side of the loch, near the shore, the depth is 4^ feet.
" On the south side of the loch is a peninsula jutting into it, rather
larger in extent than the Castle Island. It bears evident marks of
having been fortified. It had been separated from the land by a fosse
which had communicated at each end with the water of the loch, but
which is now dry. Over this fosse had been a drawbridge, the site of
which is distinctly visible ; and the road to and from it was only taken
up by the present tenant of Meikle Kinord. On the side of the penin-
sula next the land, are very distinct remains of a rampart, 100 paces
in length, ending in an apex or angle at the site of the drawbridge.
** There are, on the top, the foundations of two small buildings ; but
they do not seem of any antiquity. The ground is in the natural state,
high on the land side, but sloping away to a level at the side next the
^ '* I have been wondering of late whether the upright piles on the artificial
island, being in a rectangular form at the west end, and probably also at the east
end, would indicate the building- on the island to haye been of that form, and of the
extent marked hy the outline of the piles, which might have been placed in their
present position as a sure foundation for the walls " — Lttter from Mr Wattie to Mr
Robcrtam, 3d Sept. 1859.
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170 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
water, which is fringed with birches. The other part is bare of wood,
and is covered partly with heather and partly with rough grass, with a
few scattered bushes here and there of juniper. It has been called
Gardybien by the inhabitants from time immemorial. There is no tradi-
tion in the country of its use or object. The inhabitants point out what
they call the site of a chapel, and the marks of graves, on the brae
above the loch, and immediately in front of the farm-house of Meikle
Kinord. This may have belonged to the fortification.
*^ Between the farm-house of Meikle Kinord and the loch, and near
the latter, Mr Wattie found a lump of a stone of coarse granite, hol-
lowed in a cylindrical form to the depth of 6^ inches, 20 inches wide
inside the rim, 4 to 5 inches thick at the top, but thicker at the
bottom. It has a hole at the centre of the bottom, 3^ inches wide at
the top, and 1^ inch wide at the bottom. One of the sides has been
broken away by a fire lighted in it by boys. The use is unknown.
Between Gardybien and the Castle Island, the depth to the mud in one
place was 8 feet, and in another 8^ feet ; but in neither was the hard
bottom reached with a 10 feet pole.
" MTherson, the turner, who came to the place twenty-six years ago,
remembers a range of oak piles driven into the margin of the loch at
the west end, where the ground is swampy, with oak boards fastened
upon them, all of which have now disappeared.
" On the 16th June 1859, there was fished up from the bottom of the
loch, near the north shore, opposite to the Prison Island, a canoe hol-
lowed out of a single oak tree, 22^ feet long, 3 feet 2 inches wide over
the top at the stern, 2 feet 10 inches in the middle, and 2 feet 9 inches
at 6 feet from the bow, which ended nearly in a point. The edges are
thin and sharp, the depth irregular — in one place 5 inches, the greatest
9 inches. There are no seats nor roUocks or places for oars ; but there
may have been seats along the sides, secured by pins through holes still
in the bottom. There are two rents in the bottom, alongside of each
other, about 18 feet long each ; to remedy these, five bars across had
been mortised into the bottom outside, from 22 to 27 inches long and 3
inches broad, except at the ends, where they were a kind of dovetailed,
and 4 inches broad. One of these bars still remains, and is of very neat
workmanship, and neatly mortised in. The other bars are lost, but
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171
tbeir places are quite distiDct. They bad been fastened witb pins, for
whicb there are five pairs of boles through the bottom of the canoe, at
the opposite side, at a distance of from 18 to 21 inches, the bottom
being flattish. There are also five pairs of larger holes through the
bottom, and also at the opposite sides, which may have been for fasten-
ing seats with pins along the sides of the canoe. There are two bars
mortised longitudinally into the bottom of the boat, outside, above the
seats before spoken of, 2^ inches broad, one at the stem 5 feet long, and
the other beginning 5 feet from the stem, and extending 7^ feet
towards the bow. The canoe looks as it had been partly scooped out
with fire. The bottom is 2 feet 8 inches wide at the stern, and 28
inches wide at the middle. The stern is 18 inches thick, and somewhat
worn down at the top.
" MTherson, the tumer, says that twenty years ago a boat was taken
up from the loch 26 feet long, sharp at both ends, otherwise coble built,
8 feet broad in the bottom, which was flat, made of oak planks over-
lapping one another, and lined under the overlapping with wool and tar.
" On the north side of the old road from Cromar to Tullich, in the
hill of Culbleen, is a round hillock called * the Earl of Marr's Board,*
where the Earl of Mar, unattended, on his way to Kildrummie from
Lochaber, where he had lost an army, sat and, for want of better fare,
ate meal and water out of the heel of his shoe. Hence the Gaelic
saying still current in the Highlands, — 'Hunger is the best sauce.
Meal and water, out of the heel of my shoe, is the sweetest food I ever
tasted, said the Earl of Mar.'
'^ About 1^ mile from Loch Canmor, in a north-west direction, is the
churchyard of Logic, where is a stone called Wallack's Stone, in memory
of St Wallack. It is flat on one side, and high in the middle of the
other. It is of the blue heathen kind, 5 feet 7 inches high, and averag-
ing 3 feet in breadth. It is quite in the natural state. It stood
formerly in the dyke round the burying-ground. It now stands outside
the new churchyard wail. Formerly a fair, called St Wallack's Fair,
was held in the neighbourhood, on the 30th of January. Hence the
rhyme still repeated in the country —
* Wallack Fair in Logie Mar,
The thirtieth day of Januar.'
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172 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
At this fair a foot race was run ; the original prize, given by the pro-
prietor of Logie, being a * twelve ell tartan plaid, and a pair of tartan
hose.' When the Highland dress was proscribed, a one-pound note
was substituted. Now fair and race are gone ; but a social meeting of
the people of the neighbourhood is still held on the night of the thirtieth
of January."
APPENDIX. No. II.
I am indebted to Sir Alexander Campbell of Barcaldine for the fol-
lowing memorandum : —
" I wish I could help you about the crannogs, but I can say little on
the subject. It is now nine or ten years since I resided in the High-
lands, and when I was there, my attention was not directed to the
subject.
" I could not have lived there, however, without becoming aware that,
in many, if not in most. Highland lochs, artificial cairns of stones exist,
generally quite close to the shore in shallow water. If I directed the
attention of the inhabitants to them, they did not seem generally to
have any idea of them ; but once or twice, I was told that some man of
mark had been drowned there. In the majority of instances the depth
of water precluded the possibility of this. The smallness of size gene-
rally, however, makes it improbable that they could have been in-
habited. I know, however, of one Scotch example to the contrary. It
occurs in Loch Tullah, in the Braes of Glenurchay. It is a large cairn
of stones, evidently artificial, in deep water near the centre of the loch —
where it is perhaps nearly half a-mile broad — about half or three-
quarters of a mile from the south-western end of the loch, and a quarter
to half a mile from the forest house of Glenurchay. If .1 remember
aright, the water all round it is many feet deep — 15 or 20 feet. It is
20 or 30 feet in diameter at the ordinary height of the water. Some
soil was taken to it, and some trees planted on it twenty or thirty years
since, and I think a few more trees were added fourteen or fifteen years
since. I think that, on the east face, or north-east face, there was a
small harbour in which a boat could enter. The stones are small, say
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR ** CRANN0G8." 173
the size of a man's bead, more or less — I mean, not great blocks of
stone. Many years since, wben tbe water one summer was very low,
Peter Bobertson, the bead forester, informed me tbat be bad seen, on a
calm summer day, a few feet below tbe surface of tbe water, tbe ends of
logs of wood laid borizontally under tbe stones. I am not satisfied tbat
I ever saw tbem myself, but I bave no doubt tbat be did, as be clearly
described it to me. Tbe tradition of tbe country is, tbat a great robber
cbief, called StaJkior rioch, lived upon tbis island. I do not believe tbat
it is or ever could bave been piled at sucb a deptb of water ; and if I am
correct as to tbe deptb of water, tbe quantity of stones must be very
great, as tbe slope is very gradual. It is about 4 or 5 feet bigb at
ordinary water. All tbis is from recollection, so I am afraid my figures
would by no means stand tbe test of measurement, and may be very far
from tbe fact.
" Tbe Isle of Locb Tay is probably to some extent artificial ; certainly
tbe stones on its outside faces are artificially placed, tbougb, of course,
tbis may bave been done after tbe building of tbe nunnery, to protect
tbe foundations. Tbere is, bowever, a small islet near tbe sbore in tbe
Bay of Eenmore, on tbe soutb-eastem sbore of Locb Tay, witbin 100
yards of tbe bead of tbe locb, and about 20 or 30 yards from tbe sbore,
in water a few feet deep — I am afraid to say bow many — ^but in clear
weatber you can see tbe bottom, I tbink. I never was on it ; but it
bears tbe appearance of baving been artificial, and is formed of stones.
It is quite flat on tbe top, and does not rise more tban a foiDt or two
above tbe ordinary water-mark, and bas a stunted tree or two on it. It
is, perbaps, 40 or 50 feet long in tbe direction of tbe locb, but not nearly
50 broad. It is called tbe ' Isle of Spry.' Tbere is also, if I remem-
ber rigbtly, one of tbe island cairns on tbe nortb sbore of Locb Tay,
witbin 3 or 4 miles of tbe western end. I cannot at tbis moment name
tbe locality of otbers in otber locbs, but I bave seen many."
Tbe Bev. Alexander B. Irvine, of Blair- Atbole, in communicating to
me details of tbe crannog on Locb Tummel, remarks tbat an island near
tbe west end of Locb Bannocb is formed of stones, and bas a tower
erected on it, witb a causeway leading from tbe Strowan or soutb side of
tbe locb. He adds — " I bave observed in otber locbs in Pertbsbire
islands and remains of buildings ; for example, Locb Freucbie, in Glen-
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174 PROCEEDINGS OP THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
qneach, and Loch Kinnard, in the hill ahove GrrandtuUy. It is curious
enough that there is also a small island, a mere cairn, near the east end
of Loch Tummel, and of some of the other lochs mentioned, though,
from the small extent of dry surface, it is hard to suppose what could
have been the purpose for which they were put up. "
APPENDIX. No. IIL
Sites where vestiges of piling have been founds or other indications of
Crannogs.
Loch Ore, Fifeshire — Oak timbers.
Balgone, East Lothian — Bronze vessels, deer's horns, bones of animals.
Barnkirk, near Newton -Stewart — A canoe.
Knaven or Kinaven, Aberdeenshire — ^A canoe.
Closebum, Dumfriesshire — ^A canoe ; bronze tripod.
Lochwinnoch, Eenfrewshire — Canoes.
Loch Doon, Ayrshire — Canoes.
Castlemilk, Lanarkshire — Canoe.
Drumduan, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire — Canoe.
Baikie, Forfarshire — Bones of deer ; bronze vessels.
Crannogs — Islands artificially formed on wood^ or surrounded with piles.
Dowalton, Wigtonshire.
White Loch of Mertoun, ditto.
Lochrutton, Kirdkcubrightshire.
Carlinwark Loch, ditto.
Loch Kinder, ditto.
Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire.
Corncockle, parish of Applegarth, ditto.
Loch of Sanquhar, ditto.
Greenknowe, parish of Culter, Lanarkshire.
Dhu Loch, Buteshire.
Barein, parish of Colvend, Kirkcudbright.
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOGS." 175
Loch of Moy, Inverness-shire.
Loch-an-Eilan, or Lake of Bothiemorcus, Morayshire.
Loch Lomond, Dambartonshire.
Loch Lochy, Inverness-shire.
Queen Margaret's Inch, Loch of Forfar, Forfarshire.
Loch Canmor, Aberdeenshire.
Loch Tummel,* Perthshire.
Lochoot, Linlithgowshire.
Loch Tullah, in Glenurchay, Perthshire.
Loch of the Clans, Morayshire.
Artificial Islands of Stones and Earth,
Loch Tay, with causeway, Perthshire.
Loch Tay, ditto.
Loch Earn (Neish's Island), Perthshire. (Old Stat. Ace. xi. 180;
Anderson's Guide to the Highlands, pp. 428, 429. Lond. 1834.)
Loch Bannoch ; stone island with causeway, Perthshire. [Isle of the
Loch of Bannoch, and fortification thereof, pertaining heritably to James
Menzies of that ilk.' (Begist. Secret. Concil. Acta, 1563-1567, p. 24.)
Mr Bobertson's Notes.]
Loch Achray, Perthshire.
Fasnacloich, in Appin^ Argyleshire.
Loch Borra, Sutherlandshire. Artificially constructed of stones, sur-
rounded by a wall of stones. (Old Stat. Ace. vol. x. p. 303.)
Duflfus, Morayshire.
Loch Freuchie, in Glenqueach, Perthshire.
Iioch Kinnard, in the hill above Grandtully, ditto.
Natural Islands which have been fortified.
Loch Fergus, Kirkcudbright.
1 On 15th March 1528-9, John Earl of Athole had seisin " terramm de Lochtjm-
mele com insula et domo ejnsdom terramm de Kirktoune Strowane nuncnpata le
Clanchane.** — Lib. Responsionnm in Scaccario, 1627-1589. MS. Gen. Reg. House.
[Mr Robertson's Notes.]
' The Isle of Loch Rannoch is the snbject of a stanza in Duncan Laideus*
Testament, Black Book of Brcadalbane. [Ibid.]
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176 PBOCEEDINQS OF THE 80CIET7, MARCH 1865.
Carlinwark Loch, Eirkoudbright.
Locb IJrr, with causeway of stone, ditto.
Moulin — Castle on island, with causeway. (Old Stat. Acct. vol. v.
pp. 69, 70.)
Miicnab's burying-ground in the Docbart, near Killin, has a strong
earthen rath in the middle, and the burying-ground, called M*Nab*8, at
the end.
Loch of Cleikimin, a freshwater loch, near Lerwick— -A causeway to
shore. [Mr Eobertson's Notes.]
Inis-na-Cardoch, called Eilean Mhurich, now called Derry Island,
a small island in Loch Ness, a fortress of Loyat's about 1467. [Local
Tradition ; Mr Eobertson's Notes.]
Loch of Cluny, Perthshire. Enlarged and fortified by an artificial
barrier of stones.
Other Islands.
Ochiltree, with the loch and isle of the samyne. (Act Dom. Cone,
et Sess. vol. xv. fol. 60.) [Mr Robertson's Notes.]
Loch Finlagan Isle, with causeway, Argyllshire.
Loch Shin, Sutherlandshire.
Loch Delay, ditto.
Loch Yetholm, with causeway, Roxburghshire.
Loch of Rescobie, Forfarshire.
Assye. — Carta Regis David II. de terris de quatuor davatis terre de
Assynete una cum forcelata insule eiusdem. (Robertson's FarL Rec.
p. 89.) [Mr Robertson's Notes.]
Strathnaver, Islay, Colonsay, Tiree, South Uist, Benbecula, North
XJist — Many fresh-water lakes in these localities, with islands, on which
are forts.
Morall, in Stratheme, Perthshire.
^' Terras meas de Port cum insula earundem vulgariter vocata Morall."
(Charter dated 8th Nov. 1580, by Wm. Drummond of Meggour to Patrick
Lord Drummond. Reg. Mag. Sig. xxxv. 474.) [Mr Robertson's Notes.]
Loch Tay. — In a memorial presented to King Edward I. in 1306, by
Malise, Earl of Strathem, is this passage : —
" Le Cunte d'Athoile s encoureca et dist a son Roy (Sire Robert de
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SCOTTISH ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS OR " CRANNOOS." 177
Bras) pur denimpir son condnit et assignor certaine gentz ceo est asavoir
Sire Niel Gambel et Sire Water de Logan a garder le Cunte que il ne se
alaiat et envoia sa gente d'Athoii entre Abberledene et le y\e de Ken-
mor issy que le Cunte ne puet entrer en I yle, eux tute voies destruiant
et proiaht le pais."
It appears that the Earl of Strathem had his abode in an island.
'* Et quant il fut prest et munte de venir a la vile de Saint Johan a
Monsire Aymer donques vient Sire Robert de Bras asieger 1 yle ou le
Cunte estoit et fist proier et destraier le pais," &c. (Sir P. Palgrave's
Documents on Scot. Hist. pp. 320-321.) [Mr Robertson's Notes.]
Loch Granech, in Strowan Athol, Perthshire. — Mr Robertson notes,
" on the 25th August 1451, King James II. grants to Robert Duncane-
sone of Strowane, the lauds of Strowane, the lauds of Roma(^h, Gleoerach,
the two Bohaspikis, ' terras de Granech cum lacu et insula lacus ejusdem,'
Carrie, Innyrcadoure, Famay, Disert, Faskel, Kylkere, Balnegarde, Balne-
fert, Glengary, with the forest in the Earldom of Athol and Sheriffdom of
Perth, erected into the Barony of Strowane, ' pro capcione nequissirai pro-
ditoris quondam Roberti le Grahame,' " &c. (Reg. Mag. Sig. iv. p. 227.)
Lochindorb. — The castle stands on an island of the size of about an
acre. '^ Great rafts or planks of oak, by the beating of the waters against
the old walls, occasionally make their appearance, which confirms an
opinion entertained of this place, that it had been a national business,
originally built upon an artificial island. Tradition says, and some
credit is due to the report, that the particular account of this building
was lost in the days of King Edward I. of England." (Old Stat. Ace.
vol. viii. p. 259.)
Loch of Moy.— An island near the middle, consisting of about 2 acres
of ground, on which the Lairds of Mackintosh had a strength.
** At the distance of some hundred yards from this there is an artificial
island, formed by heaping a parcel of long, round stones upon each other.
This place was used as a prison, and is called Ellan-na-Glack, the SUmey
Island.*' (Old Stat. Ace. vol. viii. p. 505.)
Port-an-Eilean, the harbour of the island.— '^ In an island of Loch-
vennachar, opposite to this farm, there has been a castle, a place of
strength. Port is evidently the same word with partus^ and has the same
signification." (Old Stat. Ace. of Callander, vol. xi. p. 614.)
VOL. VI. PART I. M
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178 PROCKEDINGB OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1865.
In a very small island of Lochard are still to be seen the raiDs of a
castle, supposed to have been built by Duke of Albany, uncle to James I.
(Old Stat. Ace. vol. X. p. 130.)
Blairgowrie.— In the middle of one of the many lochs in this parish is
a small island, with remains of old buildings on it. (Old Stat. Aoo. vol.
xvii. p. 195.)
Monday, Wth April 1865.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Grentlemen were balloted for and elected Fellows of the
Society : —
Tlio ReT. RoBBKT Raihy, D.D., Edinburgh.
William F. Collier, LL.D., Edinburgh Academy.
James Chalmers, Esq., Printer, Aberdeen.
The Donations to the Museum and Library were as follows, and thanks
were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By William Forbes of Medwyn, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Celt of dark-coloured FHnt, rubbed smooth on its surface, and measur-
ing 5 inches in length, by two inches across the cutting edge ; and
Two Whorls, or Buttous of Stone, IJ inch in diameter. One of clay
slate, is rudely ornamented round the edge and on both sides with incised
lines ; the other is of trap. The celt and whorls were found at South
Slipperfield, near West Linton, Peeblesshire.
Six Spurious First Brass Coins of Claudius, Nero, Vitellius, <fec., of
modern manufacture, and Six Third Brass of Constantino the Great ;
purchased at the new station of the South Eastern Bailway, Gannon
Street, London, and stated to have been found by the navvies employed
there.
(2.) By Fountain* Walker of Foyers, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Two beautifully formed Celts of fine grained dark-green Serpen-
tine (?) ; one measures 12^ inches in length, and 4 inches across the cut-
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 179
ting edge ; the other measures 9 j- inches in length, and 2^ inches across
the face ; the opposite extremity of each is tapered off to a sharp point.
Cylindrical-shaped Implement of Porphyritic Stone, with the ends
rounded off to blunt points; it measures 11 inches in length and 2}
inches in diameter.
These three implements were found several years ago, along with
another smaller celt, in a cairn in a wood lying between Lochs Drumashie
and Duntelchaig, in the parish of Daviot, Inverness-shire.
There is a tradition in the district that one of FingaVs battles was
fought there.
Silver Signet King, with a large oval-shaped setting of glass paste, in
imitation of red cornelian, on which is a bust of William Duke of Cumber-
land looking to the left, with the legend w. n. of Cumberland. It was
found near Inverness.
(3.) By Admiral Sir Albxander Milnb, Knt.
Portion of a Hypocaust, consisting of three sandstone pillars, each
measuring 2 feet in height and 9 inches in diameter, which support
a stone slab 2 feet 6 inches square, and 3^ inches thick. On the upper
surface of this stone is a layer of concrete or conglomerate of lime,
pebbles, &c., 6 inches thick. It formed part of the remains of a Roman
Villa discovered at Inveresk, near Musselburgh, in the year 1783. An
account of the discovery was communicated to the Society at the time
by Mr Adam de Cardonell, and is printed in the Archasologia Scotica,
vol. ii. page 160.
Mr Cardonell also presented to the Society*8 Museum various remains
found in excavating the Villa, including two portions of red earthen-
ware pipes, a portion of a terra cotta statue, a hand pressing grapes, roe-
buck horns, &c., &c.
(4.) By James Fini.ay, Esq., Grantown, Inverness-shire.
Slab of mica schist stone, measuring 3 feet 6 inches in length by 16
inches in breadth, and from 2^ to 3^ inches in thickness, on the face of
which is incised the half of the crescent and sceptre symbol, or orna-
ment, and the Z or zigzag ornaments, with foliated ends, of the " Sculp-
tured Stones of Scotland." It was found near Finlarig, Perthshire.
Block of Mica Schist, measuring 4 feet in length, 10 inches in breadth,
M 2
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180 PROCBEDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1865.
and 9 inches in thickness. On the face of the stone is incised the figure
of a red deer, measuring 8 inches from the snout to the tail, and under it
there b an oblong figure, measuring 5^ inches in length by 3^ in breadth,
through the centre of which a line is cut lengthways ; and the upper and
lower opposite comers are carried outwards in a spiral ornamental curl.
The stone was found about two feet below the surface, while trenching
a small knoll called Knock-an-Fruich. It was intended to have been
carted away for the purpose of being converted into the step of a stair,
from which purpose it was rescued by the donor.
(5.) By William Douglas, Esq., B S.A.
Bronze Three-legged Pot, having loops for handle projecting on each
side of the mouth, and measures 13 inches in height by 10 inches in
diameter across the mouth. It is ornamented on the outside with two
slightly projecting parallel ribs or bands, which surround the bulging
portion of the pot.
Iron Tliree-legged Pot, measuring 8 inches in height and 9 inches
across the mouth. The body of the pot projects outwards in a globular
manner below ; the upper portion being straight, and 3 inches in breadth ;
and on each side of the mouth is a projecting loop for the handle.
Portion of Blue-coloured Glass, and a portion of Green-coloured Glass.
One side of each of the pieces displays an interlaced pattern, painted in
white. They were brought from the Church of St Paul, Bome.
(6.) By Andbbw Jervisb, Esq., Gorr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Circular disc of Sandstone, measuring in diameter 4^ inches, and 1|
inch thick, through which is cut a perforation 1^ inch in diameter.
It was found near the ruins of Whbtleberry Castle, Kinneff, Kincardine-
shire.
Octagonal-shaped Brass Medal, 1| inch in length. On the obverse is
a figure of St John, and on the reverse the Virgin and Child, both in
relief. The medal was found while digging a piece of garden ground
near the supposed site of Bishop Carusck's Tower, High Street, Brechin.
(7.) By Major Thomas, Ballantyne House, through J. Nbisu, of
the Laws, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Block of Gray Sandstone, measuring 12 inches in length by 8 in
breadth, and 6 inches in thickness. On one side is sculptured in high
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 181
relief a portion of a haman figure, with a flowing robe from (he waist
downwards; it shows also portion of an arm, and a necklace, or chain,
with pendent. It was found when taking down some old walls at
Bannatyne, or Ballantyne House, Newtyle, Forfarshire.
A contract is extant "for building a house at Newtyle, between
Thomas Bannatyne, a Lord of Session, and John Mylne, and (reorge
Thomson," dated 1589. Lord Bannatyne was the elder brother of the
well-known collector of the early Poetry of Scotland.
(8.) By Mr Thomas Hardib, National Gallery.
Lady's Long Glove, or Gauntlet, of yellowish coloured leather, with
a richly embroidered pattern in gold thread and red silk on the flaps, or
portions that cover the wrist.
(9.) By BoBEBT Hutchison of Carlowrie, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Portions of Four Human Skulls, taken from long-shaped stone cists
or coffins, recently discovered near the Catstane, Kirkliston. (See Mr
Hutchison's Communication, page 184, Plate XIV.)
(10.) By Hbnbt Curistib, Esq., London, and M. E. M. Labtkt,
Paris.
Slab of Breccia, measuring 20 inches broad by 2 feet 3 inches in
length, and 3 inches in thickness, from the floor of a cave at Les Eyzies,
Dordogne, France.
This breccia contains flint implements and flakes, bones of the rein-
deer, birds, and fish, left in the cave by the ancient inhabitants. The
caves and their contents are fully described in the work by Messrs Lartet
and Christie, entitled ^^Beliquisd Aquitanicae; being contributions to
the Archasology and Palaeontology of P^rigord and the adjoining pro-
vinces of Southern France." 4to.
(11.) By Adam B. Mbssxr, M.D., Royal Navy, through John Albx.
Smith, M.D., Sec. S.A. Scot.
Axe Head of Greenstone, measuring 6| inches in length, and 3 inches
across the cutting face ; found in a Maori pah, near Bangiawhia, in the
Waik&to District, New Zealand.
Wooden Handle, 15 inches long, with cross head 5 inches long ; for a
stone celt or iron chisel. It is formed of the branch of a tree, to which
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182 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 18C6.
part of the main stem is left attached at a right angle, and shaped to allow
the celt or chisel to be fixed to it with cords of flax. It was found
at Ngaruawahia, on the Waik&to Biver, New Zealand. Similar handles
are still in use by the Maories, to which they often attach an English steel
chisel. They are then used like an adze for excavating their canoes.
Bounded Pestle, or Pounder, of Dark-coloured Stone, measuring 10
inches in length by 4 inches in diameter at the thick end, which is bluntly
rounded ofif ; the upper portion is tapering, and slightly hollowed, so as to
form a handle. It is still much used by the Maoris for crushing maize
or fern root, &c. Found at Paitai, on the Waik&to Biver, New Zealand.
A Tomahawk or Club, formed from a bone of the whale ; it measures
16 inches in length, and 2^ inches across at the wood or blade end, by
1 inch in thickness at the extremity of the handle, and is pierced with
a square hole. It is ornamented by incised scrolls on both sides, and
was found in a chiefs house near Ngaruawahia, on the Waik&to Biver,
New Zealand. This is a very rude specimen of a weapon much used by the
Maories, and is made in a great variety of shapes and materials. Some
of the bone clubs are beautifully proportioned, carved, and polished ; red
sealing wax is much admired by the natives, and is frequently put on
in patches, for ornament ; traces of it are seen on this club.
Implement formed of a cylindrical- shaped portion of Bone, measuring
5^ inches long, f of an inch in diameter, with a handle 3 inches long.
A hole is pierced through at 1^ inches from the lower extremity, which
is cupped and concave. The implement is of one piece of bone, and
was found in the Maori pah at Bangiriri. It is supposed to have been
used by the natives in making cartridges for their muskets.
(12.) By John Strath, Esq., Engineer, Sydney, Australia.
Bomerang of Close-grained Wood, measuring 21 inches between its
two extremities, and 2^ inches in breadth across the middle of this
curious implement.
Waddie or Club of Close-grained Wood, measuring 2 feet in length ;
it increases gradually in thickness, from the handle, which is § of an inch
in diameter, to the other extremity, which is 2 inches in diameter.
(13.) By Thomas Brodib, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Original MSS. "List of the Poker Club, 1768," showing (opposite to
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DONATIONS TO THE MU8KUM. 183
the names of the memhers) " the sums Incurred, whereof paid, time when
paid, arrears," &c., arranged in separate columns. The list of memhers
includes the names of the Rev. Dr Alex. Carlyle of Inveresk, Dr Adam
Ferguson, Lord Elibank, Baron Grant, David Hume, Professor James
Russell, W. Grahame of Garlmore, Sir Adam Ferguson, the Earl of Dun-
more, Earl Marischal, Lord Eliok, and otlier celebrated men of that date.
(14.) By GsoROB Tat*, Esq., Alnwick, Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Cluh. Vol v. No. 2.
8vo. 1864.
(15.) By Thomas Jombs, Esq., Keeper of the Chetham Library,
Manchester.
Bibliotheca Cbethameusis : sive Bibliotbecae Publicad Mancuniensis ab
Humfredo Chetham FundataB, Catalogi tomus IV. Edidit Thomas
Jones, B.A. 8vo. Manchester, 1862.
There were exhibited —
(1.) By Sir Adam Hat, Bart., of Smithfield and Haystoune, Peebles-
shire.
A Bronze Three-legged Pot, with projecting loops at the side for the
handle. It measures 9 inches in height, and 7^ inches across the
mouth. Bronze Three-legged Pot or Ewer, 8 inches in height, 3^
inches across the mouth, with a spout and handle. These vessels were
found several years ago near Peebles.
(2.) By Mr John Nicholson, Bookseller, Kirkcudbright.
Small Pot or Patella of yellow-coloured Bronze, measuring 4^ inches
across the mouth, and 3 inches in depth. It tapers from the mouth
towards the bottom, which is 2} inches in diameter. The handle pro-
jects from the rim ; it is flat, and measures 4 inches in length. The
whole of the outside of the vessel, and the upper side of the handle, is
covered with enamel, arranged in ornamental scrolls, leaves, &c. The
colours are blue, green, and red.
(3.) By Mr Thomas Edward, Curator of the Museum, Banff.
Bronze Article, in form somewhat resembling a pig's head (?), with
moveable under jaw ; found many years ago in digging in the parish of
Deskford, Banffshire.
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18i I'UOCEKDiNGb OF I'llE 80CIKTY, APKIL 1865.
NOTICE OF STONE-CISTS DISCOVERED NEAB THE "CATSTANE."
KIRKLISTON. By ROBERT HUTCHISON op Cablowbie, Esq., F.SJL.
Scot. (With Diagram )
The bistorical interest attaching to the '^ Catstane," since the attention
of antiquaries has been more particularly directed to its probable origin,
by the publication, a few years ago,^ of Professor Simpson's elaborate
paper on the subject, induced me, on 6th April 1864, to reconnoitre the
field in which that venerable monolith stands, with the view of finding,
if possible, some remains of the large tumulus which is reported to have
formerly stood about sixty yards to the west of the " Catstane," and is
said to have been opened in 1824, and found to contain several complete
skeletons ; but " nearly all traces of which," according to Professor
Daniel Wilson, in his Prehistoric Annals,' *^ have now disappeared."
Having carefully examined the place indicated, and dug over a con-
siderable area around the supposed site, without success, 1 was induced
to try a little to the eastward of the " Catstane," partly from the position
of the inscription upon the stone (which faces the east), and partly also
from the appearance of the ground, which at that point, a few yards
distant from the " Catstane," assumes the form of a slope or knoll, the
*' lie " of the ground being to the south and east, and the stone itself
having been apparently placed at the north-west comer of this tumulus.
The soil throughout this knowe is difierent from that of the rest of
the field, having evidently been ** travelled " or " forced," and the mound
raised in this manner upon the original ground-level. The earth is
friable, dry, and sandy, and free from stones, while the soil of the rest of
the field is of a tilly clayey nature, and is studded in some places, about
a foot under the surface, with the common clay boulders, or land-stones
which abound in the district.
Although unsuccessful in finding any trace of the tumulus mentioned
to the west of the '* Catstane," 1 was fortunate in finding what I shall
now describe, seeing its existence has hitherto been unknown.
1 Vide Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. iv. p. 119.
^ Prehistoric Annals of Scotland, p. 96.
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BTOSE CISTS DISCOVKBED NEAR THE " CATSTANE," KIRKLISTON. 185
We had hardly dug down into this knowe more than a foot, at a point
about twenty yards from the '' Catstane," when we came upon a large
flat stone, which, on being struck, sounded hollow. Clearing away the
loose earth, we found the cist marked in the diagram, third from the top
of line D.
The cists on either side of this one were next discovered, and then the
others in the same row, which terminated at the foot of the knowe with
the small grave marked S in the diagram. This row contains thirteen
cists.
The coffins in this, and in all the other eight rows, lay in regular
order, side by side, with about a foot of space between each, and all faced
due east. This point was carefully tested by the compass, and in no in-
stance, except in that of cist marked T in line B, did this position
vary, and I am inclined to believe from the displacement of some of
the slabs forming this grave, that the difference in its position is the
result of subsequent accidental interference, and has probably been
caused by agricultural operations of a later date. Indeed, seeing that
the average depth of all the cists from the surface of the ground is only
about fifteen inches, it is rather singular that they should have so long
escaped not only discovery, but also absolute destruction. In many
places the marks of the plough-irons, grazing along the surface of the
cist-covers, were quite visible ; and this is, I think, an important point,
tending to prove that the interments were all made at one time ; for al-
though the exact regularity of the cists, and the respective rows in
relation to each other, seem to me of itself almost a sufficient proof
that they were all placed there at one time, this supposition is strength-
ened, when we find the slabs forming the covers so level, and equally
laid, and so firmly placed together, as to present a compact pavement-
like surface, which could only be formed by their having been laid
simultaneously in hit4, and then regularly and carefully earthed over,
and covered up.
The number of cists found was fifty-one ; and I believe we discovered
all the graves which ever existed to the east and south of the '' Cat-
stane ; '* and although a careful search was made to the westward and
all around, no traces whatever of any other interments or mounds were
found.
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186 PR0CEBDIN08 OF THE SOCIKTY, APRIL 1865.
The coffins are all of the usual " long-cist " character, composed chiefly
of rude, irregular, unhewn slabs of yellowish freestone, which varied in
thickness from about one and a -half to three inches, each piece of stone
being about two feet to three feet, and in a few instances four feet in
length, and about eighteen inches broad. It was observed that thirteen
of the graves were composed entirely of a black shaley stone, in pieces
of similar dimensions to the freestone slabs. These were invariably the
smallest cists found, and in no case was any coffin found composed partly
of freestone and partly of black shale.
Those of black shale are marked on the diagram P.
I specially mention this fact, because it seems to me that the employ-
ment of a different kind of stone material in the construction of the
smaller cists, tends to indicate that these coffins contained the bodies of
a people, or race, distinct from those interred in the large cists of free-
stone. This conclusion is greatly strengthened by the result of the eth-
nological examination of portions of the crania which were taken from
some of the graves. Portions of four of the skulls have been put
together and patched up by my friend Mr Turner, and are now on
the table; and his report upon them will be afterwards read to this
meeting.
Careful measurements were made of all the cists, and a table showing
these is appended to this paper. The smallest grave measured in length
only 2 feet 4 inches, while the longest was 6 feet 9 inches. Three cists
measured 6 feet 9 inches.
The average length of the black shale graves is 5 feet 4^ inches ;
while the average length of those composed of freestone slabs is 6 feet
1^ inches; and it may be worthy of notice that while the difference in
length of many of the cists is considerable, the variations in their breadth
are immaterial. This probably shows that they all contained the bodies
of adults ; indeed this is pretty certain, because the crowns of the teeth
found in some of the shorter black shale graves were as much worn on
the edges as those found in the longest freestone cist.
All the coffins seem to have been built after the same fashion ; but
one of them calls for special notice, as different in its construction from
that of the others. The cist referred to is the small one marked S
at the south end of row D. It measures only two feet 4 inches in
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STONE CISTS DISCOVERED NEAR THE " CATSTANE/' KIRKLISTON. 187
length, 12 inches in breadth, and 20 inches in depth, being thus con-
siderably deeper and shorter than any of the rest. Instead of being
composed of slabs of thin stone or shale, it was regularly built of ordi-
nary shaped stones, which bore no appearance of having been artificially
fashioned or hewn, but seemed rather to be the common land or boulder
stones, and were similar to those employed in packing round the slabs
of tlie other cists as supports or partition walls. There was no stone
bottom to this grave, and no trace of bones was found in it ; but upon
the natural level of the soil inside, which was here of a gritty nature,
we observed the blackened charred appearance of what seemed to have
been a fire. I confess I am unable to offer any conjecture as to this
curious little grave, unless, perhaps* it may have been a cremation inter-
ment ; yet why one solitary instance of the kind should occur amongst so
many interments of a different description, is singular enough ; espe-
cially as we know that a small grave has repeatedly been found in other
barrows, similarly situated at the extreme south end of a row. For ex-
ample, a small cist exactly the same in build, dimensions, and position
in relation to the others, was found last year at Burnhouse (which is
about six miles west from the '^ Catstane "), in conjunction with other
six long cists which were found in a field, where like discoveries have
from time to time been made.
In both cases the small cist is placed a little apart from the general line
of graves, being about 4 feet from the nearest cist. These had no covers.
In noticing the difference in the construction of this small grave, it
should be stated that when the " Catstane" was dug under by Professor
Simpson and myself in 1861, we found it stood over what was distinctly
the side walls of a built grave identical in masonry and material with
this small cist; and this is worthy of note, as it connects the '^ Catstane''
itself with this small cist, and, consequently, although indirectly, with
all the other intervening graves.
The mode of sepulture generally employed at this barrow appears to
have been somewhat in this manner. Large slabs having been placed
upon the natural surface of the ground, without any excavation, the
corpse was stretched upon these ; the side and end slabs were then placed
on edge, forming the walls round the body, and these were then sup-
ported by boulder-stones and earth thrown round them ; the covers were
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188 PR0GEEDIN08 OF THE 800IETY, APRIL 1866.
then carefully laid in tbeir positioD, and the earth heaped over the whole,
and piled up till the mound or tumulus was thus raised. Monoliths were
probably set to mark the site and the boundary of the place of inter-
ment.
In opening the cists nothing was found but fragments of human bones,
very much decayed, and which broke and crumbled away at the sb'ghtest
touch. The sand had silted into the interior of the graves, and com-
pletely filled the interstices between the joints of the stones The lower
part of each cist contained the usual fatty clay of a black colour, in which
were abundant traces of bones. The corpses had been laid at full length,
and in all cases faced the east, and in most instances the arms were ex-
tended by the sides ; although, in a few cists of freestone, the hands
appeared to have been crossed over upon the thighs, a position which
could not be found in any of the cists of black shale, in which the
arm-bones were invariably found stretched down the sides.
My attention was particularly called to this circumstance as I minutely
examined each cist for the bones of the hands, wrists, and arms, in search
of armlets, rings, or other ornaments.
Although careful search was made, no urn, trinket, or weapon of any
description was found in or around any of the cists ; nor did they present
the slightest appearance of having ever been previously disturbed.
There were no artificial incisions or markings of any sort upon any of
the covers ; the only unusual object found was the white lump of hard
mountain limestone now produced, which was found close to the small
grave S., and which, from its hardness as well as its shape — being
naturally flatter and more pointed at one end than the other — may not
improbably have been used as a rude hamnrer in fctshioning the slabs
and lids of the cists. This is a stone quite unknown in the district ;
and the stones composing the cists themselves must have been brought
from a considerable distance. A freestone, of similar nature to that em-
ployed, abounds along the coast at Queensferry, three miles distant ; and
the black shale was probably found in a quarry which crops out on the
bank of the Almond, in the Craigiehall grounds, about a mile and a half
distant from the ^* Catstane,'' and to which spot, at the present day,
during harvest time, reapers resort for pieces of this black shale to be
used as whetstones for their sickles.
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8T0NB 0I8T8 DI8C0VERKD NEAR THE " CATSTANE/' KIRKLISTON. 189
At the Dorth-easteni corner of the burial-groQDd, and at a distance of
abont twenty yards from the nearest cist, at the spot marked K on the
diagram, about two feet under the surface, and upon the natural soil,
traces of a large fire were found, and close adjoining it we discovered
several bones. These were evidently not human remains, as that now
produced will show, which was probably the one in best preservation for
removal.
Lhwyd, the distinguished and accurate Welsh archadologist, writing,
in 1699, in reference to the ^' Catstane," supposed it to be the tomb of
some Pictish king, and describes it as " an area of about 7 yards diameter,
raised a little above the rest of the ground, and encompassed with large
stones; all which stones are laid lengthwise, excepting one larger than
ordinary, which is pitched on end, and contains this inscription, in the
barbarous characters of the fourth and fifth centuries : — ' In oc tumulo
jacet Vetta F. Victi.'" Four of these large encircling stones he refers
to we found lying close together, about three feet under the surface, at
the north end of the rows of graves, as shown in the diagram ; and, from
their position, they appear to have been thrown from their (mginal situa-
tion into a deep hole dug for their reception, to be out of the farmer's
way in conducting field operations. They are similar to the '^ Catstane"
itself, but smaller, being rough, undressed masses of secondary green-
stone trap, varying in size from 5 feet to 6 feet long, and from 2 feet to
8^ feet broad, and from about 18 inches to 2 feet 4 inches thick.
Although carefully washed and examined on every side, none of them
bore any trace of an inscription, or showed any artificial dressing or
tool-markings whatever.
The only other noticeable feature in this spot of primitive sepulture
was the fragmentary portion of an encircling rude wall, which we found
extending along the north side, and which had probably originally en-
closed the area of the graveyard. The height of the most entire part
found was about 18 inches to 2 feet; and more fragmentary portions
were observed extending along the north-east end of the cists; and
beyond this line no cists were discovered.
There was no artificial dressing upon the stones, which seemed to be
common land-stones ; and the dyke had been built of these alone, with-
out any cement or lime.
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190 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1865.
The question now occurs. Who were the occupants of this primitive
place of hurial, or to what era in the early annals of the district do they
belong?
In the absence of any relic, weapon, or other collateral proofs to guide
us in endeavouring to arrive at a satisfactory answer to this difficult and
perplexing inquiry, the first circumstance connected with the cists that
requires notice is their position, which, as we stated, is due east and
west. We found that in every instance the body had been laid to face
the east; and to many this may appear sufficient proof of Christian
burial, and a not very ancient date might accordingly be assigned to the
cists.
I do not think, however, that the mere direction of either the body or
the cist is at all conclusive proof of either Pagan or Christian interment.
No doubt it is possible, and, indeed, instances do occur to show that in
early times regard was paid to the direction in which the body was dis-
posed in burial ; but I do not think we would in the present instance be
justified in asserting, without better evidence, that the occupants of the
" Catstane " cists, were Christian. Other considerations than those of reli-
gious rites and superstitions might lead to the disposition of the cists east
and west. Convenience might have had something to do with it, or the
first interment may have, by chance, been laid in that direction, and
others would follow, and the regularly methodic arrangement of the cists
which we found to exist may have led to all lying in one direction ; and
the desire to lay their dead in the small rising dry ground in an other-
wise damp, wide, reedy plain, may have also led to a carefully methodic
arrangement of the graves for their better preservation. It must also be
borne in mind that the near proximity of the river Almond to the grave-
yard— being hardly a liundred yards distant — and the frequent flooding
to which this and the adjacent fields were continually exposed, naturally
led to the bodies being buried on the dry side of this little knowe, pro-
tected from the river's incursions ; and had they been laid in any other
direction than east and west, they would have presented a much more
destructible front to the inroads of the river.
Another element for consideration in attempting to arrive at the pro-
bable date of these interments, is the fact that they are found in a dis-
trict the possession of which was fiercely contested for centuries by the
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STONE CISTS DISCOVBRED NEAR THE " CATSTANE," KIRKLISTON. 191
RomaDs against the yarious aborigiDal tribe, assisted by the Saxons and
the Danes.
The frequency also with which stone cists, much akin in construction
to those now under notice, haye been found, both in groups and in soli-
tary instances, in the neighbourhood of the ^' Catstane,'' and scattered
over a wide extent of the surrounding country, points to the exbtence,
at a very remote period, of a densely-populated province immediately to
the south of the Wall of Antoninus.
These scattered cists, in so far as I have seen them, present analogous,
but not identical, features to those found around the ^' Catstane." In
all other cases — for example, as at Cramond, Oraigiehill, Carlowrie, Dal-
meny, Kanley, Gbgar, Ingliston, Eastfield, Lochend, Newliston, New-
bridge, Cliftonhall, Calder, Burnhouse, and Broadlaw — the nuUeriah of
their coDstruction appear the same ; but in no other instance that I have
been able to find out have so many cists been found together — most of
the barrows consisting merely of a few graves, which were hardly so
methodically arranged, although somewhat similar to those under notice.
Occasionally a solitary cist has been found, as at Craigiehill, Dalmeny,
and Carlowrie, and in none of these cases does regard seem to have been
paid to the east and west direction of what otherwise seem identical cists;
for in them the bodies had been laid north and south.
Lately a similar freestone slab cist was found at Standing Stone, near
Dalmeny, during the progress of the branch line of railway to Queens-
ferry, which lay north-east and south-west. A similar but short cist was
found by myself at Carlowrie, a few years ago, which lay north and south
in a position within half a mile of the '' Catstane ; '* and the thirteen found
several years ago on the banks of the Almond, opposite the field in which
the "Catstane ** stands, lay facing south-west. These were also short cists,
and I am inclined to think they belonged to a still earlier date than
those we are now considering, and were probably the graves of the abori-
gines of the district, because twenty-seven precisely similar cists were
found when cutting away a "brae" from the old Boman road which
originally led close past the " Catstane," and on removing the causeway-
like metal with which this road is formed, to cut the "brae" away, the
cists referred to were found underneath, and were broken up for road
metal. This circumstance I have learnt from an old man who still
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192 PROCCBDINaS OF THE SOOIETY, APRIL 1865.
works as surfaceman upon the parish road, and who assisted at the
straightening and levelling the road at the time. The spot where these
twenty-seven pre-Boman cists was found is within 300 yards of the
" Gatstane/' and farther to the south ; and I lately had the curiosity to
dig at the spot indicated, when I found the remains of two rude short
cists of the same freestone material, and otherwise similar (excepting in
length) to the " Catstane" graves.
The change to a more regular and systematic mode of burying the
dead might result from an improvement in the social condition of the
inhabitants, caused either by the introduction of a new tribe of allies, or
by the forcible intrusion of some foreign race, whose manners and
customs may have displaced the older, ruder, and more irregular customs
of the land.
If, then, the systematic disposition of the body and the encircling
cist in one direction in burial, and the much larger number of inter-
ments in one place, as found at the *' Catstane," be indicative of a pro-
gressive advance, or change, or introduction of other races amongst the
primitive inhabitants of thjB country, and taking into account the em-
ployment of the two distinct materials for cists as well as the two types
of crania found in these cists, may this not be the resting-place of the
Veoturiones? — a mixed race— of whose existence, about a.d. 864, in
this country, we have the contemporary historical testimony of Ammianus
Marcellinus,^ who describes them as *^ that Saxon host, leagued with the
other Scottish tribes, the Picts, Scots, and Attacots in fighting against
the Bomans;" and again, in a.d. 868, as '^ Picts divided into the Dica-
ledonaa and Veoturiones,'' and who probably derived their name from
their leader Ystta the son of Vioti, of the royal house of Woden, whose
rude but lasting memorial throughout so many centuries has been, and
is, the " Catstanb."
1 Ammiani Marcellini Historiamm, lib. xxviii. c. 1.
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193
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194
PROOEEDINQS OF THE BOCIBTT, APRIL 1865.
Inside Measurements of Freestone Cists,
Na
Length.
Breadth.
Depth.
Na
Length.
Breadth.
Depth.
2, .
. 6 ft. 3
X 24 X
16
33, .
. 6ft. 6
X 24 X
15
3, .
• 6„ 7
»>
>»
34,
. 6„ 9
»9
99
4, .
. 5 „ 10
>»
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36, .
• 6 „ 11
)>
99
5, .
. 6„ 9
»
»
36, .
. 6„ 3
99
99
8, .
. 6,. 1
iy
»»
38, .
. 5 „ 10
9»
99
9, .
. 5„ 9
»
3>
39, .
. 6„ 5
99
99
10, .
. 6„ 7
>»
»
41, .
. 6„ 9
99
>9
11, .
. 6 „ 10
»
»
42, .
. 6„ 0
99
99
12, .
. 6„ 3
»
»»
43. .
. 5„ 9
99
99
13, .
. 6 „ 5
>»
»
44, .
. 6„ 0
99
99
15, .
. 6„ 8
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»
45, .
. e„ 7
99
99
16, .
. 6„ 1
»
»
46, .
. 6 „ 11
99
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17, .
■ 6 „ 11
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)9
47, .
. 6„ 5
99
V
19, .
. 5„ 8
M
»9
48, .
. 6 „ 2
99
99
20, .
. 6„ 9
»
W
60, .
. 6 „ 11
99
>9
22, .
. 6„ 8
M
19
61, .
. 6„ 6
9}
99
25, .
27, .
. 6„ 2
. 6„ 9
19
19
Ave
ft ltVea<
rage length, 6
zh.
28, .
. 6 „ 10
n
99
Small Built Oittve.
29, .
. 6„ 0
n
»9
24, .
. 8ft;. 4
X 12 X
24
Inside Measurements of Black Shale Cists.
Na
Length.
Breadth.
Depth.
1, .
. 6ft. 6
X 22 X
15
6, .
. 6„ 2
99
»
7, .
. 6„ 6
99
99
14, .
. 4„ 9
99
99
18, .
. 4„ 8
99
99
21, .
. 4 „ 10
W
99
23, .
. 6„ 6
99
99
26, .
. 6 „ 8
99
•>
No.
30,
31,
32,
37,
40,
49,
Length. Breadth. Depth.
6 ft. 6 X 22 X 16
7
9
2
9
6
Average length, 6 ft. 4,V each.
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REPORT ON SOME HUMAN CRANIA. 195
II.
REPORT ON SOME HUMAN CRANIA FOUND IN STONE COFFINS NEAR
THE CAT-STANE, KIRKLISTON. By WM. TURNER, M.B.
In the month of April 1864, 1 received from Professor Simpson and
Mr Hutchison of Carlowrie, portions of four human crania, which had
been taken out of stone coffins, situated in a field close to the Gat-Staue,
Kirkliston. The crania were, unfortunately, in a very fragile condition.
The bones composing them were soft, and their cavities were filled with
moist earth, which had washed into and almost filled the coffins.
Although great care was taken in removing the earth from each skull,
yet as soon as it lost its support, the bones separated into many pieces,
some of which were so soft that they crumbled away even when gently
handled. It was especially noted that the side of the skull which lay
undermost was the softest, and most easily destroyed. With the utmost
caution, I have only been able to preserve such fragments as are pllaced
on the table ; and of these only one skull gives an outline of both the
cranial and facial form.
In the description, the skulls are designated A, BfG, and 2>.
A. Portion of a calvarium ; the frontal, greater part of both parietals,
and the apex of the occipital bones are present. The frontal, coronal,
sagittal, and lambdoidal sutures are all open. The sex is uncertain,
perhaps a male. The skull that of an adult, but not aged. In the frontal
region there is an almost total absence of a glabella, and of superciliary
ridges. There is no great elevation of the forehead ; and the vault of
the skull, formed by the posterior two-thirds of the frontal bone and the
anterior two-thirds of the two parietals, is flattened, so that when looked
at from above the vertex seems depressed. The parietal bones in their
posterior one-third gradually slope down into the occipital region. The
following measurements must be looked upon as approximative : —
Greatest frontal breadth, 4*1 inches ; extreme length, 7*1 inches ; extreme
parietal breadth, 5*2 inches ; ratio of length to breadth, 100 : 73. The
skull Is therefore dolicocephalic.
B. Portion of a calvarium, consisting of the frontal and two parietal
n2
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196 PROCBBDTNGS OF THB SOCIETY, APRIL 1865.
bones. The coronal and sagittal sutures are ossified, though their posi-
tion is marked by denticulations externally. The sex is apparently the
male, and the skull is that of one beyond the middle period of life. The
glabella and superciliary ridges, though presenting no great projection,
are more strongly marked than in A. The forehead is also more square
and massive, and the flattening of the top of the skull is more decided.
The transverse measurements are greater than in A. The extreme frontal
breadth is 4*6 inches. The extreme parietal breadth is 5'4 inches. The
length of the skull-cap in its present imperfect state is 7 inches. If the
occipital bone had been present, the length would of course have been
greater, though from the downward slope of the posterior parietal region
it is not probable that the antero-posterior diameter greatly exceeded
this measurement. Calculated, however, at its present length, the ratio
of length to breadth is as 100 to 77. The skull is therefore sub-brachy-
cephalic rather than dolicocephalic.
C Portion of a calvarium, consisting of the left half of tie frontal
bone, the left parietal and temporal bones, and a small part of the occi-
pital*. The sex is possibly that of a male, and the skull is that of one
somewhat advanced in years, for the sagittal suture is completely ossified.
The transverse measurements of the cranium it is impossible to take ;
but the extreme length, which is evidently a close approximation to the
real length, is only 6*6. Hence this skull is in a marked degree shorter
than A and B, and was most probably either brachy, or sub-brachy-
cephalic.
D. This is the most perfect of all the skulls, for not only are the
cranial bones, especially on the right side, in a better state of preserva-
tion, but many of the facial bones, including the right half of the lower
jaw, are present. The skull is that of an adult, though not aged person.
From the smoothness of the superciliary region, and the absence of any
strongly-marked muscular ridges, the cranium might be taken for that
of a female : the powerful horizontal ramus of the lower jaw, and the
deep and projecting symphysis are, however, much more nearly allied to
male characters. The sutures are unossified, but the basi-cranial syn-
chondrosis is closed. The forehead is well formed : the tubera both of
the frontal and parietal bones very fairly pronounced ; the summit of
the skull in the parietal region flattened, though the upper part of the
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REPORT ON 80M£ HUMAN CRANIA. 197
frontal bone does not participate in this flattening as in B, From the
parietal eminences, the sides of the skull pass almost vertically down-
wards to the squamous parts of the temporal bones. From the broken
condition of the occipital bone, it is difficult to say what its form might
have been, though the downward slope of the parietals posteriorly points
to a somewhat flattened condition of the occiput. The proportions of the
skull may be gathered from the following table of measurements : —
Inches.
Extreme length (approximative), .... 6*7
Ectorbital breadth, 3*6
Extreme frontal breadth, ...... 40
Extreme parietal breadth, 5*1
Zygomatic breadth (approximative), .... 4*5
The length is to the breadth as 100 to 76. The cephalic index indi-
cates a sub-brachyoephalic type.
The surfaces of the crowns of the teeth in both jaws are ground down
and flattened, and the dentine is exposed. The alveolar process of the
upper jaw is deep, and the palate is highly arched and narrow.
It is much to be regretted that only four crania, and those unfortu-
nately in a fragmentary state, were recovered from the large number of
stone coffins exposed near the Cat-Stane, for a greater number and a
more perfect condition might have assisted materially in throwing some
light on the cranial characters of the people or peoples formerly occupy-
ing that part of the Lothians. This, indeed, was the more to be
desired, for historical and archaeological evidence alike lead to the con-
clusion that more than one race was in temporary occupancy of this district
of Scotland during the earlier centuries of our era. Though some of the
measurements which have been given are only approximations, yet they
will, I think, indicate with tolerable precision the relative length and
breadth of the crania ; and from the description it will have been noted,
that whilst one is a fairly marked dolicocephalic skull, the others are
inclined to brachycephalism.
The difference between the longitudinal and transverse measurements
of the skull marked.^, and of those marked B, i>, and C, might, indeed,
weigh so far with some craniologists as to lead them to regard it as having
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198 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1865.
beloDged to a different race — to, in fact, a longer and more oval-headed
people. With but a single and very imperfect specimen on which to give
an opinion, it may perhaps be more judicious simply to record its characters,
without speculating further respecting the race to which it had appertained.
The sub-brachycephalic character of the other crania is of considerable
interest. Ethnologists have been hitherto in the habit of more especially
associating, in this Island at least, short heads with short cists, and of
regarding the occupants of the longer cists as a longer-headed race. Yet
three of the skulls from the long cists of Kirkliston do not display the
usual dolicocephalic characters, but approach much more closely to the
brachycephalic form. The facts before us, therefore, so far as they go,
point to the existence, in the Lothians, at a later period than that in
which the mode of burial in short cists prevailed, of a people whose crania
approached much more closely to the brachycephalic type than is ex-
hibited by the men of the present day. With what race, then, are these
people to be associated ? Not, I think, with the Saxon ; for the elon-
gated, more oval form of the cranium A, approaches nearer to the Teu-
tonic type than do either By (7, and D, Not to the Scandinavian, for here
again the skulls under consideration approach too closely to the brachy-
cephalic form. Much more probable is it, then, that they are the crania
of members of that ancient British race— Ficts, it may be — which
occupied this district of our Island many centuries ago. And in this
conclusion I am in general supported by Dr John Thumam, to whom
I sent sketches and measurements of the crania, and whose opinion
on any craniological or archaaological question bearing on the ancient
inhabitants of our Island is worthy of much consideration.
III.
TRANSLATION OF AN ASSYRIAN INSCRIPTION ON THE SCULP-
TURED SLAB RECENTLY PRESENTED TO THE MUSEUM BY PRO-
FESSOR J. Y. SIMPSON. By H. FOX TALBOT, Esq.
The Museum of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has been recently
enriched with a noble specimen of Assyrian sculpture, being the muni-
ficent donation of Dr Simpson, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Society.
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TRANSLATION OF AN ASSYRIAN INSCRIPTION. 199
This sonlptored slab represents Ashurakhbal, a monarch of the tenth
centary b.o., holding in bis hand a cup of wine, with which he is about
to offer a libation to the gods. This sculpture is accompanied by an in-
scription of twenty-one lines in very good preservation, of which I annex
a translation.
This inscription is a well-known one, more than 100 copies of it
having been found by Mr Layard while he was engaged in the excava-
tion of Ashurakhbal's palace ; for which reason it has been called the
" standard inscription." Nevertheless, no translation of it appears to
have been published.
Ashurakhbal was a great warrior and conqueror, but appears to have
been destitute of any taste for literature. This may be inferred from
the fact that he gave orders to inscribe the same inscription upon so
many of the slabs which lined the apartments and galleries of his palace ;
whereas, if he had given upon each slab the description of some different
battle, or other remarkable event of his reign, our knowledge of his
career would now have been much more complete.
There have been found, however, two pavement slabs, engraved on
both sides, at the entrance of the temple of Hercules on the mound of
Nimrud, which give a much more full and perfect account of his reign
and his conquests. These have been lithographed by the British
Museum, and occupy ten plates (17 to 26) of one of their volumes of in-
scriptions.
The Assyrians wrote their annals on small terra cotta cylinders, several
of which are in the British Museum. They are covered with close and
crowded characters impressed on them, while the clay was soft, by a kind
of stylus. These were, no doubt, when newly made, easily and con-
veniently legible. Besides these, the Assyrians had, doubtless, volumes
written on papjrrus which have not reached our times.
The inscriptions on the large sculptured slabs, such as the one now in
the Museum, were in all probability seldom read. Several reasons con-
cur to show this. In the first place, the inscription is treated as quite
subordinate to the sculpture. When a line of writing meets the king's
figure, it is suspended, often in the middle of a word, and the reader has
to search for the continuation of the word at the distance of a foot or
two, according to the breadth of the king's figure, or other interruption.
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200 FROOEBDt^QS OF THE SOCIETY, APBIL 1866.
This may not be of muoh importance in the case of the first or last lines,
but it is embarrassing in the central lines : it would be so even to an
English reader, reading his own language, if he found half of each line
written on one side of his newspaper, and half on the other side. More-
over, the terra cotta cylinders (which were intended for actual reading
and frequent consultation) were neatly and methodically written, each
line often commencing with a new subject. There is nothing of this
kind of care and attention on the large sculptured slabs. A new subject
almost always begins, without warning, in the middle of a line. The
workmen being commanded to repeat the same formal inscription so
often, grew inattentive, and bestowed all their care upon the king's efBgy
and the scene represented. A striking proof of this is afiforded by the
present inscription, line 14, in which the sculptor has carelessly re-
peated no less than sixty cuneiform signs which he had just written
(only in the previous line )). These contain only some phrases in praise
of the king which were certainly not repeated intentionally, since other
usual glorifications of the king have been omitted, and a copious choice
of them was at the disposal of the scribe.
Translation of the Inscription,
This is the palace of Ashurakhbal, servant of Ashur, priest of Bel and
Ninev, beloved by Anu and Dagon, worshipper of the great gods : the
great king, the king of the nations, the king of Assyria. Son of Shimish-
Bar the great king, the powerful king, the king of the nations, the king
of Assyria : who was the son of Hubirga, also king of nations and king
of Assyria.
The noble hero who went forth in the armed service of Ashur, his lord,
against the kings of the four regions of the world, as none had ever done
before ; and smote the heretics who worship not the exalted things, in
battles too numerous to be counted.
The king who humbled to the dust all those who did not obey him ;
and who subdued all the races of men. The great worshipper (of the
gods) : the trampler upon the necks of his enemies ; the conqueror of
hostile lands ; the destroyer of powerful fortresses. The king who ad-
vanced in the arms of the great gods his lords, and seized with his hand
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TRANSLATION OP AN A68YBIAN INSCRIPTION. 201
all hostile oountries, fixed the tribute of all their territories, and took
hostages from them as a pledge.
The favour of Asbur, who called me to the soYereign power, and is the
supporter of my throne, gave his irresistible arms into the hands of my
Majesty. The armies of the wide world I overthrew in battle.
By the help of the San, and Tem the god of the Sky, the gods to
whom I trust, I conquered the armies of the Highland Nahiri, the land
of Eirkhi, the land of Subari (pr Mesopotamia)^ and the land of Nireb : and
like the god Yem himself I rode thundering over them.
The king who subdued all the regions from the great stream of the
Tigris unto the land of Lebanon and the Great Sea; with the land of
Laki throughout all its provinces, and the land of Tsukhi as far as the
city Bapikhi, and compelled them to fall down at his feet. And who
seized with his hand the region from the source of the river Supnat unto
the land of Urardi (Armenia),
All the region from the entrance of the land of Eirruri unto the land
of Kirzan ; and from the great stream of the lower Zab as far as the
fortress of Til-bahari which protects the city of Zakim ; and from the
fortress of Aptan unto the fortress of Zabdan, along with the cities of
Ehirimu and Birrutu(f) which is a fortified city of the land of Earduniash
{BahyUmia\ I restored once more to my country's rule. All the region
from the entrance of the land of Babiti, as far as the city of Ehasmar, I
distributed among the men of my own land.
Over the regions which I had conquered I placed my lieutenants, and
they did homage to me.
Ashnrakhbal the glorious Buler, the friend (or favourite) of the great
gods. The San of great splendour, the conqueror of cities and lands with
all their people; the king of kings, the ohastiser of heretics; the scourge
of those who worship not the sacrifices; the great smiter of the dis-
obedient; the destroyer of rulers who reject my royalty, and of heretics
and rebellious men.
[Here a line is repeatedy probably by the mistake of the sculptor; namely, the
tohoU of the preceding paragraph Jrom *^ the Sun" down to *^ rebellious men,"']
The king whose name caused lands and seas to tremble ; and who en-
rolled in the federation of his empire glorious foreign kings, from the
rising of the sun unto the setting of the sun, every one of them.
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202 PROOBBDIKGS OF THE SOOI£TT, MAY 1865.
The former city of Calah, which Divanurish king of Assyria, one of
the kings who reigned before me, had built, that city had fallen into ruins.
That city I built again. I peopled it with the captives I had taken
in the various lands which I had conquered : — the land of Tsukhi ; the
land of Lakhi ; through all its provinces ; the city of Tsirku which is
placed at the great passage of the river Euphrates : the land of Zamia
throughout its whole extent: the land of Bit-Adini, and the land of
Syria ; together with the people of Lubama king of the Fatinoeans whom
I had carried oflf.
I pulled down its old citadel, and I built it new, as far as the surface
of the waters (in its moat /). One hundred and twenty spans of the lower
part I built in fine masonry.
Within the circuit of this fortress I constructed a palace (or fine house)
of cedar ; a house of cypress wood ; a house of ta^prani wood ; a house of
hu wood ; a house of meshkani wood ; a house of terebinth wood, and of
tarpHchi wood, for the residence of my Majesty, and for a remembrance
of my reign for evermore.
I made sculptures of the animals of the lands and seas, carved in pari
stone and in partUi stone (white alabaster f) and I set them up at the
doors of my palace.
I made it grand; I made it splendid; and with images of bright copper
I adorned it.
Columns of cedar wood, cypress wood, taprani wood, and meskkanni
wood, I erected at its gates: and the stores of silver and .gold; of lead,
copper, and iron, captured by my hand in the lands which I had con-
quered, which I had seized in vast quantities, I treasured up within it.
Monday, Sth May 1865.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following gentlemen were balloted for and elected Corresponding
Members of the Society : —
David Miller, Esq., Arbroath.
James Nicholson, Esq., Kirkcudbright.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 203
The DoDations to the Museum and the Library were as follows, and
thanks were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By Colonel J. Forbes Lbsub, F.S A. Scot.
Necklace of Jet, consisting of thirteen oblong Beads, measuring from
i inch to 1 inch in length ; eight flat, somewhat square-shaped pieces,
measuring 1 inch to 1^ inch in length, and from 1^ inch to If inch in
breadth ; three portions are triangular in form, and measure from H inch
to 2^ inches in length. These flat portions are all pierced with three
holes lengthwise, and are of the uniform thickness of ^ of an inch ;
Two small Amber Beads; small portion of bronze ; portions of charcoal ;
Fragments of an urn of reddish clay, with an incised ornament of
small lines arranged in rows; and portions of human bones, which
appear to have been burnt. All found in a cist or cofBn at Bothie,
Aberdeenshire. (See Communication by Mr Stuart, page 217.)
(2.) By Admiral Sir Alrzandbr Milnb, K.C.B.
Boman Amphora or Jar, of coarse yellow-coloured clay, measuring
7 inches in height, and 3 inches across the mouth. The under portion is
globe-shaped, and is 7 inches in diameter ; the diameter across the bottom
being 3^ inches ; and there is a handle on each side of the neck. It
was found at a depth of 7 feet from the surface.
Eight fragments of small Jars of coarse clay.
Three portions of Mortaria, of coarse red clay : one of them stamped
with an ornament or potter's mark—a branch with leaves. Bones of
animals, including deer, ox, &o. These remains were all found at In-
Veresk, near Musselburgh.
At Inveresk the remains of a Boman villa were found (as described in
the ** Archseologia Scotica," vol. ii. p. 159) in digging a trench for a new
churchyard wall, in a field situated to the west of the present churchyard,
which is on the highest part of elevated ground.
(3.) By Sir Albxandbr Campbell, Bart., F.S.A. Scot.
Bronzed Winged Celt, 4 inches in length, and 2^ across the cutting
edge, turned up by the plough many years ago, on the farm of Achinroer,
on the estate of Barcaldine, Argyleshire.
Pair of Brass Snuflfers; the top part is ornamepted with a lion's head
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204 PBOCEEDINQS OF THE SOCIETY, HAT 1865.
in high relief, behind it a bead winged, and an imitation Boman coin.
A bnman figure forms the centre of each handle.
Plate of Brass, measuring 6 inches in length by 2^ inches in breadth,
being the sinister half of a shield bearing the arms of England (three
lions passant gardant) within a bordure semie fleurs-de-lis. These were
probably the arms of John of Eltham, second son of Edward II., created
Earl of Cornwall 1328, died 1334 ; and this brass has probably orna-
mented some of his residences, or perhaps the canopy of the monument
and effigy erected to his memory in Westminster Abbey. The shield
there, on the arm of the knight, has the same blazon, with the slight
difference, however, of the bordure bearing the fleur de lis and not
semie ; but this may be an error of the artist. (See iN'ichol's " Sepulchral
Monuments of Great Britain," vol. i. part ii. p. 95.)
Quaich, or Drinking Cup, measuring 3 inches in diameter, formed of
ebony and white wood, bound with two silver hoops on the sides, and
one round the bottom. The Cup has a handle projecting from each side.
It is stated by the donor to have been made by Archibald Marquess of
Argyle just before his execution, and it has been handed down as an
heirloom in his family.
(4.) By Mr Thomas Bbtce, Dykehead, West Calder.
Wooden Spindle, 10 inches long, with stone whorl 2 inches in diameter,
being a distaff used by the mother of the donor.
Iron Caltrop, with four prongs, each measuring 1^ inch in length,
found in the parish of West Calder.
Dutch Tobacco Box, oval-shaped, 4^ inches long by 2^ broad. On
the top and bottom are engraved figures and an inscription.
(5.) By Sir Wiluam Jabdinb, of Applegarth, Bart., F.S.A. Scot
Section of a portion of a Scots Fir, found standing erect, as if growing,
on the subsoil of Lochar Moss, at the depth of 14 feet under the peat.
(6.) By D. Cottier, Esq., 24 Oeorge Street.
Portions of Fainted Glass from Lincoln Cathedral. Two portions
show parts of the human face, &c. ; another portion an arm and hand.
The colours are various shades of yellow and dark-brown.
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DONATIONS TO THR MUSEUM. 205
(7.) By General Patrick Yule, E.E., P.S.A. Scot.
Portrait of Flora MacdoDald, oval-shaped, measuring 5^ inches hy 4^
inches, photographed from a drawing which belonged to the late Colonel
Monro, 16th Eegiment of Foot.
(8.) By John Nicholson, publisher, Kirkcudbright.
Ball of Oak, 7 inches in diameter, and seven pins of oak, each measuring
13 inches in length, and 8 inches in diameter at the lower end, from
which it tapers towards the ball-shaped top, which is 1^ inch in diameter.
They were found in a moss in the parish of Balmaclellan, Galloway,
12 feet under the surface. Part of the pins were standing, and part
thrown down, as if they had been suddenly left in the middle of an
unfinished game.
(9,) By Hugh J. C. Beaven, Esq. (the Editor).
The Plurality of the Human Bace, by George Pouchet, translated and
edited by the donor. 8vo. London, 1864.
(10.) By Madame Bapn.
Notices of the Life and Writings of C. C. Bafn (pp. 20). 8vo. Copen-
hagen, 1864.
(11.) By A. Oswald Bbodie, Esq., CCS.
Collection of 100 specimens of Paper Money issued by the British
Colonies and United States in America from 1758 to 1786, as
follows : —
Albany, City and County — Five Shillings, .... 1775
Connecticut Colony — ^Forty Shillings, 1775
Maryland State— Six Dollars, 1774
Four Dollars, equal to 27 shillings sterling, 1767-1776
One Dollar, 1770
Half-DoUar, 1767
Newcastle, Counties of Kent and Sussex-on-Delaware —
Twenty Shillings, 1759
Twenty Shillings, 1760, printed by B. Franklin and B. Hall.
New Jersey Colony—Six Pounds, or 17 oz. 10 dwt. of plate, 1762-1764
Three Pounds, 1758
Six Shillings, 1786
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206 PR0CEKDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1866.
New Jersey Colony — Three Shillings, ..... 1786
One Shilling and Sixpence, . . 1776
One Shilling, 1776
New York Colony— Ten Pounds, or 200 Shillings, . . 1771
One Pound, 1771
(Water Works) Eight Shillings, . . 1775
Six Shillings, 1786
Five Shillings, . . . . . 1788
(Water Works) Four Shillings, . . 1775
Two Shillings and Eightpence, . 1776
One Shilling, 1776
Ten Dollars (Spanish milled), . . 1776
FiVe Dollars, 1776
Three Dollars, .... 1775-1776
Two Dollars, 1776
One Dollar, 1776
Two-thirds of Dollar, or Five Shillings and
Fourpence currency, .... 1776
Half Dollar, or Four Shillings, . . 1776
One-third of Dollar, or Two Shillings and
Eightpence, 1776
Quarter Dollar, or Two Shillings, . . 1776
Sixth of Dollar, or One Shilling and Four-
pence, 1776
Eighth of Dollar, or One Shilling, . . 1776
Pennsylvania Province— Fifty Shillings, .... 1773
Twenty ShUlings, . . 1759-1764-1773
Ten Shillings, . . . 1760-1771
Six Shillings, 1773
Two Shillings and Sixpence, . . 1772
Eighteenpence, .... 1774
Ninepence, 1781
Bhode Island Colony — Ninepence, 1776
Philadelphia, United Colonies— Sixty Dollars (Spanish milled), 1778
Fifty Dollars, . . . 1778
Forty DoUare, . . 1778
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DONATIONS TO THE MU8EDM.
207
Philadelphia, United Colonies— Thirty Dollars,
1778
Twenty Dollars,
1778
[ Eight Dollars,
1776
Seven Dollars,
1776
Six Dollars, .
1775
Five Dollars, .
1776
Four Dollars,
1776
Three Dollars,
1776
Two Dollars, .
1776
One Dollar, .
1775
Third of Dollar,
1776
Sixth of Dollar,
1776
UnitedStates— Twenty Dollars,
1780
Two Dollars, ....
1780
One Dollar, ....
1780
As specimens of early American paper money are not common, de-
scriptions of a hill of the British colonies, and another of the United
States, are annexed : — The *' Bills" are printed on thin, coarse card-hoard,
and measure 3^ inches in length hy 3 inches in hreadth.
One for twenty shillings has the words twenty shillings on the four
sides of the horder, which is formed hy a base supporting two pillars and
an architrave, and is printed as follows : —
" This Bill shall pass current for Twenty Shillings within the Pro-
vince of Pennsylvania, according to an Act of Assembly made in the fourth
year of the reign of King George III. Dated the 18th day of June 1764.
Twenty Shillings;" and in addition, the Boyal Arms of Great Britain,
and three signatures.
On the hack is a border formed by ornamental types. At the top,
between two crowns, " To counterfeit is death." The centre is filled up
by a woodcut, representing two leaves, and below this, "Printed by
B. Franklin and D. Hall, 1764."
The other of the United States :—
" This Bill entitles the bearer to receive Forty Spanish milled Dollars,
or the value thereof in gold or silver, according to a resolution passed
by Congress at Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1778." It is ornamented by a
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208 PBOCEBDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, MAT 1866.
woodcut border, having on each side the words, *^ Continenttil Currency
Forty Dollars/' and at the top and bottom '< The United States.'' These
Bills are generally ornamented with emblematical devices, rudely cut on
wood, but in varied forms and patterns; on the back is an ornamental
type border, with a woodcut in the centre displaying a stalk with leaves,
at the top '^ Forty Dollars," and at the bottom the printer's name and
the date, " Printed by Hall and Sellers 1778."
(12.) By Sir Guablbs Ltell, Bart, through John Evans, Esq.,
London.
Specimens of worked Flints, collected in the neighbourhood of Jubbal-
pore in Central India, by the late Lieutenant Swiney.
(18.) By John Evans, Esq. (the Author).
On the Forgery of Antiquities (pp. 12). 8vo. Lend. 1865.
(14.) Purchased from Mrs Watt, Townhead, Eintore, Aberdeen-
shire.
Two Arrow-heads of light-coloured flint, with barbs and stem ; measur-
ing If inches in length. One leaf-shaped Arrow-head of reddish-coloured
flint, 1 inch in length. All found on the moor between Eintore and the
old castle of Hall-forest.
One leaf-shaped Arrow-head of yellowish-coloured flint, measuring 2^
inches in length; and one with barbs and stem, of greyish-coloured
flint, 1^ inch in length. Found many years ago on the farm of Wardes,
Eintore, Aberdeenshire.
Two Arrow-heads, the one of grey, the other of yellow-coloured flint,
measuring from 1 inch to 2 inches in length, with barbs and stem.
Found near Eintore.
Semicircular Disc of dark-grey-coloured flint, measuring 3 inches in
diameter, the circumference ground to a fine cutting edge ; it was pro-
bably used as a knife.
Three Whorls or Buttons of stone, with a perforation in the centre,
measuring If inch to 2 inches in diameter. One is ornamented by in-
cised diagonal lines, and was found in a garden at Townhead, Eintore.
Circular Disc of quarte, measuring 3 inches in diameter by 1 inch in
thickness ; the edges are blunt, and appear worn as if by use.
Three Celts of greyish-coloured stone, measuring from 7| inches to
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210 PROCEEDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
serted into the large tube releases the spring. From the Old Eirk of
Kintore.
Iron Padlock measuring 7^ inches square ; the key-hole is covered with
a lid and hinge ; and the hasp is of a semi-circular form, and passes
through the box, being held by the wards inside. It is opened by a key
4 inches in length, with a plain bore ; and an iron point which requires
to be pressed on a spring at the side. From the old castle of Hall
Forest, Eintore, Aberdeenshire.
There were exhibited —
(1 .) By the Bight Honourable Lord Gray and Sir P. M. Tbrkipland,
Bart., through Andrew Jervise, Esq., Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
A broken portion of Earthenware Pottery, Bone Pins, Bronze Rings,
portion of Human Skull, <&c. &c. ; found at Hurley Hawkin, near Dundee,
as detailed in a Communication by Mr Jervise (see below).
(2.) By John M. Balfour, Esq., W.S., F.S.A. Scot.
Bronze Sword, and bronze point of a Scabbard, Gold Bing, and Bronze
Brooch; found in digging in the parish of Corstorphine, Mid-Lothian/
The following Communications were read : —
ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT HURLEY HAWKIN. By ANDREW
JERVISE, Esq., Brechin, Corr. Mkm. S.A. Scot. (Plate XV.)
All our historians agree that Alexander I., King of Scotland, had
a palace or residence at or near In verge wrie. Local tradition affirms
that it stood upon a sort of peninsula, formed between two considerable
bums, about a hundred yards west of the Parish Church of Liff, and
within the woods of Gray. The spot, which is from one to two miles
north of the Tay and the old church of Invergowrie, is about three
hundred feet above the level of the river. It is known as Hurley
Hawkin, a name which suggests an affinity to that of the hill of " Hurly
1 These articles were afterwards presented to the Museum, and are described in
a subsequent part of the volume.
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT HURLEY HAWK IX, 211
Hackit" at Stirling, which is popularly believed to have originated
from its having been the scene of a childish diversion of that name,
thus celebrated by Sir David Lyndsay, in speaking of tlie amusements of
the Prince, afterwards James V. : —
** Ilk man efter thair qualitie,
Thay did solist his Maiestie.
Sum gart him rauell at the racket,
Sam htirlit him to the hurlie-hakket."
It would appear that the sport of ^^ hurlie-hakket" consisted in sliding
down a slope or precipice ; * and as Hurley Hawkin slopes rapidly towards
the south, and is otherwise well suited for such an amusement, possibly the
name had originated from much the'same cause as that ascribed to Hurly
Hackit. Doubtless the sport or pastime had been known to, and practised
in old times by, the young people of Liff, the kirktown of which, centuries
ago, appears to have been pretty populous.'
It is severa^l years since I first noticed the artificial appearance of
Hurley Hawkin ; and it then struck me to have been dug about at some
previous time. On looking into the old Statistical Account, I found my
surmises were verified, for it is there stated that, " In digging about
the remains burnt ashes were found, and an iron spur of the kind long
ago worn."' Thinking that the search had been eflBcienlly made, and
possibly under the eye of the Kev. Dr Playfair of Meigle, I thought
nothing more of it until some years afterwards, when I was told that
Lord Gray's forester had found some pieces of bones, also rings of
bronze and iron. Supposing that further traces of the old occupiers
of the place might yet remain among the rubbish, and that something
of the form and construction of the building might also be ascertained,
I made application to Lord Gray, upon whose property it is situated, to
allow me to have the place investigated. To this his lordship not only
at once acceded, but in the most courteous manner instructed his factor,
the late Mr H. J. Bell, to place several labourers at my disposal. And
now that Mr Bell is unfortunately no more, it is only due to the memory
of that gentleman to say that he not only took a deep interest in the
' excavations, but did everything in his power to facilitate operations, in
* Jamieson*8 Scottish Diet, in voce. ' Liber Eccl. dc Scon, App. panim.
3 Vol. xiii. p. 110
o2
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212 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
which ahle and valuable assistance was also rendered by Mr Gray, the
forester, and a son of the latter.
The excavations were carried on over two days in the month of March
last, and trenches of from two to three feet in width were made (see plan
of ruin, Plate XV. fig. 1), every spadeful of earth and the whole area
being carefully examined. The area of the building presented a circle
of about 40 feet in diameter ; and the floor, at the depth of about 3^ feet,
was paved with unshapely flags. The wall (A) was constructed as shown
upon the plan at (a), and built of grey freestone, of which there are old
quarries in the very vicinity.
At the point (B), about 1^ foot below the surface, a flat stone pro-
jected, under which were scattered remains of a human skeleton, lying
upon a lower flag, the latter of which rested upon the floor. On
removing the bones and mould, a deposit of charcoal was found on the
south and west sides, among which were several bronze cup-shaped
relics, formed somewhat like, and about the size of, small brass-headed
nails. Only one of these was got entire, but the stalk of it was so much
corroded that it soon crumbled down. Its appearance, in a perfect state,
is shown in Plate XV. fig. 2. Of the use of these tiny articles I can
form no conjecture, not having before met with anything like them.
Possibly they had been used as buttons, or fasteners, for a jacket or
some other part of female attire, of which the fragment of grooved
metal with the pin (upon the latter of which they may have been hooked),
had possibly formed a portion (fig. 3). Flat bits of metal were got in
the same place ; and here, too, but not so deeply embedded in the soil,
or rather rubbish, were found most of the articles above alluded to, which
I saw in the hands of the forester.
Boars* tusks and a tooth of some other animal of the chase, as well as
a piece of corroded iron, and an unbored whorl, were found in difi*erent
parts of the trenches, mostly upon the north-east side. Charcoal and burnt
barley were got in considerable quantities throughout the area, as well as
bits of cockle and mussel shells ; and near to (C), among a quantity of
ashes, lay a small piece of wood with rude carvings upon it (fig. 1). It
appears to have suffered from fire. There were also traces of human
bones at (D) and (E), mixed with what appeared to be '' sheep shanks."
Another deposit, wholly of animal bones, was at(F) ; but the largest de-
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT HURLEY HAWKIN. 213
poeit was at (Q), among which were shoulder aod leg bones, more or lees
decayed, and parts of the skull and the lower jaw of a horse. The jaw
was almost entire, with most of the teeth pretty fresh. These remains
were huddled together below two or three large-sized flags, and had all
the appearance of having been previously disturbed.
In consequence of the rubbish in the area of the circle having been
turned over at a former period, no satisfactory account can be given of
the true disposition of the human or animal bones, nor the relation which
the bronze or other relics bore to either, points very much to be re-
gretted, but which must continue to be the case so long as indiscrimi-
nate investigations are carried on, and no note taken of the peculiarities
of the construction of such places, or of the relics found in them. This,
it is to be feared, is not unfiequently the case even now, some diggers
having more in view the wish of being considered learned in the now
somewhat fashionable study of antiquities, than of enriching either the
treasures of our National Museum or the records of the Society.
So little remains even of the walls of the reputed palace of Inver-
gowrie, that we are left much in doubt as to their plan or construction.
That the building was of a circular form, and, as far cts can now be seen,
built of Jry or uncemented stones, — the larger or boulder-sized being
used in the outer part of the wall, and distributed through the middle
or heart of the building, as shown at the parts marked (H) upon the
plan, mixed throughout with mould and landstones of various sizes,
and that this wall, as now seen, was of the enormous thickness of
from 19 to 20 feet, — is almost all that can be said of the building
with certainty. It will be seen that the courses had been pretty regu-
larly laid (a) ;. and the disposition of a few of the remaining stones of
the outer wall at (I), (J), and«(K), is given at (&), (c), and (d), respec-
tively. The burns or rivulets which run on each side of the mound
upon which the ruins are situated, join at a point from 60 to 80 feet
south of the outer wall, and about 60 feet below its height. Upon the
north is a foss or ditch, apparently artificial : the ditch is from 6 to 10
feet in depth, by from 20 to 40 feet in breadth.
It were vain to conjecture, in the sadly dilapidated state of Hurley
Hawkin, whether it had been of a similar construction to the remarkable
** burgh" of Mousa, in Shetland, of which we have excellent drawings
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214 PaoCEBDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
and descriptions — the first by Sir Henry Bryden, the latter by Mr Stuart.*
Possibly the remaining traces favour such a notion ; if so, I am not
aware that a " burgh '* of so large dimensions, and of such a thickness of
wall, has been found in any other part of Scotland.
Whether tradition is right in setting down the site of Hurley Hawkin
as that of the palace of Alexander I. at Invergowrie, may possibly be
questioned ; and the common tradition that a female died of the plague
and was buried within the area of the building, forms no clue to its
origin. So far as I am aware, no other foundations have been got in
the neighbourhood to warrant the existence of a castle in remote times;
nor is there any other place with which the name of Alexander is asso-
ciated. Yet, I cannot help thinking (unless this building had been
intended merely as a temporary residence) but it belongs to an earlier
period, from the fact of its being in such a primitive kind of architec-
ture, and so very inferior to that which was common in buildings of note
long before the time of Alexander I.
However this may be, it is certain that the earliest records concerning
the district invariably connect the name of Alexander I. with Inver-
gowrie and Liff. Fordun states that the lands of both places were
given to that king as a baptismal gift by his godfather, the Earl of
Gowrie, and that when Alexander succeeded to the throne he built a royal
palace at Liff (" apud Lyff regale coepit addificare palatium ''), in which he
was soon after assailed by a band of rebel subjects ; and that, in com-
memoration of his victory over them, he founded the Abbey of Scone.*
Wyntoun, in confirming the story of this affray, as well as the foundation
at Scone, says, in regard to the king's residence and possessions here : —
*• In Inwergowry a Sesowne,
Wyth an honest Ourt he bade,
For thare a Maner plas he bade,
And all the land lyand by
Wes hys Demayne than halyly.^
We also know that Alexander's grants to the monks of Scone included
the churches of Invergowrie and Liff, together with lands in each of
those places,* and that the church and lands of Logyn Dundho (Logie-
^ Proceedings of Society of Antiquaries, vol. iii. pp. 187-96." Plates IX. XXIII.
2 Fordun, lib. v. c. 36. 3 Cronykil, vol. i. p. 288. * Liber Eccl. de Scon, p. 2-
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS AT HURLBY HAWKIN. 215
Dundee), which hav6 been ecclesiafitically attached to Liff for many
years, were given to the same convent by Eichard, Bishop of St
Andrews.'
I have not been successful in my inquiries as to the names of the
patron saints either of Liff or of Lpgie-Dundee ; and, barring the remains
of a pretty large and rather rudely-shaped font, and an enigmatical in-
Bcription npon a tombstone (erected in memory of an Agnes Gray, who
died in 1707, aged 62 years), there is little of general interest in the
burial-ground at Liff. The epitaph is curious, and may be quoted :—
" With husbands tno I children
had eleven ;
With two of odds I lived
Sixty even ;
My body sleeps in hope,
My sovl I gave
To him who suffered
death, the earoe to save/'
All trace of the church of Logie-Dundee has been removed ; aod in
building a burial-aisle upon its site nearly thirty-five years ago, several
carved stones, now lost, were got in the old foundations. The church
stood upou a hillock in the hollow between the Law of Dundee and the
Hill of Balgay ; and the enclosure, or burial-place, which is a large
space of ground on the west side of the Dundee and Lochee road, is still
used for interment, chiefly by the inhabitants of the latter place. The
gravestones are numerous, but none of them old, if we except the frag-
ment of a coffin-slab, 15 inches broad, by 27 inches long, which was
found some twenty years ago while digging a grave near the site of
the old church (Plate XV. fig. 4). The sexton told me that the
remainder of the slab still lies in the ground, and that it was cut by
liim and a fellow-labourer, owing to its being in their way at the time
referred to.
Upon a previous occasion, I communicated notices regarding certain
points of ' antiquarian interest connected with Liff, Invergowrie, and
» Liber Eccl. de Scon, p. 26.
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216 PROCEEDINGS OF TUB SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
Benvie.^ Since then I have learned that ahout forty years ago two or
three underground chamhers or weems were exposed upon the rising
ground between the woods of Gray and Gamperdown, but that they
were ultimately destroyed.' In the hollow to the south-east, upon
the farm of Charleston, a stone cist, containing an urn, the latter of
which is in fine preservation, was recently found in the course of agri-
cultural operations.
But possibly the most interesting discovery was that of a stone cist
and urn at Ninewells, near Invergowrie, on SOth March 1863, upon
which day, and within an hour or two from the time it was found, I
luckily met with a labourer taking the urn home, or, as he called it
Urn found in a short Cist at Ninewells.
" a cappie," as a plaything to his " bairns I " This peculiarly-shaped
and interesting object was presented to the Society in April 1863, and
is now in the National Museum (" Proceedings," vol, v. p. 81), see the
annexed woodcut. The bones found in the cist were supposed to be
those of a young female, from 12 to 15 years of age.
As now constituted, Liff consists of four parishes, viz., Liff, Inver-
1 Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. ii. pp. 442-6. The
*' flumen Oobricu in PictaTia/' is an early form of the name of Oowrie. — TraMociioM
of Royal Irish Academy, vol. xxiv. p. 168.
2 Possibly this is the place referred to in the Old Statistical Account (vol. xiii. p.
119, note t), ^here there is an interesting notice of a similar chamber near Lundie
House (now Camperdown), which is said to have been minutely surveyed by Lord
Hailes. Did Lord Hailes give any account of this to the Society at the time ?
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NOTICE OF 0AIRM8 ON THE ESTATE OF ROTHIE. 217
gowrie, Logie-Dondee, and Ben vie. The last-named was joined to L iff
in 1758, the others some time hefore the middle of the seventeenth cen-
tury.^ A handhell at the school of Liff is thus inscrihed : — '^ for thb
PARISHIS OF UFFX BNNSBOODRIB AND LOGIC. PAID BT THB POORB, 1718.
MB. ALBX*. 800TT, MiNisTXB.'' Another hell, which belonged to the kirk of
Benvie, now at Liff manse, bears these names and date : — ** miohabl
BTBGBEHVTS M.f . 1631 : M. HBNDRIB FITHIB."
II.
NOTICE OF CAIRNS RECENTLY EXAMINED ON THE ESTATE OF
ROTHIE. ABERDEENSHIRE. Bt JOHN STUART, Esq., Sec. &A.
Soot.
These cairns are on the farm of Blindmill, on the opposite side of the
hollow from Burreldales, part of the lands of Darley, on which a cairn
stood till recently, and of which a notice was given by Mr Chalmers in
the Proceedings of the Antiquaries, vol. iv. p. 429.
Three of them are on a piece of whinny ground, sloping down on the
south to a small bum, and they are on a line nearly the same as that of
the boundaries of Auchterless and Fy vie, which meet here. One, almost i n
a line to the south-west of the others on the adjoining farm of Darley, had
been opened by the farmer shortly before our arrival, and it was found to
contain a large rude urn in the centre, filled with bones. There was no
cist, and the urn was merely inserted in a hole in the till.
On 14th September 1864, Colonel Forbes Leslie, the proprietor of the
ground, Mr James Hay Chalmers, advocate, and myself, proceeded to open
two cairns on Blindmill, lying near to each other, on the brow of the hill.
The first was a flat cairn about 32 feet across, surrounded by a ditch. A
cist was found in the centre, about 3 feet in length, by 2 feet across,
lying north-east by south-west. In the south end burnt bones were
observed, but nothing else.
The next was also a flat cairn, about 23 feet across, surrounded by
boulders, and, on digging, a cist was found nearly in the centre, and
1 Old Stot. Acct.. vol. xiii. p. 101.
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218 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865,
almost east and west, about 3 feet 4 inches in length, and 2 feet 8 inches in
breadth, formed of rude flags. The bottom was on the till, and the cover
had been removed, so that the cist was filled with mossy debris. Ab
nm was found in pieces on the south side ; bones appeared in the east
end, and also in the middle in small portions, and beads of a jet necklace
were found in the ends of the cist ; and also, both beads and bones out-
side of the cist towards the east. The bones were mostly on the south, and
portions of charred wood were found throughout.
On the sloping fields of Burreldales, where the cairn removed by Mr
Chalmers stood, many round hillocks of charred stones and black earth-
like ashes were till quite recently. They were always near a spring of
water. One close to a spring was pointed out to me near the farm-house
of Burreldales, and, although in crop, the earth which was turned up
was all blackened. The farmer showed a quarry from which great
blocks of a hard quartzy stone are got, and from which, he thinks, the
blocks round some of the cairns had been got. Flint arrow-heads used
frequently to be found on the brae side, beside the other remains.
Another and larger, but still a flat cairn, in the arable ground below the
slopes, was opened. It had been surrounded by a circle of pretty large
stones, of which a few remained. No remains were found, except that in
the centre, fragments of burned matter and bones, mixed with the sub-
soil, were turned up.
III.
NOTICES OF THE LOCALITIES IN A GRANT OF THE LANDS OF KEIG
AND MONYMUSK. BY MALCOLM. KING OF SCOTS, TO THE CHURCH
OF ST ANDREWS ; AND A SKETCH OR HISTORY OF THE PRIORY
OF MONYMUSK. By the Rev. ALEX. LOW, Manse op Keig, Aberdeen-
shire, CoRR. Mesc. S.A. Scot.
The bounding charter, published by the Spalding Club, in the view
of the diocese of Aberdeen, is a curious and unique document. It
is a brief memorandum or bounding charter of the marches of the
Episcopal or Cliurch lands of Keig and Monymusk, which were " dedi-
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LOCALITIES OF THE LANDS OF KEIG AND M0NYMU8K. 219
caied to the Church of St Andrews, given to God, and the Ciiurch of the
blessed Mary at Monymosk, by Malcolm, King of the Scots ;" and, more-
oTer, is contained in a more extended and perfect charter, in the register
of St Andrews. It was extracted from the register of St Andrews by
'* Master Walter Bannantyne." This charter, as published by the Spalding
Club,' was taken from a paper in the charter-chest at Monymusk, in the
handwriting of the sixteenth century, which was collated with an older
hot less perfect copy in the charter-chest at Whitehaugh. It appears
from this charter that these lands of Eeig and Monymusk were bestowed
upon the church by Malcolm, King of Scotland, that is, as will afterwards
appear, by Malcolm III.
The first march mentioned in this document begins at a water or
brook, which was designated Toen, so named from a woman of that nam^
who was called Toen, and was drowned in that stream. This small bum
has its source in the northern shoulder of the Corennie Hill, and runs
through Grlen Ton, evidently the same name, eastward to the river Don,
bounding the lands of Monymusk, from Gluny. A line from the source of
the Ton, proceeding in a north-westerly direction, including a small hill
belonging to the Corennie range, reaches the Eolcy, which rises in a
wood, nearly a mile west of Tillyfourie ToU-Bar, on the estate of Ton-ley,
which shows some connection with Toen or Ton from its name. This
small stream, designated in the charter the Kolcy, is now known by the
name of the Bum of Ton-ley, and Ban-ley, when it takes a northerly
direction, and, like the Koley, at a distance from the source of the Ton
of about seven miles, discharges itself into the river Don, being the same,
and the only stream mnning in that direction.
The march then takes the channel of the river Don, in a westerly
direction for more than one mile, when it reaches a point where the
rivulet Fowlesy runs from the north into the Don, by or through the
garden of the mansion-house of Wliitehaugh. The Fowlesy rivulet,
which, as well as the Eolcy, has now lost its ancient name, is distinctly
traced due northward to its source, exactly four miles from the river Don.
It is now known by the name of the Caniach Burn, which has been a
^ Collections for a History of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff. Edited by
Joseph Robertson, Esq., in 1846.
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220 PROCERDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
little diverted from its original source, near the river Don, in conse-
quence of the improvements at Whitehaugh. Tracing from the Don the
Fowlesy, we reach a place called in the charter Coritobrith, a natural
corrie, opening up the entrance to the hill, which is interpreted in the
charter to signify the fountain of the valley. This fountain, which is
the source of the Fowlesy or Camach, rises in a morass on the hill of
Brinie, dividing it from Knocksaul to the west of it ; and the principal
well here is named Saint Tehran's Well, from Topher, which in Gaelic
signifies a spring of water, and hence Coritobrith.
The march then proceeds still northward to Lawchtendaff, at a small
distance off, which signifies the place where a certain person was slain,
at a point where four roads meet. This locality is easily distinguished,
as the event has been handed down by tradition ; and the place is known
by two roads crossing each other at this point, which is called Little-
john's Length, where a man was said to have been slain, and most pro-
bably bore this name ; one of the crags or rocks on the mountain of
Benochie is called Littlejohn's Crag or Craig. The march then turns
eastward, even to the top of a mountain called Sclenemingome, which
signifies the place where the goats feed or lodged. This hill is not
known by its ancient name, but is now called the Satur hill.
The march is then traced eastward to standing stones, close by Alba
Clanenauch, which is interpreted " the field of sweet milk." There are,
eastward from this hill, two points where standing stones are found, — one
due north from the other, one and a-half mile, near the summit of the
highest part or northern pinnacle of Brinie Hill ; and the other, a set of
Druidical circles half down the hill, consisting of upright or standing
stones.
The first place alluded to consists only of a few standing stones, about
two miles east of the hill of Sclenemingome, the goats* hill, and one
and a-half mile due north of the circles. These consist of five or six
stones, one or two of which are found in an erect posture, and three or
four inclined or lying on the ground. From these stones, which are
held as march-stones to a small property reaching across the Brinie Hill
on both sides, there is a hill-road or unmade track, which winds south-
eastward by the summit of the irregular hill, to a road which ascends to
the top of the mountain of Benochie. By this track may be meant, in
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LOCALITIES OF THE LANDS OF KEIG AND HONTMUSK. 221
the charter, *' hythe way,^ even to the top of the hill which is situated
between Eege and Gktruiauch/' this being the highest southern peak of
the Brinie. This would be a natural enough division of the hill which
separates Keig from Gariocb, mentioned in the charter, now known by
the name of Brinie Hill, which is situated between the two districts.
The access from the Druidical circles, the other point, although not
by a road or track to the top of the mountain (that is, a part of the
Brinie Hill), " which lies between Keig and Qarioch," is equally direct,
and much nearer the second set of standing stones or Druidical circles
mentioned, being situated at the foot of the hill, to which both lines
lead.
The second point, said to be near Alba Clanenauch, consists of not
less than five circles of upright stones, with a causeway leading to an
altar stone in the centre, or sacrificial stone, erected on the side of a
table-land, which was covered with heath about thirty years ago, but is
now cultivated land. Some of these circles would have been from forty
to fifty feet in diameter, others somewhat less ; and the causeway was pro-
bably about twelve feet wide, and of a considerable length. The height
of the upright rude stones, of a quadrangular shape, was about four or five
feet above the ground, at a distance of about nine feet from each other in
the circle, which contained in some cases from fifteen to eighteen stones in
number. It was, in short, one of the most complete set of circles which
the writer had ever seen, who has been thus particular in describing them,
as every one of these stones has fallen under the hand of the labourer, in
the progress of modem improvement, and been removed for the purposes
of building. Nothing now remains to be seen of these Druidical places
of worship but one upright stone, about six feet in height above ground,
which was placed in a more perpendicular position, and marked as a
memorial stone, on the accession of Greorge IV. to the throne. There
are also one or two more, of less height and dimensions, still remain-
ing to mark this place of antiquity, which existed before the Christian
era. These few remains of bygone centuries are now enclosed in a small
circular plantation of wood for preservation.
I will now consider the evidence for this other set of standing stones,
* •• Per viam.'*
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222 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
which may be those meant in the charter, which divides the hill of
Brinie, lying between Keig and Gariocb. They are situated about half-
way down the bill, which separates these lands from each other, and at
the foot of the pinnacle or conical hill, a part of the Brinie range, from
which the march proceeds to Benochie or Benychie. The place known
by the name of Alba Clanenauch, described in the charter as the plain of
sweet milk, a name not known in modern times in this district, near
which the march passed, might in some measure be descriptive of this
locality, rather than the other ; and, on the whole, the evidence rather
points to this place, as Alba Clanenauch.
This line of march proceeds "by the way" to the top of the hill or
southern eminence of the Brinie range, dividing the hill into two parts,
one of which belonged to Garioch, and the other to Eeig and Monymusk.
From the top of this hill the boundary line stretches eastward to Little-
john's Crag, and from thence to the Watch Crag, the Oxen Crag, and
onward through the centre of the highest part to the Methertap, or most
eastern point of the mountain of ^^ Benychie," dividing it into two parts,
the northern division of the mountain belonging to the Garioch, and
the southern to Eeig and Monymusk.
From Benochie the march is traced by a rivulet to Alde-clothi, which
signifies the rocky bum; and from this place, turning to the right,
it reaches Brecachath or Breca, the modern name, a word which is
interpreted " the speckled plain." In the descent from Benochie Hill,
the boundjng line passes through part of the parish of Gyne, which part
lies to the west of it, and is included within the boundary of these church-
lands. From Breca, the name of a property south-east of Benochie, the
boundary reaches to the water which is called Yrcewy, and from thence
by this stream, which pursues its course to Cosalde. From this rivulet
the boundary line winds its course to the highest part of the wood of
Trenechinen, which signifies a very extensive forest, probably Whitehill,
an ancient wood now cut down, the highest part of which forms the
boundary between the properties of Monymusk and Fetternear, in the
parish of Chapel of Garioch. The march now proceeds southward for
about two miles, to a fountain which flows, after diiSusing itself in the
low grounds around, into a rivulet or rill, which is called Doeli, and
means burning coal, on account of its blackness. This is evidently the
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LOCALrriES OF THK LANDS OF KEIG AND MONYMUSK. 223
rao88 of Monymusk and Fetternear, a place full of spriDgs and Btagnant
water, from whence a small stream or rill takes its rise, and runs into
the Biver Don, considerably south of the House of Fetternear, as the
Doeli is said to do. What name this rill bears, if any name, I know
not. From the Don, which, for a small distance, forms the boundary,
this march turns southward till it reaches the first march, southward of
the river, through Grlen Toen or Ton, mentioned in this memorandum
or bounding charter.
These lands appear at first to have been in possession of the Crown,
when Malcolm III., King of Scotland, was on a visit at Monymusk,
having proceeded to the northern parts of the kingdom in consequence
of a rebellion which had broken out in the province of Moray. He was
assisted by the inhabitants of Boss, Caithness, and the northern parts of
the kingdom, against the rebels, who committed heirschips and slaughters
such as were unheard of in these parts. Macduff was sent with an army
from Mar to repress them ; but his progress seems to have been put a stop
-to by bribery, the influence of money, and his unscrupulous proceedings.
The King, hearing that not only the northern parts of the kingdom, but
the isles had united together against him, slaying his servants and the
ministers of justice, demanded of his treasurer if any lands in these parts
belonged to the Crown. He was informed in answer, that the lands of
Monymusk, on the River Don, afterwards made a barony, belonged to
the Grown. He then made a vow that they should be dedicated to St
Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, if he would aid him in putting
down the rebellion, and intercede with Otod for him, according to the
superstitious views of the times.' He overran the district, subdued the
enemies of his Crown ; and these lands were, by charter, conferred about
1080 upon the Culdee Church at Monymusk, by King Malcolm, now
comprising the parishes of Keig and Monymusk, and a part of the parishes
of Oyne, Chapel of Gktrioch, and Cluny.' The extent of these lands is
1 Bellenden*s Croniklis of Scot. b. xii. ch. xi. vol. ii. p. 283.
' Marchie terramm Episcopalium de Kege et Monymusk concesaamm eccleeie
Sancti Andree per Malcolmum Regem scotorum proDt in carta desnper confecta
latins continetnr. £xtractnm ex Registro Sanoti Andree per Magistmm Walterum
Bannantyn. From a paper in the charter chest at Monymusk, in the handwriting
of the sixteenth century, collated with an older but less perfect copy, in the charter
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224 PROOEEDINQS OF THB 80CIETT, MAY 1865.
considerable, and they are mostly composed of cultivated ground, unless
the half of Benychie, which is incapable of cultivation, but is now, for
the most part, planted with trees, and will form a large forest. The
united properties represent a quadrilateral figure, the northern boundary
being about fourteen miles in length, bending a little towards the south
near the east end, the southern line being almost a parallel to it, and about
ten miles in length. The east line extends about eleven miles, but is
more irregular in its course, and bends due eastward to a point, where it
meets the Biver Don, near Eemnay Manse. The west line, forming a
right angle with the northern boundary, measures about twelve miles,
and describes a tongue with the south line on Gorennie Hill, at the
south-west corner of the quadrangle, the contents of the whole figure
being about one hundred and thirty-eight square miles, and the circum-
ference upwards of forty-seven miles. It is intersected by the Biver
Bon, which divides it nearly into two equal parts, entering considerably
north of the middle of the west boundary, and issuing at the south-east
comer of this quadrilateral figure.
These lands appear to have been the property of the Culdean Scottish
Church, on which a priory was founded by King Malcolm III., at the same
time that he granted them to the Church. The priory consisted of one
oratory for public worship, where the people assembled to oflfer their
devotion to God ; one dining-room, for purposes of hospitality ; and one
dortor or dormitory, where the Culdees took their rest ; but no cemeteiy
for burial. It was also endowed' still further by Bobert, Bishop of St
Andrews, who lived between 1138 and 1 153 ; by Boger Earl of Buchan,
before 1179 ;* by Gilcrist Earl of Marr, who bestowed upon it the churches
of Loychel, Buthauen, and Inuemochin or Strathdon, between 1199 and
chest at Whitebangh— Etsunt lets Marchie quas reliquit Maloolmus Rex propter
victoriam ei concessam Deo et ecclesie Beate Marie de Monymusk, dans benedic-
tionem Dei et Sancte Marie omnibus juro ipsius ecclesie seniantibus. Collections
for a History of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff, 1848. Edited by Joseph
Robertson, Esq., for the Spalding Club.
> Carta Rogeri Comitis du Bouchan de grano et caseo de Foedarg, etc. (forte ante
A.D. 1179). Keledeis de Munimusc. Boetius in Malcolmum tertium (f. 2586;
Buchan rerum Scot. Hist. lib. 27, c. 20. — Arehbithop 8pottwcood*t " HUtory of the
Church ofSeotlandr Lend. 1672. fol.
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LOCALITIES OF THE LANDS OF KEIG AND MONTMUSK. 225
1207.' These posseesions, bestowed by Gilcrist Earl of Marr, and the
churches of Saint Andrew de Afford, Saint Diaconianns de Kege, Saint
Mamoc de Lojchel, and Saint Mary de Nemoth, and all the lands,
tithes, and pertinents belonging to them, were confirmed by the Pope
Innocent, between 1198 and 1216.' By another deed of Pope Innocent,
the churches of Saint Andrew de Afford, Saint Marnoo de Loychel, Saint
Diaconianns de Eege, and Saint Andrew de Eindrocht, were confirmed
in the year 1245 to the Priory and Convent of Monymusk.'
This priory consisted at first of Culdees, of which the Church of Scot-
land was then composed.* But when the Bomish Church began to gracp
at universal dominion, and was desirous of subjecting every Christian
Church to their rule and forms, a convention was held for this purpose, in
consequence of letters from Pope Innocent, between Brice, Prior of the
Culdees, and William, Bishop of St Andrews, in the year 1211. The
twelve Culdees with their prior, of which the priory seems to have now
consisted, were taken bound to present a leetofthree, chosen by the con-
vention, to the Bishop of St Andrews, out of which he was to make choice
of one, whom he nominated Prior or Master of the Culdees, with power
to exercise his authority over them, but not to alter the order of Monks
or Canons without the consent of the Bishop of St Andrews.^ This Cul-
dean oratory was to have no churchyard, the bodies of such as belonged
to it were to be buried in the churchyard of the parish church of Mony-
1 Carta Johannis Aberdonensis Eodesie ministri Canonicls de MnnimnBc de
eodedie de Lojchel. — Ruthauen et Inuemoehm Liber eartarum, Prioratm 8. Andrtt,
pp. 874, 876. inter a.d., 1199, et aj>. 1207.
* Litera Domine Pape Innocendi. Ibid, pp. 875, 876, inter a.d. 1198 et a.d. 1216.
Confirmatio Innocendi Pape Priori et Conuentui di Mnnimnsc, &c., (a.d. 1246.)
' Confirmatio Innoconcii Pape Priori et Conuentni de Munimnsc de ecdesiis
Sancti Andree de Afford Sancti Mamoci de Loychel Sancti Diaconiani de Eege et
Sancti Andree de Kindrocht (a d. 1246).
« ** Donanit cenobio sno quod constnixit apud MnnimnBC in eodesia Sancte Marie in
qna Keledd antea fnemnt." Carta Johannia Aberdonensia eodesie Miniatri canonicis
de Mnnimnac de ecdediB de Loychel, Bnthanen, et Innemochin. Liber cartamm
Prioratns 8. Andree, pp. 874, 876 (inter a.d. 1199, et a.d. 1207.)
^ Confirmatio Cannensionus inter W. Episcopnm Sancti Andree et Eeledeis, de
Mnnimnao. llnd, and Spalding Club ; Collections on the Shire of Aberdeen, pp.
174. 175.
VOL. VI. PART I. f
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226 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
muBk ; and when the bishop visited Monymusk, the Culdees were required
to meet him in solemn procession.'
The Culdees of Monymnsk, after having been denuded of their landed
property, were not permitted to hold lands without the consent of the
Bishop of St Andrews, or even to acquire possession of property to which
he had not first given his assent. And as the lands which were the gift
of Gilcrist the Earl of Marr, to the Culdees of Monymusk, Dolbethok, and
Fomathy, had never been given with hb permission, they were obliged
to resign them into the hand of the bishop.'
The disputes between the Culdees and Canons Begular were carried on
with great acrimony ; and the Culdees, who held the gospel in a purer
form, were unable to resist the superior power of the Papal Church, which
had mixed up with religion many superstitions and human inventions.
The Bomish Church extended, through Innocent IIL, their protection
to the Culdees of Monymusk, after they had become Canons, and con-
firmed their rights and privileges; but for this, the Pope received two
shillings sterling annually from the priory of Monymusk.'
The Boman Catholic Church had succeeded in having its authority
recognised in Scotland, through the influence ^f the Prior and Bishop of
St Andrews, which had now become a see, and of which priory of St
Andrews, Monymusk was recognised as a cell. David, Bishop of St
Andrews, before 1253, restored to the prior and canons of Monymusk
one of the properties which had originally been the gift of the Earl of
Marr, Dolbethok, with all its pertinents and privileges, for the support
of the poor, and the travellers who might wander in that direction, a
most judicious gift, had it not been their own property.^
Along with Dolbethok de Loychel, the lands of Eglismeneyttok were
1 Confirmatio Gonnensionis inter W. Episc. St. Andree et Keledeoe de Mnnimiiso,
A.D. 1211.
s Gonfinnatio Gannensionis inter W. Episoopom Sancti Andree et Keledeoe de
Monimnso, JuD 1211.
s Ad iadicinm antem hnjus protectionis ab apoetolica sede peicepte duos Bolidos
sterlingomm nobis noetriaqne snccessoribns annie singulis persolnetis. Datum
Viterbii zii., Kalendas Julii, etc. Litera Domini Pape Innocencii inter a. 1198 et
A.D. 1216. Gonfirmatio Gonuenslonis inter W. Epis. a.d. 1211.
* Garta David Episcopi Sancti Andree de Dolbethoc. Vid. Liber. Gartarum prior-
atus S. Andree, p. ZQ^.-^ Spalding Club CoUeetioni^ p. 177.
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LOCALITIES OF THE LANDS OF KEIO AND MONTHUBK. 227
confinned to their possessorB by Pope iDDocent ; and if any one should
dare to infringe this act, or dispossess them, he should feel the indigna-
tion of the omnipotent Grod and of the apostles Peter and Paul.*
The next step in the Bomish usurpations, was to convert the Culdees
and Monks of Honymusk into Canons, which William Lamberton,
Bishop of Saint Andrews, accomplished in 1300, when he converted them
into Augustinian Canons, such as were those of the Priory of Saint An-
drews. They now wore not only the surplice in the church, the rochet
of fine linen above the gown, but the almuce, a fine black or grey
skin from foreign parts, and frequently lined with ermine, the distin-
guishing badge of the Canons regular from the other religious orders.
The Bishop of Saint Andrews, who bod thus acquired possession of the
lands of Eeig and Monymusk, and the other properties which he had
unjustly usurped, all originally bestowed upon the Culdees of Monymusk,
had them constituted into a barony or regality. He sat as Lord Keig
and Monymusk in the Scottish Parliament.'
1211. The first prior of this abbey or monastery of Monymusk, which
I find recorded in charteir, is Brice, Prior of the Culdees, who entered
into a contract with William, Bishop of St Andrews, in 1211, in the
time of Thomas, Prior of St Andrews, and Master Andrew de Muni-
musk. It was this prior who agreed, on the part of the monastery, that
there should be twelve Culdees, out of whom three were presented to
the Bishop of St Andrews, who made choice of the prior from these
representatives of the order, and who otherwise moulded the rules
of the monastery agreeably to the views and usages of the Boman
Catholic Church.*
It appears that in 1496-7, Lord Forbes, who afterwards obtained pos-
session of the lands in Eeig, which were originally Culdee lands, and be-
* Confinnatio ejtiBdem Innoconcii Pape de terris do Dolbethok de Loychel et do
Eglismeneyttok, a.d. 1246.
' Charter by Cardinal David Beaton, Archbishop of St Andrews, to Qeorge Earl
of Hnntly, Cartulary at Gordon Castle, 1548. See " Scottish Heroes in the Days of
Wallace and Bruce,*' by Rev. Alexander Low, Minister of Keig, vol. ii. Appendix,
p. 891.
Confirmatio conuensionis inter W. Episcopum Andree ot Kelcdcos de Munirousc,
A.D. 1211.
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228 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAT 1865.
longed to the Blsbop of St ADdrews, had in some way to account for the
teinds at this period. A letter was directed in the king's name to the
Lord Forbes, Duncan Forbes, and his wife, to have no intromissions
with the teinds of Monymnsk, peitaining to Master Gavin of Douglas,
and to charge the parishioners to pay their tithes to him and his factors,
according to the prior's letters, and to summon the said persons for the
twelfth of October.*
Strachan was prior in the reign of James IV., whose priory church
was dedicated to Saint John. He had a natural daughter, who was
married to William Forbes in Mersmithock, in Many musk, grandson to
Sir John Forbes, first laird of Tolquhon.*
Dompnus John Hay was a canon regular at Monymusk in 1524, and
Master Thomas Sherer was vicar in tliat convent. He delivered with
his own hand ta Thomas Bounald in Cre^, for preservation, a sum of
money, and a silver girdle, with suitable armour of the same, a collar, a
silver cross adorned with jewels, two small sleeves, and a casket or small
chest. He was exonerated by a deed for so doing.'
1522. The prior of Monymusk at this time was Dompnus David
Farlie, who had been appointed successor to Dompnus John Akynheid,
in virtue of an apostolio injunction, for whom was reserved, if not the
rights, at least the fruits of the benefice.*
lOth December 1524. Tbomas Davidsone of Auchinhamperis, the
procurator of the venerable religious father Dempnus John Akynheid,
who enjoyed the fruits of the monastery of Monymusk, which were taxed
to the amount of twelve pounds/ had access to the presence of Lord
Forbes, who promised that he would take possession with his own hand
and defend the priory and monastery of Monymusk, and the usufruct of
1 Lettre for Master Gawane of Douglas, ** Registnim De deliberatione Dominomm
Coneilii.**
2 Lnmsden's Genealogy of Forbes, p. 85, edit. 1819.
> Thomas Ronnaldi fatetur se recepisse pecuniam et bona prins data. Magistro
Thoma Soberer vicario de Monyrnvsk, a-d. 1524. Antiquities of the shires of Aber-
deen and BaJiff, —Spaldmff Club,
^ Instrumenta super inductione Dompni David Fairlie, in Prioratn de Mouimnsc,
A.D. 1622.
^ Instrumentnm super solutione snmme duodecim librarum tazata in usufnictuario
de Monimusk, a.d. 1627.
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LOOAUTIES OF THE LANDS OF KEIG AND HONTMUSK. 229
the same, in all his own causes and actions, upon which Thomas took
instramentsJ For this protection extended to the monastery, Lord
Forbes received from the prior some privileges and remuneration.
1525. A new seal which had been made for Dene David Farlie, the
prior, was next year cancelled, and rendered of no value in confirming
deeds, by an instrument which was drawn up in the cemetery of the priory.*
The priors were accustomed to give charters and tacks upon the
lands of the monastery and to revoke them. A deed of this description,
which had been given by ''Dene*' Alexander Spens, and ''Dene"
Bichart Straquhyne, some time Priors of Monymusk, and deeds of all
other priors, both before and since, and canons made to Duncane Dauid-
sone or Thomsone, and to Thomas Dauidson his son, on the lands of
Easter Loquhel and Wester Foulis, with the mill and their pertinents,
were revoked, annulled, and rendered of none effect. This was done by
Dompnus or Dene David Farlie, prior of tlie monastery and abbacy of
Monymusk, of the order of St Augustine, within the diocese of Aberdeen,
with consent and assent of a reverend father, " Dene" John Aykenheid,
and usufructuare of the same, and also with consent of said monastery.'
1533. The monastery of Monymusk seems at this time to have been
in a state of insubordination, and the prior Farlie, who was a man of
decision, and strict in the observance of his principles, together with the
consent of the monastery, brought a certain process before the Apostolic
See of Bome, by which the canonical obedience due to the prior was
more distinctly defined by Pope Adrian YI. The canons who were
called in court were Dene William Wilsone, Andrew Masoune, Patrick
Andersoune, James Child, and Dene Alane Gait, who promised in all
humility the obedience which was due to their superior.^
1 Dominus de Forbes vsofnictaarium sea Priorem et Monasterium de Moni-
iDTsk insais cansis et actionibas manu tenere et defendere promittit a.d. 1524. — In
the Qeneral Register House, Edinburgh.
s Instrumentum super caasatione noui sigilli, Monasterii de Monimvsk, A d. 1526.
— In General Register House, Edinburgh ; Spalding Club ; Antiquities of the Coun-
ties of Aberdeen and Banff, vol. iii.
• Cassatioun of the charteris and takkis maid til Duncane Dauidsone and Thome
Dauidsone his sone, A.D. 1584.
* Instromentum super obedientia Canonicorum de Monimvsk suo Priori requi
sita, A.D. 1583.— In Oen. Regist. Edinburgh.
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230 PROCEBDlNOfl OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1865.
1535. This monastery, which had been amply endowed, was by no
means deficient in moral discipline, and the recent bull obtained at
Rome, strengthened greatly the hands of the prior in the discharge of
his duties as head of the convent. Dene Allane Gralt, a canon of the
monastery, had published or done something of an offensive nature
against Dene David Farlie, the prior. He was called upon to do
penance, which he was unwilling to perform. For which reason the
prior charged him by writ, and commanded him under the form of pre-
cept, in the virtue of the Holy Spirit, to obey. He charged Dene
William Wilsone, superior of the abbey, to pass to Dene Allane Gralt,
canon of the same, and command him to keep his chamber in the dor-
mitour, and pass not forth from it but of necessity; and that he shall
be in continual silence with all men, except him that ministers to his
wants, and that he shall be fed on bread and water and ale. On Wed-
nesdays and Fridays he was restricted to his discipline, and no bonnet
was to be seen on his head during penance, except his night bonnet,
until, through |his penance, patience, and humility, he had made
recompense to God and religion, and shall be deemed worthy, in our
judgment, to be released from penance. " This we command you to do
in virtue of spiritual obedience, as ye will answer to Grod, and return
this precept, given and written with our hand at Monymusk, and duly
executed and indorsed." '
1542. John Forbes, commonly called " Bousteous Johnnie,*" at the
instance of David, the*8ame prior, was charged before the sheriff of Aber-
deen, with occupying and labouring four oxengang of the priory, and con-
vent-lands of Eglismenathok, and the Court discerned against Forbes.'
7th April 1542. The lordship of Keig and Monymusk, which was dis-
tinct from the priory lands, was bestowed by charter in feu on George Earl
of Huntly, by David Beaton, Cardinal Archbishop of St Andrews, and
Pope's Legate. It consisted of the baronies of Keig and Monymusk,
within the regality of St Andrews, and county of Aberdeen, and was to
be held by him and his heirs in perpetual feu-farm, for payment of a feu-
1 Instrnmenta super Dompno Allano Gait, canonico do Monimvsk.— In Gen
Be^ijiBter, Edinburgh, a.d. 1686.
2 Lumsdcn^B Genealogy of Forbes, p. 35.
•* Antiquities of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff, vol. iii.
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LOCALITIES OF THE LANDS OF KEIO AND M0NTMU8K. 231
rent, amouDting, with the augmentation of the rental, to the sum of
three hundred pounds Scots money.^
The Earl of Huntly and his heirs were at the same time constituted
heritahle hailies of this lordship of the Church, and were hound to do
their hest endeavour to keep the marches of Eeig and Honymusk.
1542-^. John Elphinstone, canon of Aherdeen, and parson of Inver-
nochty, was presented to the priory of Monymusk in 1542-3, hy the
Earl of Arran in the year 1542-3.' He was the son of Alexander Lord
Elphinstone, and Catherine, daughter to John Lord Erskin.
1545. The only one of the heads of this monastic institution who
distinguished himself was John Hay, prior of Monymusk, who was sent
as envoy hy Queen Mary to Queen Elizaheth in 1545.
1556. Bohert, the fourth son of William Lord Forhes hy Elizaheth,
daughter of Sir William Keith, hecame prior in 1556 ; and, being well
versed in the Scriptures, he was converted to the Protestant faith, and
married Agnes, daughter of William Forbes of Corse, and had several
children, three of whom were officers in the army.'
The priory of Monymusk, like all other Catholic institutions, was
broken up, and the lands seized, at the Beformation. Those of Mony-
musk parish probably fell into the hands of Duncan, son of William
Forbes of Corsinda, who had been infefted by the canons in certain
lands on the Manor or Mains of Monymusk, in feu-farm or heritage.^
Being in possession of the Mains of Monymusk in feu-farm, he had
less difficulty in obtaining possession of that part of Monymusk parish
which belonged to the abbey, when these Church prizes were agoing ;
and it seems he built the manor-house of Monymusk out of the stones
^ Charter dated at 8t Andrews, and subecribed by the Archbishop David, Card,
lig. St AndroB, 7 Aprilis 1642. N,B, — ^This is a most accurate and ample deed.
—Gordon Castle, Cartol, 11.8. 1. — See '* Scottish Heroes, in the days of Wallace
and Bnice," by Rev, Alexander Low, A.M., Minister of Keig, Cor. Mem. of S.A-
Scot.
2 Epistolifi Regum ScotiaD, vol. ii.
^ Lnmsden's Manuscript Genealogy of Forbes, p. 84.
* Carta mngistri Duncani Forbes de Monymusk de manorio de Monymusk per
Dauidcm Priorcm cum consensu sui coadjutoris, a.d. 1649. — Conformacioun of the
rhannonit of Monimutc, A.D. 1600, in the charter chest of Monymusk.
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232 PROCBEDIKGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAT 1665.
of the monastery, and was the founder of the family of Forbes of Mony-
musk, Baronet. It appears that this priory, no traces of which are now
to be found, was annexed, in 1617, to the Bishopric of Dunblane, when
that Bishop was appointed perpetual Dean of the Chapel Boyal.
Of these church-lands, the proportion appropriated to the maintenance
of this priory seems to have been very small, namely, the lands of Aber-
snithok, Bamestone, Ameedly, and Balvack, in the parish of Mony-
musk, together with a croft sowing four bolls of bear, and pasture land
for six horses, and fifteen wethers. These lands of the monastery
belonging to Monymusk were those which probably fell into the
possession of Duncan, son of William Forbes of Gorsinda, when the
abbey was abolished at the Beformation. A school or gymnasium
for the education of the young was erected out of the buildings
or the priory, — an institution, if not so imposing, at least equally
useful with the original The buildings of the monastery or convent,
when deserted, became ruinous ; and Bobert the commendator, and, by
Divine permission, prior, considering that the buildings were utterly de-
cayed, and that all the canons were dead, and that a gymnasium for the
young had been erected, bestowed by charter on William Forbes of
Monymusk, the son of Duncan Forbes, the feuer of the manor lands, all
the ruinous houses of the monastery, and a croft of land sowing four
bolls of bear, situated to the north-east of the monastery.^ These lands
were feued for twenty-six shillings and eightpence; the pasture for six
horses and fifteen sheep for ten shillings Scots annually ; the price of
the buildings and gardens amounted to thirty shillings Scots.'
That part of the lordship of Eeig and Monymusk which is situated in
the parish of Eeig, afterwards came into the hands of Lord Forbes ; and
the greater part of it is at this day possessed by this ancient family.
Thus these lands were alienated from the Church four hundred and
sixty-two years after they had been bestowed upon the Culdees by King
Malcolm, and the priory suppressed at the Beformation.
^ Chartonr of the minouse bona of Monymusk be Robert Commendatoor.
*' Robertus, Prior Prioratus de MoDymuBk," sine dato. In tho charter chest at
Monymusk.
^ Chartonr of the minouse hous of Monymusk be Robert Gommendatour, sine
dato.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 233
Monday, 12th June 1865.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen were halloted for, and elected Fellows of
the Society : —
Jamks Hobsb&ugh of Locbmalony^ Esq., Fife.
Rev. James Campbell, Minister of Balmerino, Fife.
The following Donations to the Museum and Library were laid on the
table, and thanks were Toted to the Donors : —
(1.) By John Hat, Esq. of Letham.
Large Boulder of Sandstone of irregular form, measuring in greatest
height 81 inches, breadth 44 inches, and thickness 11 inches. The
whole surface of both sides is covered with incised cups, and the cups
are surrounded, in some by a single, and in others by a double concentric
circle. The cups me^ure in diameter from 1 to 2 inches, and the con-
centric circles from 3^ to 9^ inches. The stone was found in a " Pict's
House" at Letham Grange, Forfarshire.
(2.) By William Walker, farmer, Fyrish, through the Rev. Andrew
Mackenzie, Kilmorack, Beauly, Inverness-shire.
Human Skull ; with a Sepulchral Urn of reddish-coloured clay, measur-
ing 6 inches in height, 6 inches across the mouth, and 3 inches across
the base. It has round the upper part five parallel belts of incised lines,
two plain or unomamented, the others divided into compartments formed
by diagonal lines, three of them being crossed by small perpendicular
lines. The middle portion of the urn is surrounded by a broad belt of
ornamentation, consisting of Vandyke and perpendicular lines; and
below, near the base, are four parallel lines; and an ornament of fine-
grained greenish-coloured stone, measuring 4^ inches in length by
1^ inch in breadth. It is rounded above — the inner surface being con-
cave ; and at each comer is a small perforation, as if for fastening it as
an ornament to the dress.
The urn and stone were found, along with the skull and the remains
of a skeleton, in a short cist on the farm of Fyrish, Evantown, Ross-
shire.
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234 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1865.
(3.) By T. F. Jamieson, Esq., Ellon.
Specimens of Flakes and chipped portions of Flint. The colours of
the flints are red, gray, and yellowish. Found in the district of Buchan,
Aberdeenshire. (See Ck)mmunication, page 240.)
(4.) Rev. John Christie, Kildrummy.
Arrow Head of yellowish-coloured flint, with barbs and stem, measur-
ing 1 inch in length ; it was found in the parish of Kildrummy, Aber-
deenshire.
(5.) By Mr James Patbrson, Longman, Macduff.
Small leaf-shaped Arrow Head of reddish-coloured flint, measuring
i inch in length, found at Longman, Macduff, Banffshire.
(6.) By Arthur Mitchell, M.D., Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Flakes and chipped portions of reddish-coloured Flint ; also portions
of Flint which had been exposed to the action of fire.
Chip or Splinter of Fir, measuring 2 inches long, 1 J inch broad, and
J inch in thickness, found in gravel under peat, in the parisli of Aber-
nethy, on Speyside, Elginshire. (See Communication, page 251.)
(7.) By Mrs John Scott, 2 Mansion House Eoad, through Greorge
Sim, Esq., Curator of Coins, S.A. Scot.
Celt of Clay Ironstone, measuring 10^ inches in length by 3^ inches
across the cutting edge, terminating at the other end in a sharp point.
It was found in 1848 in ploughing in a field near Fala, Edinburghshire.
Finger-Bing of Gold, weighing 100 grains, inscribed ^ 3la0}iat«
ntelC^iOt * taUa|at« Found in digging the foundation of the Water
Company's new Reservoir, Castle-Hill, Edinburgh.
Oval Badge of Silver, measuring IJ inch in length, by 1 ^ inch in breadth,
displaying in relief the Eoyal Arms of Scotland, and supporters; and a
small Baton of Ebony, tipped with silver, measuring 3 inches in length by
^ it)ch in diameter. On the baton is a moveable ring of silver.
These form the official badges of a " messenger-at-arms," and are
exhibited by him "tn noniine regis'* wben about to perform certain duties
of his office ; when deforced, the officer slides the moveable ring on the
baton from one end to the otlier, which in law is held to be equivalent
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 235
to breakiug his official rod. This legal form still contiDaes in use in
Scotland. This badge is of a date early in the reign of King George III.
(8.) By Mr Gilchrist, fanner, Thomeyhill, through the Bev. George
Murray, of Balmaclellan, New Gklloway.
Bounded Jar of coarse unglazed yellow clay, measuring 12 inches in
haght, and 4 inches across the mouth, from whence it bulges out to a
diameter of 10 inches, and then tapers to the bottom, which terminates
in a blunt point. The jar is in shape not unlike a Boman amphora, hut
without handles. It was found many years ago on the farm of Thomey-
hill, on the estate of Eenmure, New Galloway.
(9.) By John Kat, Esq., Kinghorn, Fifeshire.
Portion of a Jar, with a short neck, of gray-coloured clay. It measures
12 inches high, 4 inches across the mouth, and 7 inches across the bot-
tom, the greatest diameter of the body being 10 inches. A handle 2
inches broad projects from one side of the mouth. Three parallel rows of
knobs surround the neck, within the space enclosed by the projecting
handle. It was found in levelling ground close to the old mansion-house
of Abden, Kinghorn, and was filled with coins of Kings Alexander III,
and David II. of Scotland; and Edward I., II., III. of England (See
Note of the Coins in a Communication by Mr George Sim, Curator of
Coins ; Proc. Scot. Ant. Soc, vol. v. page 237.)
(10.) By David Laing, Esq., V.P.S.A., Scot.
Flat- shaped Powder Horn, measuring 16 inches in length, 4 inches in
breadth at the one end, and tapering to ^ inch square at the other ; by 1|
inch in depth at the lower end. It is ornamented by incised concentric
circles, &c. ; and was found on the battlefield of Sheriffmuir, Perthshire.
Selection of Scots Airs for the Violin, by Peter Urbani, Book 1st and
and 2d, folio edition.
Six Solos for the Violin, with a Bass. Composed by a Gentleman.
Folio. Printed at Edinburgh.
Illustrations of the Lyric Poetry and Music of Scotland, by William
Stenhouse ; with Notes and Illustrations, by D. Laing. 8vo. Edin. 1853.
Xenophontis qu89 exstant Opera, Graece et Latine, ex editionibus
Schneideri et Zeunii, acccdit Index Latinus. 10 vols. 8vo. Edinburgh,
1811.
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236 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETV, JUNE 1865.
Thucydides, Greece et Latine. Accedunt Indices, ex editioDe, Wassii
et Dukeri. 6 vols. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1804.
(11.) By G. R. KiNLOOH, Esq., through John Alex. Smith, M.D.,
Sec. S.A. Scot.
The '' Mustard Cap and Ball" formerly used for making mustard in
the north of Scotland, a Wooden Cap or Bowl, turned on a lathe, mea-
suring 4 inches deep by 8 inches across the mouth, having a lid or cover
with a projecting knob in the centre, for a handle ; and an Iron Ball, 3 J
inches in diameter. (See Communication, by Dr J. A. Smith, page 255.)
(12.) By the Rev. Henbt A. Patullo, Manse, Parton, Kirkcudbright-
shire.
Oak Pulpit, hexagonal-shaped, measuring 4 feet in height to the edge
of the reading-desk. The body is formed of longitudinal panels, carved
with an interlaced ribbon ; with moulded styles above, terminating in
a projecting square billet moulding in three rows. The panneled back
rises 4 feet 4 inches above the desk, and is 3 feet 6 inches broad ; the
centre panel is ornamented with a pattern of interlaced ribbon and leaves,
forming heart-shaped devices, and the side panels with vine leaves and
grapes. The canopy projects forward from top of back and is flat, it has
in its centre a rose-shaped boss, at the angles above are short projecting
pinnacles or finials, between which are raised semicircular panels.
FEIB
On the centre of the panels is carved, in relief,
^ ' ' AND HONOV
R ms HOVS
The one to the right is broken at the top, but shows remains of the letters
and date : — r. o.
1598
and on that to the left is a shield, with armorial bearings, between the
letters I. G., of the family of Glendonwyn of Parton, patrons of the
parish church, where the pulpit formerly stood, and from whence it was
removed upon the erection of a new church in 1834.
(13.) Mr Thomas Vernon, Jeweller, Leith Street, Edinburgh.
Steel for a Tinder Box, measuring 3 inches in length, with a turned-
over handle of a twisted pattern.
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DONATIONS TO THE KUSEUM. 237
(14.) By Alixandie Bbtson, Esq., F.S.A. Scot
Seal of Steel, consisting of a polygonal-shaped handle, 3 inches long,
which terminates in an oval seal. If inch in length, on which is incised
a mantle, displaying a shield with a death's head and cross hones, and
above the crest a barred helmet ; with the motto en 1 f batbks mbi vivunt 1
on a band under the shield.
(15.) By Henrt Laino, Esq., Elder Street.
Electrotype Cast of a Medal of William Schevez, Archbishop of St
Andrews, consecrated in 1478 ; measuring 2} inches in diameter. On the
obverse is a bust of the Archbishop in very high relief, with profile to
the left. On the head is the herretta or close cap worn by ecclesiastics.
Round the edge of the field, in low relief, is the inscription wilhblhvs
+ scHEvxz + s'ci 4: andrbb + ABCHitps. Beveraej an archiepiscopal
cross-staff, surmounted by an escutcheon, quarterly, 1 and 4, three cat-a-
mountains in pale passant (Schevez of Mureton) ; 2 and 3, a cross voided
in the centre, therein a mullet of six points ; a cross-crosslet fitchde on
the upper limb of the cross, and the legend leoatvs + natvs + & +
TOTivs 4- EEONi + sooTiE + PRiMAS + 1491. The date is in Arabic
numerals.
This rare medal appears to be of Flemish workmanship. The arch-
bishop was in great favour with King James III. ; he was one of the
commissioners to effect a truce with Edward IV., King of England, in
1482, and was sent to renew the alliance with France ; he was also em-
ployed in several negotiations in England. In 1491 a memorable con-
troversy occurred, through the ambition of the Bishop of Glasgow, who
prevailed with Pope Innocent YIII. to erect his see into an Arch-
bishopric, thereby exciting the displeasure of the primate, whose power
was thus diminished. A settlement was finally effected, by which the
sees of Galloway, Argyle, and the Isles were placed under the jurisdic-
tion of Glasgow, whilst St Andrews continued to retain the primacy.
The medal was doubtless struck with some allusion to this controversy,
and probably in assertion of the archbishop's authority. The Legaii
natiy according to Ducange, were archbishops or bishops, who enjoyed
within their provinces and dioceses the authority of Legates of the Apos-
tolic See.
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238 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1865.
Mr Henry Laing, in bis work on Scottish Seals, describes two seals of
tbe archbisboj) — one a large oval seal, dated 1480, in the possession of
the late Principal Lee of Edinburgh University ; the other, a round
seal, dated 1494, from a charter at Glammis.
The medal was exhibited by the Bev. H. Wellesley, D.D., Principal
of New Inns Hall, Oxford, at the meeting of the Archsoological Institute
of Great Britain and Ireland, held at Edinburgh, February 1856 ; and
the above account of the medal is taken from the Catalogue, drawn up
by Mr Albert Way, of the temporary Museum then exhibited.
(16.) By the Bev. John Millioan, Twynholm.
Third Brass Coin of the Boman Emperor Crispus, struck at London ;
it was found in the parish of Twynholm, Kirkcudbrightshire.
(17.) By Jambs T. Gibson-Craig, Esq., W.S., F.S.A. Scot.
Ancient Glass Sepulchral Yase, with a flat projecting lip ; it measures
7^ inches in height, 6 inches across the mouth, and 4 inches across the
bottom ; the diameter of the widest part of the bowl-shaped body being
7i inches. This vase, which shows a beautiful iridescence, from the
decay of the glass, was found, with other three, in an ancient Christian
tomb in Sardinia; and is described in the "Bulletino Archeologico
Sardo, Anno x. Agosto 1864."
(18.) By John Turnbull, of Abbey St Bathans, Esq., W.S.
Four rude Arrow Heads or Flakes of light-coloured flint, measuring
from 2 to 4 inches in length, found in caves in the Wady Meghara in
Arabia. (See Communication by Mr Turnbull, page 253.)
(19.) By James Stark, M.D.
Bronze Amulet or Priapus, and a small Brass Coin of Diocletian, struck
at Alexandria, in Egypt, found at Ostia, near Bome, when digging the
foundation of a house.
(20.) By James T. Irvino, Esq., architect, London.
Various Etchings by the Donor, of Orcadian Antiquities in the
Museum of the Society ; View of Scalloway Castle, Standing Stone in
Garth of Papil, North Yell, <&c., &c. ; Monumental Slabs at Sandwick,
Unst, Shetland.
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DONATIONS TO THB MUSEUM. 239
(21.) By the Rev. Joun Mauohan, Bectory, Bewcastle.
Photographs, 4 iuches by 6 inches, showing the four sides of a Sculp '
tured Cross at Bewcastle, Cumberland.
Also, Photograph of an Inscription in Bunes on a crag at Baronspike,
Cumberland. A translation of the runes is given by Dr Charlton, in the
^* Archsdologia iElinana," part 21, new series, September 1866.
(22.) By the Bight Hon. the Eabl of Dunraven and Moxtntbabls,
F.S.A. Scot.
Memorials of Adare Manor, by Caroline, Countess of Dunraven ; with
Historical Notices of Adare, by her Son, the Earl of Dunraven. Printed
for private circulation. 4to. Oxford, 1865.
(23.) By Jambs D. Mabwiok, Esq. (the Author).
The Precedency of Edinburgh and Dublin ; Proceedings in the Privy
Council in the question as to the Precedence of the Corporations of
Edinburgh and Dublin in presenting Addresses to the Sovereign. 4to.
Edinburgh, 1865.
(24.) By the Bev. J. H. Pollsxtbn, Colchester (the Author).
On a hoard of Gold Ornaments, Coins, &o., found at Bute, and now in
the Museum of the Society. 8vo. (Pp. 16). London, 1865. (See Pro-
ceedings of the Society, vol. v. page 372.)
(25.) By LiBCTENANT Hbnbt Bbackbnburt, B.A. (the Author.)
Ancient Cannon in Europe. Part I. (Pp. 24). Woolwich, 1865.
(26.) By Gbobgb Sim, Esq., Curator of Coins, S.A. Scot.
" Edinburgh Advertiser" for September 7, 1781, containing a notice
of a Meeting of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, shortly after its
formation.
The following Communications were read : —
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240 PROORBDINOS OF THB SOCIETY, JUNE 1865
ON SOME REMAINS OF THE STONE PERIOD IN THE BUCHAN DIS-
TRICT OF ABERDEENSHIRE. By THOMAS F. JAMIESON, Esq..
Ellon.
Along both sides of the river YthaD, near its junction with the sea, there
seems to have existed a settlement of people who used flint tools, and
lived a good deal upon the shell fish that are found in the adjoining
estuary. There are several spots on either bank of the river, between
the village of Ellon and the sea, where I have observed a great quantity
of flint chippings and flint flakes, the debris, as it were, of a manufac-
ture of stone weapons; and so thickly are these flints scattered about,
that one can sometimes point with confidence to the very spots where
the people seem to have sat and wrought at them. This is the case in
some places amongst the drifted sand near the sea, and also to a less
extent in a field on the farm of Mains of Waterton.
I have likewise remarked a great many artificially chipped flints in the
surface of the fields near Bavenscraig Castle, on the north bank of the
Ugie ; and the Bev. Dr Forsyth, in the '' Statistical Account of the
Parish of Belhelvie," mentions the occurrence of a quantity of yellow
flints on the alluvial soil near the sea there ; and amongst them some
well-formed arrow-heads, he says, are frequently found. These flint
arrow-heads occur on the surface of the fields all over the district, and
are picked up by the ploughmen when harrowing, although it is rare
now to meet with them.
The source from whence the natives of this part of Scotland might
have obtained their flints can readily be pointed out. There is a low moory
ridge, extending from the coast near Peterhead, fpr about eight or nine
miles inland, to a place called the Bog of Ardallie. The height of this
ridge is from nearly 300 to 500 feet above the sea, and it is all over-
spread with water-worn pebbles of flint, generally in greatest abundance
along the crest of the ridge. These flints have been derived from some
bed of chalk that probably once existed here, as the characteristic fossils
of the Chalk period may be detected in them. The flint gravel is
several feet thick in some places, as, for example, in the Den of Bod-
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ON SOME REMAINS OF THE STONE PERIOD IN ABERDEENSHIRE. 241
dam. Patches of the same nature occur in a few other spots in the
Dorth-eastem part of Aberdeenshire, but nowhere in anything like the
same abundance as along this ridge. The natives therefore could have
no difficulty in obtaining any quantity of flint. I have observed that
the flint flakes and chippings sometimes occur in considerable abundance
near the beach, and only a few feet above the present reach of the tides.
We have also on both sides of the estuary of the Tthun old mounds of
shells, somewhat like the Ejokken-moddings of Denmark, and situated
occasionally so low that a depression of three feet, or lees, would expose
them to the inroad of the sea. Flint flakes and chips occur on the sur-
face of some of these mounds, amongst the decayed shells, and more
plentifully in the neighbourhood of them, so that there is every reason
to suppose the shell-heaps were made up by the chippers of the flints.
From this low position, I infer that there has been no noticeable eleva-
tion of the land since the lowest of these shell heaps were formed, nor
since these flint chippings came to be where they are. There is good
evidence, however, of an elevation of the coast having taken place here,
to the extent of six or eight feet, within a very recent geological period ;
for on both sides of the estuary I have observed elevated banks of
estuary mud, containing remains of shell fish, all of the kinds now
living in the river, with the exception of one species, the ScrohictUaria
pipercUa^ which seems to have died out in this locality ; and I may
mention that I have seen no remains of this species in the shell mounds.
Part of the village of Newburgh is built on this old estuary mud, and
the shell-bed was well exposed lately in cutting a deep drain through
the croft land to the north of the village, and likewise on the opposite
bank of the river near Waterside.* As some of the shell- heaps are
situated on the top of this raised sea-margin, and fringe of estuary mud,
I think there can be no doubt that the people to whom they belonged
continued to live here long after this slight rise of the coast took place.
The relation of the shell heaps and flints to the blown sand also shows
them to belong to a comparatively recent period ; for the shell heaps are
> Some further remarks on this subject will be found in a paper communicated
by me to the Geological Society of London, " On the History of the Last Oeologi-
cal Changes in Scotland," and which will appear in the August Number of the
Quarterly Journal of that Society for this year (1866).
VOL. VI. PART 1. Q
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242 PR00EEDIN68 OF THE SOOIETT, JUNE 1866.
situated on the top of some thickness of drift sand, while seams of it
are interstratified with the decayed shells and charcoal, showing that
drifting of the sand had previously begun and continued to go on
during the period the shells and rubbish were accumulating.
The amount of blown sand along the coast here is very great, forming
some immense piles, and it has overspread a large tract of what was once
a parish called Forvie, now part of Slains. This desolation of the land
of Forvie, the traditions say, was owing to a sudden catastrophe that
occurred some centuries ago, but the exact date of which is unknown.
It is quite possible that some extraordinary gales may have occasioned
a sudden dispersion of the sand, if large masses of it had previously
been heaped up in the neighbourhood ; but there can be no doubt that
its accumulation must have been going on gradually for a very lengthened
period — in fact, ever since the establishment of the present coast line.
There are some places where, owing to the direction of the eddies of
wind, the sand does not lodge. At one of these spots, in the Forvie
district, there is a bank, having only a thin covering of sand, where I
discovered traces of what seems to have been an encampment of the flint
folk. Flint flakes and chippings of various shapes are scattered all over
the surface, and on turning up the ground with a spade, I found a
stratum of black carbonaceous matter below which the reddish clay sub-
soil is quite discoloured, as if there had been numerous fires. This is in
the midst of the Forvie sands, not very far from the sea beach. Probably
many similar spots are now hidden by the sand. At Annochie, on the
coast of St Fergus, where a brickwork was at one time in opera-
tion, there is a spot in which a good many bones and teeth of various
animals are met with underneath a thin layer of blown sand. These
bones occur in a bed of blackish sandy loam, a foot or two feet thick, and
along with the bones there are many stones, which seem to have been
exposed to the action of fire ; there are also a good many periwinkle
and limpet shells. I did not remark any flints. The bones and teeth
seem to belong chiefly to domestic animals.
The shell heaps at the mouth of the Ythan occur chiefly on the north
side of the estuary, along an uninhabited desolate tract of blown sand.
There are, however, some on the south side. These heaps are generally
from thirty to ninety yards in length, and are situated on mounds of
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ON SOME REMAINS OF THE 8T0MB PERIOD IN AJBERDEEN8HIRB. 248
blown sand. The stratum of shells is sometimes only a few inches
deep; in other cases, layers of shelb and sand alternate with one
another to a depth of several yards ; and in one mound there is a thickness
of four or five feet, consisting entirely of shells. The most plentiful
species is the mussel, hut there are also a good many cockles and peri-
winkles— all of them large and full-grown specimens. Intermixed with
the shells there is always a number of stones, which have evidently
been in a fire ; and one of the largest mounds is strewed all over
with small stones, a great many of which have a scorched appearance.
There is also alwa3rs a mixture of charcoal, or what seems to be remains
of charred turf, with some bits of burnt twigs. On some of the mounds
there appear to have been small fires here and there, as if for cooking.
In these spots clusters of burnt stones occur on tlie surface, along with
a more than usual quantity of charcoal ; while the sand underneath occar
sionally shows a reddish tinge, as if from the effect of fire. I also found
a few teeth' and bits of bones on the surface, and a flint or two may be
picked up with the appearance of having been in the fire. No metal nor
pottery has been observed ; but as the mounds have not been much dug
into, something of the sort may yet be found. In examining some of
these mounds, I was accompanied on one occasion by my friend Mr
Bobert Dawson, from Gmden, and we dug for an hour or two among
those on the north side of the river that lie immediately opposite New-
burgh, but we did not find anything except shells, charcoal, and burnt
stones ; not a single bone nor flint occurred. On the south side, near
the village of Newburgh, there is a pit excavated in a thick mass of
blown sand, where a stratum of blackish loam occurs full of decayed
shells^ and covered by a thickness of from two to three feet of sand. In
this loamy stuff we got some small bits of decayed bone, and a few pieces
of red earthenware coarsely and irregularly glazed ; these seemed to be
fragments of a good large jar. This loamy layer may, however, be a
much more recent affair than the shell mounds just described..
At the Den of Boddam there are a great many small pits or excava-
tions, which have long been known under the name of the PicW Camfis
or the Picts' Ho%ue$, This Den of Boddam is a small, narrow, winding
1 Dr Turner, who examined theee teeth, says they belong to deer and oxen.
q2
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244 PBO0SEDINO8 OF THE 800IETY» JUNE 1865.
hollow, along which tvlub a little liTuIet or ditch. It lies on the north
side of the Stirling Hill, where the great granite quarries of Peterhead
are situated. The ground is destitute of trees or hushes, and is oovered
with heather and peaty turf. The excavations are scattered over the
surface of a sloping hank facing the south, giving it a sort of honey-
comhed or pock-pitted appearance. These pits (which are quite shaUow,
only a foot or two deep) are made in the flint gravel, and are therefore
dry in the bottom. They are a few yards in diameter, but are so irre-
gular, and so mouldered by the lapse of time, that no precise dimen-
sions can be assigned them. They extend, or rather did extend, over
several acres of ground, but the operations of agriculture have now
obliterated a good many of them, and will probably soon e£face the
greater part of those that yet remain. I did not observe any heaps of
manufactured flints, but Mr Dawson informs me that there is one spot
where he has seen a large quantity of chippings, apparently the debris
of a manufacture. Nothing certain seems to be known about this
curious place, but its traditionary name shows the pits to be of ancient
date. The late Provost Grey, who wrote the excellent article on Peter-
head in the " Statistical Account of Aberdeenshire," says that these pits
are generally known as the ^' PicU' Camps ;" and the Bev. Dr Pratt, in
his entertaining book on Buchan, states that tradition calls them ^' the
hattsea of the Picts.'* They look very like the site of an encampment
such as the Laplanders make at the present day, who congregate in
small huts rudely constructed of turf and sticks ; and if our old flint
folk were of the same race as the Lapps and Finns — as seems not un-
likely— we might suppose that this was one of their retreats. The
sheltered, secluded nature of the spot, and its situation on a dry sloping
bank facing the sun, would adapt it well for the purpose.
Stone cists, containing sepulchral urns of rudely-manufactured pot-
tery, have been found in various parts of Buchan. They generally occur
on some dry gravelly eminence, frequently several of them together.
The fact of flint chips and arrow heads being often found in these cists
along with the urns, connects them with the period to which belong the
shell heaps and other remains I have been describing. These cists
have usually been made by digging a square hole, four feet deep or so,
and lining the sides of it with large flat stones, on which were placed
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HUMAN AND OTHBB REMAINS RBCBNTLY FOUND AT KELSO. 245
covers of the same material. The space enclosed by the stones is gene-
rally too small to have allowed a corpse to have been placed at full
length ; and in most instances few or no bones are met with : there is
merely an nrn, with a little charred matter in it, and some bits of flint.
In one cist, however, I have seen, along with the nm, the remains of a
human skull, together with some bones, a shell of the pearl mussel
(Unto margarU%firus\ and a few flints.
Another cist, at a few yards' distance from this one, was carefully en-
closed with a layer of fine puddled clay. At Cross-stone, near Ellon, a
cist was got, containing about a hatful of split flints. Some of the
pieces I found to match exactly, showing the original shape of the flints.
They had been small flattish pebbles, with a smooth, water-worn sur-
face, and had been neatly cleaved in two by a smart blow on the edge of
the pebble.
Traces of rude graves are to be found on the surface of some barren
eminences or low hills. In these cases, one observes a small cluster of
gray moss-covered stones, like the foundation of a little cairn, but more
regularly arranged. On clearing away these stones a spot is found in
the centre, containing some charcoal and yellowish earth, with perhaps
a flint knife or arrow head, and more rarely a rude urn. My attention
was first directed to these old graves by Mr Charles Dalrymple, who dis-
covered and opened a few of them in this neighbourhood.
II.
NOTICE OF SOME HUMAN AND OTHER REMAINS RECENTLY FOUND
AT KELSO. By WILLIAM TURNER, M.B;, F.R.aE.
In the month of May 1864, whilst workmen were engaged in con-
structing a new system of sewerage in the town of Kelso, various relics
of former inhabitants were met with, some account of which may per-
haps interest the members of the Society of Antiquaries, and at the same
time serve as a contribution to local history. Although not myself a
witness of the excavations when in progress, yet having visited the
locality shortly afterwards, I have been enabled, through information
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246 PR0GEBDING8 OF TUB SOCIETY, JUNE 1866.
received from varioas geDtlemen resident in the town, amongst whom I
may more especially mention Mr Andrew Boberton and Mr Clazy, to
collect some of the most important facts connected with the objects dis-
covered.
Locality, — ^Between the iron railing, now enclosing the east end of
the ruins of Kelso Abbey, and the Grammar School, is an open space,
leading eastward from which is a short narrow passage, called Butts
Lane, which is separated from the burial-ground now in use on one side
by a high wall. At its eastern end Butts Lane opens into a wide space
named the Knowes, the eastern boundary of which is formed by the gas-
works.
Objects found, — Through these different localities, drains of consider-
able depth were cut. At the south end of one drain, which ran across
the Enowes from north to south, a short cist was exposed, 4^ feet from
the present surface of the ground. It was about 2^ feet square ; and its
roof, floor, ends, and sides were each formed of a single slab of freestone,
about 2^ inches thick. The slabs were simply laid in contact with each
other, and, from the absence of cement, earth had worked its way into
the cist, and filled it. No bones of any kind were found in the cist ;
but, on removing the earth, a baked clay urn was met with, which un-
fortunately broke into fragments on being handled. These fragments
came into the possession of Mr John Henderson, who has attempted a
restoration of the urn, and has incorporated the pieces in his reconstruc-
tion. So far as can now be judged, the urn probably corresponded some-
what in size and form to the largest of the urns from Lesmurdie, now
in the Society's Museum. The ornamentation is, however, very simple,
and consists merely of horizontal grooves, arranged in groups of two or
three, with short vertical grooves, situated intermediate to the group of
horizontal ones. The urn will, I believe, be placed in the Kelso
Museum. From the form of the cist, and the occurrence of an um in
it, this grave evidently belongs to an early period of Scottish history.
Another drain traversed the Knowes from east to west, and was pro-
longed in the same direction along Butts Lane. Whilst excavating for
it in both these localities, several cists were exposed, which differed in
their characters from the short cist just described. They were situated
about 6 feet from the present surface of the ground, were 5 feet and
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HUMAN AND OTHKii REMAINS RKCKNTLY FOUND AT KELSO. 247
upwards in length, and were placed east and west. They were formed
of freestone slabs, and in many cases so filled with earth that the
bones contained in them were not recoverable. The mode of construc-
tion of two of these long cists was particularly noted by Mr Boberton.
They were both built of loose slabs of freestone. Each possessed a head-
piece at the western end, then widened out abruptly at the shoulders,
and tapered somewhat towards the feet. These cists lay parallel, and
were not more than a yard apart. The one situated more to the south-
ward had the place for the head built of stones laid on their sides, whilst
the northmost one was constructed of slabs placed on their edges. The
latter possessed the following dimensions: — 6 feet 4 inches long, 18
inches wide at the shoulders, and 12 inches deep. It contained a skeleton
in the fully extended position, the head of which was at the western end
of the cist. Wrapped around the skeleton was a large mortcloth, formed
of a coarsely woven material, parts of which, still in an excellent state
of preservation, showed very clearly the texture of the fabric. None of
the bones contained in this cist were preserved. The covering slabs on
the southernmost cist were not in such close apposition as on the one
just described, so that the earth had entered it, and partially covered
and displaced the bones. The skull, evidently that of an old person,
differing in no essential features from modem Scottish crania, has been
preserved. No trace of a mortcloth was found in this cist.
In addition to the human and other remains just described, a large
number of loose human bones was met with, both in Butts Lane and in
the excavations made across the open space between the Abbey railing
and the Grammar School, unenclosed in cists or coffins. These occurred
in such numbers in some places as to give the impression that no syste-
matic burial had been performed, but that a trench had been dug, and
the bodies thrown indiscriminately into it.
About three feet to the southward of the cist which contained the
skeleton invested by the mortcloth, a number of coins was found lying
loose in the earth. Those which I had an opportunity of examining
were testoons or shillings, belonging to the debased coinage of the reign
of King Edward VI. On the one side is a profile of the king, surrounded
by BDWAKD VI. D. Q. AOL. FRA. z: HiB. REX. Y. On the roverso, an oval
shield, quartered with the arms of England, and surrounded by the motto
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248 FK0CKEDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1865.
TIMOR DOMINI F0N8 VITA . MOXLix. T. In addition to the numerous speci-
mens of this coin, Mr George Sim informs me, that in the course of the
excavation a hodle of King Charles I. and a defaced hawhee were found,
though in what locality, or in what depth from the surface, it is now
impossible to say.
The circumstance of so many coins of the reign of Edward YI. being
discovered, in such close proximity to the numerous loose bones met
with in the neighbourhood of the Abbey, would seem to point to some
relation as regards age between them. It is a well-known fact in Border
history, that in the later years of the reign of King Henry VIII., and
during the short reign of Edward YI., Kelso Abbey was the scene of
many a fierce and bloody fight between the rival chieftains of the Scottish
and English borders. These bones may perhaps be the relics of some
of the combatants ; and from the irregular manner in which they were
arranged, and the absence of any remains of coffins around them, it would
seem as if the bodies had been thrown into a trench, with none of the
usual accompaniments of a formal burial.
The long stone coffins already described belong apparently to an earlier
period ; but it will be difficult to fix the time of their construction, for
evidence is still wanting to establish with precision the dates when this
mode of burial was first adopted, and when it terminated. From the
form of the cists, however, more especially the existence of a distinct
piece for the head, I am inclined to think that these coffins belong to
the later rather than the earlier period of adoption of this form of inter-
ment ; and it is probable that they must be ascribed to medisdval times. The
existence of a woven fabric around the skeleton contained in one of these
cists is a circumstance of some interest. Several examples of shrouds
obtained from ancient tombs are already in the Society's Museum, as the
knitted garment from a stone cist in Yorkshire, the leathern shroud
from a stone coffin in Dunfermline Abbey, and portions of ecclesiastical
raiment from the tombs of bishops in the Glasgow and Fortrose Cathe-
drals. But this specimen differs, both in its mode of construction and
in the material of which it is composed, from any of those just alluded
to. The fibre is evidently vegetable, and of considerable strength, but
it is difficult to say from what plant it has been obtained. One might
surmise that it is a coarse flax or hemp ; but the characters by which
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DE8CB1PTI0N OF AN EIRDE HOUSE AT ERIBOLL. 249
these fonna of vegetable fibre differ from others of an allied nature are
not snfiSciently precise to enable one to pronounce with certainty as to
its origin. In the process of constructing the garment, the fibre had at
first been spun into a coarse thread, the thickness of whip-cord, which
thread had been loosely woyen by a simple interlacement of warp and
weft, and the spaces between the crossing of the threads had then been
partially filled up apparently by a felting process. The specimen now
exhibited will be deposited in the Museum of the Antiquaries.
The relics of bygone times brought to light in the course of these ex-
cavations prove that the locality, which is still employed as a burial-
ground by the present residents in the town of Kelso, had been devoted
to the same purpose, not only by their mediaaval forefathers, but by the
rude inhabitants of the district in pre-historic times, and that, long before
the stately pile of Kelso Abbey served as the last resting-place of monk
and warrior, the ancient Caledonians had chosen as their place of
sepulture one of the most beautiful sites on the banks of the silver
Tweed.
. III.
EIRDE HOFSE AT ERIBOLL, IN THE PARISH OP DURNESS, 8UTHER-
LANDSHIRB. By ARTHUR MITCHELL, M.D., Cobb. Mem. S.A. Scot.
In a cultivated field behind the House of Eriboll there is an under-
ground or eirde house of considerable interest.
It was cleared out by Alexander Clarke, Esq., some years ago, and can
now be minutely examined. No objects of interest were found during
the excavation. Its site is not indicated by any knoll or accumulation
of earth above it.
Reference is made to the following plans and sections (which are
drawn to scale) as the briefest way of describing its construction and
general features.
The whole length of the passage is 33 feet, but it is known to have
been 10 or 12 feet longer than it is at present.
The passage at its entrance is less than 2 feet wide, and under 4 feet
high. The average height of the passage is only 4 feet, and its average
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250
PR00EEDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1865.
mdth 2 feet. It is not straight, hut shows a sharp bend at D, and a
slight one at G.
The expansion, or pear-shaped chamber, at the end gives the follow-
ing measurements : —
At 1 foot from the end (E) it is 8} feet wide, and 4^ feet high.
At 5 feet „ » 2 „ 4J „
At 7 feet „ „ 2 „ 4 „
That which gives interest and character to this eirde house is the
smallness of the expansion or chamber, which, at its widest part, is only
3} feet, and this width it only retains for 3 feet of its length. It is
exceedingly difficult to see what purpose such a structure could have
served. It is worthy of note, however, that in the district similar
underground houses are called '' Leabidh fholaich '* or *' Hiding beds.''
Longitudinal Section.
Eirde House at Eriboll.
Other structures of this kind exist in Sutherlandshire, but I believe
this is the first which has been described. There is one known to me
in Strath Helmsdale, near the river side, and about two miles above Kil-
donan Lodge.
Both of these resemble in a very striking manner the eirde houses
which I recently described to the Society, and which are situated in
Strathdon, Aberdeenshire.
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FLINT FLAKES FOUND IN THB PARISH OF ABBBNETH7. 251
IV.
NOTICE OF FLINT FLAKES FOUND IN THE PARISH OF ABERNETHY,
STRATHSPEY. By ARTHUR MITCHELL, M.D., Cobr. Mem. SJl. Scot.
There are seyeral places in this parish, where, it is well known, any
one will find flint flakes who digs for them. My attention was directed
to this fact hy the Be v. Mr Forsyth, with whom I visited one of the
localities, where we found, after half an hour's search, the specimens
which are now exhibited. The spot alluded to is situated at Clachaig,
about a mile and a-half from the manse. It is near the present course
of the river Nethy, but still nearer to what is believed to be its old
course. The flakes are found below a layer of peat, which is two to
three feet thick, which covers a piece of flat land several acres in extent,
and which lies on water-worn gravel and sand. Some of them were
found immediately below the peat and on the gravel, but others were
found in the gravel at a depth of 4 or 6 inches. Along with these last
was found the chip of fir wood, also exhibited, which bears evidence of
having being cut with a sharp instrument, and which from the direction
of the cut surfaces appears to have been shaped by two such strokes of
an axe as are usually given in felling a tree. This chip, as I have said,
was found, along with some of the flakes, below the peat and also below
some inches of the gravel.
On examining the peat, it was quite clear that it was not in the posi-
tion of growth. It had at some time or other been broken up and made
into a paste by water, from which it had again been deposited. Here
and there, at idl depths in it, there were streaks of water-worn sand
similar to that which was below it. It is possible, therefore, that some
flood had carried it down from the immense peat fields which are found
higher up the river's course.
None of the flakes found by me were chipped on the edges. It is
said, however, that some have been found so chipped, and looking as if
there had been an intention to shape them into arrow heads. One well-
formed arrow head is said to have been found near the spot we examined,
but thiifind is not well authenticated.
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252 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 8001 BT7, JUNE 1865.
The position in which these flakes were discovered, and the presence
of the chip of wood among them, indicate that they have heen moyed hy
the river from the place they originally occupied.
It is said that a man residing near the diggings at Clachaig, bnt on
the other side of the Nethy, once found a large round unbroken stone,
3 or 4 inches in diameter, which turned out to be flint.
About two miles higher up the Nethy than Olachaigy on the opposite
side, there is a place called Lynmagilbert, where a man ploughing turned
up a great number of flint flakes. This happened some years ago.
They were lying in a heap between two stones. Mr Forsyth has seen
some flakes from this place, and says they are in all respects like those
we found at Olachaig.
Two or three miles still farther up the Nethy, near its course, but not
so nearly on its level, similar flints are also found.
V.
NOTE OP TWO BRONZE SWORDS, RECENTLY FOUND UNDER MOSS
AT SOUTH UIST. By Captain F. W. L. THOMAS, R.N., Coeb. Mem. S.A.
Scot.
An interesting find has occurred in South Uist lately. Two leaf-
shaped bronze swords were dug up at lochdar (pronounced lo-cher),
which is the north-west end of South Uist, when cutting peats. On Mr
MacBory sending me the information, I addressed some questions to him,
and his answers are to the following effect : —
<< The depth of the peat was 10 or 12 feet.
" The swords were at the bottom of the peat, and upon the soil (boulder
clay).
<< An arm of the sea comes within 100 yards or so of the site of the
place where the swords were found ; it is on the east side of the main
road leading to South Uist. One house is very near the place.
'* The shape is exactly like the drawing you enclosed of the swords
found at Arthur's Seat (copied from Pre-Historic Annals). Length,
24 inches; pointed breadth of blade at broadest, 1§ inch; tapering
towards both extremities ; 1^ inch near the handle. No guard. The
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NOTICB OF FLINTS FROM OAVES IN ARABIA. 253
handles, I was told, were covered with wood, which, of coarse, crumbled
to dust when touched. There was a leather sheath, but they did not
care much about it, thinking the weapons were gold.
'* I am in possession of one of them ; it is the smallest, and I intend
keeping it as a curiosity. The man who found them has the other; it is
longer and heavier than mine.
" No marking nor engraving."
This discovery has important bearings. I have established (to my own
satisfaction) that the stone monuments of the Outer Hebrides were
placed before the peat was there, and I had myself found the charcoal
ashes of a fire over which the peat had grown ten feet, but which peat
bank was brought to the water's edge by the subsidence which is now
taking place of this group of islands* The peat, on toeatheringy shows a
laminated structure ; and assuming that each lamina represents a year's
growth, the whole peat of Lewis may have accumulated in 900 years,
and in the XJists in 1 200 years. But, without accepting these results of
calculations absolutely, it may be safely assumed that peat is geologi-
cally and anthropologically a very recent production, and these bronze
swords support that view.
VI.
NOTICE OF FLINTS, FROM CAVES IN THE WADY MEGHARA, IN
ARABIA. By JOHN TURNBDLL, W.S., of Abbey St Bathans, Esq.
When travelliug, in March 1862, in the Sinaitic peninsula, I visited
a gentleman (Major M'Donald), who had been resident there for some
time, engaged in mining turquoises. From him I got the flints which
I now send, that they may be presented to the Society of Antiquaries,
if of sufficient interest.
The few I brought home were selected from a considerable number
in the possession of Major McDonald, and which had been obtained by
him from time to time from the Arabs in his employment, who found
them in the caverns or ancient mines which exist in the district. These
caverns are in a sandstone formation, and bear evidence, in the chisel
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254 PBOCEBDINOS OF THE 800IBTT, JUNE 1865. <
mark still existing, of their partial, or, it may be, entire artificial origin.
They are much the same as the quarries or excavations so common in
Egypt, and are sometimes of great size. One which I examined in the
Wady Meghara contained vast chambers, and extended in length from
a quarter to half a mile, with several entrances. I am not aware that
the age or purpose of these excavations has been satisfactorily investi-
gated, but Major McDonald is of opinion that they have been turquoise
mines. Excepting flints, the only manufactured articles I heard of
having been discovered in them were a wooden model of an elephant
and a broken finger ring. The elephant was eight or nine inches high,
and though somewhat rudely, was yet well executed. The ring was of
bronze, with turquoises set in it — a larger one in the centre, and six
smaller ones round the larger — but only three of these latter are left.
The mines in the Wady Meghara are well known to travellers. They
have evidently been worked at a period much more recent than that of
. the flint weapons ; for in that valley, and close by the caverns, are found
not only Sinaitic inscriptions, but Egyptian tablets, containing hiero-
glyphics and sculptures, with the cartouche, among others, of Suphis —
works which, from their execution, are evidence of a considerable degree
of civilisation. Near the openings of the caverns, and scattered over
the smooth rocks, are little basins, always two together — one circular,
and the other oval. The circular one is generally eight or nine inches in
diameter, and the same in depth. The oval one is about the same in
width, but 18 or 20 inches long, and not more than 3 or 4 deep. May
these not have been used for polishing the turquoises, the circular
basin containing the water, and the other having been formed gradually
by friction in grinding the stones?
Across this Wady (Meghara), and up the hill on each side, until it
rises almost into a precipice, run two stone walls. Qne of these is close
to the opening of the glen, and the other some 200 or 300 yards up it ;
and between these walls, and, consequently, inclosed by them, are the
Egyptian tablets and openings of caverns. The top of the projecting
hill on the east of the valley has been cut into a terrace, leaving a coni-
cal peak in the centre, and on this terrace are the foundations of about
100 houses or other buildings. The walls run up to this fort, if such it
be ; and one may be allowed to conjecture that at some remote period
1
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i
ON THE USB OF THE *' MUSTARD CAP AND BULLET." 266
an Egyptian colony was settled here for the purpose of working the
mines, and protected themselves by these ramparts; or it may be that it
was a penal colony, and that the walls were intended as much to confine
the convicts as to exclude the Bedouins.
The flints, however, must be of a dato long anterior to this period.
The largest of them is 4 inches long by 1^ broad, and the smallest
is 2 inches long by 1^ broad. They are evidently shaped artifi-
cially, tapering to a point, and being triangular in the cross section,
the one side or face, however, being much broader than the other two,
and perfectly smooth. Indeed, in general appearance they are not to
be distinguished from flint weapons found in this country or Ireland.
VII.
ON THE USE OF THE "MUSTARD CAP AND BULLET" IN THE NORTH
OF SCOTLAND. By JOHN ALEX. SMITH, M.D., SEa S.A. Scot.
The Wooden Mustard Cap and Iron Bullet now presented to the
Museum of the Society from my friend Mr George R. Kinloch, belong
to a class of domestic usages becoming rapidly extinct throughout the
country, and are therefore worthy of being recorded among the minor
antiquities of Scotland, before they have entirely passed away, and been
forgotten.
Some sixty years ago it was the almost universal practice in the
Meams, and, indeed, throughout a great part of Scotland, to grow in
the different gardens and kail-yards a patch of white mustard ; the crop
was sedulously protected from the birds, and the seeds were carefully
gathered when ripe, and preserved for family use. The mustard cap
and bullet, consisting of a wooden bowl (Scottice, Cap\ some 8 inches
in diameter, by 4 inches in depth, having a wooden cover, and a
heavy iron bullet, 3 inches or so in diameter, was then frequently em-
ployed to prepare the mustard for domestic use. This was very simply
done, by putting the requisite amount of seed, along with a little water,
and a slight sprinkling of salt, into the wooden cap, the heavy mustard
bullet was then introduced, the lid put on, and a rapid rotatory motion
given to the bullet by the movement of the knee and hands, until the
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256 PROCEEDINGS OF TUB SOCIETY, JUNK 1865.
whole was reduced to a pulp sufficiently smooth for use. The bullet was
then removed, and in the humbler households, the cap and its conten ts,
being mill and mustard pot in one, was placed on the table, to be used
with the potatoes or other vegetables which formed the simple repast.
Milk or cream was sometimes added, as an improvement to this simple
condiment or sauce.
The mustard, added in this way to the starchy components of the
vegetable diet, supplied the necessary nitrogenous elements which would
otherwise have been lacking; and reminds one of the analogous hot and
stimulating curry which the native of Hindustan finds it necessary to
add to his insipid meal of rice.
The Mustard Gap and Ballet.
The not unfrequent use of the mustard in place of animal food (or
^* kitchen,'' as it was termed) with vegetables for dinner, even among a
8omewhat higher class of the community, appears to be referred to in one
of the Penny Histories of the last century, entitled " John Thompson's
Man ; or, a Short Survey of Married Life ; " where the writer states that
vanity in dress had come to such a height, that rather than not be in
the fashion, some people would be content to deprive themselves of
everything, except the very cheapest fare, and live, for a time at least,
on this inexpensive diet. *' For vanity," says he, " is now come to
such a height, that vanity was never so vain, nor virtue less prized,
in any age than this ; for some, if they have no more in the world,
must retain the d la mode fashion, with their old daggled silk tail,
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ON THE USB OF THE " MUSTARD CAP AND BULLET." 267
and pair of old laced shoes, and all her tattering decorations, and these
they will not want, if they even should lick mustard a month."
The prevalent use of salted meat by nearly all classes during winter,
especially in the country districts, some seventy or eighty years ago, also
necessitated a great consumption of mustard. The use of the mustard
cap and bullet seems to have prevailed, Mr Kinloch informs me, all over
the north-east of Scotland, perhaps even to John o' Groat*s, if not also to
the Orkney and Shetland Islands — at least from Forfarshire northwards.
I have not, however, been able to learn anything of its use in a similar
way in the southern parts of Scotland.
The early use of mustard in Scotland is well known, and I need only
refer to the fact mentioned in the " Kegistrum de Aberbrothoc," that in
the year 1310 Michael de Monifoth, one of the vassals of the abbacy,
binds himself to pay annually to the Abbacy of Arbroath half a boll
of mustard seed — " unam diraidiam bollam seminis grani sinapiu" — no
doubt to be used in the daily meals of the monks.
Spottiswoode, in his edition of Hope's " Minor Practicks," 1734, ap-
pends a list of the Heirship Moveables, being the articles which the heir-
at-law of a prelate, baron, or burgess, dying intestate, is entitled to
claim ex lege, as his own, and among these he includes the useful " Mus-
tard Bullet ;" he does not, however, specify the necessary accompaniment
of the mustard cap, but enumerates " a pewter mustard dish," which
could not well take the place of the humbler wooden mustard cap, in
which the mustard was at once ground and made by the bullet, but was the
vessel into which the mustard was removed when ready for use, at least in
the houses of the more wealthy classes. The frequent occurrence of iron
bullets near old houses in different parts of the country, where they had
fallen aside, and their domestic use had been forgotten, has often made
the local inquirers into antiquities fancy wild scenes of blood and war,
with which these supposed cannon balls had been connected, without
thinking that their presence there might probably, in many, if not in
most cases, be due to a very different and peaceful family use.
The Coal Bullet, — I may, in addition, notice another of our minor an-
tiquities, belonging to this same domestic class — another and larger kind
of iron bullet, the presence of which in some places may have given rise
VOL. VI. PART I. R
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258
PROOKBDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1865.
to similar, and perhaps not altogether nnnatural, mistakes — I refer to
the ''Coal Bullet/' which was also a rather important article in the
household economy of our ancestors. " A Bullet for breaking coals/' as it
is described by Spottiswoode, and included in the list of Heirship Move-
ables to which I have already referred. In some cases the coal bullet
was pierced with a hole, though which a loop of rope was passed to
form a handle.
The use of the coal bullet, however, unlike the previous one, was
not apparently known in the northern counties, as I am informed by
Mr Kinloch, but seems to have been confined in a great measure to
the middle and south-western districts of Scotland. Tliis circum-
stance may probably be accounted for by the fact of the northern coun-
ties having been formerly supplied with coals brought entirely by sea
from England, which being soft, and broken into small pieces, rendered
the use of any such implement entirely unnecessary; whereas in the
more southern counties, where the larger and harder Scots coals were used
for fuel, and got from the neighbouring coal pits, the heavy iron bullet
or hammer was required as a necessary domestic implement to break
them into pieces small enough for ordinary use; in the Border districts,
again, from their proximity to England, the English coal was formerly
in common use, and the coal bullet was little needed, and apparently
scarcely known.
As this meeting concluded the business of the Session, the Society
then adjourned to the 30th of November, St Andrew's Day, the com-
mencement of next Winter's Session.
Canoe (22 feet 6 inches long) found in Loch Canmore, Aberdeenshire, 1859, and
described by the Rev. James Wattle, Bellastraid.
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T X •. K .'..Ir.irun. KJintiv;
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259
[7%e following Communication was read at a Meeting of the Society on
the ISth March 1865, and should have been inserted at page 178.]
VIII.
NOTES ON THE EXCAVATION OF AN ANCIENT BUILDING AT
TAPOCK. IN THE TORWOOD, PARISH OF DUNIPACE, COUNTY OF
STIRLING. By COLONEL JOSEPH DUNDAS of Oabeonhall. F.S.A.
Scot. (Plates XV. and XVL)
Tapock is the highest point in the ancient forest of Torwood, and
commands an extensive view of the whole district lying between the
Forth and the Carron, as well as of the distant country and mountains
beyond those rivers.
The general appearance of Tapock is that of a conical bill or mound,
flat on the top ; on the west side of the hill there is a precipitous crag of
about 100 feet in depth, running north and south for about 800 yards ; on
the north, east, and south side the slope is gradual. At about 70 feet
from the centre of the cone or mound there are the remains of a wall
carried round the mound until it reaches the precipice on each side.
Beyond this dyke there are the remains of a second wall. Both of these
walls, on the earth being removed, are found to be built of large stones,
roughly put together, and without cement.
On the south side there are the traces of a third wall extending along
the face of the cliff, and filling up those places where the rock is not so
abrupt as at the other parts (Plate XV. fig. 1)^
The mound at Tapock is known by the country people as the ** Roman
Camp,'' and a subterranean passage is supposed by them to lead from it
to the old Castle of Torwood, about three-fourths of a mile distant — a
famous haunt of Wallace. When we discovered our second passage
(fig. 1, G H), this tradition was supposed to be verified. The whole of
the mound was, till lately, covered with large fir trees, and the only
signs of man's handiwork, besides the dykes above mentioned, was a
hole of about four feet deep (fig. E F). In this hole there was a mass
of loose stones ; and in addition, at about 3 feet below the surface, two
large stones lying horizontally, one above the other. A few smaller
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260 PROGE£DINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
stones were visible, which were apparently parts of a piece of rude
masonry. In August 1864, workmen were set to clear out this hole,
under the superintendence of General Lefroy, E.A., and myself.
This hole was on the south side of the mound. When the large stones
and rubbish had been removed, we found ourselves in a passage 11| feet
in length and 3 feet in breadth, and terminating at the end near the
mound in a doorway, the sides of which, composed of large stones
irregularly built, have an inclination outwards. The top or lintel is
formed by two large stones placed one above the other, of about 5 feet in
length. These have large stones placed at their ends, apparently for the
purpose of keeping them in their place. The height of the door space
is 5 feet 7 inches. The walls of the passage incline outwards to the
height of 5 feet 4 inches. At that height the stones begin to overlap
one another, until, at one place, the sides approach within little more
than a foot of one another. Many large stones were taken out of the
passage of a size and shape suited to cover the space between the walls
thus narrowed.
At the distance of llf feet from the doorway, the passage turns at
right angles towards the west, and leads to a flight of eleven steps of the
rudest form, the lowest step 42 inches, the highest 28 inches in breadth.
These steps lead upwards to the outside of the mound. The length of
the staircase passage is about 12 feet.
In clearing out this passage there were found a fragment of pottery,
lathe-turned, and an iron-handled hammer, the heavy end of which is
rounded off in a manner similar to those used by tinkers. These are
probably the traces of some treasure-seeker of former days, who, finding
the work harder than he expected, and perhaps the usquebaugh stronger,
broke his ^' greybeard, " and left his hammer behind him. These " ves-
tiges,'' as well as all the other things found at Tapock, are now in the
National Museum of the Antiquaries of Scotland.
The doorway was completely blocked up with rubble. We now com-
menced work on the top of the mound. The surface was irregular, and
covered with heather, ferns, some large firs still standing, and the stumps
of others which had been blown down. After the removal of an immense
mass of large stones and rubble with which the chamber was filled, and
which was thrown over on the east side of the mound to the amount of
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EXCAVATION OF AN ANCIENT BUILDING AT TAPOCK. 261
upwards of 200 tons, we found ourselves in a large chamber, of an irre-
gular circular form, 106 feet in circumference.
The floor is the solid rock (sandstone), and is inclined from N.W. to
S.E. The height varies from 11 feet 4 inches on the north to 8 feet 6
inches on the south side. The floor is about 3 feet lower on the east side
than at the highest part. In this portion of the floor the greater part of
the smaller stone implements were found. The walls are built of large
stones, irregularly but firmly built without cement of any kind. They
are stained in many places with dark brown marks, as of smoke. Some
of these stains, however, may have been made by the roots of the heather
forcing their way down and affording a passage for water discoloured by
the peaty earth on the surface.
At irregular heights and intervals in the walls there are about nine-
teen spaces of from 10 to 14 inches in width, and similar depth. These
appear to be arranged without any order, and to have been left when a
large stone afibrded a good lintel or sole at a convenient distance from
the ground.
These spaces are well adapted for cupboards or store places. Nothing
was found in them, however, except some white clay peculiar to Tor-
wood. The walls of the chamber have an inclination outwards. On the
north-west there is a portion of 20 feet in length, at the height of six
feet from the floor, where the upper part of the wall is put back 18 inches,
thus forming a sort of shelf.^
This change of plan appears to have arisen from the builders finding
that their wall did not slope back sufficiently to resist the pressure from
without, and adopting the above plan as a remedy.
On every part of the floor a great deal of charred wood was found, prin-
cipally oak, I believe ; and in the centre there were several large stones
much discoloured. Among these stones the charcoal was in great
quantity, accompanied by a great deal of a red and brown earthy sub-
stance, apparently containing much animal matter. This was apparently
the fireplace. There, and in other parts of the floor, were found the teeth
of a large graminivorous animal, and some small pieces of bone.
* Subsequent examination ehows that this ledge is carried round the whole of the
chamber.
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262 PROC££DlNQ8 OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
On the south-east side of the chamber, and at the distance of 8 feet
from the doorway first discovered, we find another doorway similarly con-
structed, and 3 feet in width. This doorway leads into a passage 10|
feet in length, and which has a slight turn in it. This passage descends
rapidly, and is 3 feet 2^ inches wide at the widest part (Plate XVI« fig. 2).
We now find ourselves at what we may suppose to be the great or prin-
cipal entrance. This consists of pillars roughly squared, 6 feet 4 inches
in height, 18 inches thick, surmounted by rough capitals 1 foot 5 inches
square, the w^iole thus forming side posts of 7 feet 9 indies, and sur-
mounted by two large lintels, as in the first doorway. In the walls on the
inside of this doorway there are two holes of about 6 inches square, one
of which is 5 feet in depth, and the other about 18 inches. These holes
have, apparently, been for the purpose of ^' barring'' the door.
Passing through this doorway, we find ourselves in a narrow passage
9 feet in length, of similar construction to the other passage, and having,
like it, a slight bend in it. This passage brings us to the outside of the
mound. It terminates in an opening formed of rough stones. There is
no lintel remaining, as in the other doorway. Owing to the bend in the
passage, the doorway into the central chamber can only be partly seen
from this last opening.
The floor of these passages is much worn, whereas the steps above
mentioned bear no marks of wear and tear. From this we may infer that
the lower passage was the usual one of entry into the house, while the
upper or staircase one was only occasionally used, and would probably be
the means of retreat in the event of the mound being, attacked, and the
lower doorway being forced.
The roof-stones of the lower passage are not in position, but a sufiScient
numl>er of large stones to form the roof were found in clearing out the
passages. These, in common with the rest of the building, were completely
filled with large stones and rubble, which had almost to be quarried out,
so compact was the mass.
The opening, or doorway last described, is nearly at the base of the
mound, and opposite to it there is a corresponding opening in the wall of
circumvallation. At or near this gap there are some stones of large size,
and one of them, a very large block, is remarkable from having deep
marks in it of an attempt to divide it. These marks are about 3 inches
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Froceedm^s of iKo Society of Antiguanos of Scotland
YOiyi FLATEXri
Fi^l. Interior of Ckamber at Torwood.
IWK ..' . 't ;» , > - ■Srj?
'Fi^.2. Interior of the QiamlDer at Torwood shewing the doorways.
^O^gl^
J Dun da ■ fecit.
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EXCAVATION OF AN ANCIENT BUILDING AT TAPOCK. 263
long and 1^ deep. One of these incisions is at right angles to the three
others, showing, apparently, that the early stone-hewer found, after he had
made his first incision, that he was working against the grain of the stone.
All the stones used in the huilding are of the same sandstone as the
rock on which the mound stands. The mound, «.e., the hacking of stones
and earth on the outside of the walls of the central chamher, varies from
18 to 28 feet in thickness.
Below the mound, on the west and precipitous side, there is a series of
caves in the face of the rock. Some of these have apparently heen
deepened hy the hand of man ; and from the largest of them a path
leading up to the mound is traceahle.
The sketch exhibited will convey an idea of them. They are dry, and
may probably have been occupied by the builders of the mound during its
erection. From the extent of the mound, and the large size of the stones,
much time and labour must have been expended on it. One of these
caves is now used by gamekeepers as a place of shelter and a look-out
Near the doorway first discovered, there were found a number of egg-
shaped stones of various sizes ; these are principally made of a sort of
plum-pudding stone. Some are apparently fashioned artificially, while
others are such aa are found in the bed of the Carron river. Parts of querns
of a rude and primitive make were found in different parts of the floor.
Three perforated stones, when found by the workmen, were at once
named by them whorh, and such I believe is the name given to such
stones by our learned antiquaries. One of the men tells me that he
remembers seeing an old woman use such an implement in spinning.
Whether these stones were used in spinning or as ornaments, it is
curious that such ao appendage to the spindle, though of different
material, is used at present in the south of France, as I had occasion to
remark last year when in that country. Together with these were found
a piece of rude, thick pottery, and a flat oval piece of slatey stone, per-
forated at the narrow end, and covered with fine scratchings. These
seem to have been made with the point of a needle. It may have been
worn suspended by a string from the neck of some fair aboriginal, «id
used by her as a needle sharpener. One implement, made either of
baked clay, or of a soft red stone, is hollowed out like a cup.
There are several stones slightly hollowed out in the centre, which
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264 PR0CBEDIX08 OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
may have been made use of either as small lamps or cups. One of these
has a concavity on each side, but so shallow as not to be capable of hold-
ing any quantity of liquid. I would suggest that it is probable that the
early inhabitants of this dwelling would probably belong to a period
when paint was an important article of dress, and that this may be the
dressing-case or palette of some fair Briton, the red paint being on one
side, and the blue on the other.
Near the centre of the floor were found three large stones, upon which
are some of those mysterious markings which have been observed in dif-
ferent parts of England and Scotland, and which have, I believe, baffled
the skill of the antiquaries to discover the meaning of. These markings
seem to have been on the stones previous to their being used in the
present building, as some of the markings are broken across. This would
not have been the case had the marks formed an ornament of the
stonework; the stones themselves are too large to have been broken
across by the falling in of the roof, on the supposition that there was a
roof with a rubble backing similar to the walls. I cannot imagine how
the room could have been filled with so solid a mass, except by the fall-
ing in of the roof. I would therefore suggest that the marks were on
the stones before they were hewn out of the rock. I would also remark,
that one of these figures, which is composed of two concentric circles, is
not unlike a rude ground-plan of the mound itself and its surrounding
wall, and that two breaks in their circles correspond with the entrance
into the mound and the gap in the wall. It may have been the plan of
the master-builder, sketched by him on the face of the rock.
On the floor of the house there were found two iron axeheads, one of
them of ancient, the other of comparatively modem form. From these I
would gather that the roof of the house had not fallen in for a very long
period after the owners of the querns had passed away, or at least that a
sufficient space was left in the interior to allow of the entrance of the
curious woodman. When we remember that this mound was in the
centre of a dense forest, and had nothing to distinguish it, apparently,
from other eminences, we can understand how it might remain unnoticed
for ages. It is only since the timber has been cleared away that the
conical form of the mound is observable.
It is, perhaps, worthy of remark, that the mound commands an exten-
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EXCAVATION OF AN ANCIENT BUILDING AT TAPOCK. 265
sive view of the Roman wall, extending from Carriden on the east to
some miles beyond Castle Carey westward.
The Roman road or Camelon Causeway passes through the Torwood
about 100 yards from the foot of the rock on which the mound stands.
Immediately beyond the point where this Roman road crosses the
Torbum, there is a rough and rocky eminence, known in the country by
the name of the Roman Camp on Carres Hill. On this hill I have already
excavated one building, similar in workmanship to that on Tapock,
but with some peculiarities of structure.
A plan of this building is in the same sheet (Plate XV. figs. 7 and 8)
which shows the plan of Tapock, and for which I am indebted to the
kindness of the officer commanding the Royal Engineers engaged in the
Crovernment Survey.
As we hope to make further excavations at Carr's Hill, I will not enter
into a description of the house there, but would merely point out an in-
teresting feature in it, viz., that there are traces of a passage of 30 feet
in length leading into it, and that for a portion of about 9 feet the large
top stones are in position. One of the oldest inhabitants remembers the
remainder being taken away to build a march fence. Carr's Hill is 1320
yards from Tapock.
A line drawn from Tapock to Carr's Hill, and prolonged until it cuts
the hill above Sauchie, about five miles distant, will pass within a few
yards of a flat-topped mound similar in shape to the one I have been
attempting to describe.
I have lately visited this point, and found a mound, apparently arti-
ficial, with a precipice (the Lime Crags) of about 300 feet on the north-
west side, and an entrenchment on the other side, the whole bearing a
striking resemblance to the plan of Tapock.
About three miles north from Tapock there are certain grassy eminences
called the Bury Hills on the estate of Folmaise. On one of them are
traces of an encampment somewhat similar to that on the Sauchie Hill.
Each of the three points commands a clear view of the other two, and
each place possesses a most extensive view over the whole district.
Farther examination may perhaps show that these three fortified
points — Torwood, Sauchie, and Bury Hills — have a further relation to
one another.
VOL. VI. PART I. s
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266 PROOEEDINQS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1865.
IX.
NOTES ON THE SKULL FBOM FYRISH, EVANTOWN. By
WILLLVM TUKNER, M.B. (Page 288.)
This cranium, from its strong muscular ridges, the worn condition of
the teeth, the obliteration of many of the sutures, the depth of the
canine fossae in the upper jaw, and the obtuse angles of the lower jaw,
is evidently that of a male in the decline of life. The skull is braohy-
cephalic and rounded in form. The various regions of the cranium are
well proportioned. It is not truncated posteriorly, and does not exhibit
the parieto-occipital flattening which many of the brachycephalic skulls
from the ancient short cists possess, and which by some writers is sup-
posed to have been produced by pressure artificially applied during
infancy (see my Keport on a Skull from Dunse, Proc. vol. v. part ii.
p. 279). The cerebellar fossae are well developed. The glabella and
supra-orbital ridges are strongly marked. The nasal bones curve slightly
upwards. There is no prognathism. The principal measurements are
as follows : — Extreme length, 7*3 ; breadth (parieto-squamous), 5'9 ;
height, 5-2. Greatest frontal breadth, 4 8 ; parietal, 5*85 ; occipital, 4*1.
Fronto-nasal radius, 3 6 ; maxillary, 3*5 ; frontal, 4*5 ; parietal, 4*95 ;
occipital, 3*9. Longitudinal arc, 15-2 ; frontal, 5*0 ; parietal, 5*2 ; occi-
pital, 5 0. Frontal transverse arc, 12*5 ; parietal, 140 ; occipital, 11*4.
Horizontal circumference, 21*3. Internal capacity, 98 cubic inches.
Ratio of length to breadth, 100 to 808 ; of length to height, 100 to 71.
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1
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND.
EIGHTY-SIXTH SESSION, 1865-66.
Anniyersart Mbbtino, 30^^ November 1865.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON, Esq., LL.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The Office-bearers of the Society were elected for the Session as
follows : —
Patron,
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
President^
THE DUKE OP BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBERRY, K.G.
Vice-Presidents,
Hon. Lord Neaves, LL.D.
Professor James Y. Simpson, M.D.
David Laino, Esq., LL.D.
Councillors,
Gboroe Patton, Esq. \ Representing the
Francis Abbott, Esq. j Boa/rd of Trustees,
Adam Sim of Conltermains, Esq.
Rev. Thomas M'Lauchlak, LL.D.
Jambs T. Gibson Craio, Esq.
VOL. VI. PART II. T
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268 PROCEEDINGS OP THE SOCIETY, NOVEMBER 1865.
ProfeesoT Gobmo Innes.
Jambs D. Marwick, Esq.
Joseph Robertson, Esq., LL.D.
Colonel Joseph Dundas of CarronhalL
Secretaries.
John Stuart, Esq., General Begister House.
John Alexander Smiths M.D.
David Laino, Esq., LL.D., for Foreign Correspondence.
Trecuurer.
Thomas B. Johnston, Esq., 4 St Andrew Square.
Curators of the Museum,
Jambs Drummond, Esq., RS.A.
Robert Carfrae, Esq.
Curcntor of Coins,
Gborob SiMy Esq.
JAbraricuL
John Hill Burton, Esq., LL.D.
Auditors,
Alexander Brtson, Esq.
David Douglas, Esq.
William T. M*Culloch, Keeper of the Museum,
Robert Paul, AssistcmL
The Chairman stated that the Society had lost by death eight Fellows
during the past year, viz. : —
Elected
Daniel Fisher, Esq., Writer to the Signet, . . . 1827
George Lorimbr, Esq., Builder, .... 1849
David Maclaoan, M.D., ... 1826
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ANNIVERSARY MEETING. 269
Elected
Colonel Sir William A. Maxwell, of Calderwood, Bart., . 1828
John M. Mitchill, Esq., Belgian Consul- General, and Joint-
Foreign Secretary, Mayville, Leith, . . . 1840
Professor William Bamsat, Glasgow, . . . 1856
Alexander Whit£, Esq., Leith, . * . . 1848
John Gsorob Wood, Esq., Writer to the Signet, . . 1852
During the past year, twenty-three Fellows have been admitted;
and four have forfeited their rights of membership by falling into
arrear.
There are at present on the roll 291 Fellows.
The decease of three of the Honorary Members had abo taken place
during the same period, viz,. : —
1. James Skene of Rabislaw, Esq., who died at Frewen Hall, Oxford,
on the 27th March 1864, at the patriarchal age of 90. He was elected
in 1844 an Honorary Member in acknowledgment of important services
rendered to the Society, having been an Ordinary Fellow since May 1818.
2. Algernon, fourth Ddke or Northumberland, E.G., who died at
Alnwick Castle, on the 12th of February last, aged 72. He early dis-
tinguished himself by his antiquarian researches in the East ; and, as
Lord Prudhoe, was added to the list of our Honorary Members in
February 1824, on the same day with his elder brother, Hugh, third
Duke of Northumberland, whom he succeeded in 1847.
3. Christian J. Thomsen, Conferenzraad, Director of the Royal
Danish Museum of Antiquities, Ethnography, <&c., at Copenhagen. He
was admitted an Honorary Member in 1851, and died, at an advanced
age, on the 21st of May 1865.
To supply the vacancies thus occasioned.
The Most Noble the Marquess Camden, E.G., President of the
Archseological Institute, London,
Sir Henrt Drtden, Bart, Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire,
Benjamin Thorpe, Esq., Chiswick, near London,
upon the unanimous recommendation of the Council, were duly elected to
fill the vacancies in the list of the Honorary Members of the Sooibtt.
t2
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270
PROCCBDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, NOVEMBER 1865.
A ballot then took place^ and the following gentlemen were elected
Fellows of the Society : —
Thomas S. Anderson, Esq., Lindoiea Abbey, "Newbuigh.
Bey. George W. Brackenridob, Cleyedon.
James Cowan, Esq., Glen Esk House.
George Corsane Ouninghame, Esq., Manor Place.
Andrew Gibb, Esq., Aberdeen.
BoBERT Kate, Esq., Fountain Bank, Glasgow.
David Ltbll, Esq., Writer, Edinboigh.
Also, as Corresponding Members : —
Allan Bell, Esq. of Abbots Haugh, Falkirk.
W. H. James Weals, Esq. of Bruges.
Jambs T. Irvine, Esq., Architect, London.
The Seoretart, Mr Stuart, then read the following statement relative
to the Museum and Library :-
" Number of Visitors to the Museum from 1st December 1864 to
3l8T October 1865 :—
Week Day.
Sat, Evening
Total.
1864. December, . .
9,006
508
9,514
1865. January,
16,511
673
17,184
February,
2,875
450
3,325
March, . ,
3,940
572
4,512
... April, .
... May, .
8,996
708
4,699
6,822
580 .
7,402
June, .
5,127
820
5,947
... July, .
10,025
1,352
11,377
... August,
12,408
1,817
14,220
September,
10,705
1,560
12,265
... October, . .
4,617
873
6,490
... November,* .
...
...
•••
• (Shut for Cleaning
).
86,027
9,908
95,935
" The correspondiDg numbers for the year ending 31st October 1864
were — Day, 84,195; Saturday evenings, 9,050; total, 93,245; being
2690 less than the number of visitors during the year just ended.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 271
" The donatioDB to the Moseum and Library were 265 articles of unti-
tiquity, 37 coins and medals, 151 volumes of books and pamphlets.
Thirty articles of antiquity, 10 coins and medals, and 14 volumes of
books, were purchased.
" The donations to the Museum and Library for the year ending 3l8t
October 1863 were 301 articles of antiquity, 140 coins and medals, and
104 volumes of books.
" 515 copies of the Catalogue of the Museum were sold during the year."
(The various donations here referred to have already been specially
described in the Proceedings.)
MoMDAT, 11th December 1865.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON, Esq., LL.D., in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen were balloted for, and elected Fellows of the
Society : —
Theodobb Aufbbcht, M.A., Professor of Sanscrit, Uniyersity, Edinburgh.
William Tboup, Esq., University Library, St Andrews.
William Tubmxb, M.B., Demonstrator of Anatomy, Uniyersity, Edinburgh.
The Donations to the Museum and Library were as follows, and
thanks were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By John Gordon of Cluny, Esq,
Bronze leaf-shaped Sword, in fine preservation, with distinct thin pro-
jecting bevelled edge or border. It measures 39 inches in length, its
greatest breadth being 2 inches. The handle-plate measures 4^ inches
in length, and is pierced with four holes for rivets. It was found in
South Uist, one of the Western Islands.
(2.) By Mr David Bbnnkt, Abemethy, through Alexander Laing,
Esq., Newburgh, Fifeshire, F.S.A. Scot.
Bronze leaf-shaped Sword, measuring 25 inches, a small part of the
point being broken ofi*. The handle-plate is 4^ inches in lepgth, and is
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272 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1865.
pierced with eight rivet holes, six of the bronze pins or rivets for fix-
ing the handle still remaining. It was fished up from the river Tay
near Elcho, in the parish of Rhynd, Perthshire.
Iron Dagger Blade, much corroded, measuring 10^ inches in length,
and 1 inch in greatest breadth. Found in the river Tay near Inchyra
Ferry, parish of Rhynd, Perthshire.
(3.) By William Buttsb, Esq.
Iron Spear Head, much corroded, measuring 9 inches in length, with
a socket for shaft. Found in trenching at Ballintuim, Perthshire.
(4.) By Mr Mofvat, Gardener, Aytoun Castle, through D. Milne
Home, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Globular-shaped Bottle of coarse green-coloured glass, 7^ inches iD
lieight ; and the Circular Foot of a Crystal Wine- Glass, 2f inches in
diameter, partially opaque from decay. Found 15 feet below the sur-
face, on which trees were growing upwards of 150 years old; near
Aytoun Castle, Berwickshire.
Splinter of Cannel Coal, and rounded fragments of Bituminous Shale,
found from 5 to 8 feet from the surface in a bed of sea-sand, below
regularly stratified beds of undisturbed gravel.
Mr Milne Home states that '* there are now no beds of canoel coal or
shale in natural position nearer than Mid-Lothian, viz., on high ground
which ruDs from Prestonpans to Dalkeith. The shape of the cannel
coal suggests the inquiry, whether, before being drifted with the shale,
it had not been shaped by human hands."
(5.) By David B. Robertson, M.D., F.S.A. Scot.
Two Lances, with four-edged iron heads ; measuring 9 feet long.
Two Halbert«, with iron heads ; measuring 7 feet Id length.
Two Boar Spears ; one with a two-edged head, the other with a pointed
head.
Two Iron Gauntlets.
Breast and Back Plates of a Corselet.
Six Swords ; three with basket hilts.
Algerian Musket or Fowling-piece ; length of barrel, 3 feet 7 inches.
Pair of Ship Pistols, with flint locks.
Two Steel Helmets, of the Life Guards, with brass mountings.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
273
Cartridge Box of the old " Trinity House Volunteers," Leith.
Wooden Canteen, 7 inches in diameter, used during the Crimean War.
Dagger, with three edges, measuring 11 inches in length; the handle,
of deer's horn, measures 4^ in length.
Two Cocked Hats of the Edinburgh Town Guard ; one of the hats has
three comers, and the other two points or comers. The old City Guard
was disbanded in 1817.
Two Malay Cresses. The blades mea-
sure 14 inches, and 16 inches in length.
Two Indian Swords ; one, with a broad
blade, measures 16 inches, the other 18
inches in length.
Two Clubs and a Paddle, richly
carved, from the South Sea Islands.
Club, with a row of shark's teeth fas-
tened along each of its edges. From
the South Sea Islands.
(6.) By B. H. HossAOK, Esq.
Four specimens of the spurious Bronze
Daggers, recently procured in London,
stated to have been found in the bed of
the Thames in the course of operations
for forming the Thames embankment.
(See the annexed woodcut, which gives
figures of two of them.)
(7.) By the Eev. J. M. Joass, Eddertoun, Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Small Sandstone Whetstone, measuring 8 inches in length, and about
1 inch in breadth, and an irregularly-shaped piece of pumice-stone, 3
inches in its greatest diameter. The whetstone was found in a <' Pict's''
or '' Eirde-house '' in Strathnaver, Satherlandshire, in the immediate
neighbourhood of which the pumice-stone was also found.
(8.) By Adam Sim, of Coultermains, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Communion Token of the Collegiate Church of Biggar, square-shaped,
in lead, with a view of the church on one side, and on the other ^' Biooar
Kirk, 1759."
Spurious Bronze Daggers.
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274 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1865.
(9.) By Thomas Pordib, Esq., George Street.
Small Terra Cotta Jar, with handle, from Perugia. Insoriptions are
scratched along each side^ of the jar.
(10.) By the late Henrt Christy, Esq., through John Evans, Esq.,
F.S.A.
Three large chipped portions of Yellowish Flint, measuring from 10
to 12 inches in length hy 3 to 4 inches in breadth, two of them being
chipped to a point at one extremity. Also four flint Chips or Flakes,
from 3 to 5 inches in length by 1 to 2 inches in breadth, being specimens
of worked Flints, found at Pressigny le Grand, France. Mr Evans, in
his communication, says^ —
^' This town is situated about thirty miles to the south of Tours, on
the river Claise, an affluent of the Creuse, in the department of Indre
et Loire. The peculiar worked flints are most abundant at a farm called
La Claisiere, rather more than two miles from Pressigny, and on the oppo-
site side of the Glaise. The soil is a red loam, of probably miocene age.
In some places whole fields of this loam were replete with worked flints,
and the large specimens which, from their resemblance to pounds of
butter, have received from the peasants the name of litfrea de heurre,
were very abundant, notwithstanding that whole cartloads of them had
been collected at the farm-house and some neighbouring cottages ; and
the soil teemed with flakes, mostly broken, and with splinters of flint.
Near the farm, in a road section, a bed of flakes was to be seen at a
depth of about two feet from the present surface ; and as far as could be
judged, worked flints abounded in the soil in every direction, even belou'
the depth of the present cultivation.^'
(11.) By Mr James Robertson.
Stone Chisel or Celt, of a fine grained greenstone or jade; it
measures 4 inches in length, and 1^ inch across the face. From New
Zealand.
(12.) By Colonel Jahbs A. Bobertson, F.S.A. Scot, (the Author.)
Historical proofs respecting the Gael of Alban ; or, Highlanders of
Scotland as descended of the Caledonian Picts, &c. Small 8vo. Edin-
burgh, 1865.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
275
(13.) By the Antiiropolooioal Sooutt of London.
Memoirs read before the Authropological Society of London, 1863 -4.
8vo., VoL I. London, 1865.
Lectures on Man ; his Place in Creation, and in the History of the
Earth. By Dr Carl Vogt ; edited by J. Hunt. 8vo. London, 1864.
Lake Habitations and Pre-historic Bemaius in the Turbaries and Marl
Beds of Northern and Central Italy. By B. Gastaldi. Translated by
C. H. Chambers. 8vo. London, 1865.
On the Phenomena of Hybridity in the Genus Homo. By Dr P.
Broca. Edited by C. C. Blake. 8vo. London, 1864.
The Anthropological Treatises of J. F. Blumenbach. Translated and
edited by T. Bendyshe. 8vo. London, 1865.
There was exhibited by Jambs Hay Chalmers, Esq., F.S.A. Scot. —
A small Bronze Sickle, found in trenching in the parish of Alford,
Aberdeenshire.
Three Bronze Celts, purchased for the Museum by the Society.
Bronze Cdts found near BelFs Mills, Edinburgh.
Tiiese Bronze Socketed Celts, measuring from 3^ to^ inches in length,
and 2 inches across the face, were found 12 feet below the surface,
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J
276 PROCEEDINGS OF TUB SOCIETY, DECEMBEU 1865.
in digging at tiie Water of Leitb, near Bell's MilU ; five of them were
found together embedded in the clay. Near them were two large
boulders. The section of the cutting showed 5 feet of sand, 2 feet of
gravel, and 5 feet of blue clay. (See the annexed woodcut)
Other three celts were also found near the same place.
The following Communications were read : —
ACCOUNT OF THE OPENING OF A CAIRN ON THE ESTATE OF PIT-
TODRIE, ABERDEENSHIRE. By CHARLES E. DALRYMPLE, Esq.,
F.S.A. Scot.
The hill of Enockolochie, where this excavation took place, rises
abruptly from the vale of the Urie, near the centre of the district of
" the Garioch.'' The name is said by Celtic scholars to signify ^* the
hill of crying,'* or '^of lamentation;" and this, coupled with the fact
that several cairns lie hidden amongst the woods which clothe the slopes,
while another, not yet examined, crowns the summit, is suggestive of
ancient conflict, or at least of death and sepulture.
Lieut.- Col. Enight Erskine of Plttodrie, the proprietor, believing that
these monuments were probably sepulchral, decided on investigating
one of them, and lately accomplished the exploration, accompanied by
the writer of these notes, and one or two other friends.
The cairns are much of the same character, being of scanty elevation
in proportion to their circumference, and so moss-grown as to blend with
the ground around them almost indistinguishably.
The cairn chosen for examination was 40 feet in diameter, but only
3^ feet above the surface of the ground. It was decided to try the
centre. On removing the mossy turf the workmen came to small stones,
with mould between, but as they penetrated deeper they found them of
a larger size — ^those at the bottom, which lay on the original surface of
the ground, requiring two men to lift them. On reaching the bottom
the earth showed a yellow colour, with pieces of charcoal intermixed,
proving to those experienced in such researches that a sepulchral or
sacrificial deposit existed. On further examination it proved that a hole
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OPENIKO OF A CAIRN ON THE ESTATE OP PITTODBIE. 277
had been dug in the subsoil, in which a large baked clay urn was placed,
mouth downwards, on the subsoil rock, which had been laid bare to re-
ceive it, the hole being then filled in with the yellow earth, closely
|)acked round the urn, the bottom of which was by this arrangement
uppermost, and had a small flat stone laid upon it. The urn proved to
be about half-full of incinerated bones, apparently human, and was got
out in fair preservation, considering its size and imperfect manufacture,
being somewhat soft and spongy in texture. Its dimensions proved to
be, 16 inches in height, and 12 inches across the mouth. It was orna-
mented with a Vandyke pattern round the upper part, just below the
brim. The yellow earth which surrounded the urn appeared to have
been calcined, and crumbled in the hand like chalk-powder. It had
been sifted, or in some way freed from foreign matter, excepting three
fragments of stone, which lay embedded close to the urn, and seemed
to the finders to have; been placed there designedly. They were —
1st, A piece of serpentine or other greenstone, flattened on one side,
and marked as if the points of weapons had been sharpened on it;
2d, A piece of flint, from which flakes had been struck, and which
looked as if it had been the intention to make it into an arrow head,
but had proved a failure ; 3d, A small stone, 4 inches in length, bear-
ing a re*markable, though apparently natural, resemblance to a minia-
ture ''celt" or axe head. The question suggests itself, were these
stones placed there intentionally, and, if so, as appears most probable,
were they intended to represent the weapons of the deceased — tlie
survivors being unwilling to part with the originals, from their scarcity
and consequent value? If this be the explanation, it indicates a degree
of barbarism and poverty of resources which throw back the period of
these cairns to a very remote date. The whole of the rest of the cairn
was carefully examined, but no traces found of any further deposit. A
raised ridge which ran round the top, about half-way between the centre
and circumference, and which was principally composed of large stones
placed upright, and reaching from the bottom of the cairn to a little
above its general surface, was expected to yield some remains, as in the
case of a similarly-shaped cairn in the Alford district, explored by Mr
John Stuart, our Secretary, and some friends, last year ; nothing, how-
ever, was discovered.
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278 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIKTY, DEOEMBEU 1865.
While the secrets of the cairn were being laid open, several trains of
the Great North of Scotland Railway, which skirts the base of the hill,
passed in both directions. The savage barbarism of the dark ages was
thus brought face to face, as it were, with the enlightened civilisation of
our own, and the effect was most striking and suggestive.
Mr Stuabt drew attention to the varieties of the modes of interment
recently communicated to the Society, and to the value of every addi-
tional discovery as widening the basis of ultimate induction.
Dr Joseph Robertson made some remarks on the so-called Periods of
Stone, Bronze, and Iron, of the Danish antiquaries, and held that they
were untenable in the strict sense of their originators.
The Rev. E. L. Barnwell, Secretary of the Cambrian ArchsBological
Association, took the same view, and gave instances of interments by
burning and inhumation in monuments of the same character and period,
which on the Danish theory would have to be ascribed to different times.
II.
NOTICE OP RECENT EXCAVATIONS IN CHEDWORTH WOOD, ON THE
ESTATE OF THE EARL OF ELDON. IN THE COUNTY OF GLOU-
CESTER. Bt JAMES FARRER, Esq., Hon. Mem. SA. Scot. Communi-
cated BY JOHN STUART. Esq.. Sec. S.A. Soot.
The discovery of Roman villas in these woods originated with an
under gamekeeper, engaged in ferreting rabbits, and was first brought
under my notice in June 1864, when a small chamber was cleared of
rubbish, but the tesselated pavement was found to be almost entirely
destroyed. It had been laid on flags, placed over buttresses of stone,
forming narrow passages, in which many of the loose tessene were found.
This chamber was 17 feet long, and 13 feet wide. The passages were about
1 foot wide, and 8 feet deep. Further examination led to the discovery of
loose tesser89, painted stucco, burnt stone, brick, and ornamental tile,
and, finally, the walls of the ancient building. Up to the present time,
the area of ground already explored is about 2^ acres, independent of
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NOTICE OF RECENT EXCAVATIONS IN CHEDWORTH WOOD. 279
more recent discoveries in other parts of the wood. Villas Nos. 1 and 2
stand at right angles to each other, and occupy a sheltered position,
commanding a good view of the narrow but well-timbered valley of the
Coin. Villa No. 1 faces the east,, villa No. 2 the south. The ground has
been covered with wood from time immemorial, and the underwood is felled
about every twenty years. No suspicion of buildings seems to have been
entertained, though in some places the top stones of the walls appeared,
on close examination, above the surface of the ground.
Villa No. 1 had been built in the form of two sides of a square, looking
east and north, with possibly a court-yard or garden within. Along the side,
looking eastwards, runs a corridor, about 133 feet in length, and 9 feet in
width. Two short flights of steps, much worn, lead from this corridor into
various rooms, many of which, as well as the corridor itself, contain orna-
mental pavement. Twenty chambers or passages have been excavated, ex-
clusive of the bath at the north end of the corridor, immediately behind
which is a hypocaust in a tolerable good state of preservation. Ten of
these rooms are on the south side of the square, and are inferior in cha-
racter to those on t4ie west side. Most of the rooms on the west side
had been paved with tesserae, set in mortar. The largest room was 28
feet 9 inches long, and 18 feet 6 inches wide. It had been wanned by
flues inside the walls. The furnace at the south end was filled with
ashes and rubbish. Many fragments of pillars, stone easing-troughs,
worked stones, and hexagonal roofing-slates, many of them still retaining
large flat-headed nails, of course much corroded, were dug out of the
ruins. Behind room 1, villa 1, a small recess, measuring 4 feet 4 inches
by 2 feet 5 inches, contained fragments of two small stone statues, the
sandalled feet of which were attached to the pedestal. The discovery of
the Christian monogram — the Cm Rno — in another part of the ruins is,
in the opinion of the Rev. S. Lysons of Hampsted Court, an indication
of the former inhabitants having embraced Christianity. This opinion,
however, may be modified by the discovery, subsequently, of a small altar,
at the south-west comer of a chamber, containing an octagon reservoir,
about 2 feet 9 inches deep, and capable of holding n^sarly 1100 gallons.
A drain, 11 feet in length, conducts the water from a small spring, issu-
ing out of the natural ground. A lead pipe carried away the water from
the reservoir into a small trough, 15^ inches long by 13 inches in width.
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280 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETT, DECEMBER 1865.
and 9^ inches in depth, and from thence, through a drain at the south-
east comer, nndemeath a buttress of stone, about 3 feet 6 inches square,
where it appears to lose itself in the ground. Portions of coloured stucco
yet adhere to the walls of this chamber. At the north end of the corridor
before mentioned is a bath, 7 feet 2 inches long by 5 feet 4 inches wide,
and 4 feet 4 inches in depth ; the water was carried off by a lead pipe,
which still remains in the wall, into an open stone drain crossing the
corridor. Near the bath was a circular place like a well, but only a foot
deep; it was 4 feet wide, and 2 feet 10 inches long. Behind the bath
is a hypocaust in tolerable preservation ; it is 21 feet long, and 18 feet
broad. The piles on which the floor of the room was laid were 3 feet
high. The bottom tile of each pila was 13 inches square ; on this were
placed ten other tiles, 8^ inches square. The covering tile was 13 inches,
and the cap tile 18 inches square, and over all about 4 inches of concrete,
in which the tessersd were set. The space between each row of pilaa
was 15 inches wide, and tile flues in the walls conveyed the hot air into
the room above.
Villa No. 2 stands almost at right angles to villa No. 1. Twenty-three
rooms or passages have been opened out, though some of them may perhaps
be more correctly described as baths, or possibly ovens. A corridor runs in
front of all, as in villa 1. It is nearly 300 feet long, and 10 feet 3 inches
wide; it may, however, extend still further in ground not yet excavated.
This corridor, as well as many of the rooms, has been paved with tessene;
they are inferior in character to the pavement of villa 1. The pilad are
of single stones. The swimming bath is 12 feet by 10^ feet. On each
side of it is a small bath. These are approached by passages 6 feet long,
the whole facing a mortared court, 20 feet square. A lead pipe, 20 inches
long, and 8^ inches in circumference, took the water from the swimming
bath into the small bath on the east side. There is another pipe, appa-
rently of similar dimensions, still in the wall between the swimming
bath and the small one on the west side. A hollowed stone drain runs
behind several of the rooms. Ten of them are 24 feet 6 inches long, and
vary in width from 9 to 24 feet. ' One is of pentagonal shape, and
underneath it are stone drains large enough to admit a boy. No similar
drains have been elsewhere discovered about these buildings. Many of
the rooms had been paved, and warmed in the usual manner. The whole
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NOnOS OF RSOENT EXCAVATIONS IN CHEDWORTH WOOD. 281
has, apparently, been destroyed by fire. In one room a mass of molten
lead was found ; it weighed 67 lb., and had evidently ponred off the roof
of the building into a hollow place ; and one of the large slates falling
on it gave it the flattened appearance which it now presents. The in-
terior of the rooms had been in most instances, possibly in all, plastered
with mortar and painted. In one there was a rude cross and other marks
on the wall. The colour had been red, but was much faded.
A limekiln, 9 feet deep and 10 feet wide, was found in the wood,
behind villa 2. Fragments of cornices and other worked stones were dug
up ; they were partially calcined.
Future excavations may possibly render the task of assigning a definite
period for the destruction of the villas more easy. Fire was probably
the chief agent ; and the absence of articles of intrinsic value justifies
the presumption, either that the inhabitants had time to remove their
property, or that the place was pillaged before destroyed. Mr Lysons is
disposed to think that it was originally the palace of Arvirigus, king of
the Dobreni (Gloucester), — more than a century ago a bath, the tiles of
which were all stamped with the word Arviri, was found in the neigh-
bourhood,— that it was subsequently occupied by another British king,
Praciatigus (a stone bearing this name having been found in the ruins),
who married Queen Boadicea, and that finally, after its destruction^ by
the Romans, it was occupied by some officer in command of the troops.
A descriptive catalogue of the various things found amongst the ruins
would swell this paper to an inordinate extent. They were of stone,
bone, iron, and bronze, pottery and coins. Bemains of domestic animals
were abundant, comprising horse, ox, sheep, and pigs, and also frag-
ments of antlers of a large species of red deer, but they were generally
in a decayed state. Large oyster shells were also mixed up with the
debris. With the exception of two pieces of skull, found in separate
places, no human remains have as yet been discovered.
The stone objects comprised fragments of pillars of various sizes, from
between 5 and 6 feet down to a few inches, bases of columns, hcxngonal
tiles, steps, stone pile?, and troughs ; also stones with the Chi Bho or
Laborum inscribed.
^ Tacitus speaks of the laying waste the territory of Praciatigus.
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282 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1865.
AmoDgBt thone of bone were hair-pins, bodkins or needles, knife-
bandies, perforated discs, and some that are difficult to describe.
Iron and bronze implements were more abundant. Of the former
were knives, horse-shoes, rings, a spoon, cup, chisels, spear or lance
heads, and many miscellaneous articles; also three pigs of iron, the
largest of which was 5 feet 4 inches long, and 10 inches thick. Of the
latter, fibulas, pins, spoons, needle, buckles, armlets, plain and ornamented
finger-rings, twisted chain with swivel (possibly a bracelet), plates of
bronze, punctured and ornamented, a stylus, steelyard with leaden weight
attached, and other miscellaneous articles.
The pottery was generally in small fragments. It consisted of am-
phorse, and vessels of different sizes, and probably for domestic purposes.
Much of it was of a very coarse description. There were, however, some
specimens of Samian ware, representing hunting pieces, and some that
had been broken, and rivetted with lead. On one was the maker's name
— OBNiALis F— (broken off); also a piece of a perforated vessel, like the
rose of a water-pot.
Of the articles coming under the head of miscellaneous, the most in-
teresting is a silver spoon, 2^ inches long, and If inch wide, with an
arched swan's head handle, 1^ inch long. The words *' obnsorinb
OAUDKAs" are inscribed inside. Mr Franks considers that it belongs to
the third or fourth century, and is very rare. It was found in a mass of
rubbish behind villa 1. A perforated plate of lead 5^ inches in diameter,
a lead vessel like an inkstand, fased lumps of lead, bracelet of Eimme-
ridge clay, large tusks of wild boar, and roebuck horns, were also found,
together with fragments of glass in small quantities.
Two hundred and fifty-seven bronze or copper coins have been col-
lected up to the present time. The majority of them belong to the
Constans and Constantino family and Tetricus. Many of them are much
defaced. Amongst the best preserved are those of Antoninus Pius, Yic-
torinus, Allectus, Magnentius, and Yalentinian. Only two silver coins
have been found. They are both well preserved. One of them has the
words '* IMP. OiBS. MAUR AMTONINUS AUG. REV : MARBTA AUG."
Partial excavations have been made in other parts of the same woods.
There is reason to believe that they will prove highly interesting. In
one place, discovered in opening out a quarry, a large platform of stones
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NOTICE OF RECENT EXCAVATIONS IN CHEDWORTH WOOD. 283
of four couraes, rising one above the other, and of quite Cyclopean
character, has been laid bare. Hypocaust tiles, several of them having
the impression of the feet of animals — deer, sheep, dog, <S?c., and one
with human finger-marks ; also remains of pillars, and very large worked
stones. A human jaw-bone, in which were two teeth, was found here.
Traces of buildings not yet ezamiued are to be seen at a distance of 200
yards higher up in the wood.
The " CapitoV^ — Only a few hours' labour have been devoted to this
place, which was discovered the day before I left the county. It is
distant about 170 yards from villa 1. Several small rooms were partially
cleared, in one of which was found a stone, pronounced by Mr Lyrons to
be " probably the centre compartment of a mortuary columbarium." The
upper part of it, which is rather elaborately worked, seemed to have been
intended to represent a scallop shell. A few coins, many hexagonal tiles,
and fragments of pillars, justify the inference that a building of some
importance has also existed in this part of the wood.
It is my intention to proceed with the excavations in all these places
next summer. The pavement, wherever practicable, has been preserved,
as also the walls of the chief rooms. Any things worth keeping will be
deposited in the Museum now building in the wood.
As bearing on the interesting subject of Mr Farrer*s communication,
Mr Stuart read a memorandum, communicated by Miss Hope Vere of
Craigiehall to Professor Simpson, giving details of the discovery of another
Roman villa at Seavington, the property of Earl Poulett in Somersetshire.
As in the case of the other villas, the rooms had been paved with tessersB,
of which specimens sent by Miss Vere were examined, as well as bits of
the painted stucco of the walls.
VOL. VI PART II.
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284 PR0CEBDINQ8 OF THB SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1865.
III.
NOTES RELATING TO MRS ESTHER (LANGLOIS OR) INGLIS. THE
CELEBRATED CALLI6RAPHIST, WITH AN ENUMERATION OF
MANUSCRIPT VOLUMES WRITTEN BY HER BETWEEN THE YEARS
1686 AND 1624. By DAVID LAING, Esq., Sbc. F.S.A. Scot.
The name of Estueb Inglis is well known, and the numberof volumes
which were written and ornamented by her, from the great beauty of
their penmanship, excited the unbounded admiration of her contem-
poraries. Some of these manuscripts were exhibited at recent meetings
of the Archsdological Institute, and attracted considerable notice. It
occurred to me that a notice of her life, and a list of her MSS., might
not be without interest to the members of that or other kindred Societies.
I have therefore brought together and put in chronological order occa-
sional notes of her MSS. made from time to time, accompanied with
various particulars of her history hitherto unnoticed.
The earliest account of Esther Inglis is contained in " Memoirs of seve-
ral Ladies of Great Britain, who have been celebrated for their writings
or skill in the learned Languages, Arts, and Sciences,'' by Greorge Ballard,
of Magdalane College, Oxon. (Oxford, 1762, p. 267, 4to). From this work
the notices contained in Chalmers's BiographicalDictionary, Harding's
Biographical Mirrour, vol. iii., and in other similar works, are derived.
In all these notices little information regarding her history is fur-
nished, and Ballard, misled by her retaining her maiden name, supposed
that she remained unmarried till she was about forty.
In a communication to the Society of Antiquaries of London, by B.
R. Holmes, Esq., respecting some of Esther Inglis's manuscripts, he
says,^ " Of her history a few particulars may be gleamed. There is in the
Sloane collection in the British Museum, a little MS., entitled, ' Livret
contenant diverses sortes de lettres escrit a Lislebourg, par Esther
Langlois, Fran9oise, 1586 ;' and on the fly-leaf of the volume is this note,
^ The father and mother of this young maid that wrote this booke suffered
martyrdom in France, as may be seen in the Book of Martyrs. The
Latin of her Psalms is (I believe) of her own makeing, for it is neither in
Buchanan's nor any other of those who have paraphrased the Psalms.'
^ Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. i. second series, p. 812.
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Procecdin^G of tiie Society of -&ii.aoiiaries cf ScotLuLd
Q:.icn.nm.iiiiiiiniiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
yOL.yi PLATE xvu.
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NOTES RELATING TO MRS ESTHER INQLIS. 285
For the support of this assertion of the martyrdom, however, I cannot
(says Mr Holmes) find sufiBcient authority, heyond the fact that Jean
L'Anglois, a minister, was martyred at Lyons in 1572; the internal
evidence, moreover, afibrded hy the volume itself seems to give it con-
tradiction, for at the end is a distich which runs thus —
Filia me scripsit mandate atroque parente,
Exilii calamo taedia discutiens ;
from which it is not unreasonahle to infer that hoth her parents were then
living as exiles in Scotland, whither they had fled from the religious per-
secutions in France, and that the young Esther, then in her fifteenth year,
had written the contents of the book as a sort of exercise. She probably
changed her name from Langlois to Inglis, to suit her Scottish domicile."
According to her own words, ' Esther Langlois/ ' Angloia,' ' Anglus,*
or as she is better known by the adopted name of Inglis, was a native
of France, and bom in the year 1571. Her father, Nicholas Langlois,
and her mother Marie Prisott, with their infant children, were among
the French refugees who fled to this country after the atrocious St Bar-
tholomew massacre of the Protestants 24th August 1 572. That they
were related to the Protestant minister, Jean Langlois, who perished at
Lyon, is highly probable. The following extracts from the Treasurer's
Accounts show that a few years later Nicholas Langlois, with his family,
had come to Edinburgh, where he found encouragement as Master of the
French School in this city : —
1578-9 March.
Item to Nicholas Langloys Francheman and Marie Prisott
his spous for thair help and releif of sum debt contractit
be thame in the zeir of GK)d 1578 . . . £70 0 0
1580 July.
Item to Nicholas Langloys Francheman and Marie Prisott
his spous ...... £80 0 0
1581 July.
Item to Nicolas Langloys Francheman, Master of the
French scole, conforme to his Ma**~ precept . £80 0 0
In the years 1582, 1583, 1584, and 1585, he also
received his pension at Whitsunday term of . £50 0 0
u2
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286 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1866.
The Dame of Langlois Id France still contiDues. At that time ^' Pierre
L'Anglois Escuyer, Sieur de Bel-Estat/' was the author of a somewhat
learned but pedantic work, entitled, " Discours des Hi^roglyphes ^gyp-
tiens, EmbUmes, Devises, et Armoirees. Ensemble liiii. Tableaux Hiero-
glyphiques pour exprimer toutes conceptions & la fafon des -ffigyptiens,
par figures," &c., Paris, 1583, 4to. In an interesting Album, kept by Sir
Michael Balfour of Burleigh, towards the end of the 16th century,
occurs the name of one who was, most likely, Esther's brother. It con-
sists of four lines of Latin verse, with his autograph, ''David cognomento
Anglus, natione Gallus, et educatione Scotus." The arms on the
shield may be described — a shield, argent ; an incressent, yules ; crest,
five lilies proper placed side by side ; with the motto Dum spiro^
spero.^
Of the subsequent history of Nicholas Langlois, who survived till
1611, we find from the Kegister of Confirmed Testaments in the Com-
missariot of Edinburgh, that '' Nicholas Inglis, Frenchman, Master of
the Frenche Scole in Edinburgh," died on the 10th of August 1611 ; and
Mary Preset is named as his relict spouse. His Testament was con-
firmed by the Commissaries of Edinburgh, 23d July 1614. It is written
in French, he styling himself '' Nicholas Langlois, Francois, Maistre de
lescole Fran9oise en ceste ville de Lislebourg." By this deed he appoints
his wife Marie Preset, and their daughter Marie Inglis, to be his execu-
tors. It makes no mention of Madame Esther, then settled with her
husband in Essex, as probably less dependent than her sister Marie.
But before proceeding to enumerate the MSS. volumes written by Esther
Inglis, some notice may be taken of her marriage with Bartholomew
Eello. This must have been some time about 1596, she herself still
continuing (as seems to have been customary at that time) to retain the
use of her maiden name.
The first thing to be noticed, connected with her husband's parents,
was an event of a most tragical nature.
Mr John Eello, was educated at St Andrews, where he took his degree
of A.M., and was one of those recommended by the General Assembly
in December 1560, as qualified for the ministry. Soon after this he
1 In the library of the Marquess of liothian, Newbattle Abbey.
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NOT£S RELATING TO MBS ESTUEB INGLI8. 287
became the first Presbyterian minister of the parish of Spott, in East
Lothian. He married a Margaret Thomson, by whom he had one son and
two daughters. On Sunday morning, the 24th September 1570, tempted,
he says, by the suggestions of the evil spirit, and not from any personal
dislike, he strangled his wife ; and to make it appear as if it were her own
deed he hung her up, and having made fast the doors of the house, he
actually proceeded to the church and preached as if nothing had occurred.
At the end of the service, he asked some of his hearers to go with him
to the house to tbquire for his wife, who, he said, had been complaining ;
the doors being fastened, on breaking them open they found her dead.
Eello's character prevented at first any suspicions being attached to him,
with the exception of one of his neighbours, the minister of Dunbar, to
whom he had previously communicated some strange dreams. Before
long, remorse on account of his atrocious deed, led him to make a full
confession ; and upon this he was brought to Edinburgh, tried, and con-
demned to be hanged, and his body burned to ashes. This sentence was
carried into execution on the 4th of October 1570.
Such an event naturally created a great sensation, and we are told, it
was eagerly laid hold off by the enemies of the Reformation, and
published in foreign countries, but making no mention of Eello's con-
trition and sincere repentance ; and likewise that there were " diverse
licentious and ungodly pictures to withdraw the simpill from Grod*s
obedience.'' To counteract such efforts, his Confession was printed,
according to which he exhorted the multitude who were present at his
execution *^ not to measure the truth of God's word by the lives or folly
of the preachers." His goods, as usual in such cases, being escheated
to the Crown, on the following day, a grant was made in favour of
Bartilmo Eello, and Barbara and Besse Eellois, his lawful children.
The son received a learned education, probably at St Andrews ; and
appears to have obtained occasional employment in ecclesiastical matters.
The King had also employed him abroad on some special service, as the
Treasurer, in January 1600, paid to " Barthill Kello, being direct be his
Hienes to the Low Countreis, for support of his chargis, £100 0 0."
Esther Inglis and Bartholomew Kello were married about the year
1596. From a Bill of Suspension granted by the Privy Council, 8th
February 1597-8, we find that an action had been raised at the instance
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288 PHOCEKDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBEK 1865.
of Barthilmo Kello, indweller in Edinburgh, and Esther Inglis bis
spouse, against Tliomas Foullis, goldsmith, and John Gourlay, merchant,
both in Edinburgh, their debtors for some money, the amount not stated.
To the same period may be referred the following warrant in favour of
Kello. It does not follow that he was actually appointed to be " Clerk of
all Passports,*' &c., as this unsigned warrant sets forth ; but there can be
no doubt that '^ the maist exquisit & perfyte wreater " was his wife.
" OvR SoYERANK LoRD ordauis ane lettir to be maid vnder the Pre vie
Seil in dew forme makand mentioun, that his Hienes vnderstanding that .
there occuris oftymes wreatingis sik as Pasportis, Testimonialis, Letteris
of Commendation and Becommendation, Missiues and vtheris lyke to be
gran tit and direct be vs to Forrayne Princes, Personnages, Estaitis, &
Nationis, quhairin fault sumtyme may be found in the forme of the lettir
throu imperfection of the wreater, and sumtymes for that the autentick
copies ar not referuit in register, quhairthrow his Hienes is oftymes cir-
cumuenit it being ane mater tending to the aduancement of his honour,
& als of this Bealme and nation and that therefore it is verie requisit
that al sik wreatingis be put in cumlie and decent manor of lettir and
forme be the maist exquisit & perfyte wreater within this Bealme as als
committit to register be ane persone of gude credeit and preferment, and
being surelie persuadit of his louit Barthilmo Kello and of his gude
qualeties habil to discharge him of that cure. Therefore makand con-
stituand and ordinand the said Barthilmo Eello Clerk ouer al sik Pas-
portis, Testimonialis, Lettirs of commendation and recommendation,
Missiues and vtheris alyke to be grantit and direct be our Souerane Lord
to forrayne Princes, Personnages, Estaitis, and Nationis. Grifand and
commitand to the said Barthilmo Kello the office and charge thereof
during ai the dayes of his lyftyme and disponand to him all fies, casuali-
ties and dewties belangand and that salhappin to belang and apertin
thereto. With power to the said Barthilmo Kello, to wreat or cause ai
the sadis lettiris be his direction be wreatin be the mbst exquisit wreater
WITHIN THIS Bealme, iniunand also to the said Barthilmo Kello to put and
commit to register all sik wreatis as salbe wreatin be him or be his
direction, and subscryuit be his Ma^* to the effect that accompt and
tryal may be taken thereof as necessitie sal requyre, & the saming lettir
to be extendit in the best forme, with al clausis nedful, with command
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NOTES RELATING TO MKtS E8TUER 1N6L1S. 289
therein to the keiparis of his Hienes seilis, and signetis that naoe of
thame ressaue or passe ony siklyk forrayne wreatingis to be subscryuit
be his Hienes in tyme cuming except the saming be wreatin be the said
Barthilmo Kello or be his direction and marked at vnder with his name,
dischairging thame thereof <& of there offices in that pairt, dischairging
also al bis hienes Leiges and vtheris quhom it effeiris of all wreating of
ony sik lettiris without the said Barthilmo Kellois gnde wil and com-
mand, & that they do nor attempt na thing to the breaking & violation
of the said lettir in ony point vnder al hiest payn, charge, & offence,
that tbey & ilkane of thame may inrin againis his Ma^^ in that behalf
& lettiris of publication to be direct heirupon in forme as effeiris. Sub-
scryuit be our Souerane Lord at the day of "
In a MS. Album in my possession, there are two pages facing each
other, one signed by Bartholomseus Kello, at London, 8th August 1 604,
the other by Esther Inglis, addressed — " A mon in time amy et tres-aim6
frere M. G. C." [Greorge Craig], with two French extracts, in various
styles of writing, from Ps. cxlv. v. 5, and Eccles. ; and ending thus : —
" Christ is my vantage in life and deatb. Be zour assured loving Sister
in the Lord — Esther Inglis."
The several volumes written by Esther Inglis are so dispersed, some of
them having found their way to libraries abroad, that no doubt there are
various others whicb I have had no opportunity to examine. Only two
volumes are known of an earlier date than the year 1599, by wbich time
she bad secured the respect of some learned men in this country, such
as Andrew Melville and Robert Bollock, Principals of the Universities
of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and John Johnston of St Andrews, each of
whom addressed copies of Latin verses in her commendation, which she
continued to prefix to several of her later productions. As these invariably
are dedicated to persons of rank or distinction, we may conclude that to
some extent she was dependent on the gratuities received in return. It
may also betoken no small degree of vanity, that she was accustomed to
prefix her own portrait drawn in miniature; but it has happened in
many instances that the metallic colours have turned black.
The original Portrait of Esther Inglis in oil, now exhibited, has the
date A.D. 1595. It is painted on panel ; and at the upper corner to the
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290 FRO0EEDINQ8 OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1865.
left, 18 a device, apparently of a carnatioD and honeysuckle interlaced
as a knot. It fell into my hands accidentally at a sale in Edinburgh
about two years ago, without knowing from what collection it came,
or who the painter was. (A reduced engraving of this portrait is here
given.)
Descriptive List of her Mantucripts,
I.
LiVBBT OONTBNANT DIVBB8BS SORTKS DI LsTTRBS, BSORIT A LiSLEBOVEO,
PAR Esther Lanolois, Framcoisb, 1586. In the British Museum.
(Sloane MSS., No. 987). An oblong 4to, containing 32 leaves. The
leaves are written on one side, and contain only the 2d and 94th Psalms,
one verse of a French and the corresponding one of a Latin version,
occupying each leaf, except that towards the end there are three pages of
alphabets ; and on the last leaf the following lines, given by Mr Holmes/
to show that her parents were then alive : —
Bums iptiut Libelli Frotopapcsia,
Filia me soripsit mandante vtroque Parente,
Ezilii calamo tsedia discatiens.
In scribendi artifidum.
Pictores hominum pinzenint membra colore.
Penna hominum at varie pingere verba potest.
A verse of the Second Psalm, as a specimen, may be quoted : —
11.
Du Seigneur Dieu seruiteurB rendez vous,
Graignez eon ire, et luy vaeillez complaire ;
Et d'estre k Iny voos resiouissez tous,
Ayans tonflionrs crainte de lay displaire.
11.
Et vanas anferte minas, submittite tandem,
Facti hnmiles, forti corda superba Deo,
Quinetiam cum IsBti eritis timer illiuB adsit,
Iratum grauis est res habuisse Deum.
1 Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London, vol. i. new series, p. 819.
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Pix)ceediiij;ri iif tke Soiietvof Antiijuaiie.s of ScotLand.
VOL. TT. PLATE Xm.
ANN OOMf N (
KJSS
E 3THER. INOLI S.
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NOTES RKLATINQ TO MBS ESTHER INOLIS. 291
II.
LiTRST TRAITTANT DB LA GrANDBUR DB DiBU, ET DB LA 000N0IS8AN0B
QU'ON PBUT AUOIB DB LUT PAR SB8 (BUYRBS. EsCRlT PAR EsTHBR LaNGLOIS,
FILLB FRAN9OISB, DB DiBPPB M.D.XCII.
Small obloDg volume, written in various characters, coDtainiDg 100
Quatrains. I lately obtained this choice little volume from Leipzig,
where it had figured for some time in a bookseller's catalogue.
This volume is interesting, as the only other one known, which is
written by her under her original name Langlois. The phrase de Dieppe
may perhaps indicate her birth-place. At the end of the book are four
lines by her father in Latin : —
'' Tetrasticha hoc in Libello varie descripta Lectori," signed
" N. AnOL. DIOTiB PUBLLA PATBR.''
This, if any evidence were required, settles the matter of her
parentage. And on the following leaf is repeated the distich, —
ffi^'ut iptius Libelli Protopcpma,
Filia me scripsit mandante ntroque Parente,
DesidisB calamo tadia discutiens.
Nil Fenna ted turn,
in.
" Thb Psalms op David, written in French with her own hand, and
presented to Queen Elizabeth by Mrs Inglis herself; and was by that
renowned Princess given to the Library of Christ Church, Oxford." —
Ballard.
A description of this interesting volume, as follows, was kindly com-
municated by the Kev. W. D. Macray : —
A French Psalter, occupying with title and introductory matter 83
leaves, bound in (very much faded) crimson velvet, embroidered with
the Tudor rose and crown, and studded with a large number of pearls, a
few of wliich have been lost, and some five or six loose ones are wrapped
up in paper.
The title is followed by a dedication in French to the Queen, dated
" De Lislebourg en Escosse, ce xxvii. de Mars 1599,'' signed Esther
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292 PR00SEDINQ8 OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBEU 1865.
Anglois, Fran9oi8e, in which the writer begs that her book may occupy
some " coing retir^" of the Queen's cabinet. On the back of the title is
a drawing of the royal arms, with the lion and dragon as supporters.
Within a fanciful border, commendatory verses to the Queen by Bobert
Bollock, Andrew Melvin, and John Johnston, and to Mrs Inglis herself,
by the same three, are prefixed ; with a portrait of Mrs Inglis in a very
quaint head-dress, with peaked top, and large fan-like wings. There is
no entry to show how or when the book came to Christ Church ; and the
only possessor's name in the book is that of one *^ Anne Ancram."
(This was Lady Anne Stanley, daughter of William Earl of Derby, who
became the second wife of Sir Bobert £er. Earl of Ancram.)
A tres haute, tres excellente et tres puissante Princesse Elizabeth,
Boine d'Angleterre, France, et Ireland, —
Madams, — II ne desplaira pas a vostre Ma^ que ie prens la hardiesse
de Yous faire offre de ce mien labenr et fruicts de ma plume, ne ayant
chose plus singuliere pour yous presenter, sinon pour la variety de Tes-
criture, de laquelle ie pense auoir trace autant de famous diverses qu'aucun
autre de ce temps, au moins pour Texcellence du suject digne d'une
Boine, laquelle entre tons les Princes approche de plus pr6s a ce Boyal
Prophete. Les historiens du temps pass6 ont laiss6 par escrit, que les
anciens, a ceux desquels ils avoient iiih grand proufit, qu'ils reputerent
pour dieux, chacun selon leur quality faisoit quelques offrande : Et que
Ie pauure bon homme n'ayant autre present apporte a ce grand Boy un
pen d'ean claire, ce qu'il recent d'aussi bon ccnor qu'ancune autre offrande
tant feust elle riche on grande : Les deux mailles de la pauure vefue, ne
furent pas reiettees pour leur petitesse. Ce qui m'a induitte avec plus
grande confidence, quoy que ie sois femme, et de petite condition, d'es-
perer que ce petit present, escrit de ma main, au pais estranger, pourra
obtenir place en quelque coing retire de vostre cabinet, et acquerir telle
faueur aupr^ de vostre Ma^ si Boyale et gratieuse que ayant recerchee
plus curieusement, selon la rare naifuet6 de vostre censure, la diuersitd
des caracteres, tirees d'une main feminine, que ie ne sole plus condamnee
pour temeraire, ains ma pauuret^ de biens, et d'esprit, et de main qui
m'empeschent d'offrir present plus digne de vostre grandeur excuse et
la volont6 prise en bonne part. Et si i'eusse peu faire quelque choso de
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NOTES KBLATING TO MRS ESTHER IKGLIS. 293
plus rare, ou par ma plume mettre eu avant oeuure qui meritast d'estre
veu de si bon ceil, vostre Ma^ sentiroit comme ie Tay tousiours reput^e
entre les premiers dieux d'ici bas, et augmenteroye mes offrandes d'aussi
bon coeur que ie supplie Ie Boy des rois honorer vostre Ma*^ en toutes
vos actions de sa presence par son St Esprit, tous donnant en toute
foelicit6 tres heureuse et longue vie. De Lislebourg en Escosse ce xxvii.
de Mars 1599. De vostre Maiest^ la tres humble, tres affectionn^e, <&
tres obeissante seruante a iamais,
Esther Anglois, Fran^oise.
IV.
Lks Proverbbs db Salomon, Esoritbs bn diuersbs sortbs be lettrbs,
PAR Esther Anglois, FRAM901SB. A Lislebourg bm Escosse, 1599.
In the Bodleian Lfbrary, Oxford, in small 4to, ending on p. 67. After
the title are the armorial bearings of Bobert Earl of Essex, Queen Eliza-
beth's favourite, followed by sets of Latin verses addressed to the Earl
of Essex, and also to the writer, by Andrew Melville, Bobert Bollock,
and John Johnston, and her own portrait on the fifth leaf, A letter
in French to Bobert Comte d'Essex, is dated " De Lislebourg en Escosse,
ce xiii. d'Auril 1599," signed" Esther Anglois, Franfoise." "This
delicate performance (says Ballard) gains the admiration of all who see
it ; every chapter is wrote in a different hand, as is the dedication, and
some other things, which makes near forty several sorts of hands," &c.
John Evelyn, in his visit to Oxford, in 1654, mentions in his Diary this
volume as having been shown him in the Bodleian Library, among " the
nicer curiosities." It is at the present day exhibited to visitors among
choice specimens of writing and illumination, in one of the glass-cases.
The portrait from this MS. was engraved for Harding's Biographical
Mirror, vol. iii. 1801, and likewise accompanies this notice.
V.
Le Livrb be l'Ecolbsiastb ensemble lb Cantiqoe be Salomon,
BSCRITES EN DIVERSRS SORTES DE LETTRES, PAR ESTUBR AnGLOIS, FRAN9OISB.
A Lislebourg, en Escosse, 1599.
On the reverse of this title is a shield of the arms of Anthony Bacon,
the fourth son of Sir Nicholas Bacon, and brother of Lord Bacon. Oppo-
site to this is the portrait of the writer herself, which she usually intro-
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294 PROOE£D1NQ8 OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBEH 1865.
duced io her subsequent volumes, represeDting her standing with a pen
in her hand before a table, on which there is a lute, an open piece of
music, and an inkstand. This beautiful little volume is in the possession
of Felix Slade, Esq., and was exhibited to the Antiquaries of London,
and also at the Archaeological Institute at their meeting at Worcester.
Mr Holmes, in the "Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of
London" (vol. i. new series, p. 316), has given a minute description of
the volume, including the French dedication, — " A tres honorable tree
docte et vertueux personnage M. Antoine Bacon," &c., dated from Edin-
burgh, 14th of April 1599. It likewise has the Latin verses prefixed, by
Andrew Melville, Robert Rollock, and John Johnston.
VI.
HiSTORLS MSMORABILXS GsNESIS, PER EsTHBRUH InGLIS, GaLLUM.
EniNBUROi, Anno 1600.
This volume is mentioned by Thomas Hearne, in his notes to "Guil.
Neubrigensis," Historia, 1719, p. 752. It was then in the hands of
Philip Harcourt, Esq., Gentleman Commoner of Worcester College, in
this University.
vn.
OOTONARIBS, UPON THE YaNITIS AND InOONSTANGIB 0? THE WoRLD.
Writtin bt Esther Inolis. The First of Januar 1600 ; consisting of
fifty oblong octavos, in French and English verse, and with her own
portrait.
This MS. is described in W. Massey's " Origin and Progress of Letters,"
p. 144. London, 1763, 8vo. It then belonged to Mr Cripps, in Bridge
Bow, London.
vin.
Le LiVRE ni L*ECCLBSIASTE ET LB CaNTIQUE DBS CaNTIQUES. A LiSLE-
BOURO EN EcossE, CB XXI AvRiL, 1601. 12mo.
This MS. is noticed in the " Biographic IJniverselle," &c., tome xiii.
p. 157, as in the possession of M. Walckenaer. It has her own portrait,
with the usual motto—
"DerEternel
Le bien,
De moy le mal
Ou rien."
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K0TE8 RELATING TO MRS ESTHER INGLIS. 295
IX.
A volume in oblong 4to, in the old vellnm cover, but the title is lost,
dedicated — *' To the Bight Noble Yertvovs and Honorable Ladie Svsanna
Ladie Herbert."
It begins, — " The Bee drnweth noght (most noble and vertuous Ladie),
hwny from the fragrant herbis of the garding for her self : no more haue
I payned my self many yearis to burie the talent God has geuen me in
obliuion." . . •
And is dated ^' At London the xx of Februar 1605.
Tour L. humble and obedient seruant
for euer to command
Esther Inglis.
This volume contains 40 leaves, of specimens of various styles of
writing, with Alphabets of letters. It was exhibited in the temporary
Museum of the ArchaBological Institute at Dorchester, in August 1865,
by the Bev. Mr Bingham. On the inside cover is written, " Mrs Wynyard,
Kensington Palace. 140 dififerent handwritings besides the dedication."
X.
A volume of Texts of Scripture, and small groups of flowers, noticed
by Mr Holmes, in the possession of Mr Caldecott, of Andover, and has
this inscription, — " A new year's guift for the right Honourable and
vertuous Lord, my Lord Sydnay — Ist January 1606."
XI.
Argvmknta Singvlorvm Capitvm Evanoblii MATTHiEi Apostoli, per
TeTRASTICHA MaNV EsTUBRJE IlVGLlS EXARATA. LoNDINI XXVI IaNVARII,
1607.
Small oblong volume, containing title, dedication (as follows), and
28 leaves, neatly written in different characters, with drawings of
flowers at the head of each leaf ; in the original gilt binding. In the
possession of John Scott Moncreiff, Esq., Edinburgh.
" To the Bight Honorable and most Noble Lord William Earle of
Morton, Lord of Dalkeyth, &c.
'* Mt Lord, — That one unknown to your Lo : has emboldned hir selfe to
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296 PROOEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBBK 1865.
present you with a few grapes of hir coUection, I hope your Lo : sUal not
altogether mislyk therof nather yit trust I to be estemed impudent in
transending the limites of schamefastnes (wherwith our seze is com-
monlie adorned) in offring this small work of my pen and pensill to y'
Lo : For the Bee draweth not hony from the fragrant flouris of the gar-
dein for her selfe allone, no more have I endeavored to attayne to sum
small perfection in this facultie to hyd or cover the same.
" Therfore sen I hard of y' cumming to this countrie, I have bene exer-
cised in perfyting this little book dedicated toy'Lo: Beseeching you
accept of it and the rather becaus it is a womans work. Thus assuring
my selfe thir blossomes I have collected of Dame Flora shall have sum
hid comer in your Lo : cabinet, I pray God (most noble Lord) to have
you allwayes in his keeping.
By your Lo : most humble seruand
Esther Inolis.
Gap. i. 4 lines. — Maiores numerant sancti et primordia Christi.
Cap. ii.—Foelici veniunt deducti sydere Persae.
xn.
CiNQVANTB OCTONAIRBS 8VR LA VaNIT1& BT InCONSTANCB DV MoNDB.
Dbdibz a tresillvstrb BT PTissANT Seignbvr Lodowio Dto db Lbnox &c :
POVR 8ES ESTRBNNBS. EsCRIT BT ILLVMINB PAR EsTHBR ImGLIS 1607.
This title, within a small ornamented border of flowers. It is a little
volume, oblong, measuring 3} by 5|. In the library of the Right Hon.
Sir George Clerk of Penicuik, Bart.
After the title, and dedication to Ludovic Duke of Lennox, is the
writer's own portrait, " Esthbr Inolis • anno • 1607 ;" with an open book
and a pen in her hand, but the metallic colours have changed, and the
face is nearly obliterated. Then follow the Octonaires, on 50 leaves, in
different styles of writing; each leaf having a flower at the top, neatly
drawn.
A Tresillvstre et Puissant Seigneur Lodowic Due de Lennox, &c :
MoNBBiQNBUR, — Eucores que ie n'ay jamais en cest heur de presenter
quelque oeuvre de ma main a vostre Excellence, toutes fois vostre gran-
deur et vertu laquelle n'est ignore a personne de ce Royaume m'estant
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NOTES RELATING TO MRS ESTHER INGLI8. 297
representee par plusieurs, J 'ay pris la bardiesse de vons fairaroffre de ce
petit ouvrage escrit et trac^ par ma plume, laquelle estant en quelqne
estime a Tendroit d'ancuns ne pent croire qu'elle soit digne d'ancun loz si
leur opinion, n'est confirmee par vostre excellent iugemeut. Quelle quelle
soit elle est vou^e a vostre Ex^ la suppliant en toute humility de re-
ceuoir fauorablement ce que i'ay form6 et dedie pour vos Estrennes an
commencement de c'est anne^, que ie supplie Dieu.
Monseigneur de la vous donner bonne, heureuse, et selon tor saincts
desirs suivie a Tadyenir d'autant d'annees de ceste sorte qu'auoit le sage
Nkstob yos vertus ne meritantes moins, et vostre prudent conseil servant
autant a sa Majesty que fit le sien au Boy Agamemnon. Ainsi baisant
tres humblement les mains de vostre Excellence, j^ demeureray
a jamais,
Vostre treshumble servante,
Esther Inglis.
XIII.
Lies Quatrains du Sibur de Pvbrag, dediez a trssillustrk et trss
NOBLE Seigneur Mon&eiqneur lb Conte de Salisbkrrib pour ses Estren-
nes DE l'an 1607. Esorit et illumin^ par moi Esther Inglis.
This little oblong volume I obtained not long since at a London sale,
in a loose, sadly mutilated state, the small flowers or ornaments at the
bead of most of the leaves having been cut out. One or two of these
happen to have escaped notice, and serve to show the same style of illu-
mination as in No. xii.
XIV.
Specimens ov various Styles of Writing.
This volume, in the Library of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland,
has lost its title or dedication. It consists of 21 leaves in oblong 4to,
with specimens of penmanship. It was presented to the Society by
Hugh Stuart, Esq. of Allanbank, 24th April 1828.
XV.
Specimens o? various Styles of Writing.
A volume somewhat similar with the above, oblong size, 4to, of 36
leaves, having no title or dedication to ascertain its date and first pro-
prietor. It consists of specimens of exquisite penmanship in a great
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298 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1865.
variety of ^tyles, with ornamented capital letters. Nothing can exceed
the beauty of its execution. In the same volume are some folding leaves.
One is the copy of a Boyal Warrant in favour of Bartholomew Eello,
printed at page 288. Another a Latin version of the 104th Psalm in
double columns, translated by Mr George Geddie ; there are also two
elaborate pen and ink drawings, in the style of engravings, being por-
traits of Henry lY. of France and Gabrielle D'Estelle his mistress.
This volume I bought so long since as the year 1828, at the sale of
Mr Constable's library.
XVI.
Another volume in my possession differs from Mrs Esther's various
manuscripts, being simply, without any ornamental writing, an imitation
of the types of a printed book, 35 leaves, 4to. It contains a translation by
her husband, entitled A Treatise of Preparation to the Holt Supper
ov OUR only Saviour and Bedebmer Jesus Christ. Proper for all those
who would worthely approch to the Holy Table of our Lord. Moreover
a Dialogue contenand the Principal poynts which they who wold com-
municat should knowe and understand. Translated out of French in
Inglishe for the benefite of all who truely loue the Lord Jesus. By
Bartholomew Kello, Person of Willingale Spayne in the Countye of
Essex.
It has the following dedication : —
To the Right Honorable Sir David Murray Knight Gent : of the Prince liis
Bed Chalmer, and Maister of liis Kobbs, &<:.
**The temporall guifts of God (right honorable, and worthy to be hononred)
bestowed upon man (if they be not sanctified) are ginen for there greater distrac-
tion : as the celeritie of Asahel made him swiftly to ryn upon the Speir^ of Abner :
the beauty and quantity of Absaloms hair tyed him fast to one Oke' in the Woode
of Ephraim. Pompeys virtue caused the losse of his head : CsBsars power was in-
tolerable to Cassius, and therefore by him and his complices was he craellie killed
in the Senat house : Cicerois eloquence was inuyed of Salustius, and procured his
death by the hand of Antonius. So that I affirme altho all the naturall qualities
ynder heaven wer in any one (if possible so could be) if they be not regenerat and
sanctified but ignorant of the Lord Jesus and voyd of heauenlie graces, they have
no trae qualitie but a few accidents of Nature, that shall perish with them and cause
> 9 Sftin. 9 ch. 28. T. '9 Sam. 18 ch. 9. ▼.
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NOTES RELilTING TO MBS ESTHER INGLI8. 299
their greater judgement : for it is wele eet furth by that Ethenick Poet VirgiU in
^tna, " Est meritb pietas homini tutissima virtus." I writ this Sir to yow« esteeming
yon in my hart most happy on whome God hes multiplied many good guifts and
graces not only of the body, but lykewaise hath giuen you a beautyfull soule : So
that truly it may be said to you which Our Sauiour sayes to the faythfull soule
Behold thou art fair* my love. The beautie of the soule is properlye that which
neuer taketh end but lesteth for ever in heaven. That is the treu beautie which
can not be blotted out, nor consumed by seiknesse, no not by death : the beautie of
the bodie is short, corruptible, and of a moments continuance, but that of the soule
is perpetuall. This beautie surpassis all that is beautifull in the Univers, alsfar as
the heaven in beautie surpasseth the earth. Therefor thrie tymes double blessed
yow, on whome God hath not only bestowed temporal beautie and many gifts of the
body, but lykwaise a most godlie and beautifull soule. And since I haue the ex-
perience of your godlye disposition I could do no les being more obliged to you nor
any els lining, nor to imploy the trauails of my pen upon this litle Treatise trans-
lated in Inglishe by my Husband the which he is myndit to dedicat to you in
sign of his thankfolnes so sone as he shal cause printe the same. I have in the
meane season made the more hast because I know it is a sujet will content you,
and to all who truly fear the Lord (when it cumis out) will not Be improfitable. Thus
trusting (right honorable) you shal accept heirof in good part, as you haue ever
doone anything proceading from me. I pray th* Almightie God always to continew
and incres with you, his blessings spirituell and temporall to his glory and your
euerlasting confort. liondon this first of January 1608. — Your most humble
seruand, Esther Inolib.
On referring to Newcourt's Bepertorium (vol. ii. p. 670), it appears
that Bartholomew KeDo was collated to the Bectory of Willingale Spain,
near Chelmsford, in Essex, 21st December 1607, the King being patron.
The date of his successor's appointment is not given.
xvit.
A Book o? the Armbs of England boone by mb Esther Inglis,
Januar thb first 1609.
This title, on the first leaf, is with a fleur-de-lys, powdered with little
gilt dots. Within a heart formed by a wreath of green leaves and red
and gold flowers, surmounted by a hand holding a golden pen, is written
the dedication — To thb Most Exoellbnt Frinob Henry, Prince of
Walks. Sir, as your Highnes sees heir the figure of a heart and hand,
even so the lively heart and hand of hir who formed it, so long as I
» 4 Cant: 1: t.
VOL. VI. PART II. X
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300 PROOEEDINaS OF THE SOCIETT, DECEMBER 1865.
breath, as vowed to your Most Excellent Highnes seruice. Beceiue
then, Sir, in good pairt this litle mytte doone by
Your most humble seruand, Esther Inglis.
This is followed by her own portrait. It is a charming volume,
bound in green velvet, worked on both sides with the Prince of Wales'
plume in silver, amidst diapering of seed pearls wrought after a very
artistic manner. The book itself is a sort of small peerage, with the
shields and crests of sixty-four members of the House of Lords, nicely
tricked in their proper colours and metals by the skilful hand of Esther
Inglis, who offered this exquisite little work as a New Year's gift to
Henry, Prince of Wales, eldest son of James I. In the Proceedings of
the Archaeological Institute, 1862, p. 188, along with the preceding
description, is given the subsequent history of the volume, tracing it
into the possession of Sir Thomas Eokewood Oage, Bart. This beautiful
little volume was exhibited at a meeting of the Archasological Institute
of London, 2d May 1862; and again that year at Worcester, where I
had an opportunity to examine it.
xvm.
The Psalms of Davit), Written by me, Esther Inglis at Willtngall
Spain, tub Ist of January 1612.
This volume is mentioned by Harding as containing her portrait done
by herself. It was in Dr Farmer's sale in 1798 (No. 8098) ; and again
in Bindley's sale, 1820. Its present possessor is not known.
XIX.
Lbs Pseavmes db David. Escrit Par Esther Inglis, lb xv. db Sept.
1612,
In the Hoyal Library, Stockholm. The volume measures 2| inches
by 2. The title is within a narrow gilt border. On the next leaf the
BFisTRB commences, —
A tres hant tres excellent et vertueux Prince, Henry Prince de la
Grande Bretaigne.
SiRB—L'excellence de quelque chose, et le profit qui en reuient, est-ce
principalement qui a accoustume d'induire les hommes a desirer et re-
cercher tant la cognoissance que la iouissance d'icelle. Or ces deux
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NOTES RBLATINO TO MRS ESTHER INOLIS. 301
qualitez se retrouuans trop plus grandes et trop pluB certaines sans
comparaison en la Saincte Bible, qn'en oeuvre qui ^it iamais este faite, ni
qui se puisse faire ci apr^s, c'est vne chose merueilleusement indigne et
honteuse aux bommes, que ce liure soit celui duquel on se soucie le moins,
pour en bien ooignoistre le contenu, et tascher d'en recenoir le fruict qui
nous y est non seuUement ofifert, mais aussi gratuitement presents et
donn6.
After some general remarks on the Book of Psalms, it proceeds, —
Les Hebrieux ont intitul6 ce Liure d'vn nom qui signifie louanges,
ou cantiques pour monstrer que cost vn recueil des chansons vrayement
spiirituelles qui ont est^ diuinement inspirees pour enseigner comment il
faut celebrer les oeuures admirables de TEternel. Et nonobstant, Sire,
que ceste narration ci dessus sembleroit chose temeraire de ma part et
superfine enuers vous, a qui Dieu a donn6 tant de graces, et a qui tant
de plumes s'efiforcent de louer et exalter, iusques au ciel, les grandes,
sainctes, et rares vertus, desquelles sa Itiuine Maiest6, a orne vostre
Koyale personne, yous faisant paroistre et reluire sur tous les Princes de
vostre aage en la Chrestient^ et admirer de tout TYniuers. Toutesfois
me persuadent de vostr^ faueur accoustumee, I*ay prins la hardiesse de
vous ofifrer treshumblement, et en toute reuerence, pour la seconde fois,
ce Liure de Pseaumes en petit volume, en langue Franjoise, tracee
d'vne main femenine, et d*autant plus volontiers que i'ay entendu
le premier vous auoir est^ pour agreable, m'estimant bien heureuse,
en ceste miene condition solitaire, s*il y a quelque traict que puisse con-
tenter vostre haut et diuin Esprit. Et sous ceste esperance le prie
Dieu, SiRB, qu'il vous donn6 en sa grace, tout le bien, Thonneur, et
contentement, que ie vous scaurois iamais desirer : comme estant
De vostre Altesse, la treshumble et tres obeissante seruante.
Esther Inglts.
The Psalms are in prose. After the Epistle to Prince Henry is a
small miniature portrait of herself, and some French verses, signed
Veldb, " A Tvnique et souveraine Dame de la plume, Esther Inolis."
Prince Henry, it is well known, died within two months of the date
of this dedication. How the volume found its way to Sweden, I was not
able to ascertain.
x2
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302 PR0CKBDING8 OF THK SOCIETY, DKCKMBER 1866.
xx , xxi., xxii.
Quatrains du Sibur dk Pybrac.
Three several copies, in the original velvet covers, of these favourite
Quatrains are in the British Museum. One is inscribed to Messire David
Murray, whom she styles her MsBcenas, in 1614. The second, in 1615, to
Charles Prince of Wales. The third, to her ** respected friend Mi
Walter Balcanquall, Bachelor of Divinitie." He was afterwards D.D.
and Dean of Durham.
XXIII.
OOTONAIBSS SVR LA YaNIT^ KT InOONSTANCB DV MoNDR EsORITS PAU
Esther Inolis, a Lislbbovro, Aovst 1615.
Within a light ornamented border. Small oblong 24mo, in the
original gilt binding, in the possession of James Douglas of Cavers, Esq.
After the title is a leaf of dedication — ^'Pour Monsieur treshonor^
Monsieur Andr6 Bamsay, fidele Ministre de la parole de Diev, a Lisle-
bourg, Esther Inglis, souhaite tout bonheur."
See next No. xxiv. Some leaves have been cut out ; it begins with
Octo. V. and continued to Octo. L., written in imitation of printing — the
first letter of each being gilt.
XXIV.
Lbs Cinqvantb Gotomaibbs svr la Vanit^ bt Inoonstancb dv Mondb.
ESORITS PAR EsTHBR InGLIS POVR son DBRNIBR AdIEV. CE I. lOVR DE l\4N.
1616.
This little volume is a repetition of Nos. XII. and XXIII. It is in
the original gilt binding, measuring about 3 inches by 2. It was pre-
sented to the Advocates Library, Edinburgh, about the year 1700, by Mr
Alexander Hay, King's Apothecary. It has no dedication, but on the
cover is an erased inscription, which seems to read ** For my cousin Mr
Robert Frenche, Clerk of Kircaldie, 17 Junij 1616."
XXV.
Lbs Six Vingts et Six Qvatrains de Gvt be Favr Sieve be Pybrac
EsoRiTs par Esther Inglis povr son dernier Adiev. ce 21 jovr de ivix.
1617.
This little oblong volume, in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, is another
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NOTES KELATINO TO MR8 ESTHER INOLIS. 303
repetition of Nob. XX., XXI., and XXII. On the second leaf is this
inscription — " To the Bight Worshipfull my singular friende Josbpu
Hall, Doctor of Divinity and Deane of Worchester, Esther Inolis
wisheth all increase of true happiness June xxi. 1617." The following
leaf has her portrait as usual. It is scarcely necessary to add, that the
Dean of Worcester became successively Bishop of Exeter and Norwich.
XXVI.
An Emblbmatioal Drawing of Mart Qubbn or Scots, with verses in
Latin and English, inscribed to John Earl of Mar, drawn and written by
Esther Inglis, Janu. 1622.
It is to be regretted that we cannot ascertain where this interesting
drawing is preserved. It occurs as No. 1918, in the Sale Catalogue of
the remarkable library of James West, President of the Royal Society of
London, sold by auction in 1770.
XXVII.
Fifty Emblems Selected from the Volume of Gtborgettb dk Mon-
tenay, by Esther Inglis, 1624.
This most elaborate performance, executed with pen and ink in the
style of engraving, is in folio, bound in crimson satin, embroidered,
and is preserved among the Royal Manuscripts in the British Museum.
17 D. xvi.
On the first leaf is this memorandum —
•GENTLE READER
** Least yov shovld boyl this Booke in seabchino ovt the names in pabticu-
LAB OF ANY OF THE Fiftie Nobles therio conteined. Tou have a Table in the
last leafe thereof that shall direct you to them be the number of the Emblemes.**
Follows the title within an ornamented compartment : —
Ce LiTre oontenant Ginquante Emblemes Chrestiens premierement innentez par
la noble damoiselle Georgette de Montenay en France, forts plaisants & delectables
a lire & voir lesquels sont, a present, escrits, tirez, et tracez, par la main et plume
de moj Estheb Inglis, Tan de mon aage Ginquante et trois.
A Lislebovrg en Escoese, Tan 1624.
This volume, which from several dates appears to have been executed
in the years 1622, 1623, and 1624, is dedicated (with a drawing of a
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304 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1865.
Phoenix, <kc.,) " To the Thrice illustriouB and most excellent Prince
Charlbb the onlie Sonne of our Soveraigne Lord the King." It begins : —
Mj pen is now prepared to writteto your Hiohnessb the onlie Phoskix of this
age, whose innumerable graces and matchlesse yirtues, hath exceedingly dazeled
the eyes and amazed the minds of most men and weemen
Onlie as it
is written of Adrian the Emperonr that he perfectly (ener afterward) did knaw them
that had hnt once spoken Tnto him, I beseech the Almightie (>od of his mercie so to
hlesse your Highnesse with such a happy and good memorie, that amongs all those
that haue, or shall either speake or oonsecrat anye of their trauails to your Highnesse
you may remember me your Graces humble hand-maid. And after that be your
Highnesse direction thir fiftie Emhlemes, the fruits of my pen (but the inuention of
a nohle Lady of France whose portraict is in the forfront heeruf ) haue bene presented
to the sight and view of fiftie of the Kings Majestic and your Highnesse worthys
whose names ar insert therein, may be brought hake. And as the curiovs works of
Aholiab and Bezaleel wer to be sene long after ther dayes in the Temple : So this
small pledge of my duetifuU and Terie humble obeissauce may haue sum retired
place in your Highnesse Cabinet. Thus having transcended the bounds of modes-
tie, where with our Sexe is commanlie adorned, with all humilitie I beseech your
Highnesse not to reject the good meaning of your most humble seruand and obedi-
ent subject, but to pardon hir errours, who prayeth God to multiplie all graces and
blessings vpon your Highnesse.
Tour Highnesse most humble
hand-maid and faithful subject
ESTHEB InQLIS.
After the dedication comes the portrait of Georgette de Montenay,
copied with the pen, and some French and Latin lines underneath.
Then a similar leaf containing an oval portrait of Esther Inglis herself,
with some Latin lines in her commendation, which were written by Andrew
Melville, under her portrait in No. IV., in 1599 (see the engraving).
In Emblemata Christiana Estherae Inglis (cujus effigiem hie vides) manu perarata
et descripta.
Si mihi mens, tibi quso manus est, ego pingere tentem
Mente mea, manus hoc quod tua pinxit Opus.
Si mihi, quae tibi mens, manus esset, pingere tentem
Ipse manu, mens hoc quod tua, pinxit Opus
Sed mihi nee manus hec, nee mens : Tua pingere sola
Et montem manus, et mens queat vna manum.
ssr* Alivd.
Quod Natura, quod Ars, quod nee Natura, ncc vlla Ars
Pinxerit hoc tua mens, pinxerit ista manus.
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NOTES RELATING TO MRS ESTHER INQLI6. 305
The Bimilar Hues by Bollock and Johnston follow —
In Emblemata Christiana, calamo ezarata ab Esthera Ingb's fcemina varijs Dei
donis adomato. R. R. [2 lines and 6 lines.]
In Estheram Inglis rarissimam Foeminam.*' [4 lines and 6 lines.] Signed
1. 1.
Next are three leaves of Emblems addressed to King James, Prince
Charles, and Elizabeth Queen of Bohemia, with verses in Latin and
French underneath each.
Within an ornamented border, on a separate leaf : —
"Heir follows Fiftie Emblems dedicat to Fiftie of the Kings Maiesties and
Princis Highnes Worthies, as by their several names is expressed.'*
Each leaf contains an Emblem with verses in Latin and French, ad-
dressed to fifty of the chief persons of rank at the English court, selected
and copied with great neatness from the original French volume. It
was first published, with a hundred plates engraved by Pierre de
Woeiriot, at Lyon, 1571, 4to, and there are various later editions in
different languages. The author of these hundred emblems dedicated
them to the same number of persons of distinction in France.
One of the later editions (of which a copy is preserved in the Museum)
is intitled, '^ A Booke of Armes, or Bemembrance, wherein ar One Huu-
dered Godly Emblemata, in p^ces of brasse very fine graven, and
adorned pleasant to b§ s^en ; First by the noble and industrious maide
Gkorgetta de Montenay, invented and only in the French tongue ela-
bourated ; But now, in severall Languages, as ; Latin, Spanish, Italian,
Highdutch, English, and Lovedutch, m^tre or verse wys, of the same
manner declared and invented. Printed by care, and charges, of Johann
Carl Ynckels, a Bookeseller in Franckfurtt au Mayn, Anno mdczix.''
8vo, pp. 447.
Some English verses (40 lines), " In commendation of the Nobel
G^orgetta de Montenay, and her Emblemata," are prefixed, signed
" L H."
In describing this MS., Mr Holmes has pointed out the circumstance,
that Mrs Esther had deemed it prudent to cancel the third leaf, which
was dedicated to Lionel Cranfield, Earl of Middlesex and Lord Trea-
surer ; but who, before the volume had left her hands, having fallen
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306 PIU>C£EDINQ8 OF THE SOCIETY, DECEMBER 1866.
into disgrace, the leaf was cut out, and his Lordship's name in the Index
covered with a slip of paper.
XXTIU.
The Books o? the Psalme[8] o? David in Pbosb. Written bb Esther
IrGLIS in THB FiFTIE THRB TEBRS 0? HIR AGE AT EdRNBROVOH THB V.
March [1]624.
This title is within a narrow ornamented horder of flowers, followed
hj a dedication " To the thrice Illustrious and most excellent Prince
Charles Prince of Great Britaine/' It is dated " this v. of April 1624
at Edenbrugh, your Highnes most humble seruant and faithful subject
Esther Inolts.''
A small vol., pp. 297, written in imitation of print ; in curious orna-
mented filagree binding. It is preserved in the Royal Library, Copen-
hagen. MSS. 3380.
Along with her own portrait, the writer also repeats the Latin verses
addressed to her nearly thirty years before by Melville, Bollock, and
Johnston, along with four lines by " B. K.," her (husband Kello), in
praise of this specimen of writing, — calamo dtlectce conjugis^ according to
whom she, by the use of her pen, excelled Apelles. Being completed
within three months of her death, it may be reckoned her latest produc-
tion, and cannot be said to exhibit any declension in its style from the
finer examples of her skill.
Mrs Esther Ingus, spouse of Barthilmo Eello, indweller in Leith,
died on the 30th of August 1624.
Robert Boyd of Trochrig, an eminent Scottish divine, long a minister
in France, and for a short time Principal of the University of Edinburgh,
thus records her death in his Obituary : —
" In the moneth of July 1625, having gone to Edinburgh, I learned
of the death of Esther Inglish, wife of Bart. Eello, a woman endowed
with many good gifts. Among others she was the first writer of any
woman in her time, of which I have some beautiful monuments under
her hand, of her friendship towards me and my wife." (Life of Boyd,
in Wodrow's Biog. Collections, Maitland Club, vol. iii. p. 269.) In his
original Diary, written in French, Boyd calls her " Esther Angloys.'*
His words are : —
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M0TB8 KBLATING TO MRS ESTHER INOLIS. 307
*^ Ce moys de Juillet 1625, ^tant k Edin., j'appris la mort d'Esther
Angloys, femme de Bart, de Eello ; damoyselle dou6 de pleasieurs beaux
dons ; et entre autres excellent escriTain, par dessus toutes les femmes de
son siecle, dont j'ay quelques beaux monuments, de sa main et son
amitie enverse ma femme et moy."
The Testament Dative, &c, of Esther Inoilus was confirmed by the
Commissaries of Edinburgh, 7th March 1625. Two daughters, Elizabeth
and Marie Kellois, are mentioned. She could not boast of worldly
possessions or wealth, inasmuch as the value of her goods was estimated
at L.90, 13s. 4d., while her debts, consisting of borrowed money, came
to L.246, Ids. 4d., leaving a deficiency of L.156 Scots.
Her husband survived her fourteen years, and is styled *' Barthilmo
Eello, minister of God's word, and indweller in Edinburgh." He
died on the 15th March 1638, and he likewise was by no means affluent,
as " the restis of free geir,'* (as it was called), after deducting
L.124, 10s. of debt, amounted only to L.74, 10s. Scots money.
There is no occasion to say much of their descendants. Samuel
Eello, their only son, was educated at Edinburgh, where he took
his degree of A.M. in 1618. His name occurs as a writer of Latin
verse, among those who congratulated Eing James on revisiting Edin-
burgh in 1617. His '' Carmen Gratulatorium," addressed to his Majesty,
was printed at Edinburgh that year in a separate form, pp. 12, 4to. A
copy in the British Museum, from the old Boyal Collection, has some
anagrammatic devices, A^., neatly drawn with the pen, probably by his
mother. She addressed to the Eing, in 1620, the following letter in his
favour : —
Most Miohtie Monaroue,
Darre^I presume vpon th' honnor and credit that I haue had at diners
tymes to speake your Boyal Majesty, and hath euer found your Highnes
favour, and vpon the gratious accepting of a litle work by this Youth
giuen to your Highnes at Stirueling called Sidvs Cjeleste, as to mak
humble suite for this one and last thing to this my only Sonne, who,
hauing past his course two yeeres ago, would glaidlie follow Theologie if
it shall please Ood. Yet as Dedalus was not hable to frie him selfe of
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308 PB00EEDINQ8 OF THE SOCIETY, DEGEMBEB 1865.
his imprisonment in the Isle Greta hut hy the help of wings mead of
pennes and wax : even so my Sonne is not ahle to frie him selfe of in-
hahQitie to effectuat this his affection but by the wings of your Ma**^
letter, composed by pen and waxe, throuch the which he may haue his
flight happilie to sum fellowship either in Cambridge or Oxeffoord as
occasion shall fall out. Wherfore, Gratious King, lett your most humble
handmaid find this last fauour in your sight, to direct one of thir noble
men by you, to signifie your Highnes will and command vnto your Secre-
tarie, that when this my Sonne shall notifie vnto him of any fellowship,
he may receaue without any hinderance your Majesties letter in the
strictest maner. For the which I may haue my tossed mynd releaued of
the great cair I haue perpetuallie for this said youth. And wee all of vs
will neuer cease to beseech Grod to preserue and prolong your Majesties
lyfe, with many happie and prosperous yeeres to Beigne ouer vs. Eden-
brugh the xx of luin 1620. .
Your Ma"--
most humble subject,
Esther Inglis.
To the King
his most excellent Ma*^
This supplication seems to have secured his admission to Christ's
Church, Oxford, and he afterwards obtained some preferment in the
Church. According to information communicated to Ballard, he was
minister of Speakshall or Spexall in Suffolk till his death. In Trinity
College Library, Dublin, there is a MS. treatise of 33 leaves, by Samuel
Kello, entitled *^ Balme for the Wounded Soule," dedicated to Lady
Francis Benningfield ; and in the margin is written, " Bungay, January
14, 1628."
I shall only add, that Ballard, after mentioning the names of some
eminent caligraphers, says of Mrs Esther Inglis, *^ many others have
been celebrated for their extraordinary talent this way ; but this lady
has excelled them all; what she has done, being almost incredible.
One of the many delicate pieces she wrote was in the custody of Mr
Samuel Kello, her great grandson, 1711/' He has not specified its title
by which it might have been identified ; but when he adds, ** Others are
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NOTES RELATINQ TO MRS ESTHER INGLI8. 309
remaiDing in the Castle of Edinburgh/' we may safely assert he was
very much mistaken.
In regard to the very remarkable skill in penmanship displayed by
Esther Inglis in these MSS. there can be no difference of opinion. She
has no claims to original genius, but as a caligraphist she is well entitled
to a first place among artists of a secondary class, who have devoted
themselves to miniature painting and illumination.
[Page 285. This page, with the notice of Nicholas Langlois and his
wife, was sent to press before I was aware of having in my own possession
two folio leaves in their autograph, containing a Latin letter and verses,
addressed by ** Nicolaus A. Gallus," to Mr David Lyndsay, minister of
Leith. The letter is dated Edinburgh, ^* 9. Calend. Septemb. 1574, quo
die multa Christianorum millia, duos abhinc annos, in Galliis, trucida-
tione perfidiosa e vivis fuerunt sublata," in which he refers to the atro-
cities in France, and acknowledges his own obligations to Lyndsay.
This autograph paper is also curious on another account, as it is written
in various styles of penmanship. He says, ** Uxor mea vario caracteris
genere, ilia pro viribus in sequenti pagina, me suasore, descripsit.'' One
of the sets of verses is an ** Epitaphium Gasp. Coligni,'' &c. At the
foot is her signature —
or- Marie Presot France escriuoit k EDIMfiVRGH, le 24. d'Aoust. 1674. uB
We have no occasion to wonder at Esther's training and early skill in
caligraphy, when we look at this specimen of her Mother's acquirements
in the same art.]
Mr Stuart exhibited to the meeting diagrams of some of the sculptures
recently brought to light in caves near East Wemyss, in Fifeshire, and
pointed out the resemblance which some of the figures showed to the
symbols on the sculptured pillars of Scotland. He stated that it would
now be necessary to examine all the caves of Scotland, many of which were
associated historically with the early Christian missionaries as places of
retreat, for sculptures.
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310 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
Monday, 8^A January 1866.
Professor Sir JAMBS Y. SIMPSON, Bart., V.P., in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen vifite balloted for aud elected Fellows of the
Society : —
Rev. Edwakd L. Barnwell, M.A., Ruthin, Wales.
Robert Fabquhabson, of Hanghton, Esq., Aberdeenshire.
J. Laidley, of Seacliff, Esq., North Berwick.
Walter J. Till, Esq., Manor Honse, Croydon.
The Donations to the Museum and Library were as follows, and thanks
were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By Datid D. Black, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Portions of a large Cinerary Urn of Beddish Clay, ornamented all
over with parallel rows of small incised vertical lines. The urn contained
pieces of Calcined Bones.
Two portions of Clay Slate, and an oblong piece of Sandstone, pierced
at one extremity, apparently part of a small whetstone.
Also an oval Bead of Bright Blue Glass, with two bands of White
Enamel surrounding each extremity. The bead measures } of an inch in
length.
Small square-shaped portion of Slaty micaceous Sandstone, of which
the " Fairy Knowe" is composed.
Found in cairns called " Fairy Knowes," recently examined at House-
gard, parish of Weesdale, Shetland.
Portions of a Cinerary Urn, similar in character to the one last de-
scribed; also an irregularly-shaped slab of Sandstone, measuring 11
inches across, and about 1 inch in thickness, which covered the urn.
Found on the farm of Flemington, near Housegard.
Hammer of fine-grained stone, 4 inches in length, Ij inch in
breadth, pierced with a hole for a handle, | of an inch in diameter. It
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
311
was found on the fann of Scarpiegarth, Shetland. (See Communication,
p. 324.)
(2.) By Mrs Bkll, Forth Street, through J. M. Balfour, Esq., W.S.,
F.S.A. Scot.
Bronze leaf-shaped Sword, measuring 22 inches in length ; the handle-
plate pierced with five holes for rivets (see the annexed figure, No. 1).
Bronze Sword and Scabbard Point ; Bronze Brooch and Gold Penannnlar Ring,
fonnd at Grogar, near Edinburgh.
1. Bronze Sword, 22 inches in length (the scabbard point indicated in outline).
2. Scabbard Point, 4} inches in length. 8. Gold Ornament, 1^ inch in diameter.
4. Bronze Brooch, 8 inches in diameter.
Bronze Scabbard Point, with a hole measuring 4^ inches in length ;
it is pierced on each side at about the middle of its length, on the
alternate sides of the projecting centre rib ; apparently for its attachment
to the scabbard (see figure No. 2.)
Gold Penannular King, 1^ inch in diameter. It is triangular in its
section, and is quite plain, or without ornament; also a
Bronze ring-shaped Brooch, measuring 3 inches in diameter, with an
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312
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
ornamental pattern cut on one side ; with movable pin for attaching it to
the dress. See the carefully drawn figure, No. 4.
These four articles were found in the year 1811, in digging a gravel
pit opened at the erection of the present Gogarbum House, and a
little to the south of it, in the parish of Corstorphine, near Edin-
burgh.
A somewhat similar Bronze Scabbard Point was found, along with
leaf-sbaped sword blades, on the farm of Ythsie, parish of Tarves, Aber-
deenshire, and was presented to the British Museum by the late Earl of
Aberdeen. It is described in the '^ Horae Ferales" of the late John M.
Eemble.
Another was found, along with four leaf-shaped bronze sword-blades
and a spear head ; on the lands of Cauldhame, near Brechin, Forfarshire,
the property of the Earl of Dalhousie. Two of the Sword Blades and the
Scabbard are now in the Museum ; they were described and figured in
the " Proceedings of the Society," vol. i. p. 181. For the sake of com-
parison, the figure of the scabbard point has been repeated here.
Bronze Scabbard Point found at Ganldhame, near Brechin.
Ill
Ml! I
A Gk)ld Ornament, somewhat corresponding in character to the one
now presented, but larger in size, found in a moss in the West High-
lands, along with two gold pen annular bracelets, was presented to the
Museum by Mr Denny, shipbuilder, Dumbarton, and is described in the
" Proceedings of the Society," vol. iii. p. 23. Similar ornaments have
been found in England and in Ireland.
(3.) By George Petrib, Esq., Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Ring of Silver Wire, 1 inch in diameter. Found in excavating the
foundation of the " King's Castle," Kirkwall.
Clay Smoking-Pipe, with the usual small bowl of the old clay-pipes.
Found in digging in the town of Kirkwall, Orkney.
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D0NATI0K8 TO THE MUSEUM. 313
(4.) By BoBBRT DiOKsoN, Esq., surgeon, Carnoustie, Corr. Mem.
S.A. Scot.,
fiowl-shaped Sepulchral Urn, measuring 5 inches in height, and ahout
5^ inches in diameter, of yellowish clay, and rudely ornamented with
wavy lines of a punctured character. It was found in the parish of Car-
mylie, Forfarshire, in a short cist, formed of four flat stones, twelve small
round stones heing placed helow it, and a large stone covering the cist
ahove. The urn contained ashes and burnt bones.
Portion of a small cup-shaped Urn of Clay, 3 inches in height. It
is ornamented with straight lines and an alternating Vandyke pattern,
and was found while levelling a tumulus on the bank of Dighty Water,
near Monifieth, Forfarshire. The cup is similar in character to those
described and figured in the ^* Proceedings of the Society," vol. iii. p. 485.
(5.) By the Misses Dick Lauder.
Four Polished Celts of fine-grained stone, measuring from 8 to 11
inches in length, and from 8 to 8^ inches across the face. Two of the
celts are yellowish in colour, the others are apparently of a dark-green
porphyry and basalt.
(6.) By James Smith, Esq., Old Bond Street, London.
Tableman, or Whorl, 1 inch in diameter, perforated in the centre, and
ornamented on both sides with alternating parallel lines and dots. It
was found in the parish of Cruden, Aberdeenshire.
Arrow Head, H inch in length, of grayish-coloured flint, with barbs
and stem. Found in a tumulus in the parish of Cruden.
Small square-shaped Token of Lead, with a Cross, and below, the
letters i.h.s., said to have been found in the ruins of the old church of
Cruden.
(7.) By D. H. Robertson, M.D., F.S.A. Scot.
Two Bronze socketed Celts, with Loops, one square shaped in the
neck, measures 8| inches in diameter, and 2 inches across the face ; the
other, rounded in character, measures 2f inches in length, and 2 inches
across the face. They were found, in 1841, in digging near the Citadel,
Leith.
Small Iron Key, 4 inches in length, with large heart-shaped Loop
or Handle. Found in the old fort of Inversnaid, Stirlingshire.
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314
PROCRBDINGB OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
Ivory Head of a Walking Cane, having cut on it the coronet of a
marquis, and helow interlaced initials, apparently l.t.d.v.
Chatelaine of jeweller's gold, of three Chains, ending in an orna-
mental vase, with flowers, and below it, four pendant chains, witli
swivels.
(8.) By the Arcuaologtoal Institute of Grrat Britain and
Ireland.
Ancient Bone Skate, 9^ inches in length, one extremity being cut to
a point It was found, at a depth of 70 feet, in the parish of St Peter's,
at Arches, Lincoln.
Another Specimen, measuring 14 inches in length, pierced with a hole
at each extremity. Found, in 1848, at Stixwold Ferry, near Lincoln.
These Skates are usually formed of the cannon bone of the horse.
(9.) By Edward Burns, Esq., Bank Street.
Silver Halfpenny of Edward I. and of Edward III.
Copper Penny of Queen Victoria 1855.
(10.) By Gboroe Moorb, M.D., Hastings (the Author.)
Ancient Pillar Stones of Scotland ; their significance and bearing on
Ethnology. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1864.
(11.) By the Society of Antiqoariks of London.
Archsdologia ; or. Miscellaneous Tracts relating to Antiquity. 4to.
Vol. XXXIX. Part 2. Lond. 1865.
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Second Series.
Vol. II. Part 6. 8vo. Lond. 1864.
(12.) By the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, U.S.
Annual Beport of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution,
showing the operations, &c., of the Institution for the year 1863. 8vo.
Washington, 1864.
Results of Meteorological Observations, made under the direction of
the United States Patent Office and the Smithsonian Institution, from
the year 1854 to 1859 inclusive. Vol II. Part 1. 4to. Washington,
1864.
Smithsonian Contributions to Science. Vol. XIII. 4to. Washington,
1863.
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KYMRIO KLBMENT IN THE CELTIC TOPOGRAPHY OF SCOTLAND. 315
ON THE KYMRIO ELEMENT IN THE CELTIC TOPOGRAPHY OF SCOT-
LAND. By the Rev. THOMAS M'LAUCHLAN, LL.D., F.S.A. Scot.
The topography of Scotland presents us with features sufficiently
various. Not more variegated are the colours of its national tartan than
are the names which distinguish its localities. In immediate proximity
to each other in many districts may be found townships which have
been named by different races speaking different languages, and which
furnish us with memorials of those races long after some of them, with
their languages, have passed away for ever. The study of those names
belongs to three different sciences. First, it belongs to Philology. Some
of the most interesting and instructive forms which words assume are
to be found in their application to topography ; and there is, beyond
doubt, a large amount of valuable knowledge lying latent beneath those
names which the skill of the philologer has still to bring to light. Then,
again, it belongs to Ethnology. Names speak of the races that applied
and used them. The nations that people a country live in their desig-
nations of places, and other objects, long after they themselves have
disappeared from the face of the land. The topography of America
will long testify to the existence of the perished Indian ; and it is doubt-
ful whether the names of places in Britain do not speak of a race or
races who once existed there, but of whom there is now no record, either
written or traditional. But the study belongs also to the domain of
History, in the stricter sense of the term, and in this connection it is
that it assumes a higher dignity and consequence than would otherwise
belong to it. True, the testimony of topography has not the certainty
of written records, but it is as true that it has not their uncertainty
either. Names have been exposed to the influence of no passion, and
no prejudice in conferring them. So far as they speak, they speak
truth — a statement which cannot always be made respecting written
documents, which even after they are deciphered are often the mere
monuments of the ignorance, the malice, the prejudice, or the partisan-
ship of their authors, and which, in so far as they are so, serve to lead
VOL. VI. PART II. Y
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316
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
US away from, instead of guiding us to, the facts of history. It is true
that the range is narrow within which topography can be made to
testify at nil, but within that range its testimony is valuable, and more
deserving of being listened to them has often been allowed. Hence the
importanco of a careful, accurate, and persistent study of the facts with
which it presents us.
In Scotland this study is of interest in connection with the questions
so long discussed respecting the ancient inhabitants, and more especially
those reganling the long rival, but latterly amalgamated, races of the
Picts and Scots. The question has been often raised, and by some
parties held to be unsettled still, Who were these severally? Some
five or six words of the Pictish language have descended to us. Bede
tells us that this people had a language peculiar to themselves. Have
we any means of knowing what it was? Does the topography of the
country help us in the inquiry; and can we from it gather such a
vocabulary of the Pictish tongue as will afford anything like certainty
in fixing who these Picts were ?
In deciding this question, we are brought to deal with one which
appears to be justly preliminary to it, — the question of the form in
which we are to take the words whose relations we propose to discuss.
Whether we are to take these words as they appear now in common
usage, or as they appear in such written documents as have come down
to us from the past. It is natural to suppose that the history of a word
is to be found most accurately recorded in such documents, because that
in them we are able to trace it through its different phases, ascending
gradually until we reach its primitive and radical form. This may be
true in a few cases, but in a greater number there never was a purer
delusion. So far is it from being true that modem modes of pronouncing
and spelling topographical terms must be corrected by a reference to
ancient documents, that the words as written in these are in a majority
of cases utterly indistinguishable, except as read in the light of modem
usage. It is necessary, at least, as frequently to read ancient topogra-
phical terms in the light of modern usage, as modern terms in the light
of ancient orthography. It cannot safely be forgotten that a correct or
fixed ortliography is itself a modern thing. The spelling in the letters
of men and women high in social position not a century ago, is such as
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KYMIilC ELEMKNT IN THE CELTIC TOPOGRAPHY OF SCOTLAND. 317
would exclude their authors from the lowest governmeDt situations to
which there is admission by competitive examination nowadays. In
the names of places the variations are extraordinary, and quite absurd.
Dr Johnson, in his account of his visit to the Highlands, spells the name
of ths well-known valley of Glenmorrison with two Vs instead of two r's.
It is not impossible that some ingenious philologer may, a century after
this, found some important theory on this striking fact, and point out how
rapidly topographical terms undergo great variations. A safer guide,
however, is found in the pronunciation of a modern native than in the
mistaken orthography of the travelling philosopher. In like manner, it
must be borne in mind, that in our ancient historical documents the names
of places were written by men who for the most part knew not one word
of the languages to which these terms belonged, and it is no wonder that
we should so often find in them those remarkable combinations of letters
which defy the ingenuity of even the practised reader, and which show how
thoroughly at their wit*s end were the scribes in representing upon paper
sounds which they had barely caught. Modern Anglo-Saxons are not in
many respects different from their fathers, and the statement made may
be illustrated by a reference to Gaelic names as now written by English
or Lowland Scots writers, when unaided by a knowle<lge of the true
orthography.
It may be of interest, while dealing with this question, to refer to the
names of some well-known localities in Scotland, and compare the ancient
orthography with the modern pronunciation. The most ancient name
of the island of lona, as found in written documents, is Hii. With this
the modem name, as pronounced by the native Highlander, is identical.
Twelve hundred years have made no change in the spoken word. But
the written word has undergone a very different fate. Not more various
are the hues of the chameleon than are the forms through which it has
passed — Ea, Eo, leoa, Aoi, Eyna, Yi, Hyona, and various others, of all
of which it may be said that they are not of the slightest value, as throw-
ing light on the origin of the term.
In the south of Scotland is the parish of Traquair, a name which finds
its representative in the Treguer of Cornwall and the Treguier of Brittany,
its English synonym being The town on the green, A reference to the
charter form of this word is instructive. It appears as Trequalr, Tresquere,
y 2
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318 PKOCBEDINGS oF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
Tiaverqaeir/ Trefquer, where the Kymric Tref is unmistakable, and in
the year 1150 as Trauequayr, where we reach the pronunciation now
in use, and where we learn how steady popular usage in such cases is.
Another name as clearly Kymric as Traquair is that of Tranent. This
name appears at an early period in writings as Travemant, a form just
such as the Kymric scholar would anticipate. In this latter form the
preposition er is introduced, making the name *' The town on the valley,'^
as in Traverquair ; in the former, it is Trenant, as still existing in Wales,
** The town of the valley.'' These are not different names, and there is
nothing in the form of the word Tranent to induce the belief that it is
more modern than the other.
Among the Western Islands appears one with the English name of
Benbecula. The Gaelic name is Beinn nam faodhla, or " The hill of
the fords," a name accurately descriptive of the form and position of the
island. But how does this name appear in charters? It appears as
Beandmoyll, Beanweall, Buchagla, Benvalgha, forms from which it would
be well-nigh impossible to extract the real word, and some of which are
further removed from it than their modem English representalive.
, The fair conclusion from these and innumerable similar facts is, that
it is upon the whole safer, in our topographical inquiries, to start from
modem usage as a basis, while charter forms are to be employed in so
far as a rational use of the information they contain may serve to aid in
the discovery of the real derivation of names. There is no doubt that
in numerous oases such information with respect to earlier forms, and
even essential parts of a name, which have in the course of time dropped
out of use, is necessary to ensure a historical, and hence an accurate
instead of a fanciful, account of our topographical terms. Any one
acquainted with Highland etymologies, knows to what an extent our
imaginative countrymen have gone in attaching meanings altogether
fanciful to such terms; but nothing is more likely to mislead the
1 Mr Skene, in his paper on the Picts recently published, makes the statement
that the form ** Traver " does not occur in the topography of Wales. It is equally
trae that it does not occur in the topography of Scotland, save in some ancient writ-
ings. Tranent, Traquair, Troqueer, Traprain, are the Scottish forms. The exist-
ence of the " er," however, presents no real diflSculty.
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KYMRIC KLEMBNT IN THE CELTIC TOPOGRAPHY OF SCOTLAND. 319
inquirer than elevating our ancient and irregular orthography to a
position which it is altogether unfit to occupy^
With these preliminary remarks, the question presents itself, whether
and to what extent Kymric words occur in the topography of Scotland ;
and in examining into it for a little, it may be best to confine the in-
quiry to what was and b supposed to have constituted the ancient terri-
tory of the Picts north of the Firth of Forth. Father Innes, in his
'^ Critical Essay," maintains that such words largely exist ; he is sup-
ported by Chalmers in his " Caledonia," with an amount of labour and
erudition which, notwithstanding all that has been said, and often un-
justly, to weaken his authority, entitles his opinion to high respect. Mr
Taylor, in his work on ** Words and Places," maintains the same view,
and does so with learning and caution, notwithstanding some mistakes
into which he has been led. Nor is it easy to see how the view can he
impugned in accordance with the clear and convincing facts of the case.
In the county of Denbigh, in North Wales, lies the vale of Clwyd,
intersected by the river of the same name. In the west of Scotland lies
another vale of Clyde, with another river of the same name. If we are
iisked to account for the identity of the names, we are most likely to
reply that they were in both instances given by the same people ; and in
this case history warrants the conclusion, for it informs us beyond a
question that both valleys were inhabited by a Kymric population.
There is a Clody in Ireland, which Mr Ferguson, in his ** River Names,"
and Mr Taylor both make identical with Clyde ; but as there is a village
of the name of Clody on the hanks, the source of the name is sufficiently
obvious. The only name in Ireland apparently the same, is that of the
1 A case in point may be found in a word referred to by Mr Skene, in bis recent
paper on the Pictish language, Ac. He qnotes the opinions of Statistical Account
writers on tbe origin of the word Elie, in Fife, and tells us it was anciently spoiled
Ohelh'n. This doea not aid us in discovering the etymology of the word, however.
Bat we know that in (Gaelic topography "An fliaoluinn" means The sandy beach.
There are several places so called in the West Highlands. This is tlie real meaning
of £lie, as is proved to a demonstration by the fact that the English name retains
usually the article, " The Elie." Here the •* n " of Chellin U accounted for, but
the " ch " is a miswriting or a miarending. either of which is ponsiblp. •' Fhaohiinn "
iff pronounrod •• piilin."
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320 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUAUY 1866.
Glyde, in the county of Louth. If this be the same, it is important to
observe that it appears in that part of Ireland said to have been occupied
by a Pictish population.
To the north-east of the Clwyd, and sweeping the confines of Wales,
we find a river bearing the name of Dee. Entering Scotland, a river
bearing tbe same name meets us in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. We
find no difficulty in accounting for this, when we note the numerous
Kymric names in the surrounding country, from Penpont, Ecclefechan,
and Cummertrees on the east, to Ochiltree on the west. But a river of
the same name occurs in Aberdeenshire. Are we not justified in con-
cluding that the people who gave the name in the other two cases gave
it in this case also ? But we cast our eye over the map of Ireland, and
the purely Graelic region of Argyle, and we find a "Dee" only in the
county of Louth, and alongside of the Glyde already referred to. Its
existence may be attributed to the same cause with the latter, and is,
therefore, to be traced to a Pictish source.
In the county of Glamorgan, in Wales, we find the river Nith — a name
said by high Kymric authority to be derived from the Kymric word
" Nedd," anything that twists or curves. Entering Scotland, we find, as
in the former case, a " Nith" in Dumfriesshire, and we find a Netban
in the purely Kymric district of Strathclyde; these names are easily
accounted for, occurring as they do in what were unquestionably Kymric
districts. But then we find a Nethy in Perthshire, and another in the
county of Moray ; so that from Glamorgan to Dumfries, and thence to the
Moray Firth, along the east coast of Scotland, we find this name extend-
ing. At the same time, no similar name occurs in the whole river
nomenclature of Ireland and Argyle.
There are three Calders in England, one in Strathclyde, and a large
number in the Pictish part of Scotland; and this name continues the
same, notwithstanding any changes that may have occurred in the spoken
language of the several sections of the country where the word occurs.*
But neither Ireland nor Argyle yields one.
1 It has been urgod that the phonetic mutations which distiDguish langnaget
must be sought for in topography. This principle has recently been pressed far
beyond its legitimate limits. It is true that it is fonnd to operate within the range
of topography, as in the case of the Roman v representing the Kymric ^tp, and the
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KYMRIC ELEMENT IN THE CELTIC TOPOGRAPHY OF SCOTLAND. 321
So with mouDtains. The word '* Ochil/' applied to the range of hills
north of the Forth, is decisive. We have the Gaelic equivalent for the
word " Ocliil " in " uasal ;*' but Ochil is a distinctly British form, and it
is only necessary to look into the oldest MSS. of both Gaelic and Kymric
to see that these distinctions have sufifered little modification within the
historical period. If we give up " Ochil " as applied to the hills referred
to, we must give up " Ochil " in the term " Ochiltree," which is as
pure Welsh as if the language were spoken in the parish at this day.
It has been said that because the geographer of Ravenna mentions
" Cindocellum " as a town in Scotland, that therefore "Ochil" must be
Gaelic. A single glance at what the geographer says, and a perusal of
the names of the accompanying towns, such as Jano, Maulion, Demero-
sesa, Cermo, will suffice, I presume, to show how very narrow a basis
such an inference is made to rest upon ; besides that " own " is as much
British, as " ceann " is Gaelic, for hecul.
The Scottish Lomonds are, beyond a doubt, from the same source with
the southern Plinlimmon. It has been said that the Lomond in the
case of the Scottish Lomond is merely a hardening of the Leven, applied
to the river and lake, which, curiously enough, flow and lie at the base
of two of those Lomonds. But there are Levens where there are no
Lomonds ; and these are in Argyle, showing that in all likelihood the
name Leven, in the east, being Gaelic, is of later application than
Lomond. A Ben Lomond, near Dumbarton, the capital of British
Strathclyde, need create no surprise, as the British tongue must have
been spoken around its base ; but what is true of that Lomond must be
equally true of those in Fife. Lomond, in Welsh, has an intelligible
meaning — a beacon,
pure / of the Saxon represeDtiug the aspirated / of the Welsh. Bnt there is notliing
more likely to lead to error than the application of this principle uniformly in
analysing topographical terms, especially in languages where tlie same organs are
similarly used in enunciating words. An illustration of this may be found in the
numerous Gaelic names which pervade the Scottish Lowlands, and which, as spoken
by the Teuton for three hundred years, are identical with the same words as passing
through the throat of the most guttural-speaking Gael. Such a word as Balmaghie,
in Kirkcudbright, which, if assuming the Saxon accent, would be Balm&ghie, is still
even as to accent thoroughly Gaelic.
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322 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
On the subject of the '' Abers/' which are said lately to be common to
the British and Gaelic dialects, it is remarkable that such a statement
could be made in the face of the fact, that while Wales yields so many
instances of the use of the word, Gaelic Argyle does not yield one. A
few cases in Ireland may be accounted for by the existence of a Pictish
people there. Such cases are, however, by no means well authenticated,
and, in the meantime, speculations upon the source and relationship of
Inver and Aber must yield simply to the logic of fact.*
Names of places give the same testimony with names of rivers and
mountains. Thus in Brittauy, we find Euan the modern Bennes, and
Rohan ; a little to the north of these ia Rouen, on the Seine. In Wales,
we have Ruthin, while in Pictish -Scotland the Ruthvens are numerous,
but none occur in Ireland or Argyle. Nor can changes in the spoken
language have affected this word. In Wales we have Llanerch ; in
Strathclyde, Lanark and Drumlanrick; in Pictish -Scotland, Lanrick.
No such name occurs in Ireland or Argyle. * In Brittany we have
Gouerin; in Montgomery, Gower ; the Carse of Gowrie, and relative terms,
will at once occur to the Scot. The word is a British one, derived from
verdure, and retains to this day its British form, although there is a
Gaelic form of it — " Feur," grass — following, as might be expected, the
principles that govern Gaelic enunciation.
Two *^ Tres" exist on the banks of Lochness. If these be not Kymric,
what are they ? And there is not one in all Argyle, or in Ireland. But
it is needless to dilate. An induction of facts in topography makes it
clear that the names in th^ Pictish portion of Scotland dififer from those
of Ireland and Argyle, and in the measure in which they do so that they
approach the Kymric. Such words as "Pit" or " Pitten," and "For"
or " Fother," which appear to be characteristic of Pictish topography
alone, do not affect this conclusion in the least, although they serve to
prove that the Pictish language had its own distinctive features.
1 It is worthy of notice, that the generic " Aber " is in Scottish topography found
nniformly associated with specific terms purely Kymric ; as Abemchill, Aberchalder,
Aberard&r, Aberdonr, Aberbrothock, Aberdeen, Aberchirder, Abemetby. That
"Inver" should be associated occasionally with Kymric terms is nothing to the
purpose ; but it is to the purpose that " Aber," the Kymric generic terra, should
never be associated with a Gaelic word.
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KYMRIC ELEMENT IN THE CELTIC TOPOGRArHY OF SCOTLAND. 323
A more general reference might have been made in this paper to that
read by Mr Skene, last April, before the Boyal Society of this city, and
since then published in their Transactionsj in which he takes a somewhat
opposite view; but two papers published by him since that time in the
" Archaeologia Cambrensis," as preparatory to that paper, which appears
in the same publication, render it almost unnecessary. In the latter of
these Mr Skene says, " From these examples, Pictish appears to occupy a
place between Eymric and Gaelic, leaning to one in some of its phonetic
laws, and to the other in others/- Having taken the liberty of propound-
ing this theory some time ago, I feel much fortified in maintaining it
by such authority as Mr Skene's, even although he does say that the
language inclines more to the Gaelic than to the Eymric. I called it
Gallo-cymbric, which did not imply an opposite view. But I find a diffi-
culty here. Mr Skene says, in one of his papers, that ^' The generic terms
(of the Pictish language) do not show the existence of a Eymric lan-
guage north of the Forth." Now these two statements hardly consist.
If the language had a large admixture of Eymric elements, which I do
not wonder that Mr Skene, as a scholar, is ready to admit, how is it
possible that they do not exist in its generic terms, as exhibited in the
topography ?
But while referring to the question as one bearing on the races who first
peopled Scotland, for it comes finally to resolve itself into this, I cannot
but regret the continued mistranslation by recent writers of an important
Latin quotation — perhaps the quotation most relied upon by historians
in forming their views of the ancient inhabitants of Scotland, into which
one of those actually introduces a hyphen of his own devising, in order to
make his interpretation sure. The passage is the famous one respect-
ing the ^'Scoti vagantes," from Ammianus Marcellinus. I quote it
from the ^* Monumenta Historica,'' whose editors have used the best
edition of their author in furnishing it to their readers. It is as fol-
lows:— ^'lUud tamen sufficiet dici, quod eo tempore Picti in duas
gentes divisi, Dicaledonas et Yecturiones, itidemque Attacotti, belli-
oosa hominum natio, et Scotti, per diversa vagantes multa populaban-
tur." The meaning of this passage is illustrated by a previous one
from the same author, where he says " Picti Saxonesque et Scoti, et
Attacotti, BrittanoB asrumnis vexaveie continuiR," the real meaning being
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324 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
that the Picts, Attacots, and Scots, wandering through the Roman pro-
vince, committed great depredations. Why the " vagantea " should
have hitherto heen taken to qualify the Scoti merely, is not easily seen,
hut the perpetuation of the mistake should surely he avoided. With
the fall of this famous passage from its unwarranted positior in our
national literature, falls many a hulky theory, and many a baseless
inference in our early history. If the Scots were wanderers in the
Koman province, so were the Picts — a very likely statement. Such, at
least, is the real statement of the Roman historian.
II.
NOTICE OF CAIRNS, CALLED "FAIRY KNOWES," IN SHETLAND,
RECENTLY EXAMINED. By D. D. BLACK, Esq., F.SJl. Scot.
On the lands of Kergord, in the parish of Weisdale, or rather in the
united parishes of Tingwall, Whiteness, and Weisdale, and county of
Zetland, there were a number of circular or nearly circular gatherings of
small stones, called hy the inhabitants " Fairy Knowes." Most of these
knowes have heen removed in the course of the improvements made
during the last half century. Two, however, still remain — a small one
on the farm of Stensell, at the top of Weisdale Voe, or arm of the sea ;
and the other, or larger knowe, on the farm of Housegord, about a quarter
of a mile farther north. Each of these knowes is composed of small stones
of irregular shape, from two to six inches in length and breadth, and from
an eighth of an inch to half an inch in thickness, apparently sandstone
gathered from the land and from the small river, the Weis, which flows
through the valley. There is abundance of limestone in the valley
cropping up in all directions, and especially standing in vertical strata
immediately adjoining the two knowes spoken of; but no limestone is
found in any of the knowes, which are composed of sandstone only
(composite with mica), covered over with the mossy soil of the valley,
and overgrown with grass and wild flowers, especially primroses. The
smaller knowe may be four or five yards in diameter, the larger six
times this size. The walls or sides of the knowes slope both externally
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NOTICE OF CAIRNS, CALLED " FAIRY KNOWKS," IN SHBTLAND. 325
and interaally on the natural slope of an angle of about forty-five degrees ;
the knowes are longest from north to south ; at the north end the walls
fall away to nothing ; at the south end there is something like an entrance
obstructed by a stone, of some three feet by eighteen inches. As already
said, the sides of the knowes are overgrown with grass and wild flowers; the
centres are the same. This summer (1865) a few members of the Anthro-
pological Society visited Weisdale, and examined the knowe at Stensell.
It is believed they found nothing. Since then the centre of that knowe
has been dug into, but under the turf nothing was found except the
natural soil. Some of the stones forming the walls of the knowe had
years ago been removed by a previous tenant, who, however, declared
that he found nothing except small stones, most of which he said were
blackened as with tire. The members of the Anthropological Society
are understood to have been under the same impression, that some of the
small stones had been subjected to fire. The workman who aided the
society was desired by the writer of this to pick out from this small
knowe at Stensell, and from the larger one at Housegord, stones which
he conceived had been blackened by fire. These stones thus picked out
were washed with soap and water and a brush, and readily gave off most
of their colouring matter, which seemed to be nothing else than the
vegetable moss or peat in which the stones had been imbedded. The
stones were broken with a hammer, and were found to have no marks
of discoloration in their centres. In the smaller knowe at Stensell, then,
nothing has been discovered ; but in the larger knowe at Housegord, the
fragments of a well-bumt urn were found, some three years ago, by the
tenant when removing some stones from the west side of the knowe.
Amongst these fragments there were two pieces of slate stone, which
must have been imported, as no slate is found in the valley ; there was,
further, found a small piece of oblong sandstone pierced with a hole
at one end, and differing in quality from the stone of the valley ; and
there was likewise found a pretty large glass bead, blue striped with
white. It is hard to say if these articles had any connection the one
with the other, but they were all found at the same place. No bones
or dust were noticed, but what appears to be a calcined bone was found.
Since then this knowe has remained undisturbed. The urn, the slate
stones, the bead, the calcined bone, and the oblong stone, are sent
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326
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
herewith ; and also one of the stones composing the Fairy Enowes,
as a specimen of the stones of which these knowes are formed.
Ahout a mile north from Housegord, on the northern part of the culti-
vated lands of Eergord, on a farm which has the modem name of Flem-
ington, a field rises by a gentle ascent in the middle of the valley. This
field is in potatoes this year. When furrowing up the potatoes early in
the season, the plough struck on a slate stone. The ploughman, who
had been instructed to be careful in case of any discoveries, removed the
stone, or rather stones, for there were two slate stones, the one above the
other, although there are, as already said, no slate within many miles of
Weisdale. Below the stones the ploughman found an urn full of bonee.
He replaced the stones, leaving the urn untouched. But the news got
abroad ; the urn had many visitors, and most of the bones were removed.
In June the proprietor visited the place, and he found everything in-
tact, except that most of the bones had been removed. The ground
round the urn was then carefully dug out, when the urn was seen to be
placed in a hole of pure virgin earth of coarse red clay. The urn seems
to be composed of similar clay, and was placed nine inches in depth
below the surface of that soil which had been disturbed by the plough.
The urn was measured before being exhumed : it was circular, ten inches
in width across the mouth, and fifteen inches in height. The mouth was
a little jagged as from accident ; there was a round hole in the bottom.
There was no stone below it, nor any dark-coloured matter below or
near it. The top of the urn when first seen and the sides of it, when
the earth was removed, were red. They got darker by exposure to the
air. The bones and dust in the urn were clean. Every care was taken
to remove the urn entire, but it was impossible to touch it without
breaking it ; the clay seemed to have been ill burned, and, in fact, felt as
if it were rotten. The urn was removed piecemeal, packed amongst wool,
put in a warm place to dry gradually from the heat of the sun, and is
now, along with some of the bones found in it, sent herewith. This urn
seems to be inferior in composition to the one previously discovered, but
both have the common zigzag marks upon them. Where this urn was
discovered is the highest point of land in the valley, which is fully n
mile wide, from the top of one hill to the top of the other hill ; and tho
place where the urn wns found is ahont a quirter of a mile from the east
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NOTES OF VARIOUS ANTIQUITIES IN ROSS AND SUTHERLAND. 327
hill, and an eighth of a mile from the west hill, the valley running north
and south. The field where the potatoes are has heen long in cultiva-
tion, hut an old man says he recollects of a tumulus or fairy knowe in the
field, and, as he thinks, on the exact spot where the urn was found.
So far as the writer is aware, no urn has ever previously heen discovered
in Zetland, at least he has not heen ahle to hear of any such discovery.
It may he proper to add, that in August last the hole in the potato
field where the urn had heen discovered was excavated to a further
depth, and the ground round ahout cut away, hut nothing whatever
was found except the original soil.
Along with this is also sent a stone hammer of a small size, found
this summer on the farm of Scarpiegarth, which is on the east side of the
hill immediately west of Housegord ; and is now presented to the Museum,
along with the remains of an urn, head, &c., found in the Fairy Enowes.
III.
NOTES OF VARIOUS ANTIQUITIES IN ROSS AND SUTHERLAND. By
THE Rev. jambs M. JOASS, Corb. Mem. SA. Soot., in a Letteb to
JOHN STUART, Esq., Secretaby.
The first of these related to the lower part of a sculptured pillar in
the churchyard of Edderton, which was huried in the ground when a
drawing of the monument was made for the first volume of ''The
Sculptured Stones of Scotland.'' In consequence of the notice there
given of the partial appearance of figures at a former time, it has heen
recently disinterred, and found to have sculptures on it of two horse-
men armed with swords, spears, and round shields — the figures of hoth
men and horses having the peculiar contour of those on the cross-slahs
on the north-east of Scotland. Mr Joass next descrihed various groups
of incised cups and rings which he had found on stones in Koss-shire,
and the occurrence of cups on a pillar in a douhle stone circle at Beau-
fort. It appears that on almost every southern moorland slope there
oecur groups of circular hut foundations, surrounded hy, or in the neigh-
hourhood of, numerous sepulchral cairns ; and that many curious undis-
turbed remains yet await the careful examination which they deserve.
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328 PHO0KEDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, JANUARY 1866.
IV.
NOTICE OF THE CLACH-A-CHARRA. A STONE OF MEMORIAL AT
ONICH, IN LOCHABER. By JAMES DRUMMOND, Esq., R.S.A., F.S.A.
Scot. (Plate XIX.)
At a meeting of the Society of Autiquaries in February 1863, an
interesting paper was read by the Rev. Mr M*Lauchlan on certain
standing stones in the island of Mull, traditionally said to have been
erected, not as memorial stones, but as direction posts to the ferry for
lona. This has been so far confirmed by the fact, that some of them
having been thrown down, nothing was found to indicate a place of
burial. A tradition of the same sort seems at one time to have existed
in East Lothian, in reference to a series of standing-stones, a few of
which only now remain. These, from their position, were supposed to
show the way to Edinburgh : unfortunately for the tradition in this
instance, there seems no doubt that originally they were memorial,
whatever use they may latterly have been applied to. The first of
these is one between Dunbar and the village of Spott. Towards the
end of last century, during farm operations the workmen came upon
a perfect cemetery of rude stone-coffins, so many that a number of
the farm-yards in the neighbourhood were paved with the large
flags of which they were made; but whether urns or other relics
were found in the graves I could not ascertain, although many urns
have since been found in this neighbourhood. In the middle of this
field of the dead stood the monolith alluded to. A few miles further
west, under the shadow of Dunpender, an ancient British fort, stand two
more of those stones, near which graves have been found ; the opening of
one of these will be in the recollection of some of the members of the
Society who were present on the occasion. Then there stands another
in a field at Athelstaneford, having its tradition ; and no doubt many
more have been destroyed. In our own immediate neighbourhood we
have many such standing-stones, the largest and most important of these
being the Caiy-Stane ; and near this, at one time, stood the Gamus-Stane,
which was ruthlessly broken up some years ago for road-metal. There
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Proceedings Soriety of Antiquaries of Scotland.
VOL. VI. PL A TE XrX.
}'hntr)iyp.v1 by \]iMMni NrlM.i
THE CLACHA-CHARRA, A MEMORIAL STONE AT ONICH. LOCHABER.
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NOTICE OF THE CLACH-A-CHAIlRA AT ONICH, IN LOCHABER. 329
is one in the grounds at Morton Hall and another near Craigmillar
Castle. In passing, I may mention a carved stone built into the wall of a
farm-house near this, representing a castle, and between the towers two
shields of arms very much defaced ; it is said to have been taken from a
hunting seat of one of the Jameses in this neighbourhood. The Buck-
Stane is built into a wall by the roadside near Morton Hall, which, on a
close examination, is evidently the remaining portion of a wayside cross.
And there is the well-known Bore-Stane, now preserved on the top of a
wall at Momingside ; this, I need scarcely mention, is the stone on which
was planted the banner of Jtoes IV. as the rallying point for his army,
on the Borough-Moor, previous to the disastrous battle of Fiodden.
Wherever one goes such stones are found, some with traditions, but the
greater majority without.
In the parish of Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire, is a very interesting stone,
or rather rock ; here it is said Macbeth, when mortally wounded, rested,
previous to taking refuge in the Peel Bog, where he died ; his cairn is
not far from this. Near Finzean House is one called Dardanus' Stone,
and en a field close by is an immense cairn raised to the same. Some
of these early monoliths, however, have a tradition attached to them of
a comparatively modem date. A striking instance of this is the ''Tombh
Clavers,'' at Killiecrankie, now so called from being near the spot where
Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, was killed in 1689. But all
stones of this class are not consequently of prehistoric times, so to speak ;
for had we not only the other day, a stone erected by " The Men," to
commemorate the miraculous parting of the waters of the Spey, that the
body of " a certain woman " might be carried across to her last resting-
place ?
But the stone to which I wish particularly to call attention is
the " Clach-a-Charra," at Onich, in Lochaber. About the meaning of
this word there are differences of opinion. The Bev. Mr Stewart,
minister of the parish, writes me : *' It is difficult to translate literally
into English, but which means, as nearly as possible. The Stone or
Pillar of the cunningly-carried-out-reprisal." Others again say that it
means the " Stone of Retribution or Vengeance ; " while some one, who
seems to know his Ghtelic well, writing a notice of it in the '^ Inverness
Courier," says the word simply means " the Stone Pillar, Obelisk, or
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330 PR0CBED1NG8 OF THE SOCIKTY, JANUARY 1866.
MoQolith/' In connection with this stone there is a very remarkable
tradition — so remarkable, in fact, that although first told me by the Bev.
Mr Stewart, I made inquiry in various quarters to ascertain whether it
was known away from its own immediate locality. On asking Dr Mac-
Intyre of Fort- William if there was any tradition in connection with this
stone, he related the same story, and moreover stated, that from his earliest
years he had heard no other. On applying to the Bev. Mr Clark of Eil-
malie, who is deeply versed in such matters, he gave the same tradition
^^ as all he had ever been able to gather about it.'' As his version is shorter
than the others, I give it. Comyn, the*^last Lord of Badenoch, and
his two sons, having been present on the occasion of the marriage of the
three daughters of one of his clansmen, wished to enforce the savage
privilege of the mercheta mulierumy handing over the others to his sons.
The clansmen very naturally rose in arms against this monstrous oppres-
sion. Comyn and his sons fled. The young men were overtaken and
killed; but the father escaped, and wandered as far as Strath-Errick,
where, after ascending the long slopes above the Biver Dee, he seems to
have died of exhaustion, the name of the place being since '^Sindhe
Chuimein," or Comyn's Seat. He was buried at Fort-Augustus, the
Gaelic name of which is " Cill-a-Chuimein," or " burial-place of the
Comyn." I should mention that Mr Clark thinks the Comyns had
nothing to do with it. A tradition such as this Is valuable only when
it accords with other known historical facts; in the present instance, as
far as the Comyn and hta two sons are concerned, it must fall to the
ground, the genealogy of the Lords of Badenoch of this name being well
known. The first was Walter, who, marrying the Countess of Menteth
in 1231, became Lord of Badenoch, and dying without issue in 1258,
was succeeded by his nephew John, called the Black ; he was succeeded
by his only son John, called the Bed Comyn, who was stabbed by Bruce
in the convent of the Minorite Friars at Dumfries in 1305 ; he again
was succeeded by his only son John, who died without issue in 1325-6.
The name of the place where he is said to have died, and the name
of the church or burial-place — Eillie Cumine, or Church of St Comghan
of Ardnamurchan, of the Scottish and Irish Calendars — ^being somewhat
similar in sound, no doubt, suggested the Comyns in connection with the
tradition, that family having at one time been the lords superior of the dis-
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NOTICB OF THE OLAOH-A-OHARBA AT OKICH, IN LOCHABER. 331
trict.^ In this opinion the Bev. Dr M'Lauchlan and other authori-
ties quite concur. Many ohjections, no douht, will he started to this
strange tradition, which I have given as related to me ; yet, with all
the ohjections which may he stated against it, the very existence of
such a tradition in such a locality is extraordinary. It is not my in-
tention to enter into any discussion upon this vexed question, as to
whether this law was ever enforced in its more barbarous form, or was a
mere tax payable on the marriage of a daughter ; if the former, it would
appear, even at this early time, to have been in disuse, as the very pro-
posal was considered so offensive, that nothing less than blood could
efface the insult. Moreover, if the tradition is founded on fact, it would
require no great stretch of imagination to suppose that the usual tax,
whatever that may have been, not being forthcoming, the chief made
the proposal which ended so tragically. There is also a superstitious
tradition in connection with this stone, of a class common in many
countries. I was told in all seriousness by a brother of the farmer, that
on one occasion it was taken up to form a bridge over a small stream in
the neighbourhood ; the workmen in the morning found it gone, having
of its own accord wandered back and taken up its own position, — putting
one in mind of the Santo Bambino, which was sacrilegiously stolen from
one of the sidechapels in the Church of Ara Goeli, but was found in the
morning in its own blessed niche, having miraculously walked back
through the night for tbe edification of the faithful and the benefit of
its priestly guardians. The height of the stone is 6 feet 8 inches, its
greatest breadth 3 feet 10 inches. I am sorry to see that my friend Dr
^ When the tradition was first mentioned to me, I snggested, in connection with the
name " Killie Comine/' tbe poesibility of a church and a saint, but my informant
Bconted the idea, never having heard of such a saint Afterwards, when writing
him, I mentioned St Oomghan or Cumine, and other early ecclesiastics of the name,
who might either have built the church, or after whom it might have been called,
and also told him of the genealogy of the Comyns of Badenoch ; but to no effect :
he, like the Inoerneu Courier correspondent, standing up for the Clach-a-charra
and its tradition,^ in defiance of facts, ** as a monument erected to perpetuate the
memory of ^ deed that at once hurled a petty tyrant from his usurped lordship of
Lochaber and Badenoch " t
» "ProbmWy," he writes mc, "abont the time of the Red ComjiL"
VOL. VI. PART II. Z
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332
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
WilBon has ranked this among the class of perforated standing-stones,
having traditions connecting them with Pagan rites and superstitions,
from there being two small weather or water- worn holes through it, of
about 2^ inches diameter, which, when the stone was first erected, must
have been much smaller if there at all ; however, I am certain that had
Dr Wilson described the stone from personal observation he would not
have expressed such an opinion.*
I would allude to another standing-stone in this part of the country —
at the head of Loch Sunart — which having been used for a practical
purpose, had its name changed to " Clach Brangais," or Stone of the
Branks or Jougs, the staple and part of them still remaining, as we find
on the pillars of all our market-crosses.
Monday, 12th February 1866.
DAVID LAING, Esq., LL.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The Eight Hon. Lord Lovat, having been duly proposed and ad-
mitted, the following Grentlemen were at the same time balloted for,
and elected Fellows of the Society : —
Bbuce a. Bbemneb, M.D., Edinburgh.
James T. Ibvine, Esq., Architect, London.
John Lindsat, Esq., Woodend, Almond Bank, Perth.
William Beid, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh.
Albxandeb Whttb, Esq., Accountant, South Queensferry.
The following Donations to the Museum and Library were an-
nounced, and thanks voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By the Bev. Gbobob Murbay, Manse, Balmaclellan.
Large Stone Hammer, 3 inches in thickness, broken across at the
perforation for handle. It was found in the parish of Balmaclellan,
Galloway.
Winged Celt or Palstave, 3^ inches in length, of yellowish coloured
bronze, found in the parish of Dairy, Kirkcudbrightshire.
1 Prehistoric Annals of Scotland. By Daniel Wilson, LL.D. 1868.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 333
(2.) By Sir David Brbwstbb, K.H., F.R.S., Principal of the Uni-
versity of Edinburgh.
Iron oblong-shaped Padlock, 3 inches in greatest length, with hasp,
much corroded. It was found in an artificial cave or " Eirde-house/' in
the parish of Alvey, Inverness-shire. A not© respecting the discovery
of the cave was communicated to the Society by Sir David Brewster, in
February 1863. (See Proceedings^ vol. v. page 119.)
(3.) By A. Campbell Swinton, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Admission Ticket to "Shakespears Jubilee, the 6th and 7th of Sep-
tember, at Stratford-upon-Avon. This ticket admits one on the 6th to
the Oratorio. The Dedication Ode. The Ball. And to the great Booth
at the Fireworks. One Guinea. (Signed) Geo. Garrick. No. 182."
The ticket shows on the left side a figure of Shakespear leaning on a
pedestal. In his left hand he holds a scroll, and with the right points
to the inscription thereon — " The man that hath no music in himself is
fit for treasons," &c. Encircling the head is, " We ne'er shall look upon
his like again.''
Silver Medal of the Shakespear Jubilee. Ob. Bust of Shakespear look-
ing to right, " W« SHALL NOT LOOK UPON HIS LIKE AGAIN." EcV. " JuBILEB
AT Stratford in honour and to the memory op Shakespeare. Sept.
1769. D. G., Steward." The ticket and medal were used at the Jubilee
by the grandfather of the donor.
Men of the Merse ; a Lecture. By A. Campbell Swinton. 12mo.
Privately printed. Edin., 1858.
(4.) By Mr D. Macphbrson, Thistle Street.
Steel Watch-Seal, with ornamental open cut handle, and shark's skin
Case. On the face of the seal is incised the armorial bearings, crest,
and supporters of the Baronets of Boss of Balnagowan, Boss-shire.
(5.) By Mr W. T. M*Cullooh, Keeper of the Museum.
Silver Watch-Seal with open worked handle. On the face is displayed
the armorial bearings and crest, apparently of a family of Carletons, an
old family in Cumberland carrying these charges, except the helmet,
which has probably been assumed by some cadet as a difference. Another
branch of the family settled in Ireland, and a descendant was created
z2
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334
PB0CBBDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
Lord Dorchester in 1786. The seal was said to have been found some
years ago in digging near the harbour at Leitb. From the style of art
it may have been made towards the end of last century.
(6.) By EsNHURB Maitland, Esq., Sheriff-Clerk of Mid-Lothian.
Arrow Heads of Obsidian, varying from 1^ to 3^ inches in length;
and three core-like portions of Obsidian, varying in length from 8| inches
to 5 inches — they are chipped all round ; irregularly-shaped portion of
Obsidian, 2^ inches in length, bearing a rude resemblance to the upper
part of a human figure, probably an idol.
Stone semi-globular Button or Tableman, 1} inch in diameter, orna-
mented with a regular incised pattern, and pierced with a hole through
its centre.
(7.) By Adam Dawson, Esq., P.S.A. Scot.
Two iron Spear-heads, with sockets for attaching them to the handles.
One is leaf-shaped, and measures 7^ inches in length; the other is 11
inches in length, the blade is broadest below, and tapers to a point
above. The spear-heads were found in digging a drain in the native
forest on a coffee plantation in Ceylon.
(8.) By D. H. BoBBRTSON, M.D., F.S.A. Scot
Two Human Skulls, found in digging at the Citadel, Leith.
(9.) By Miss Sophia J. Hops Yeri of Craigie Hall, through Pro-
fessor Sir J. Y. Simpson, Bart., V.P.S.A. Scot.
Four portions of Plaster, showing traces of red and green colour, from
the walls of a Roman villa excavated at Seavington, Somersetshire, and
collected by the donor ; also two portions of Mosaic Pavement, one com-
posed of red brick tesseraB, the other of small white and black stones; a
separate Tessera ; an Oyster Shell ; portions of Bed Brick Tile, marked
with crossing lines ; small Brick or Tessera ; portion of Clay Pipe or
Spout, and portion of a Bone found in the same excavation. Miss Yere
accompanied the donation with the following notice : —
"TAe Bemains of the Roman Villa at Seavington, SomerseUhire.
'^ The locality has long been known to antiquaries as one exceeding
rich in the buried treasures of the past. The site of these newly dis-
covered ruins commands a view of Ham Hill (the great local Boman sta-
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 335
tion), and is placed directly upon the line of the Fosseway, which was the
great ancient road from Bath and Ilchester to Petherton Bridge, Din-
nington, and Windwhistle to Azminster, where it joined the Skeneld
Way, which came from Norfolk through Dorchester and Bridport.
Roman coins appear to have heen scattered almost broadcast about the
neighbourhood.
'' The field in which the villa was found forms part of a farm belong-
to Earl Poulett.
''As regards the remains already disclosed, they reveal, at the distance
of about two feet below the surface of the soil, a space measuring about
30 feet by 20, which is evidently the remains of a portion of an extensive
residence inhabited some fifteen centuries ago by a Boman gentleman
who had brought with him to conquered Britain the luxurious habits of
his countrymen. The by no means careful excavators have revealed the
ground-floor of at least one large room and a passage, or an ante-room,
covered with mosaic pavement composed of the usual tessersB, of regular
design, and formed of about 12-inch squares of red, white, and blue, with
flues underneath, as usual (a hypocaust), for the Bomans heated their
living rooms from below. The tesserao are coarse and rather large, but
smaller and more elaborate ones have been found in fragments, as if to
indicate that the remains of the principal apartments are still buried
beneath the soil. Portions of the walls are visible, and the stucco with
which they were ornamented still shows the pattern and colours almost
as fresh as when first laid on. Fragments of roofing tiles are also in pro-
fusion. These tiles were evidently formed of blue clay resembling that
found in the neighbourhood of Westport, for the fire with which they
were burnt has reddened the surfaces only. Large quantities of ashes
have been carted away — the contents, perhaps, of the ash-pit, with oyster-
shells and other culinary tokens. There were also fragments of crockery,
an iron chisel, an ivory pin, and a great number of bones, apparently
those of human beings, including the almost perfect skeleton of an infant.''
(10.) By D. H. Robertson, M.D., F.S.A. Scot. ,
Great Britain's Coasting Pilot, being a new and exact Survey of the
Sea-Coast of England and Scotland, the Scilly Islands, and Orkney and
Shetland. By Captain Greenvile Collins. Large folio. Lond. 1776.
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336
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
(11.) By GrEORGB CoBSANB CuNiNOHAME, Esq., F.SA. Scot.
Blazons of the Ensignes of Britain and Armorial Bearings of the
Nohilitie of England, Scotland, and Ireland, MS., with coloured Plates,
supposed to be in the handwriting of Alex. Nesbit, the author of " A
System of Heraldry," first published in 1721. 12mo. Circa 1700.
A MS. '^ List of Persons concerned in the Bebellion, either as Principals
or as aiding and assisting the Bebels, within the various ports of Scot-
land, copied from the papers furnished by the officers of the Ports, and
delivered agreeable to the Lord Justice-Clerk's directions.'' MS. folio.
May to July 1746.
The volume contains reports from the ports of Leith, Dundee, Mon-
trose, Glasgow, Port-Olasgow, Ayr, Lrvine, Greenock, Aberdeen, An-
struther, Stranraer, Kirkcaldy, Banff, Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Stone-
haven, Dumfries, Borrowstounness, Prestonpans, Wigtown, Campbelton,
Orkney, Perth, Inverness, Lochbroom, Thurso, and Kirkcudbright.
(12.) By the Bight Hon. the Lord Provost, Magistratss, and
Council of the City of Edinburgh.
Beport on the Sanitary Condition of the City of Edinburgh, with rela-
tive Appendices, &c. By Henry D. Littlejohn, M.D. 8vo. Edin. 1865.
(13.) By James Stuart, Esq., the Author.
Historical Sketches of the Church and Parish of Fowlis Easter. 12mo.
Dundee, 1865.
(14.) By J. B. Appleton, Esq., P.S.A. Scot.
Notices of the Family of Evans. 4to (pp. 24). Newcastle, 1864.
The following Communications were read : —
AN ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS IN CAIRNS NEAR CRINAN. By thk
Rev. WILLIAM GREENWELL, M.A.. Cobe. Mem. SA. Soot. Communi-
GATED BY JOHN STUART, Esq.. Sec. S.A. Scot. (Plate XX.)
There is no part of Scotland which possesses more remains of interest,
connected with its early inhabitants, than that district of Argyleshire
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS IN CAIRNS NEAR CRINAN. 337
which horders upoD the GriDan Loch, and is iDcluded within the parishes
of Eilmartin and Eilmichael. The signs of early occupation are nume-
rous, and it also appears to have heen the centre round which the reli-
gious associations of the neighhouring people were drawn ; for I cannot
but regard the series of standing-stones, three of which still remain, as
places of religious and perhaps political assembly. The very large num-
ber of cairns and other places of interment seem to point to some sacred-
ness in this locality, just as, about the great circles of Avebury and
Stonehenge, the barrows have gathered in more than ordinary numbers.
Some persons, and amongst them many whose opinion is of great value,
are, I am aware, in favour of the theory that all circles and standing-
stones are nothing more than the distinguishing marks of places of
burial ; but to many of them I do not hesitate to attach a still more
sacred use. It cannot be denied that burials are found associated with
all, even the large circles and series of standing-stones; but this is
nothing more than what has occurred in Christian times, when the dead
were laid beside, and even within the church. At the same time, I am
quite willing to grant that the smaller circles, which enclose one or more
sepulchral deposits, in urns or cists, are nothing more than the fence
which made sacred the space within, and that they answer to the ring of
stones' or earth, which so often encircles a tumulus. Nor do I deny that
many standing-stones are simple memorials of the person who lies buried
beside or beneath them.
As I have said above, three series of standing-stones still remain in
this district, and in each case the series consists of seven stones. One
series, upon Largie farm, about a mile south of Eilmartin, has upon two
of the stones a great number of the small pits which are found so often
associated with the concentric circles. In one case a pit is surrounded
1 It has been conjectured that the circle of stoneB round the base of a tnmnlns is
merely placed there to support the sides. This view is, however, quite untenable.
In many instances circles are found within the tumulus, whilst, as at Eilmartin
(see p. 889), two are sometimes placed closely parallel to each other. In other
cases this circle is not close to the base of the tumulus, but some little space apart
from it, and therefore could not be intended as a support to it. The intention had
doubtless a deeper significance than this, and they were either sacred fences or
possessed some symbolical meaning.
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338 PROOESDINGB OF THE SOCIETT, FEBRUARY 1866.
by an incomplete circle, and has a duct leading from it. The stone upon
which this circle is engraved has about thirty of the pits, and four
smaller stones are set round it near the base, whilst close to it is the
remains of a sepulchral cist. The second series, near Ballymenach, about
three miles from Eilmartin, has four stones upon which the pits are
engraved, several of which have a circle round them, and a duct. One
of the stones, which has upon its east face several pits, has also a large
circular hole cut through it, near the base, of a similar shape to that
which exists in one of the stones at Stennis, and also upon other stand-
ing-stones in Scotland, England, Ireland, and many other parts of the
world. Places of interment are connected with this series of standing-
stones, which will be noticed more particularly hereafter. The third
series is near Kilmichael, but no pits or circles are found upon the stones
which compose it.
The same locality has already produced four rocks, profusely covered
with the enigmatical circular markings ; and it is probable that many
others exist, now covered with turf. As it is not the object of this paper
to do more than give a record of the examination of some of the sepul-
chral remains of the district, I will not enter further into the question of
these marked rocks, which, I am glad to say, is at present engaging
the attention of Professor Simpson.* A vitrified fort at Duntroon,
though a good deal destroyed, has still sufficient remains left to show its
peculiar character; and the neighbourhood affords some specimens of
small fortified places, half camp, half burgh.
The places of interment, in the shape of cairns, circles of stones or
of earth, and cists, placed below the surface of the ground, without any
mound over them, are very numerous. Most of the cairns have been
* An account of all the circular-marked stones and rocks in Northumberland, with
very accurate engravings, on a small scale, has just been published by Mr G^ige
Tate, F.G.S., in the Transactions of the Berwickshire Club ; it is also issued in a
separate form. Most careful and beautiful lithographed plates of the Northumber-
land circular markings, with a selection from those found in other parts of the
United Kingdom, drawn full-size, were in preparation by the Rev. J. C. Bruce, LL.D.,
the learned author of the " Roman Wall," under the auspices of the late Duke of
Northumberland. May we hope that the liberal patronage of his predecessor will
be extended by the present Duke to so magnificent and valuable a work ?
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAYATIONS IN CAIBNS NEAR CRINAN. 339
wholly, or in part, destroyed, many of them ahout forty years ago, when
very considerahle agricultural improvements took place ; hut many still
remain, a few of which I examined during the autumn of 1864; and of
these I propose to give a detailed account in this paper.
The first which I examined is situated upon the glebe land of Eil-
martin, ahout one hundred yards west of the church, on the haugh, by a
tributary of the Biver Add. It was opened to the centre on October Sd
and following days, a partial i)pening having been made July 12th. It
is made entirely of stones, the greater part of which are such rolled stones
as are found upon the land, whilst every here and there were slabs of
chlorite schist, which had apparently been taken from a neighbouring
rock. The cairn is 110 feet in diameter, and 13^ feet high. The exa-
mination was commenced on the south-west side, when, about 8 feet
from the outside, some stones were found standing upright and apart.
This proved to be a portion of one of a double circle of stones which was
enclosed within the cairn. The inner of these parallel circles was 27
feet in diameter, the outer one being 37 feet, the two thus standing about
5 feet apart, and the outer circle was about 16 feet from the centre of
the cairn. The stones which composed these circles were about 3 feet
high and 2 feet wide, and stood from 3 feet to 5 feet apart, except
for a space towards the centre of the cairn, where, in both circles, four
stones were found placed close together;* whilst another portion, a few
feet distant from these four stones, had the space between two upright
stones filled in by a wall of smaller stones placed flat. In the centre,
within the circles, was a cist made of four slabs of schist set on edge,
with a cover of the same stone. The cist, which lay N.E. by S.W., was
3 feet 5 inches long, 2 feet 4 Inches wide, and 21 inches deep. It was
^ This is not an unnsual feature in circles which enclose burials ; in fact it is, in
one shape or other, an almost universal one. The object seems to be to make the
circle incomplete. In cases where the circle is made of stones standing apart, and
whether it surrounds a tumulus or burials without any mound, or is enclosed within
a tumulus, it has usually one or more spaces between two of the stones filled up, either
by one stone or more. Where the circle is made of stones placed close together, or
is formed of earth, then one or more openings occurs in it. Is this the same idea
which is represented by the incomplete circles on the marked rocks, and by the penan-
nular rings, which presents so marked a feature in the gold remains of the period ?
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340 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBKUART 1866.
half filled with river gravel, and contained an urn covered by the gravel,
and a necklace of jet b^ads placed above the urn ; all trace of the body,
which had, there is no doubt, been au unbumt one, had disappeared.*
The urn is 6^ inches in diameter at the mouth, 9 inches at the middle,
and 2^ inches at the bottom ; and is 5 inches high, of a globular form,
with a round bottom, and four pierced ears, apparently for suspension.
It is completely covered with ornamentation, except on the bottom, and is
a very beautiful specimen of this class of urn. The ornament upon this,
as upon all the globular- shaped urns mentioned in this paper, is of the
same character as that on the urn from the centre of this cairn, fig. 3,
Plate XX.
The beads are twenty-eight in number, of which two are oblong, IJ
inch long and ^ inch wide, with six holes drilled through them length-
wise ; three cylindrical ; the rest being thin and rounded plates of various
sizes, some of them not above | inch in diameter.
On reaching the centre of the cairn, the primary interment was found
in a cist, formed by a hollow sunk in the surface of the ground, and lined
with rounded boulders, and having a large slab of schist, 9 feet long by
4 feet 7 inches wide, for its cover. The cist, which lay exactly N.E. by
S.W., was 7 feet 6 inches long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep, and was
filled to within about a foot of the cover with gravel. At the south-
west end was a flat stone laid across the cist about a foot from the bot-
tom, and upon this was a quantity of black unctuous matter and char-
coal. About a foot from this stone, on the south-east side, and nine inches
higher than it, was an urn, much broken and in part decayed, placed
amongst the gravel. At the north-east end of the cist was a flat stone,
similar to that at the opposite end. Upon it was a small, and below it a
large quantity of dark unctuous matter. No trace of bone was found in
* When no remains of the bones are found, I feel satisfied that the intennent has
been by inhumation ; and the very fact of the bones being absent would lead one to
infer this, without taking into consideration the type of the urn, if such was present,
which, however, would itself, as in this case, almost settle the question. Where the
body has been burnt, the remains of the bones are always found, for burnt bones seem
indestructible; at least in above one hundred cases which I have examined, I have
invariably seen the bones in precisely the same condition as they were when they
were deposited.
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS IN CAIRNS NEAR CRINAN. 341
the cist ; the body, or bodies — for it is probable, from the separate masses
of unctuous matter, that more than one was interred — had gone entirely
to decay, leaving no further trace than the dark substance which was
found upon and under the flat stones. The urn is one of a type similar
to many of the Irish urns, and is very characteristic of those which have
been found with unburnt bodies, and sometimes with bronze daggers, in
this part of Scotland. It is well made by the hand, of fine clay, and
fairly baked, and is of a pale reddish-brown colour. It is 5 inches high,
7 inches wide at the mouth, and 7^ inches at the rib just below the
mouth, and 3 inches at the bottom. It is very elaborately and tastefully
ornamented over the whole surface in series of horizontal and diagonal
lines, with a reticulated and scalloped pattern as well, the lines being
apparently formed by the impression of a narrow piece of bone or hard-
wood divided into squares by the raised ribs, fig. 3, Plate XX.
A considerable portion of the cairn on the north and east sides was
left untouched, and, judging from other cases, it is very probable that
one or more cists still remain undiscovered.
October 7th, 8th, and lOtb was spent in examining a large and very
remarkable cairn at Largie farm, about 300 yards N.E. of one of
the series of standing-stones. It is upon the property of John Malcolm,
Esq. of Poltalloch, by whose permission, and most liberal assistance in
providing labourers, the examination at this and all the other cairns was
made. This cairn has originally been a very large one, having a dia-
meter of 134 feet, but the greatest part had been removed many years
ago, when the stones had been taken for making walls and drains.
During this operation three cists were laid bare. The .first, which is 41
feet from the centre, and on the south side of the cairn, is made of four
slabs of schist, with a cover, and is 3 feet 8 inches long, 2 feet 8 inches
wide, and 3 feet deep — the cover being 7 feet 4 inches long, by 3 feet 6
inches broad. Whatever it contained had been removed when the cist
was laid bare, and it is now empty. The second one, on the north side,
is 24 feet from the centre of the cairn, and consists of four slabs of
schist, with a cover, and is 5 feet 4 inches long, 3 feet 1 inch wide, and
4 feet deep. When opened in the summer of 1864, it contained an urn,
much decayed, but no remains of the body, which had, no doubt, been
an unburnt one. The urn is of globular form, 3 J inches high, 4^ inches
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342 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
wide at the mouth, and 5| inches at the middle. It is highly orna-
mented over the whole surface, except on the hottom.
The central cist, of very large proportions and most interesting struc-
ture, had heen rifled in part when the removal of the cairn had laid it
bare ; so much, however, of its contents had been left undisturbed as to
make it one of the most instructive places of sepulture I have ever seen.
The cist is a long chamber, lying nearly due north and south. It has a
length of above 19 feet, a breadth of about 3f feet, and is about 9^ feet
in height, the sides being made of very large slabs of chlorite schist,
with portions of walling of smaller stones. It is covered with long slabs
of the same stone. The south end is filled up by one slab of schist ;
whilst the north, which has been the entrance, is open, with two large
upright stones placed transversely to the walls of the chamber, and form-
ing a rude kind of portal.^ It is divided into four compartments by
three flat slabs placed across the chamber, each being 2 feet 7 inches
high, and there was at the extreme south end an oblong stone resting
upon two upright stones, one at each end, which crossed the chamber 2
feet 7 inches from the bottom. At a distance of 11 feet 6 inches from
the north end, and 6 feet above the bottom, a long slab, 3 feet broad,
crossed the chamber. I regard all these cross slabs as a provision made
to prevent the collapsing of the sides when the large mass of stones,
which formed the cairn, pressed against them. The position in which
they are placed, relative to the side stones, and the apparent absence of
any other purpose in the supported slab at the south end, and in that
which crosses the chamber, 6 feet above the ground, seem to warrant
this conclusion. At the same time, these transverse stones practically
divide the chamber into four compartments, and in my description of
the contents I will treat it in this way. To commence, then, at the
south end. This compartment is 6 feet 8 inches long, and 3 feet 9
inches wide, having at the south the crossing stone, supported upon two
pillars, mentioned above. This compartment, like all the rest, was
filled to a certain extent with a considerable quantity of stones and rub-
bish, which had fallen or been thrown in through holes in the roof since
1 There are five large slabs, besides walling, upon the east side ; foar, besides
walling, upon the west side ; one at the south end ; and the two transverse ones at
the entrance. The roof is formed by six slabs.
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, ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS IN CAIRNS NEAR CRINAN. 343
the mass of the cairn had heen removed. On clearing this out we found
a small cist placed in the south-east comer. This, which was 2^ feet long
and 2 feet wide, was made of four stones, resting upon another flat one,
and had once possessed a cover, which had heen taken ofif, and which
was lying hy the side of the cist. We found nothing in it, the persons
who first rifled the chamber having lifted the cover and thrown out the
contents ; but I think we may refer some unbumt bones and fragments
of pottery, which were afterwards met with, to the burial in this small
cist. On removing it we found beneath a layer of dark earthy matter,
thickly interspersed with burnt bones; this layer spread throughout
nearly the whole compartment. Just north of the small cist, and on a
level with its bottom stone, was another flat slab, also covering burnt
bones amongst dark mould. Down the centre of the compartment,
running from south to north, was a pavement of small pebbles, very
carefully laid down, about 9 inches wide, having at its south end one
flat stone laid on the same level, and at the north end three smaller
stones, also laid flat, thus forming a termination to each end of the pave-
ment. Below this pavement was the layer of dark earthy matter already
mentioned, and a few burnt bones, these becoming more thickly spread
in the space between the pavement and the sides of the chamber; this
dark layer was found to rest upon a second pavement of pebbles.
Amongst the dark matter and burnt bones were great numbers of
broken quartz pebbles,^ one cow's tooth,* several fragments of flint,
amongst which were two knives or scrapers,' a portion of a knife, three
^ The number of quartz pebbles purposelj broken was very great in this cist.
The same has occurred elsewhere. They must have been placed there with some
intention, and probably possessed a symbolic meaning. In other districts flint
chippings are the usual accompaniments of interments, and it is possible that the
flints and quartz pebbles had the same significance.
* Teeth of cows or oxen have been frequently found with burials, not apparently
the remains of feasts, but placed, like flints, &c., with some symbolic meaning.
s The knife or scraper is the commonest implement which is found. It occurs by
thousands in the North and East Riding of Yorkshire upon the surface of the
ground, and is also the most Arequent accompaniment of burials after cremation,
having been sometimes burnt with the body, and sometimes placed amongst the
burnt bones after they were collected. It is of various shapes, the most common
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344 PROCBBDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
perfect and two broken barbed arrow-heads, very beautifully and deli-
cately chipped, all being unburnt. On the west side of the small cist
and lying upon the dark layer, was a single fragment of an urn, of which
we found several other fragments in another compartment. To the
north of the cist, and lying close to the side of the chamber, was an urn
sadly broken and decayed, but of a very novel and peculiar type, both as
regards its material and ornamentation, fig. 1, Plate XX. It has a round
bottom, from the centre of which run shallow and narrow flutings reaching
to the lip, which is broad and thick, and turns over with a convex surface,
that also being fluted like the side. The ware is dark coloured, almost
black, like some of the Anglo-Saxon pottery, well worked and thin, with
no broken stone amongst the clay, but apparently with a good deal of
sand worked into it. It is 6| inches high, 12| inches wide at the mouth,
the rim being 1^ inch wide. From the way in which this urn was
deposited amongst the undisturbed layer of dark earthy matter and burnt
bones, I cannot hesitate to attribute it to the primary interment, novel
as its type is, and though it partakes much more of a late than of an
early character. The introduction of the secondary interment and of the
small cist had probably caused it to be broken, but it had certainly been
deposited as a whole vessel at the time when the layer of dark matter
was placed in the chamber.
The next compartment is 4 feet long and 3 feet 9 inches wide. At
the bottom of the rubbish which had fallen through the roof, and above
the undisturbed deposit at the bottom, were numerous fragments of three
urns, of one of which a portion was found in the last compartment. Of
one of these sufficient is left to show the shape and style of ornamenta-
tion ; of the other two there is just enough to show that they are of the
same type, which is of the so-called '* drinking cup'' pattern. They
are very well made by hand, of fine clay, well baked, and of a reddish-
brown colour, and the ornament delicately and tastefully applied. This
being the round one, generally called a ** thnmb flint/' and it varies in size from
less than i an inch to above 8 inches in diameter. Another common form is an OTal
one, sometimes rather pointed, which is the shape of those found at Largie farm ;
a rarer form approaches in shape to an nnbarbed arrow-head. Its use is evidently
to scrape hides and bone. Implements of flint, identical in form, are used for the
same purpose by the Esquimaux at the present day.
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ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS IN CAIBN8 NEAR CRINAN. 345
consists of series of horizontal impressed lines running round the urn,
alternating with similarly encircling impressions of saltires, the first
made hy a narrow piece of hone divided into squares hy sunk lines, the
other by the application of a sharp oval-ended piece of bone or wood f th
inch long, impressed saltire-wise ; below this is a plain band, and then
impressed lines similar to those first mentioned, but having between them,
in place of saltires, horizontal impressions made by the same instrument
which made the saltires ; below this a plain band, and then the first series
repeated. The inside of the lip has an encircling row of the saltires be-
tween four lines of impressed thong, two on each side. These urns are of
the type * which is always found with unbumt bodies, and I have no doubt
that they had been originally deposited with such — one probably in the
small cist, the other in different parts of the chamber, and associated with
the secondary interments of which we found some remains nearer the
entrance.
On reaching the bottom of this compartment there was found the same
deposit of dark earthy matter, with burnt bones as in the last, and also,
like it, resting upon a rough pavement of pebbles.
In the next compartment, which is 4 feet 6 inches long, we met with,
amongst the rubbish which partially filled it, several bones of unbumt
bodies, together with some animal bones of oxen, and a few fragments of
a rudely-made, dark-coloured urn, without any pattern upon it. All
these remains had evidently been removed from their original place of
deposit, and thrown in amongst the rubbish . There was no layer of earthy
matter, burnt bones, chippings of flint or quartz, or pebble pavement, at
the bottom of this compartment, nor the slightest trace of any interment.
The outer compartment, which is 4 feet long and 8 feet 8 inches wide,
had a wall of small flat stones built up on each side to a height of about
2 feet 7 inches, having a space 2 feet 2 inches wide in the centre.
Amongst the rubbish which filled this space we came upon a considerable
quantity of ox bones, and several unbumt human bones, amongst them
1 An urn, almost identical in size, shape, and ornamentation with those in the
Largie farm chamber, was fonnd with an unbumt body in a barrow on Ronndway
HiU, near Devizes, Wiltshire. There were also fonnd, accompanying the body, a
barbed flint arrow-head and a bronze dagger. The nm is figured in ''Crania
Britannica," plate xlii.
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346 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
portions of three lower jaws. All these had certaiDly been dis-
placed from their original position and been redeposited here, and were
no doubt other portions of the secondary interments with which the urns
of the " drinking cup " type had been deposited. Lower down were two
pieces of flint, but no trace of a burial.
The features connected with this sepulchral chamber supply us with
some valuable facts relative to the different modes of interment which
were in use, it is most probable, at different periods. We learn from it
that, in this part of Scotland, at all events, the earliest interments in the
large megalithic chambers are of burnt bodies. The original and undis-
turbed layer, with burnt bones in it, at the bottom of the two most
southern compartments— the only ones which contained any primary
burials — proves this most distinctly. The examination of the similarly
constructed chamber in a cairn at Eilchoan, by my friend the Rev. B.
J. Mapleton, of which a detailed account is appended, has produced very
strong corroborative evidence of this. The remains of unburnt bodies
which were found in this chamber in the cairn at Largie farm, and also in
that at Eilchoan, belong most unquestionably to a later, it may be to a
considerably later, period than the deposits of burnt bones in the same
chambers. These unburnt bodies belong most probably to the same period
as that during which the corpse was frequently placed in a cist sunk below
the fiurface of the ground, and where apparently no mound ^ was ever
raised over it. With these interments were buried beautifully made urns,
and in some cases bronze daggers, and of such cists numerous examples
have been found in the district. This priority of cremation to burial by
inhumation quite agrees with my experience in districts farther south ;
and though I do not doubt that there was a still earlier time than
this of burning, during which the body was interred unburnt, I am
1 1 have known of so many instances where cists containing nnbnmt bodies, sunk
below the surface, and having no perceptible moxind over them, have been found in
situations where the plough cannot have destroyed all trace of a mound, that I am
persuaded a great number, perhaps the greatest number, of cist burials in the later
period of bronze, were without barrows. Their number must be great, for very few
out of those which no doubt exist, owing to there being no outward indication, are
likely to haye been discoyered ; and yet great numbers have turned up, principally
through deep ploughing.
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ACCOUNT OF BrCAVATIONS IN CAIRNS NEAR CRINAN. 347
inclined to think that many of the instances, upon which Dr Wilson
bases his theory of the megalithic chambers having been made by a
people who buried their dead unburnt, would have turned out, if the
examinations had been made with care, to have been, like that in ques-
tion at Largie farm, the places of burial after cremation, and used in
later times for the reception of unburnt bodies. The contents of this
chamber enable us to trace either identity of race or the influence of
intercourse between widely separated tribes, for the Largie farm cairn
and a Wiltshire barrow have produced urns, the one almost a facsimile
of the other; and though we may imagine that natural cleavage, and a
want common to all races in the same stage of civilisation, might produce
similar implements in flint, we cannot conceive such to hold good in pro-
ductions showing design and artistic feeling, such as these urns exhibit.
There must have been some common teaching other than that which
nature bestows to give rise to articles manufactured like these.
October 14th was spent in examining a cist in a large cairn at Dun-
craigaig, the greater part of which had been previously opened by Mr
Mapleton. I include both the examinations in one account. The cairn,
which consists entirely of stones, is about 100 feet in diameter ; what the
height has been it is impossible to say, as the greater part had been re-
moved long ago. In the centre was a cist, made of four slabs of schist,
with a cover, 4 feet 6 inches long, 2 feet 6 inches wide, and 2 feet 6
inches deep, lying E.N.E. and W.S.W. Upon the cover stone was an
unburnt body, gone almost entirely to decay, lying east and west. The
cist was nearly filled with a mixture of clay, sand, and gravel, amongst
which were calcined bones and charcoal, an urn, and a few flint chip-
pings. Below the mixture was a pavement of flagstones, and under that,
amongst clay, an unburnt body, doubled up, the head being to the N.E.
The urn is of a globular form, 4 inches high, 4| inches wide at the
mouth, and 5| inches at the middle, and covered with ornament, except
on the bottom.
About 22 feet east of this was a second cist, 1 foot 6 inches long, 1
foot 3 inches wide, and 1 foot 3 inches deep, lying N.E. by S.W., and
partly filled with gravel. Upon the surface of the gravel was an urn,
and amongst the gravel burnt bones, and a few flint chippings. The
urn, of a globular form, is 3| inches high, 4} inches wide at the mouth,
VOL. VI PART n. 2 a
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348 PHOCEKDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
and 5f inches at the middle, and is ornamented over the whole surface,
including the hottom.
On the south side of the cairn, 27 feet from the outside, was a very
large and remarkable cist. It consisted of a hollow made in the natural
surface of the ground, and lined with rolled stones, which also rose above
the surface. Upon these rested a large slab of chlorite schist, 14 feet
long, 8 feet 4 inches broad, and 15 inches thick. The cist, which lay
W.S.W. by E.N.E., was 7 feet 6 inches long, 3 feet 2 inches wide, and
3 feet 6 inches deep. On a pavement of flat stones at the west end was
a deposit of dark earthy matter, which contained the remains of more
than one burnt body; and under three of the flat stones, about 2^ feet
from the west end, was another deposit of burnt bones. About the
middle of the cist, where the burnt bones had become less frequent,
were some remains of an unbumt body much decayed, and possibly dis-
turbed since it had been first deposited. Beyond the middle, and to-
wards the east end, all trace of bone, either burnt or unbumt, was want-
ing, nor was there any signs that an interment had ever taken place at
that end. No flint, quartz, or fragment of pottery was found in any part
of the cist. It will be observed that in this cist, as in those at Largie
farm and Eilchoan, the primary deposit had been of burnt bodies, to
which had afterwards been added a burial by inhumation. It is true
that in the central cist in this cairn, and which might, therefore, be re-
garded as the primary place of interment, the burial was by inhumation.
Judging, however, from the size of the large and exterior cist, and the
correspondence of its contents to those at Largie farm and Eilclioan, it
is not improbable that this large cist had been the primary place of in-
terment, and that the cairn had been added to it towards the north at a
later period. Amongst the stones of which the cairn consisted were
found at diflerent spots a whetstone, a hatchet of greenstone 6 inches
long and 3 inches broad at the cutting edge, a flint knife, and several
fragments of pottery.
On October 15th a sepulchral circle at Ballymenach was examined.
It is situated 140 yards south of one of the series of standing-stones,
before mentioned — that which has one of its stones with a pierced circu-
lar hole in it, and several with pits and circles engraved upon them. The
sepulchral circle consists of an earthen mound, with stones placed upon
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ACCOUNT OF KXCAVATION8 IN CAIRNS NEAU CRINAN, 349
it at intervals, having a ditch within it. It is 95 feet in diameter
measuring to the outside of the mound, and 66 feet diameter within the
ditch. Two opposite entrances^ lead within the circle, on the east and
west sides. A careful examination of the enclosed space disclosed two
cists. One was south-east of the centre, and 29 feet from the exterior
mound ; it was formed of four side stones and a cover, and was 3 feet
long, 1 foot 4 inches wide, and 1 foot 10 inches deep, and lay N.E.
by S.W. At the bottom was some mixed sand and gravel, above
which were the broken remains of an nm of the '^ drinking cup " type,
and the remains of unbumt bodies, in the shape of the teeth of apparently
three persons. The cover had been previously removed, when the urn
was broken, and a considerable portion of it taken away. It is 7 inches
liigh, 5} wide at the mouth, and 5 inches at the swelling part above the
basC) fig. 2, Plate XX. It is ornamented with three lines running round
it below the lip ; under these are reversed triangles, those which point
upwards filled with horizontal lines, the alternate ones pointing down
being plain ; below these are three encircling lines, then a plain space,
then three encircling lines, and below them triangular spaces similar to
those above, but having the series of horizontal lines in those spaces
which point down. All the lines are made by the impression of a narrow
piece of wood or bone divided into squares by thin grooves.* Near the
centre was a much larger cist, 6 feet long, 2 feet 9 inches wide, and
2 feet 4 inches deep, the side stones of which were 9 feet long. It lay
N.E. by S.W. A portion of the cover stones had been broken off at some
former time, and an entrance efifected, when no doubt the cist was rifled.
The bottom had a few inches of gravel upon it, and above the gravel was
a very regularly formed pavement of small rounded pebbles. Nothing
whatever was found in the cist.
October 16th was spent in examining what was left of a partially
destroyed cairn at Budle, of which scarcely anything remained of that
above the surface of the ground. Three cists were found below the sur-
face, all upon the south-east side,' and of small size. One contained an
1 See note, p. 888.
' I have an urn, almost identical in form and ornamentation, found near Roth-
bury, Northumberland, with an unbomt body.
^ It may be laid down as a rule, that other interments than that in the centre of
2 a2
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350 PROCEEDINGS OF THB 800IBTY, FBBRUART 1866.
urn, rudely formed, with no remains of the body. The urn is 6 inches
high, 6^ inches wide at the mouth, and 3f inches at the bottom. It has
a project! ug rib 2 J inches from the top, from which it gradually tapers
to the bottom. The ornament is formed by vertical and horizontal lines
of impressed thong.
A second, which bad been opened before, contained a few portions of
an unburnt body, some small fragments of a very rudely formed urn, and
a " thumb flint," of the long type, fig. 4, Plate XX. The third cist,
which had also been preriously opened, contained nothing.
In concluding this notice of places of burial, which I either partially
or wholly examined in person, I may also mention that, from time to
time, several cists have been found in the same locality, over many of
which no cairns seem ever to have been raised. These cbts have been
placed below the surface of the ground, and have generally been found
to contain urns of a very superior make and style of ornamentation, in
type much like that from the Eilmartin cairn, fig. 3, Plate XX. ; in some
instances these cists have contained a bronze dagger. The skeleton, or
indeed any part of it, has very rarely been found, having gone entirely
to decay, as is usually the case when a cairn of stones covers the inter-
ment. Where air and wet get such free admission as they do in cairns,
the body decomposes much more rapidly than where a compact mass of
earth covers it.
The examination of the burial places, described in this paper, affords
some facts bearing upon the question of the relationship which existed
between the people of Argyleshire and of other and neighbouring
countries. As was mentioned before, the urns which occurred in the
cairns and burial circles are, in shape, material, and style of ornament,
very similar to those which have been found on the opposite coast of
Ireland, and from this it may be inferred that the two countries were,
in prehistoric times, occupied by the same race. That a constant inter-
course was kept up between the two shores is evidenced by the Argyle-
shire implements, which are made from a chertsose flint coming from
a iamnlus are npon the sonih and east sides. The same feeling which prompted
this prevailed in Christian times, when the south side of the churchyard was always
selected as the place of burial.
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NOTICE OF A CAIRN AT KILCHOAN, ARGYLE8H1RB. 351
IrelaDd. The identity of the people wlio inhabited the west of Scotland
and the north-east of Ireland, in historic times, is certain, and that can
scarcely have altogether arisen from the later Scotic occupation from
Ireland, which was indeed only the migration of tribes to places already
occupied by others related to them. This earlier and prehistoric rela-
tionship is quite borne out by the evidence which the burial mounds
afford. At the same time they show a wider intercourse and influence
in art and manufacture, and probably a racial connection, which extended
far beyond the limits of adjoining districts, for some of the urns are
Hcarcely to be distinguished from those which have been found in
England at places far removed from'^^Argyleshire. One cist produced
an urn identical with one from the middle of Northumberland, whilst
another showed fragments of three urns, of a very marked type, almost
facsimiles of one found in Wiltshire. Unfortunately nothing as to race^
can be gathered from the remains of the bodies, of which no portions of
skulls were found, save the fragments of some lower jaws.
II.
NOTICE OF A CAIRN AT KILCHOAN, ARGYLESHIRE, AND ITS CON-
TENTS. By the Rev. R. J. MAPLETON, M.A. Communicated by
J. STUART, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot.
About a quarter of a mile N.E. of the vitrified fort referred to in the
paper of Mr Green well, up a small glade, are the remains of a megalith ic
cist, in many respects similar to the one on Largie farm — though not
quite so large — which I examined December 28, 29, 30, 1864.* The
^ Mr Mapleton fonnd the skeleton of a female in a partial!}' destroyed cairn at
Tyness, near Kilmartin. The female skull is never so typical as the male, and has
generally a tendency to dolicho-cephalism, and therefore this skull cannot be
considered as of the same value as if it had been that of a male. It falls, however,
as we should expect, into the type of the brachy-cephalic skulls of the round
barrows of the bronze period, having a parietal breadth of very nearly *77 to a
length of 1-00.
^ Kilchoan is about a quarter of a mile west of a set of rock-markiDgs, of which
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362 PROCEKDINGH OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
place is called **Kilchoan/' — the cil or burying-place of St John. The
legend is that there was a burying-place there a few years ago ; but I can-
not find any remains of the chapel, nor can I hear of them from men
who have been employed in numerous alterations.
The only sign of interment that I have been able to discover was a
long loose stone grave — for I cannot call it a cist — about 100 yards west
of the cist. It was just below the level of the present road, and its dimen-
sions were 6 feet 6 inches long, 2 feet 4 inches wide, and 1 foot 6 inches
deep. It was composed of two very thin slabs of schist, on one side —
very loosely and carelessly put together — on the other side only one slab
remained. The two end stones were in their place; the cover was
gone.
The great cist has evidently at some time been covered with a cairn
of the usual construction, viz., rounded stones and occasionally blocks
of schist. I can trace these for 36 feet on the south side, but all have
been removed on the north and east to make way for a very old road
The ground on the south side is still two or three feet higher than on the
north, from the remains of the cairn.
The cist is placed E.N E. by W.S.W., and consists of a chamber
14 feet 8 inches in length, 8 feet 3 inches in height at the highest
part, and varying from 4 feet 8 inches to 2 feet 8 inches in width.
It is formed by six heavy massive slabs of chlorite schist — three on
each side — one of which is 7 feet long, 3 feet 2 inches deep, and
about 5 inches thick ; another is 6 feet long and 13 inches thick. The
first pair (i. e., at the east end) are not parallel, but converge towards
the east ; so that the western edges are 4 feet 8 inches, and the eastern
only 3 feet apart. The next, or middle pair, are placed just inside the
others, so that their outer surface just touches the inner surface of the
others, like the slides of a telescope. The third, or western pair, are
placed in the same manner as the eastern, so that the western end is
narrower than the middle. These form the cist proper, and are sunk
into the ground, so that the interments were below the surface.
all have been deatroyed but one or two markings. It is also one mile s'^uth of an-
other set-f. <?., a flat crown of rock — with ten or eleven markings in it Both sets
flre in the same glade.
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NOTICE OF A CAIllN AT KILCHOAX, ABO\LE8UIR£. 353
The roof was formed by large heavy slabs of chlorite schist, sup-
ported on pillars— of which four are still standing, and two of the cover
slabs still rest upon them, though displaced. One (towards the east)
is 8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 1 foot 3 inches thick at one end, but only
3 or 4 inches at the other. Another, which covered the west end, is 6
feet long, 4 feet 10 inches wide, and 10 inches thick. There is another
slab at the east end, which a man told me was resting on two pillars four
years ago — and / also remember it well ; it is 5 feet 9 inches long, 2
feet 6 inches in width. This I believe to have been the cover of the
entrance to the cist.
There are only four of these pillars remaining, unless the stone at the
west end of the building was one, but there is every appearance that
others have been removed. The four that remain are placed thus — One
pillar on each side of the cist, at the east end ; and one pillar on each
side, where the middle and west side slabs meet.
Those at the east end converge towards the east, following the direc-
tion of the side slabs. One of them is 5 feet 2 inches in height, 3 feet 9
inches wide, and about 10 or 11 inches thick. The other is 4 feet 10
inches high, and 2 feet 9 inches wide. The two project a little beyond
the end of the chamber. Those in the middle are about 3 feet 4
inches high, and 2 feet wide; but to compensate for this want of height,
a cross bar of stone, 6 feet 10 inches long, and 1 foot 8 inches thick,
rests upon these pillars ; and the cover upon the bar, and the thickest
part of the cover is at this end. These pillars are placed close to the
side slabs, so as to add strength as well as to support the cover. In this
respect this cist dififers from the Largie cist, viz., that whereas in the
Largie cist the cover rests upon the walls themselves, in this cist it rests
upon pillars placed outside the slabs forming the central cist.
The chamber was evidently higher at the east or entrance end than at
the other ; and the remarkable convergence, both of the side slabs and
also of the pillars, at the east end, seems intended for an entrance.
The chamber is divided into three compartments by two thick strong
slabs placed across the cist, just where the three pairs of side slabs
join.
They are not so high as the side slabs by several inches, and were
evidently intended for strength, as well as for divisions. They are about
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354 PKOCEEDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
2 feet 2 inches deep. Several blocks and small slabs of stone are lying
about, and some in the cist, which may have been used to fill up the
spaces between the pillars* At the west end of this chamber, and 8 feet
from it, is another cist, of the ordinary construction— of four slabs and
a cover with a cross bar or tie, at the east end, near the top. The cist is
four feet by 2 feet 8 inches, and 2 feet deep. The cover is 7 feet 4
inches by 4 feet 2 inches, and about 7 inches thick.
The first compartment (i.e., that at the east end, nearest to the en-
trance) is 3 feet 4 inches in length. Its width is 3 feet at the east end,
and 4 feet 8 inches at the west end ; depth, 3 feet.
On removing the stones and rubbish which had filled it up, I found a
kind of white concrete, full of charcoal, extending over the whole sur-
face. On this concrete were deposits of burnt bone, but chiefly at the
sides and in the comers. One very fine well-made flint implement of
a long form was found about the centre. Under the concrete were about
3 or 4 inches of imported yellow sand. In this we found two manu-
factured oblong flint implements, not unlike an elongated gun flint ; half
of a tapering knife or scraper, apparently of a coarse camelian, round at
the end ; several unfinished implements, and chips of flint. These were
found under the concrete and deposit of bone. The concrete appeared
as if it had never been disturbed.
The second compartment is 5 feet 2 inches long by 3 feet 5 inches
wide, and 3 feet 5 inches deep.
A cross bar of stone had formerly been placed near the top at the
west end ; and it was found lying at the bottom with burnt bones upon
it, behind it, and under it.
The bone was coarsely burnt. Bather large fiat stones were placed
in various parts of this compartment, forming recesses, in which were
burnt bone. There have evidently been several deposits. Among the
sand at the bottom was a round stone, even, but not polished, about 3
inches in diameter.
A flake of flint, leaf-shaped, but not otherwise manufactured, was
iound adhering to the wall in one corner. Half of a rough knife and
two or three chips and small flakes of flint were found in the sand.
The third compartment is composed of two side slabs, one of which
is 7 feet in extreme length, and 3 feet deep; an end slab, 6 feet high,
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NOTICE OF A CAIIIN AT KILCHOAN, ARQYLE&HIRE. 355
13 incheH thick; and the dividing slab at the east end. This compart-
ment is 4 feet 8 inches long, 2 feet 8 inches wide, and 2 feet 8 inches
deep.
Among the rubbish and soil thrown out was a portion of a very fine
urn/ thick and very well baked, and two pieces of old unhumt bone. A
pavement of stones, not very carefully made, covered the surface under^
the rubbish, and under this was a great quantity of imperfectly burnt bone,
chiefly at the sides and in the comers. Two small cow's teeth unbumt
were found in the sand, and seven well-finished flint implements of various
shapes — ^long, oval, triangular, &c. — with several flakes and chips of flint.
On digging through the sand to the rock beneath it, we found charcoal,
almost on the rock itself. Some pieces were very large (i.e. in diameter
as large as a shilling), and in one spot especially the sand was run,
hardened, and reddened by fire. The whole surface of sand gave me the
impression of being baked, even, in compartments one and two ; but there
could be no possible mistake with respect to number three, as the sand
was reddened by fire, and in some places run,
I wish to draw attention to this, as it seems to me to prove that the
primary interment in this cist was by " cremation '" and as we dug to the
rock in all three compartments, we could not find the least appearance of
unctuous matter or discoloured soil. The exact position of the unbumt
bone I cannot give, only it was above the pavement.
The other cist at the end did not produce a fragment of bone or flint,
and only one or two pieces of charcoal among the sand. The place had
long been a play-place for children, and was filled with shells and broken
crockery.
I must add, in reference to a note of Mr Greenwell's, that broken quartz
pebbles were found in all the three compartments — some even among
the sand under the concrete and pavement, where they could hardly have
come by accident.
1 The fragment consists of a portion from the rim to the middle. Inner lip,
plain ; outer lip, two rows of large rough impressions ; a raised rib, and large dec'p
flutings, vertical ; another raised rib. The substance is very well baked, red, fine
material, I inch thick where broken off in the middle.
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356 FBOCEEDINQS OF THB SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
III.
NOTICE OF HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN DIGGING AT THE
CITADEL, NORTH LEITH. By D. H. ROBERTSON, Esq., M.D., F.S.A.
Scot.
The citadel of North Leith was erected by order of Oliver Cromwell
in 1653. It was garrisoned by the Protector's troops till the Restora-
tion, when it was given in grant to the Earl of Lauderdale. Greneral
Monk at one period resided there, as appears by the Trinity House re-
cords. It is represented in Grreenvile Gollins's Chart, originally pub-
lished in his '' Great Britain's Coasting Pilot/' 1G93, as a quadrangular
fortification, with large angular bastions and ditch. The north-eastern
bastion has been exposed in the recent drainage works. It is composed
of solid and massive mason-work, rough towards the ditch and sea, but
well chiselled in the inner front. The ditch on the other side was found
at the depth of 10 feet to be soft and almost muddy. The soil was of a
very black colour, and on what might have been its slope the remains of
about forty adult male skeletons were excavated. The skeletons I ap-
prehend to have been those of the troops who died while garrisoned
there, as we have no record of any assault having been made on the fort.
Opposite the north entrance to the Mariners' Church a number of coins
were found near the surface. These were chiefly foreign copper ones of
the smaller Grerman States, and several halfpennies of George II.
One portion of the citadel still remains. It consists of a lengthened
arched doorway of massive masonry, with a cutting which might possibly
have been for a portcullis.
In the writer's boyhood days, the area of the citadel formed the site
for the travelling circus and strolling booths, where Douglas, and the
Warlock of the Glen, were performed to the entire satisfaction of the
beholders; but the terminus of the Edinburgh, Leith, and Gran ton
Railway, and the Mariners' Church, have occupied the space, and left
these neither a local habitation nor a name.
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NOTICE OF THREE SMALL BRONZE BLADES OR INBTBUMKNT8. 357
IV.
NOTICE OF THREE SMALL BRONZE BLADES, OR INSTRUMENTS
BELIEVED TO BE RAZORS, AND A BRONZE SOCKETED CELT IN
THE MUSEUM OF THE SOCIETY; WITH REMARKS ON OTHER
SMALL BRONZE BLADES. By JOHN ALEXANDER SMITH, M.D.,
Sec. S.A. Scot.
Some time ago my attention was called to this peculiar class of minor
bronze antiquities, and I read a paper on the subject in April 1863,
which was published in the " Proceedings of the Society," vol. v., de-
scribing a singularly shaped and apparently unique bronze implement
(Fig. 1) found at Einleith, near Currie, in the immediate vicinity of
Edinburgh, which I had then the pleasure of presenting to the Museum
of the Society. (For the sake of reference, the figures of the bronze
implements described in that communication are repeated here) : —
This double bladed bronze relic, found at Einleith, I considered to be in
all probability an ancient depilatory instrument or razor, and analogous
in character to the double edged implements of bronze, of nearly similar
length of blade, found in Ireland ; three specimens of which are pre-
served in the valuable Museum of the Boyal Irish Academy, and another
and larger specimen in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. (The
accompanying woodcut (Fig. 2) gives a representation of the largest of
these implements, copied from the catalogue of the Boyal Irish Academy,
1861.) No bronzes of a kind similar to these Irish implements or razors
were known to have been found in Great Britain until a very recent
period, when one was discovered in the island of Anglesea, along with
bronze tweezers, beads of amber, &c., and is thus referred to by Mr Albert
Way, in a letter with which he was kind enough to favour me :—
" Since I had the pleasure of corresponding with you regarding the
relic of bronzer from Einleith, my brother-in-law, Mr Stanley, w)io
lives near Holyhead, and has always a keen eye on any antiquities
there or in Anglesea, has sent me several objects found in that island,
a string of large amber beads, a pair of bronze tweezers, numerous
bronze rings, such as abound in Ireland ; some other bronze relics of
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358
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
very HiberniaD character, and a bronze ' razor/ I believe no specimen
has been found out of Ireland ; but the ancient ornaments, &c., found
in Anglesea, and on the shores of those parts of North Wales, bear
Fig. 1. — Bronze Implement found at Kinleith, Mid Lothian.
(Scale, size of original.)
a strong resemblance to Irish relics of their class respectively, and
confirm the supposition that the marauding Irish were occupants of
these districts."
Mr Way. sends me a sketch of the bronze relic (an enlarged copy of
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yOTICB OF THREE SHALL BRONZB BLADES OR INSTRUMENTS. 359
which I exhibit). It corresponds in general character and size to the
bronzes found in Ireland, the blades, however, are more rounded above,
the divided points being less separated from one another, and the posterior
points less distinctly barbed than in the Irish specimen (Fig. 2). It
has the same round perforation below the bifid extremity, but has this
peculiarity, however, and difference from the Irish as well as the other
specimens to be described, that the fissure between the points of the
blades opens into the rounded hole itself. From the thicker tang or
handle two parallel longitudinal grooves or lines run upwards in the
middle of the blade.
Fig. 2. — Bronzo Razor (as supposed), from Museum of Royal Irish Academy,
Dublin. (Scale, one-half of size.)
Since my former paper was read I have noticed among the collec-
tion of smaller bronzes in our Museum three relics closely allied, or
indeed almost identical in character, to the bronzes found in Ireland ;
and the special object of this communication is to bring these under
the notice of the Society, as they appear somehow to have been
overlooked in the published catalogues of the Museum. Indeed, I
have not been able as yet to find any notice of them in the Minute-
books, or among the MSS. papers, and Mr M'Culloch, whose
services have been brought under requisition, states that after a
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360 PR00EBDING8 OF THE 80CIBTY, FEBRUARY 1866.
carefal search, he has been quite unable to find any account of
them among the papers of the Society. Luckily, in the course of
the search, a water-colour sketch was found, which gives full-sized
figures of these three bronzes, so exactly delineated, that it would
appear as if the bronzes themselves had been simply laid on the card,
and their outlines drawn around them. This sketch associates with
them a bronze socketed celt, showing on one side of the neck the
remains of a loop, which has been broken ofif ; and as the length of the
sides of the celt are slightly unequal, an obliquity is thus given to its
face. The colour of the metal of these different implements also corre-
sponds closely, as shown in the drawing. It was, therefore, an easy
matter, from these various peculiarities, to select from the collection
in the Museum of the Society this identical celt, and on com-
paring it with the full-sized drawing, it was found exactly to corre-
spond ; the celt, like the others, having been outline<t from the original
itself. The yellowish green colour of the tarnish or serugo of the celt,
and the three small bronzes was also exactly similar, the character of the
yellowish bronze being apparently the same in all. These different
objects are numbered in the original drawing in such a way as apparently
to show a relation between the celt and the other bronzes ; the largest
bronze blade being marked as No. 1, the celt No. 2, and the two smaller
bronze blades Nos. 3 and 4. They would appear, therefore, to have some
connection with one another, and were probably all found together. (The
annexed drawings of these bronze relics, to a scale of half the size of
the original, will show their general character, Fig. 3, 1-4.)
The bronze blades are apparently somewhat ruder in character than
those found in Ireland, at least than the example figured before (Fig. 2),
but in other respects they closely correspond, as well as to the one
described by Mr Way ; and although they are much chipped and in-
jured, it is easy to see that they have had a sharp edge on each side,
the blades being double. The stem or handle is the thickest part, being
about a tenth of an inch in thickness, and the centre of the bronze plate
is also generally thicker than the rest of the blade, the metal being thinned
gradually away towards the edges all round ; and, with the exception of
the groove on No. 1, none of them show any traces of ornament
The largest specimen, No. 1, measures 3^ inches in total length, the
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NOTICE OF THREE 6MALL BRONZE BLADES OR INSTRUMENTS. 361
blade being 2 inches in length, and the handle 1^ inch ; and the blades
are 2^ inches in greatest breadth ; it seems to be more rounded in its
general outline than the others, in this respect resembling the one
found in Anglesea, and described by Mr Way. A simple, shallow groove,
probably for ornament, runs up the centre of the plate from the handle
towards the forked extremity, in the line of the more distinctly defined
8. 4.
Pig. 8. — Bronze Implements or Razors, and Socketed Celt, from the Museum
of the Society. (Scale, half the size of the original.)
middle rib or ornamented projection of the Irish example (figured before.
Fig. 2). The other and smaller examples show less of this central projec-
tion, and are devoid of ornamental markings of any kind. The next
in size, No. 3, measures 3^ inches in total length, the blades rather
more than If inches long, and 1^ inch in greatest breadth ; the handle
has been broken across at its junction to the blade. The third speci-
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362
PRO0EBDING8 OF THK SOCIKTY, FEBRUARY 1866.
men, No. 4, is 2^ inches in total length, the hlades being If inch long
and If inch in greatest breadth. The blades of all of them are much
chipped and broken, still their correspondence in character with the Irish
examples is distinct enough ; they project but slightly backwards, how-
ever, on each side of the handle, and terminate above in a forked or
Fig. 4. — Bronze ImplemeDt (Fig. 8, No. 1) from Museum, showing how it may
have been held for use. (Scale, one-half of size.)
notched extremity with blunt edges, the points of the double blades
apparently running slightly outwards on each side. Two of these bronzes
are pierced, as in the Irish specimens, with a small round hole near the
forked extremity farthest from the handle. In No. 3, however, this per-
foration does not exist.
I have already stated my opinion that this small round opening may
have been simply for enabling the bronze to be suspended, for convenience
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NOTICE OF THREE SMALL BRONZE BLADES OR INSTRUMBNTa 363
or ornament, as well as for the purpose of preserving the sharp edges of
the blades from being blunted. It appears to me, however, it might
in addition, be possibly of another use, — assisting in the firmer hold-
ing of the blade, by having a small twig, the shaft of a feather, or a pin
passed through it, on which the forefinger could rest, while the tang of
the bronze was held between the thumb and the second finger, and in
this way give a facility for using the blade as a depilatory instrument, in
adapting its edges to any part of the face (Fig. 4). This supposed addi-
tional use of the round opening, would do away with the difficulty of
believing it was intended merely for suspension, which meets us in the
case of the bronze described by Mr Way, in which the out or fissure
between the points has been made to run into this round opening itself.
It may also be noticed, that in the bronze (Fig. 3, No. 4, figured before), in
which there is no round opening, you have the points of the blades more
apart or separated from one another, so that the point of the forefinger
could be easily hooked on the blunt edges between them, and thus render
the presence of any opening unnecessary ; while in the other cases, as
also in Mr Way's specimen, the points of the blades are so close together
that no finger-point could be introduced between them, and in these the
round opening is present, to allow of the introduction, it may be, of the
twig or pin on which the finger could rest, when the razor was required
for use. None of the tangs or handles of these relics show any appear-
ance of having been fixed to any kind of additional handle ; they have
apparently been used by being simply held between the thumb and
fingers. Such an arrangement for the use of these bronzes as that
now suggested, would also make them correspond somewhat to that of
the Kihleith bronze (Fig. 5), and to those found in the lake-houses of
Switzerland, where the forefinger may have been simply hooked over
the upper part of the blades.
The celt (Fig. 3, No. 2) measures rather more than 3^ inches in greatest
length, and about 2^ inches across the face, which is a little oblique,
fVom one side of the celt being slightly shorter than the other. It is
quadrilateral in shape towards the socket, the socketed part being oval ;
its neck is surrounded by a slight projection or collar measuring rather
more than f of an inch in breadth ; besides this, it is destitute of any
ornament ; the sides or edges are slightly bevelled, and it shows on
VOL. VI. PART II. 2 B
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364
PROCEEDINGS OP THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 1866.
one side the remains of the loop which has been broken off a little below
the neck. This somewhat quadrilateral or square-necked style of socketed
celt is apparently a common vcuriety among those found in Scotland.
These three bronze implements are of considerable interest, as well
from their comparative rarity as from their being apparently found
along with this rather rude form of socketed celt, a testimony in all pro-
Fig. 6. — Bronze Implement from Kinleith, showing how it may have been held
for use. (Scale, one-half of size.)
bability to their great antiquity ; and still more, from the possibility of
their having been found in Scotland, and so far as I am aware, no other
specimens of an exactly corresponding kind have been found here. In-
deed, it seems to me not unlikely that the local interest attached to them,
from their probably having been found in the neighbourhood of Edin-
burgh, had caused the water-colour sketch to be made, and presented
along with the articles themselves, to the Museum of the Society, at a
time when these relics, apparently so rude and uninteresting, with no
intrinsic beauty or value to recommend them to the virtuoso or the
mere collector, were probably considered of very little interest by our
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NOTICE OF THUBB SMALL BRONZE BLADES OR INSTRUMENTS. 365
antiquarieSy for it is difScnlt to conceive bow they could otherwise have
been passed over altogether in silence ; no record whatever existing in
the Minute-books or MSS. of the Society, as far as I have been able to
discover, to show they had ever been exhibited or presented to the
Museum ; indeed, it is only from the possession of the water-colour
sketch, and the bronzes themselves, among the less prized antiquities in
the collection, that we learn anything of their relation to one another,
or even of their existence. Had these relics, therefore, not been found
in Scotland, it is difficult to fancy that any sketch would have been made
of them, when presented to our Museum ; or indeed that any trouble of this
kind would have been taken, with such apparently little valued relics of
the past
Mr Way believes the curious double-bladed bronze implement found
at Kinleith, to be distinct in character from the double-edged blades
or razors found in Ireland, and also, I should fancy, from those now
described. He considers, however, that the Einleith bronze may be
analogous to those found in the lake-houses of Switzerland. It was,
therefore, with considerable interest, as bearing on this question, that
I observed among the varieties of bronze implements figured by Dr
Keller in his report on Pfahlbauten (published in the " Mittheilungen
der Antiquarischen Gresellschaft, in Ziirich," Band xiv. Heft 6. Pfahl-
bauten—Funfter Bericht (Taf. 11, 25, 26), 1863), one that seemed to
me to bear a relation both to the straight double-edged bronze blades
found in Ireland, and to the more crescen tic-shaped Swiss bronzes,
or "half-moon images," as they have been styled, discovered in the
lake-houses, as well as to the Kinleith bronze. In this specimen,
which was found at the pile-dwelling of Castione, in the province of
Parma, the double blades are not crescentic in form, but nearly straight,
or only very slightly rounded in outline: they terminate in a forked
extremity above, and project outwards below, on each side of the handle,
like these just described (Fig. 3), and those found in Ireland ; the central
space between the blades, however, is latticed with open work, continued
upwards from the open worked handle below, which apparently termi-
nates, like that of the crescentic-shaped blades, in a ring. It also
corresponds nearly in size to both of these kinds of bronze blades.
Of the class of double-bladed bronzes we have, therefore, these of a ruder
2b2
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366 PR0CEBDIN08 OF THE 8001BTT, FEBRUARY 1866.
kind, found principally in Ireland, but also in Wales, and probably
also in Scotland, fonned of a simple plate of bronze, pierced only
by a single round opening at the upper part of the blades, and with a
simple tang or handle below ; next this curious straight double-bladed
instrument to which I have just referred, with the handle and space
between the blades latticed with open work; and lastly, those with
crescentic-shaped blades, the double blade being formed simply by the
turning up of the points of the crescent, and the latticed or open worked
handle attached to the middle of the crescent below. The Einleith
bronze being apparently a variety in form, its central part between the
two blades is also cut into open work, and the simpler handle terminates
in an open ring below, like those found in the lake-houses of Switzerland.
Mr Way, I believe, is inclined to think there is considerable proba-
bility in the view taken by some antiquaries, that the specimen described
by himself, as well as the Irish ones, have been the points of missile
weapons. If I may venture to call in question the opinion of so accom-
plished an antiquary, it seems to me they would have been better fitted
for 8u:row-heads had they terminated in a single, more pointed extremity,
instead of double points ; and the small circular aperture near this ex-
tremity of the blades, would still farther weaken the point of a missile
weapon, not to speak of the rather curious fact, that in the instance
mentioned by Mr Way, the bronze relic was found along with bronze
tweezers and other articles, more suggestive of the toilet than of an ofien-
sive weapon.*
^ Since this paper was read, Mr Way has published, in the " Archtedogia Gam-
brensis/' No. XLVI. for April 1866, a full account, illustrated with figures of the
ancient relics found in Anglesea, of which the bronze relic referred to above formed
a part, and in this communication he states the opinion of Sir Samuel Meyridc, who
considers that the Irish double pointed '* bronze arrow-head (as he styles it), appears
to have been formed on the same principle as those of the Boisgesmans in South
Africa, part of which being poisoned, remained in the wound, for in this way only
can I account for the division at the point, and the perforation in which it termin-
ates." One of these poisoned arrows is figured in Skelton's Illustrations of the
Armour, &c., at Goodrich Court, vd. ii. plate 148, fig. 6. Mr Way, however, makes
the following comment on these remarks: — **It must be observed that there is no
apparent similarity of form in this bifid African missile, as compared with the Irish
relics."
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NOTICE OF THREE SMALL BRONZE BLADES OR INSTRUMENTS. 367
Mr A. W. Franks, of the British Mnsuem, in his valuable descriptions
of the plates of the ''Horaa Ferales," figures in plate vi. a specimen of
these Irish double-pointed bronzes now in the British Museum; but
although he places it side by side with arrow-heads, he desigtiates it
as '' a bronze arrow-head, or possibly cutting instrument/' and refers to
Wilde's catalogue of the Irish Academy Collection, where they are con-
jectured to be razors, showing, as it appears to me, that he is by no
Fig. 6.— BroDje implement, found in the remains of a LacuBtrine habitation at
Steinberg, near Kidau, Switzerland. (Scale, one-half of size.)
means very decided as to these relics being arrow-heads, but rather leans
to the view of their being cutting instruments or razors.
In the paper on the Kinleith bronze I pointed out its general resem-
blance in size and analogous character to some of the bronze blades
of a crescentic form found in the lake-houses of Switzerland (Fig.
6); and have since been favoured with a letter from Dr Ferdinand
Keller of Zurich, the well-known historian of the " Pfahlbauten," and
an Honorary Member of our Society ; referring to the remarks in my
paper, on the curious crescents formed of clay and stone, which I was
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368 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOClETr, FEBRUARY 1866.
inolined to coDsider as pestles or grinding instruments, and also to the
small creecentiC'Shaped blades of bronze, he writes me as follows : —
*' I have read with great interest your remarks on a bronze implement
in the ' Proceedings ' of your Society. As yon refer to a passage in my
second report on ' Lake Dwellings,' I take the liberty of communicatiDg
to yon some farther particulars on the subject in question.
" Both on terra firma and in the lake-dwellings of the Lake of Neof-
chatel objects of stone or clay have been found which bear a strikiDg
resemblance to a crescent, and positively cannot have had any practical
use. They are accurately described and figured in my second and fifth
reports on ' Pfahlbauten.' I considered them as having a symbolical
significancy, and am still of the same opinion, although I do not object
to any other view concerning them.
''At the same time small bronze objects were found in the above-
mentioned places, which bore a certain resemblance to the former. In
the work of Gozzadini, entitled ' Di un Sepolcreto Etrusco scoperto presso
Bologna, descrizione del Conte Giovanni Gozzadini,' Bologna, 1855,
I saw that similar bronze objects had been found in Etruscan graves,
and were described (p. 44) with great learning by Professor Rocchi as
being nothing else but razors. (Intomo Tantichitil dell' uso di Badersi
la barba.) As I said in my reports, I doubted whether I should conform
to this opinion, which certainly appeared very plausible. But as several
of these bronze implements were not sharpened, but perfectly blunt, I
preferred considering them as mere ornaments in the form of a cres-
cent. At present, after having seen and examined many specimens of
various forms, I am inclined to agree with the Italian antiquary and
yourself. Last summer I produced six specimens before our society
and declared them to be razors. These tools were cast, and afterwards
sharpened like the knives and swords of bronze, by hammering, like
the scythe.
'' I am persuaded that a personal inspection of the crescents made of
stone or clay would convince you that they cannot have served as grinding
instruments or pestles, the pedestal being too weak for such a purpose,
and only made to support the rest in an upright position. The mixing
of fragments of quartz with the clay was intended— firstly, to give the
clay greater consistency, and to facilitate the operation of fomuDg
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NOTICE OF THREB SMALL BRONZE BLADES OR INSTRUMENTS. S69
suoh figures or pots ; and, seoondly, especially in the case of pottery, to
prevent its cracking when exposed to the fire. At the present day the in-
habitants of some parts of the Apennines are still in the habit of mixing
quartz fragments with the clay used for cooking utensils. The latter
are hardened, as in the time of the lake-dwellings, not in potters' ovens,
but in open fires, and are not to be distinguished from that ancient
pottery. I am in possession of such pots, which were made only last
year. In the Boman mortaria the stone fragments are not distributed
throughout the mass, but are only seen on the inner surface of the
(" Chmadini, Nos. 10 and 16, Tav. VI. — Sono due strumenti sotti-
iissimi, gik perfeitamente levigati, col taglio nella parte convessa soltanto.
La forma loro singolare e la sottigliezza, il corto ed esiguo manichetto
che non potrebbe tenersi se non con due o al piu con tre dita e non salda-
mente, la parte concava senza taglio anzi quasi sempre conorlo, che
potrebb' esser fatta per appogiarvi Tindice e il medio a stringere contro
il poUice Tinstrumento per adoperarlo anche in tal guisa, inducono a
ricercame un uso speciale e non commune alle coltella. Quindi per
le particolarit^ sopradette sembrando poco adatti a tagliare ed opportuni
a radere, mi corse dapprima alia mente avessero potuto servire ai con-
giunti del defunto per radeni Uichiania in segno di lutto. Poscia
mi suggerirono anzi Tidea che quelli potessero essere, non solo pei
capelii ma anche per la harha^ i rasoi degli antichi Italici non anche
dimoetrati dai monumenti, ni illustrati dagli archeologi,'' &o. &c,)
Dr Keller kindly sent me sketches of these two bronzes, which show
a slight variety in form from the usual crescentic double-bladed bronzes,
in which the handle springs from the middle of the convex blade below;
while in these crescentic-shaped blades figured by Gozzadini there is a
short tang or handle, also terminating in an ornamented ring, which
is attached just below or behind the outer or convex edge of the blade,
near the extremity of one of the horns of the crescent ; the inner or
concave outline of the crescent being blunt, so that the finger might
rest on it, while the outer or convex border is brought to a fine edge.
By this arrangement, however, the bronze has more of the character of
a single-bladed knife or razor. I may mention that these relics were
also found associated with tweezers.
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370 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUAHT 1866.
All antiquaries are familiar with the straight long razor-shaped blades
of bronze, ornamented with engraved patterns of galleys and other
objects, which taper rapidly towards one extremity, and terminate in a
recarved or curled loop of bronze. These relics have been found abun-
dantly in Scandinavia, and figures of them are given in the illustrated
Catalogue of Antiquities preserved in the Boyal Museum of Copenhagen.
Figures of similar specimens, found in the northern countries of the
Continent, are given in plate x. of the "Hor8d Ferales;** and Mr
Franks, in his valuable descriptive letterpress, states these *' knives
or razors are probably later in date than the other implements (figured
in the plate). Objects exactly similcu:, but made of iron, have been
found with Danish remains in Ireland ; the designs on them are pecu-
liarly Scandinavian, being often representations of their long galleys or
ships."
These single-edged bronze blades, then, seem to be totally different
in character from the double-edged varieties I have been deiscribing,
and none of the double-bladed or bifid bronzes have been found, as far as I
am aware, associated with any Scandinavian remains, while they are
discovered along with the remains of Celtic races in Ireland, Wales,
and shall I say Scotland ; the analogous forms of bronzes of a more
elaborate character being found in the lake-houses of Switzerland, which
antiquaries believe have in ancient times been also in the occupation
of a people of Celtic race. These two varieties or classes of small bronze
remains may, therefore possibly, be not so much the relics of a different
age, as of two distinct families of men ; the Northman and the Celt
It might be curious to learn what are the characters of the various
instruments more recently used for depilatory purposes by the different
races of men, whether savage or civilised, and to see whether they would
throw any light on the supposed use of these small bronze blades which
we have been considering; but on this subject I am unable to say
anything, and shall simply, in conclusion, refer to a Bazor from China,
which was kindly sent to me by a friend (a figure of which is given in
the annexed woodcut. Fig. 7).
This Chinese razor is formed of a piece of steel, triangular in shape,
which curiously enough corresponds nearly in length to the blades of
the ancient bronzes we have been describing. The middle of the back
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NOTICE OF THREE SMALL BRONZE BLADES OR INSTRUMENTS. 371
part of the blade is the thickest, and the metal becomes rapidly thinner
towards the front or edge of the blade. There is a small short tang or
handle which projects slightly backward, at the extremity of the narrower
point, or apex of the triangular-shaped blade ; this tang is pierced by a pin
which connects it to the handle ; and the handle is so cut, that when the
blade is opened and drawn back the tang is held firmly in its place. The
blade measures nearly 3 inches in length by 1| inch in greatest breadth ;
and the wooden handle, which is grooved in front to receive the sharp
edge of the blade when it is closed, measures 3^ inches in length.
Fig. T.^Chinese Razor, with wooden handle. (Scale, one-half of original.)
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372 PROCEKDINQS OV THE SOCIETY, FEBBUAHT 18C6.
NOTICE OF A BRONZE BATTLE-AXE FOUND NEAR BANNOCKBURN
NOW IN THE MUSEUM OF THE SOCIETY. By JOHN AliEXANDER
SMITH, M.D.. Sbc. S.A. Scot.
This beautiful bronze axe was presented to the Museum of the Society
on the 20th of May 1850, by Robert Mayne, Esq., who, I understand,
purchased it from the family of the finder, in whose possession it had
remained, ever since it was discovered in the course of digging peat, or
draining the morass at Bannockbum, in the year 1785. (The peculiar
and elegant shape of this axe is well shown in the annexed carefully-
drawn woodcut, the work of our townsman and clever engraver on wood,
Mr John Adam.)
The axe-head is of a rich brown or bronze colour, and beautifully
smooth or polished on its surface, which, however, is considerably chipped
in some places. It measures 8f inches in length, and has a rounded
head behind, 2^ inches in breadth, in front of which it measures on the
side 1^ inch, increasiog to 2^ inches, beyond which it expands into
the crescentic face, measuriog 4g inches ; the greatest thickness across
the axe-head at the middle being 2^ inches. The shaft-hole or
socket for the handle, measures at the lower part, 1| inches across, with
an opening of 1| inch inside, which tapers gradually upwards to the top
of the pointed projection above the axe-blade, and from the top to
the bottom of the socket for the shaft, measures altogether 4f inches.
This tapering projection above, is pointed backwards and rather to
one side (the whole axe, indeed, being a little irregular in shape) ; it
is surrounded at its base by an ornamental twisted cord of bronze, and
corresponds in character to the solid pointed bosses, one on each side
of the blade in front, which project outwards ^ of an inch, and are
ornamented in a similar manner by a twisted cord of bronze; each
of these cords has, at one point of its circumference, the thickened ap-
pearance of a knot, as if its extremities had been tied together. The
neck of the socket is pierced by a rivet-hole in front, and another behind,
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BRONZE BATTLE- AXE FOUND NEAR BANNOCKBURN. 373
each f of an inch across, for the parpose of attaching the axe-head
firmly to the handle. These rivet holes are not, howeyer, cat exactly
opposite to one another.
The weight of the axe-head is 4 Ihs. avoirdupois.
At the time the donation of the axe-head was made, the Secretary
was nnfortanately led into the inadvertence of describing it as being
formed of iron coated with bronze, — the sharp eyes of my friend Dr
Daniel Wilson having apparently been deceived by the blackened appear-
ance of the metal, where its polished or patina-like surface was broken,
and also, perhaps, from the ferruginous character of the day, traces of
which remained in the shaft-hole of the axe. Dr Wilson, in his '' Pre-
historic Annals of Scotland,*'— a work which has done much for the
archaeology of Scotland, and indeed for archadology generally, — also
published the statement of the axe being formed of iron coated with
bronze; and, possibly from the place where it was found, the great
battlefield of Scottish independence, has been all the more naturally
led to consider it as a relic connected with that well-fought field.
Next, following Dr Wilson, Mr A. W. Franks, M.A., of the British
Museum, in the volume published under his joint superintendence,
the '' Hers Ferales,'' or '' Studies in the Archsdology of the Northern
Nations,'' in which he has brought together, figured, and described
80 many groups of interesting relics — a contribution of the greatest
value to all students of antiquities. Mr Franks, when he refers
to the bronze battle-axes,— different examples of which are figured
in plate v. of his work, — states that —
" Heavy bronze axe-heads are found in Italy, Germany, Switzerland,
and the eastern parts of France ; several Swiss examples are engraved in
the * Transactions of the Zurich Society,' vol. xiv. part 6, pi. vii. ; they
seem, however, to be unknown in Great Britain and Ireland. The only
exception to this statement is a remarkable weapon found at Bannock-
bum in 1785, preserved in the Museum (of the Society of Antiquaries)
at Edinburgh ; but it is composed of iron coated with bronze, and it is
uncertain whether it be not a relic of the middle ages. From the deco-
rative character of the ornaments on some of the specimens, it is con-
jectured they may have been used as war-axes" (p. 147).
This quotation from such an authority shows the extreme rarity, or
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374
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBBUARY 1866.
rather the total absence of these heavy bronze axes from among the
relics of antiquity found as yet in Great Britain and Ireland. I have,
therefore, much pleasure in calling special attention to this beautiful
specimen of a heavy Bronze War- Axe in our Museum, found in Scot-
land, which, as tested by the file, is beyond all question formed simply
and entirely of a rich yellow bronze, and is therefore unique in its
class among the antiquities of our Islands. Though rather unwilHng
to deprive the Museum of any supposed relic of our famous battle, I
cannot but believe that this axe-head belongs, not to mediaeval times,
but claims a much greater antiquity in connection with the earlier races
of our Fatherland.
In the last published Catalogues of the Museum this axe head is
described as being formed of bronze ; it was felt to be necessary, however,
to call attention to the fact a little more widely, by referring to it, as is
now done, for publication in the '* Proceedings of the Society."
Bronze Battle- Axe found in a MorasB at Bannockbom in 1786.
(Size. 8} in. in length. Weight, 4 lbs. avoir.)
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RESTORATION OF SHAFT OF OLD CITY CROSS OF EDINBURGH. 375
Monday, I2th Mardi 1866.
DAVID LAING, Esq., LL.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen were balloted for and elected Fellows of the
Society : —
William Sktthb of Methren, Esq.
David Gurbob of Craigdackie, Esq., S.8.C.
Houston Mitchell of Polmont, Esq., Trinity Lodge.
RESTORATION OF THE SHAFT OF THE OLD CITY CROSS
TO EDINBURGH.
Before proceeding with the ordinary bnsiness of the meeting, Mr
Laino said, — that, as he had formerly brought under the notice of the
Society and Council some proposals regarding the old City Cross, he
begged to add a few words on the subject to what has been published in
the " Proceedings of the Society" (vol. iv. p. 420).
The shaft of the old Cross, it is well known, had been preserved in the
grounds of Dram (then Lord Somerville's), near Edinburgh, since the
year 1756, when the City Cross was demolished. In the sale of this
estate a few years ago, the proprietor, Alexander Mitchell of Stow, Esq.,
had reserved the ancient shaft, and offered it as a gift to the Lord Pro-
vost and Magistrates of the city, to be used in the event of the Cross itself
being rebuilt. It was desirable, therefore, as so much time had elapsed,
that some steps should be taken for having it brought back to its former
locality. Its removal had involved much correspondence, and a great
deal more trouble and expense than had been contemplated ; but the
libaft has at length been happily brought back safe, and erected, under
the superintendence of David Cousin, Esq., city architect. Its original
site must have been near the Luckenbooths, either where Creech's Land
afterwards stood, or towards the west end of the Tolbooth, perhaps at
the head of Forrester's Wynd.
In wishing to secure for Edinburgh this interesting historical memorial,
and to place it where it might be seen to some advantage, without
encroaching on any thoroughfare ; which has now been done by erecting
it within the enclosing rail, to the east of the north door, or principal
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376 PBOC£BDINQS OF THE 80C1ETT, MARCH 186G.
entrance of the High Chnrcli of St G-iles ; Mr Laing said, that of course
no idea was entertained this should be reckoned as a Restoration of
Thi Cross of 1617; and therefore, excepting a simple pedestal, any
addition was avoided. It might otherwise, according to Mr Drummond's
sketch (see " Proceedings," vol. iv. Plate IV.), have been surmounted with
a unicorn supporting a shield of arms. This, if wished, can easily be done
afterwards, as the great object aimed at was to preserve in an appro-
priate place the sole existing portion of the Original Cross. Should the
Lord Provost and Magistrates, however, at any subsequent time take up
anew the scheme for erecting in the centre of the High Street a hand-
some new structure as The Market Cross of EmKBURGH, the .old Shaft,
required to form part of the architectural design, now remains con-
veniently at their disposal.
The cordial thanks of the Society were voted to Mr Laing, V.P., for
the great trouble, besides the expense which personally he had incurred,
in order to accomplish this object.
The following Communications were read : —
NOTICE OF A COLLECTION OF PRIMITIVE IMPLEBfENTS OF THE
ANCIENT SWISS LAKJB-DWELLER8, FROM CONCISE, ON LAKE
NEUFCHATEL. By DANIEL WILSON, LL.D.. Hon. Mem. 8.A. Scot.
Pbofebsob of History and English Literature in Univebsity College
Toronto. (Plate XXI.)
In proceeding to fulfil a promise to communicate to the Society some
notice of American Antiquities, I am tempted to turn aside from the
indigenous relics of this continent to others, which, though enriching an
American collection, illustrate the arts and habits of Central Europe in
ages preceding its historical epoch.
It is now twelve years since the attention of Dr Keller was attracted
to the discovery of carved deers' horns, stone implements, and other relics
of human workmanship, brought to light in consequence of operations
resulting from an unusual depression of the waters of the Zurich Lake.
The revived attention to the primitive archaBology of Europe, and the
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NOTICE OF A COLLKCTION OF PRIMITIVE IMPLEMENTS. 377
direction which certain geological speculations and researches have
recently taken, tended to render the period of the discoveries at Zurich
peculiarly favourahle for their thorough investigation. Since then,
accordingly, various highly competent investigators have followed up
the first glimpse of the traces of ancient lake habitations in Switzerland
with great success. Bemains of extensive pile-work, the sites of popu-
lous villages and settlements, have been brought to light, and the dis-
closures consequent on their minute exploration have suggested many
ingenious speculations relative to the earliest inhabitants of Switzerland,
the condition of animal life contemporaneous with the primitive lake
settlements, and the probable date of the first presence of man in the
sheltered valleys of that remarkable district of Central Europe.
The correspondence of the lacustrine pile-works of Switzerland to
Irish and Scottish crannoges has not failed to attract attention; and
though some of the evidence in relation to the latter tends to show that
they continued in use down to a comparatively late date, there are many
points of resemblance between the two well deserving of minute study.
It is interesting, indeed, to find in this, as in so many other instances
of recent disclosures in relation to primitive European antiquities, that,
although the full significance of the traces of the Scottish lake-dwellers
was not appreciated when first brought to light, they have long been
noted as objects of exploration by the Scottish antiquary. A letter by
Dr John Ogilvie of Forfar, preserved among the earliest communications
made to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, describes the construc-
tion, and some of the contents of a crannoge discovered in the Lake of
Forfar, in 1781, in consequence of the lowering of its waters by drainage.
One of a set of upwards of thirty carved counters, or tablemen, of bone,
found on that occasion, is now in the Society's collection. Silver oma-
ments» described by Dr Ogilvie as resembling ear-rings, were also met
with; and he further describes several very large tusks of boars or
wolves, and deers' horns of an extraordinary size.^ The discoveries in
Duddingston Loch at a still earlier date (1778) also included large
deers' horns and other animal remains, along with numerous bronze
^ [In addition to the above, the reader may refer to the Notice of two *' Orannogea "
in Bute, with PlanB. By John Mackinlay, Esq., F.S.A. Scot., in the Proc. Soc.
Antiq. Scot., vol. iii. p. 43].
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378 PB0CEEDING8 OP THE SOCIBTYy MARCH 1866.
weapons, besides which several human skulls were dredged up, the sub-
sequent disappearance of which, without any record of their typical
characteristics, is greatly to be regretted.* Traces of piles still standing
in the eastern part of the loch invite to further research. The piles and
oaken logs found in the Loch of Forfar supplied a striking counterpart
to some of the recent disclosures in Switzerland ; and those, with the
abundant remains of an extinct fauna, clearly indicate an era when the
country was still covered with the natural forest growth, and in part
occupied by many long extinct animals, and even by some which were sup-
posed until recently to have altogether preceded the presence of man.
During my last visit to Europe, in 1863, I had repeated opportunities,
both in France and England, of examining collections illustrative of the
character of the remains found in the lacustrine villages of Switzerland.
But since my return my attention has been attracted by a curious, and
in some respects more valuable collection, formed by Professor Agassiz,
and now in the Natural History Museum at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
As this collection has been formed under peculiarly favourable circum-
stances, and lies beyond the reach of most British students of the remains
of the ancient lake-dwellers of Europe, a few notes and sketches illus-
trative of its contents may not be without some interest and value to my
old friends of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
The father of the distinguished American naturalist, to whose kind-
ness I owe the facilities I enjoyed for minutely studying the objects now
referred to, fulfilled, for a period of fifteen years, the duties of a parish
clergyman at Concise, on Lake Neufchatel, where in recent years some
of the most extensive and varied traces of the ancient lake-dwellers have
been brought to light. On the occasion of Professor Agasaiz's last
European tour, when vbiting his native Swiss canton, and the village
parsonage where his early years were passed, it chanced that he found
engineers and workmen busily engaged in the construction of a viaduct
^ Prehist Annals of Scotland, 2d ed. vol. L 245. The Dnddingston crania were
submitted to Dr Munro, by Sir Alexander Dick, soon after their discovery; and at
my request Professor Gbodsir instituted a carefol search for them among the
objects preserved in the University Aoatomical Museum, which includes a collec-
tion formed by Dr Munro ; but they were probably in a fragmentary condition, and
have not been preserved.
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NOTICE OF A OOLLBCTION OF PRIMITIVE IMPLEMENTS. 379
across part of the neighbouring lake, for the oompletion of a railway then
in progress between Neufchatel and Louvaine. Availing himself of the
special facilities accorded to the son of their old pastor, by the people of
Constance, on his thus revisiting the scenes of his youth, after having
won for himself so distinguished a rank among men of science. Professor
Agassiz obtained the co-operation of some of the workmen on the rail-
way, and had the bed of the lake dredged over a considerable area in
front of the old parsonage. The objects of his search were other than
the arohsoological traces to which I now refer. But he was rewarded by
the acquisition of a curious and valuable collection of stone, horn, bone,
and bronze implements, along with pottery and other illustrations of the
primitive arts of the ancient lake-dwellers, and the skulls, horns, and
bones, both of their domesticated animals and of those procured in the
chase. Among the latter the red deer and the wild boar appear to have
predominated as important sources of food. The locality has since fur-
nished many additional traces of the ancient population ; but the researches
now referred to were made at an early date, and by workmen actuated by
an unwonted zeal in their desire to gratify the wishes of their distin-
guished visitor. Professor Agassiz was accordingly able to obtain some
of the choicest specimens of aboriginal art and constructive ingenuity
that have hitherto rewarded explorers in this novel field of research.
Concise, on Lake Neufchatel, has proved one of the richest sources of
the weapons and implements of the ancient Lake-dwellers, and in other
respects also has rewarded research by much valuable evidence illustrative
of the condition of the region and the habits of its occupants in the
remote age thus revealed to modem science. M. Troyon estimates the
implements of bone and stone recovered on this single locality at 25,000;
and this Concise site of the Swiss pfalbauten is only equalled by that of
Wangen, on Lake Constance, in the number and variety of stone and
flint implements which it has yielded. Sir Charles Lyell has introduced,
in his " Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man," a restoration of
one of the ancient lake villages reared on its platform of piles, as
designed by Dr F. Keller, partly from Dumont D'Urville's sketch of
similar structures still in use in New Guinea. The loss of weapons and
implements among such an aquatic community must have been of com-
mon occurrence. Many of the objects obtained by Professor Agassiz
VOL. VI. PART II. 2 c
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880 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 18C6.
appear to have been dropped from the platforms, and become imbedded in
the soft mud accumnlated round the piles, from which they are now.
recovered in a nearly perfect condition, after the lapse of centuries, reach-
ing back, not only to Roman times, but some of them undoubtedly to a
greatly more remote date. In a few very rare instances the British or Irish
stone celt has been found attached to its handle, as in one example found
in the County Tyrone, and figured by Mr Du Noyer in the Archaeological
Journal,' and another from County Monaghan, now in the Museum of
the Boyal Irish Academy.' In both of those examples the process of
hafting is not surpassed in rudeness by the most primitive art of modem
savages. But the high finish of many of the celts, stone-hammers, and
other implements found in British grave-mounds, was no doubt accom-
panied with a corresponding improvement in the method of hafting; and
on this first indication of mechanical ingenuity and artistic progress
some of the objects recovered from the ruins of the Swiss lake villages
throw an interesting light. I have accordingly made accurate drawings
of examples of some of the most ingenious types of different classes of
tools, which the following descriptions will render fully available for
comparison with corresponding objects in the Scottish collection (see
Plate XXL) :—'
No. 1 is a rudely formed axe of dark limestone, much chipped, and
evidently long in use. Its only value is as an illustration of the rudest
art of the primitive stone- workers, resembling in this respect some of the
implements found in British graves, or dredged from lake and river beds,
and only equalled in rudeness by the most imperfectly executed specimens
of modern savage art.
No. 2 is a specimen of a deer's horn socket, which appears to have
been the favourite device for adapting the stone celt for use, when re-
quired as a chisel, gouge, or spade. This example, like many others
dredged up in Lake Neufchatel, is formed from the root of one of the
horns, apparently of the red deer, where it swells out immediately above
the point of attachment to the skull. The broad end has been hollowed
out to receive the stone blade, which must have been secured by means
* Archffiological Journal, vol. iv. p. 8.
2 Catalogue R. I. A., vol. i. p. 46, fig. 63.
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Proceedings Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
VOL. VI . PL A TK XXL
Hjrtotypy'fl by Mf»^iini Nf'luon frc-m Prawinft*! by Dr \Vils..n. initijprl hv
STONE IMPLEMENTS, WITH DEER-HOBN HANDLES. «e.. FBOU A UIR-DWRU.raa IT
^^oogle
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NOTICE OF A COLLECTION OF PRIMITIVE IMPLEMENT8. 381
of bitumen or some other tough tsement, as is still done by many of the
stone and shell- workers of the Pacific. The narrower end is cut into a
square tenon, obviously for the purpose of inserting it into a handle,
probably of wood,
Horn sockets have been found at Concise in considerable numbers, and
designed for adaptation to a variety of tools; while the sites of other
lake villages, equally prolific in stone axe-blades and chisels, have dis-
closed very few ; and in some cases, as at Wangen, on Lake Constance,
where upwards of a thousand stone axes have been found, not a single
horn socket or handle has hitherto been met with, and only a few of
wood.
No. 8 is a good specimen of the deer's horn socket, with the small
stone chisel to which it was adapted still in its place. The drawing
suflSciently shows its form and character. The length of the original,
including stone-blade and socket, is 5^ inches.
No. 4 illustrates a smaller form of horn socket, with a knife blade
attached to it, made of a hard, pale, greenstone (serpentine). The exposed
part of the blade measures 2 inches, and the whole implement 4| inches
long. The ingenuity displayed in the mode of applying the deer s horn as
a socket for the axe or knife-blade in implements of this class is obvious ;
but the object aimed at is less apparent. If the stone blade could be more
firmly secured in the deer's horn than in wood, owing to the liability of
the latter to warp and swell in its constant exposure to water, among the
lake-dwellers, we ought to find the entire deer's horn wrought into the
axe handle. Viewing those socketed tools in this light, it appears to
me not improbable that the tenon with which they are provided may
have been designed to admit of the use of one large handle for a variety
of implements, in the same way that a modem carpenter is supplied with
sets of blades and chisels of various sizes.
But examples of hom-hafted tools in complete condition are also
abundant. In the specimens shown in Nos. 5 and 6, the stone axe or
chisel is attached to a horn handle roughly rounded at the upper end,
and either intended to be used without any further addition ; or, if pro-
vided with a wooden handle, it must have been permanently secured to it.
In both the examples now shown, however, the hafted implement appears,
as I conceive, complete. The horn handles are sufficient to admit of
2c2
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382 PHOCEEDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, MAUCU 1866.
their being conveniently employed as knives or chisels ; and they may
fairly be taken as illnstrations of the stone implements of this class,
applicable to so many wants of a rude hunting and fishing race of lake-
dwellers iu such a region as that where they have been recovered* These
examples measure respectively 6 inches and 5| inches long.
No. 7 illustrates another class of hafted tools, in which the handle is
formed of the upper portion of the deer's horn, where one of the small
lateral tynes adapts it for convenient handling as a knife. The blade is
of dark serpentine, wrought to a fine edge, and the implement measures
altogether 11 inches long ; though, as will be seen from the drawing, the
point of the longer tyne is broken off.
In No. 8 another highly polished serpentine knife-blade, considerably
fractured at the edge from repeated use, has been inserted in a handle
of deer's horn, formed, like the previous one, by an adaptation of one of
the forks of the antler to the requirements of the tool. But in this
example more labour has been expended in adapting the handle for
convenient use ; and it is completed with a large circular perforation,
probably intended for its suspension at the girdle as a couteau de chasae.
The exposed part of the blade measures nearly 2 inches, and with its
handle 6f inches.
. A small, polished stone celt, of a form familiar to the British antiquary,
is shown in No. 9, fastened sideways into an antler of the red deer. Its
dimensions are so small — the horn handle measuring less than a foot
long — that it must have been designed as a tool for more delicate work,
such as cutting the horns or wooden implements into the requisite shapes.
But it illustrates one of the simplest ways by which this common stone
implement was hafted, either with horn or wood ; and when on a scale
sufficiently large, would fit it alike for use as a carpenter's or woodman's
axe, and as a tomahawk.
The implements heretofore described are of stone; but the group to
which I now refer consists of flint-blades inserted in a similar manner
into sockets or handles of deer's horn.
Implements of flint are much more rarely found in the Swiss lake
dwellings than those of stone ; and whether in the form oi arrow-heads,
knife or lance blades, or mere flint flakes, are generally of small size.
The absence of any flint-bearing gravel in the vicinity of the lakes, and
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NOTICE OF A COLLECTION OF PRIMITIVE IMPLEMENTS. 383
the abundance of every variety of stone, fractured into convenient sizes
and forms for the tool-maker of the stone period, abundantly account for
the apparent preference of the latter.
The first example, No. 10, is a small, highly polished chisel, or knife-
blade of cream-coloured flint, wrought to a fine edge, and inserted in a
bone socket, which has a large, well-finished square tenon adapting it for
attachment to a wooden handle. The unusual breadth of the socket is
worthy of notice, so disproportioned to the smallness of the blade, yet
carefully shaped so as to adapt it for some special use. It is a tool
evidently designed for the most delicate operations of the primitive
carpenter or carver, and is still sharp enough to be turned to its original
uses. No. 11 is another knife-blade of yellow flint of nearly the same
size as the previous example, but less highly finished, and fractured on
the edge from repeated use. It is fastened into a horn handle, and
measures altogether 3f inches long. In No. 12 the blade is a flake of
dark flint, of the commonest class, chipped into shape, without any polish-
ing or grinding to an edge. This is inserted into a short horn handle
or socket, which is hollowed out at the opposito end so as to admit of its
being attached to a longer handle, probably of wood.
Another class of implements is illustrated in Nos. 13-16, where blades
of bone are inserted into horn handles. No. 13 is a small knife of this
class, measuring 3^ inches long, but, like No. 12, with a hollow socket,
admitting of its attachment to a larger handle. No. 14 may be described
as a long knife or dagger, measuring altogether above a foot long. Nos.
15 and 16 are bone awls or bodkins similarly hafted with bom. The only
remaining example shown in the accompanying drawings, No. 17, is the
tooth of a hog (Sua scro/a domesiiciui), inserted into a handle of deer's
liorn, much in the same manner as is frequently practised by the North
American Indians at the present day, especially with the hard and keen-
edged incisors of the beaver and other rodents. The hardness of the
enamel rendered such tools greatly superior to any that could be made
from the densest horn ; while they had the additional advantage of being
already perfect as cutting tools, and only requiring to be fitted with a
convenient handle.
I see, from the reports of the Society's Proceedings, that you have
received from M. Troyon, of Lausanne, one of the deer's horn sockets of
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384 PKOC££DlKQS OF TUB SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
the class described here* ; and also that your attention has been called
to the general subject of the remarkable recent discoveries, both in the
lakes of Switzerland and the drift grayels of Northern France, by one
of your own number specially qualified to do justice to the subject in all
its bearings.' Some of those bearings, also, in relation to the antiquity
of man, it is apparent from your Proceedings, excited lively discussion,
as, from their interest and importance, they were abundantly calculated
to do. As, however, they have already engaged your attention, I need
not refer to them here, especially as I have already discussed them
minutely in my '' Prehistoric Man," a copy of the second edition of
which I have requested my publisher to forward for the Society's
acceptance. Possibly, indeed, the whole subject has already been so
thoroughly discussed and illustrated among you, that this contribution
may be altogether stale. If so, I must beg my old friends among the
Scottish antiquaries to accept the good intention in token of my remem-
brances of them and their pleasant meetings in which I was once wont
to take a part.
The collection from which the above examples have been selected for
illustration was dredged up, as I have stated, from the bed of Lake
Neufcbatel, opposite the village of Concise, along with numerous
skulls, bones, teeth, and horns of the red deer, boar, and other animals.
The minute observations of MM. Troyon, Morlot, Keller, and others,
have thrown an interesting light on the character of the wild fauna, and
also of the extent to which the domestication of useful animals had been
carried, at a time when the Swiss lake districts were occupied by a
people living in lacustrine pile- villages, like those described by Herodotus
as occupied by the Pseonians of Lake Prasias, nearly five centuries before
the Christian era. Concise alone has furnished examples of the red deer
{Cervus Elaphtu), evidently of unusually large size ; of the elk (Cervui
A Ices) ; the fallow deer (Cervua Dama) ; and the roebuck (Cerwu
Capreoltui). Of oxen the bones have been found of the Urus (Boa pritM-
genius)^ now wholly extinct ; and of two, if not three, domesticated races,
1 Donations to the Museum, 12th Jan. 1868.
^ " Notices of Remains from the Ancient Lacustrine Habitations of Switzerland,
and from the Drift Valley of tbe Somme." By Prof. G. J. Allman, M.D., F.S.A.,
Scot^ Procfifiinfff, S.A., Scot. vol. v. p. 79.
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NOTICE OF A COLLEOTION OF PRIMITIVE IMPLEMENTS. 385
one of which is the Bos longifronsy the remains of which are of common
occurrence alongside of Bomano-British remains. The hones and tusks
of the wild hoar indicate an animal of gigantic size ; and at least two
domesticated varieties are also represented among the remains dredged
up from the pile-works of Lake Neufchatel. The great northern bear
(JJrsus arcto8)f the beaver {Castor fiber), and other animals that have long
disappeared from the Alpine lake country, or are wholly extinct
throughout Europe, are in like manner represented by the bones found
among the spoils of the submerged dwellings. They do not, however,
include the Ursiu spdceus or others of the huge camivoree of the caves,
with the contemporaneous gigantic herbivoraa of the drift, which other
disclosures in different localities are supposed to prove the existence of
within the human period.
The collection of lake relics formed by Professor Agassiz also includes
specimens of two types of pottery. One of these may be presumed to be
coeval with the rudest stone implements. It is thick, coarse, and ill-
baked ; and both in texture and ornamentation corresponds to the rude
pottery found in early British barrows. The other type is a thin black
ware, well made and burnt, and bearing considerable resemblance to the
earthenware ordinarily found in pagan Anglo-Saxon barrows. The
latter may be assigned with little hesitation to the same age as the bronze
implements, which also occur in considerable numbers among the objects
dredged up at Concise and elsewhere among the lacustrine remains.
The specimens in the Cambridge collection include a bronze spear-
head of a type familiar to the Scottish antiquary, bronze i>enannular
ornaments, fibulsd, armlets, &c., the majority corresponding to the relics
of the bronze period of Northern Europe. Among those is a dilated
penannular ring, — a fibula, or possibly an armlet or anklet, with a small
ring of the same metal attached to it (see Plate No. XYIJI). Others
of the bronze pennanular rings — ^possibly designed for dress clasps
or fibulso — are not solid, but hammered with considerable skill out of
thin sheets of bronze, so as to present a massive appearance with little
weight or expenditure of metal. They present, along with certain local
varieties of type, sufficient general correspondence with the bronze im-
plements and personal ornaments of Britain and Ireland to prove that
they are contemporaneous with that later period of Britain's prehistoric
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386 PBOCEEDIKGS OF THE SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
era, when the primitive artist had acquired considerable skill in metal-
lurgy, and had also developed an artistic taste of no mean ability, which
he expended in shaping the moulds, and fashioning his tools and
weapons into a variety of graceful and beautiful forms.
II.
NOTES ON SOME NORTHERN ANTIQUITIES. By thk Rev. JAMES M.
JOASS, Eddertoun, Ross-shibe, Ogee. Mem. S.A. Soot.
Herewith I beg to send a rubbing from the lower part of the stone
with archaic crosses in Eddertoun Churchyard. I think it must have
been in the ** Notices of Plates'' in Mr Stuart's " Sculptured Stones of
Scotland," that I saw some reference to these figures as having been
noticed long ago, but do not wonder that they escaped the eye of the
artist, as they are entirely under the present surface of the ground. I
had the earth dug away that I might examine the designs, but it was
filled in again after they were copied. The near hind leg of the foremost
horse seems to have been altered by the sculptor; the upper outline
being the more deeply cut b probably the amendment.
I have lately examined the cup and ring marked stones discovered by
my brother near Dingwall, and without anticipating a paper on the
subject which he is just about to send to Professor Simpson^ accom-
panied by rubbings and plans, I may mention that I think two of the
stones bear markings different from any which I have hitherto seen
figured.
On two of the stones forming the inner of two concentric circles at
Beaufort (Lovat) I lately observed distinct cup-markings. The diameter
of the inner circle is 13 yards, that of the outer 16 yards.
On a hillside a little to the westward of Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, I
recently had a large cairn opened, and found it to contain two large and
well-formed cists at right angles to each other. They were empty, as
was also another peculiarly formed and almost triangular cist in a very
large cairn at Skibo, on the northern shore of the Dornoch Frith. Asso-
ciated with both cairns are many smaller tumuli, evidently of artificial
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NOTES ON SOME NORTHERN ANTIQUITIES. 387
origin, but so far as I could ascertain they contain no cists, and may
have been common graves. Hut circles, generally in pairs, occur bptli
at Bonar and Skibo.
I opened many of the tumuli, which I described as occurring among
the but circles in Strathnaver, near Syre, but found only one cist 5 feet
9 inches long, formed of flattish stones on edge, and roofed with six
small cross slabs. It yielded only a small fragment of bone.
I now find hut circles and associated tumuli on almost eyery southward
moorland slope that I examine, both in Sutherland and Ross. When I
come upon tumuli I am rarely disappointed in my search for the hut
circles, and vice versd.
The only instance which I have noticed of a surrounding wall or fence
was at Sword Dale, on the flat north-east of Ben Wyvis, where three hut
circles, 34 feet in diameter, and about thirty tumuli, are surrounded by a
low fence of stones and turf. I could find no cists there, but in a de-
tached cairn about a mile to the eastward I examined a short cist which
had been previously opened, and found in it burnt bones and bits of
chevron -marked pottery.
Near Scotsburn, ten miles west from Eddertoun, I lately had several
tumuli opened without finding cists. These tumuli, to the number of
about one hundred, with eleven distinct hut circles, and two very large
cairns, yet unexplored, occur on a moor about a mile long, high on the
hillside that overlooks the northern shore of the Cromarty Frith.
On the Mor'aich Mor, a sandy fiat to the efist of Tain, when examining
some sections recently exposed by draining 4 feet deep, I found, near two
hut circles, a flint flake near the surface, which is occasionally peat moss
of varying depth, overlying, where it occurs, an undulating surface of
sand. I also found the skull of a young ox, several bones of a large
deer, one tyne of a palmated stag's horn, and the jaw of a large canine
animal. All these bones lay beneath the moss, and on a natural shell-
bed in which occurred the Scaphander lignarius, believed from its size
and delicacy of structure to indicate warmer conditions of climate
during its existence in such a situation, as well as considerable sub-
sequent elevation of the sea-bottom. The coast line is now three miles
distant.
The piece of pumice stone, to which I formerly referred (see page
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388 PBOC££DINQ8 OF TH£ SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
273), was found in an eirde-house in Strathnaver — the whetstone about a
foot deep near the same place. Another eii-de-house, ruined, occurs on
the opposite side of the Strath.
I have just seen a stone implement formed like the spade on playing
cards ; it is made of hornblende rock, and is 11 inches long and broad.
If meant for a battle-axe, it is uncommonly heavy and rude. It was
found in clearing land among tumuli at Bogart, Sutherland.
III.
ACCOUNT OF THE DISCOVERT OF A CIRCULAR GROUP OF CINERARY
URNS AND HUMAN BONES AT WESTWOOD. NEAR NEWPORT, ON
THE TAY. By ANDREW JERVISE, Esq.. Cob. Mem. S.A. Scot. Com-
MUNicATBD BY JOHN STUART, Esq., Sec. SJl. Scot. (Plate XXII.)
About the end of October last, while workmen were trenching the
grounds at Westwood, near Newport, the property of Harry Walker,
Esq., they came upon traces of an old burial place, in the line of the
road or carriage drive to the house which is now being built. Fortu-
nately (although not before some of the urns had been broken and their
contents scattered), Mr Walker's attention was directed to " the find,"
when he ordered special care to be taken of anything that might subse-
quently turn up. He immediately communicated with his brother-in-
law, Mr Neish of The Laws, upon the subject ; and, being in the locality
at the time, Mr Walker also kindly acquainted me of the circum-
stance.
Accompanied by Messrs Walker and Neish, and by Mr Berry of Tay-
field, I visited the spot in the course of a few days ; and as urn No. 4
(on the east side of the circle) had, by Mr Walker's considerate orders,
been left in the ground in its original position, I proceeded to remove
it, and had the gratification of taking it out entire. It measures 5
inches in height, 4^ inches across at the mouth, and 8 inches at the
base. The mouth was placed upwards, and the urn was filled with
clammy earth, mixed with small stones or gravel, bits of bones, and
charcoal.
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Proceedings of tke Society of Anaquaries oi Scotluid
TQL.VI. FLATE IXn
PLAN SHEWING THE POSITIOK IN WHICH
THE URNS WEiffi FOITSD ON if H.imiK£RlS
PKOFERTY 0F^^.STW0OD,IlEARiaJWP0RT,
FTFESHrRE.1865.
Tuilu^Jioeut /yunu SaZmarin^ to Itrrpr Tart''^fc^
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DiSCOVEBY OF A CIRCULAR GROUP OF CINERARY URN8, &a 389
Unprotected by stones of any kind, the nm was set upon a hard bed of
burnt ashes, from 2 to 8 inches in thickness, and was quite surrounded
by the same sort of ashes. The ashes seemed to be composed of barnt
twigs, straw, and other vegetable substances, among which were particles
of ears of grain or barley, together with small bits of bones. These
facts appear to strengthen the supposition that, after the ceremony of
burning the bodies was over, and the placing of the bones in the urn or
shrine, that the ashes had been carefully gathered and placed into the
hole or grave below and around the urn which contained the more im-
portant parts of the frame.
I also took the small urn. No. 9* (which lay on the west side of the
circle) out of the remains of a larger one (represented l)y the fragments
No. 9^. Like the remains in which it was found, the small urn was
in an inverted position ; it was placed about 1| inch from the mouth,
near the middle of the large urn, and among mould profusely mixed
with bits of bones. The small urn was quite filled, in fact firmly packed,
with the bones (now exhibited separately), among which are bits of the
cranium, as well as bits of some other of the principal bones of the human
body. The singed and rough look of the surface of many of the bones
possibly show that they were calcined ; while the singularly white
appearance of others is somewhat remarkable ; and, in that particular,
appear to resemble those that were found about the same time near Old
Windsor, which are described as being '' almost as white as ivory.'' '
Urn No. 9 was similarly embedded among burnt ashes as was No. 4,
and the workmen state that the whole of those found, whether in a
broken or in an entire state, were either protected in the same way, or
masses of charcoal were found in their immediate vicinity.
On no previous occasion of investigating tumuli or ancient funeral
deposits have I found charred ashes made so evidently to do the duty of
protecting urns from the surrounding soil as here. Possibly the expe-
dient had been resorted to in consequence of the want of stone slabs in
the locality. Urn (8 upon the plan) was accideutly smashed to pieces :
it appears to have been surrounded with charcoal, and contained a large
quantity of bones.
' The Tiuut of 23d Nor. 1806.
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390 PKOGEEDING8 OF TU£ SOCIEXr, HABCH 1866.
Tiie small urn No. 2 (found within the fragments of a larger one, of
which small hits were only recovered) was similarly perforated as No. 9*,
with two holes upon one side, ahout an inch apart. It is made of a
different kind of clay from its fellow, and is more handsome in shape.
It too contained bones, and lay with the mouth uppermost. It was upon
the north-east side of» and a little within the circle.
But possibly the most remarkable feature in the discovery was that of
the urns numbered 6^ and 6', where the first (5^ inches high) rested
upon its base, and in it was placed the latter (6} inches high) in an
inverted and reclining posture, as shown in Plate XXII. These were
on the south-east side of the circle ; and, so far as I could judge, con-
tained portions of adult and infant bones, promiscuously mixed, along
with a sprinkling of charcoal, clammy earth, and gravel. Some of these
bones also bore the appearance of having been scorched by fire ; and, if
I am correct in supposing that the bones were those of an adult and
child, it may not be unreasonable to conjecture that they were those of
a parent — i>oe8ibly of a mother — and infant.
It ought to be noticed that the style of the manufacture or make of
these two urns is somewhat different, the lower one being rather thicker
than the upper, while the upper one presents the additional peculiarity
of having been coated with a greyish sort of size or similar substance.
The ziz-zag ornament round the outer lip of the first appears to have
been more carefully formed than that of the latter, which looks like so
many unequal lines made by some sharp instrument while the clay was
yet wet.
The plan (Plate XXII.), copied by me from a rough but correct measure-
ment made by Mr Hunter, the inspector of works at Mr Walker's house,
exhibits the interesting particular of the urns or interments having been
disposed in pretty nearly a circle. The circle was 14 feet in diameter,
and in the centre lay the fragment No. 1, surrounded by a mass of burnt
ashes and charcoal. This appears to have been the largest of all the
urns ; and due south of it, also in an inverted position, and embedded
in charred ashes, was the next largest. No. 7. It is pretty entire, about
14^ inches high, 9f inches across at the mouth, and 3| inches at the
base. The urns were found at different depths below the surface, vary-
ing from 8 to 20 inches; and neither the form nor the ornamentation of
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DISCOVERT OF A ClIiOULAR GROUP OF CINERARY URNS, Ao, 391
any two of them are quite alike. As already mentioned, they were
unprotected hy stones ; and no stone of any size — slah nor boulder — ^is
to be found in the locality. With the exception of the urns Nos. 2, 3,
4, and 6^, the others were placed in an inverted position, which shows
that different modes of inteiment were adopted in one and the same
circle, points that possibly indicate the deposits to have been made at
various periods, if not by different classes of people. Neither urns nor
charcoal were found on the north-west side of the circle, so it is just
possible that no interment had been made there, tradition and record
being alike silent as to the fact of any previous discovery in the same
locality.
I am not aware that any parallel cases of the disposition of urns and
bones in circles have been got in this country, if we except those some-
times found in connection with stone circles, and those at St Maden's
Enowe, near Airlie.^ In 1825 a somewhat similar distribution of urns
was got at Deveril, in Dorsetshire, and these were protected by stones;^
while the only instances of one urn being found within another, with
which I am acquainted, are those of Deveril Street, and Whitecbapel, in
London. These latter, it would seem, bore unmistakable evidences of
having been made and used by the Bomans when in South Britain.'
But although, according to some authorities, the Bomans had camps in
North Britain at no great distance from Newport,^ neither the style
of the urns there found, nor, so far as I know, the way in which they
were placed in the ground, bore any affinity to kindred works of the
Bomans.
Like most discoveries of human remains in Scotland, that at West-
wood was popularly associated with some supposed conflict or battle. It
is much more probable, however, that these urns only indicate the burial-
place of early owners or inhabitants of the district who had died peace-
fully in their own rude huts, and been interred by the hands of relatives
1 Proceedings, vol. y. p. 856.
« Wright's " The Celt, the Roman, and the Baxon," p. 66.
' Archnologia, vols. zztI. p. 470; xxvii. pp. 408-412.
*Roy*8 Military Antiq., p. 180; Chalmers* Caledonia, vol. i. pp. 110, 1C8-9
8ibbald*s History of Fife, p. 68.
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392 PR00ERDING8 OF THK SOCIETY, MAUCH 1866.
or frieDds in the singularly careful and eysteroatic way which the dis-
covery of the remains has hrought to light.
It is prohahle, from the many natural advantages which the site
affords, that the neighhourhood had heen peopled at a very remote
period, and hy men well skilled in the useful arts. On the west, south,
and east, lay vast tracks of hill, dale, and marsh, which doubtless had
been well stocked with most of the animals of the chase then known to
Scotland; while the Tay, not only favourable for the then essential
purpose of fishing, also formed a short and easy means of communica-
tion between the inhabitants and the opposite shores of Perth and
Angus.
Westwood lies on the south bank of the Tay, upon the lands of Sea-
mills, or Seymills, which were anciently a portion of the estate and
barony of Inverdovat. The site commands an interesting and extensive
view of the counties of Perth and Forfar, with the populous town of
Dundee. The ground slopes rather rapidly towards the south and east,
where it is bounded by a bum, which runs through a pretty dell. Mr
Berry of Tayfield (the modem name of the lands of Seamills), says that
about 1855, while workmen were holing trees near Westwood, they came
upon a sarcophagus or stone coffin, composed of mde undressed flags of
whinstone ; it contained bones, but no ura. It also appears that some
twenty years prior to that date, when Mr Berry's father was bringing a
piece of ground into cultivation, which occupies the heights south of the
farm steading of Northfield (about a mile east of Westwood), traces of a
circular work were found, called a " Boman camp" (?) : As such it is set
down upon the Ordnance Survey map. This work was composed of
earth, with a cairn of stones in the centre, in the middle of which a stone
coffin was got containing a great quantity of bones. The coffin waa of
a large size, made of roughly polished yellow* sandstone.' One of the
slabs, which stands near Tayfield House, is about 6 feet long, 4 feet
broad, and 6 inches thick. Possibly this is the heap or caim of stones
mentioned in a charter, dated about 1260, by which Bichard of Lascels
grants three acres from his lands of Frereton to the canons of St Andrews:
'^et congeriei lapidum juxta viam de Inuerdoueth versus Sanctam
» From Notes by John Berry, Esq. of Tayfield, to H. Walker, Esq.
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DISCOVERY OF A CIRCULAR GROUP OF CINERARY URNS, &C. 393
Andream ex tercia."* The locality of the so-called ''Boman camp'*
rather favours this supposition.
These lands are situated in the parish of Forgan, anciently called
Adnauctan aud Neohtan.' There also appears to have been a chapel at
"Seymills," dedicated to St Thomas;' but, although mentioned so late
as 1690, the site of it is now unknown. The mother church of Ath-
nathan, or Forgrund, with its chapel, were given to the canons of St
Andrews by Patrick of Hay and Marjory of Lascels— gifts which the
said Marjory confirmed by charter, dated at St Andrews, in October
1266.*
The Lascels, or Lessels, are the first recorded proprietors of Inverdovat,
or Seamills, and the lands continued to be held, in part at least, by per-
sons bearing the same surname, until after the year 1560.^ Its future
proprietary history may be briefly given from notes of the progress of
titles of the estate kindly furnished by Mr Berry. It would appear
by these that the lands were acquired by James, brother-german to
Robert, Lord Elphinstone, 12th November 1599, from whose heirs they
passed to the family of Hamilton, through the marriage of Ann Elphin-
stone with John Hamilton of Murehouse, whose eldest son succeeded to
Inverdovat. On 8th February 1664, James Hamilton had a Crown
charter of the lands of Inverdovat and the mill of Seamylls, in the
baronies of Newtown and Naugbtown. In 1712 the above portions
of the lands of Inverdovat became united in the person of Gavin Hamilton
and his son, with the other two portions of "Lyhton lands,'' or the
"Bank of Inverdovat," which Hamilton had acquired from the old
family of Nairn of Sandford, or St Fort. Hamilton, who subsequently
assumed the name and title of Inglis of Murdieston, sold the lands to
James Walker, physician in Edinburgh, in 1758. In 1782 Walker's
trustees sold the property to John Lyon, merchant in Dundee; and in
' Reg. Prior. S. Andreo, p. 274.
* Beg. Prior. S. Andreo, pref. xxxix. pp. 106, &c. Some writers say, upon what
authority I am not aware, that the old name was St PhUloM^ and that the chnrch
was inscribed to that saint.— 5/a<. Acct, (Old), vol. xvi. p. 88 ; (iVev), p. 606.
' Inq. Speciales (Fife), No. 406, &c.
* Reg. Prior. 8. Andree, pp. 108-9.
Inq. Speciales (Fife), No. 42.
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394 PllOCBEDINGS OF THB SOCIETY, MARCH 1866.
1788 Lyon sold it to John Berry, of Wester Bogie, grandfather of the
present proprietor.*
One word in conclusion, hy way of thanks to Mr Walker for the very
courteous manner in which he gave every facility to my inquiries while
investigating into those singularly interesting deposits, Ibut for which
the curious features of ''the find'' might have heen lost to our know-
ledge,— as well as for his so handsomely presenting the urns and bones,
along with excellent photographs of the former, to our National Museum
of the Antiquaries of Scotland.
IV.
NOTE REGARDING CIST AND URN FOUND AT INVERGOWRIE.
Bt ANDREW JERVISE, Esq., Cob. Mem. S.A. Scot., Brechin.
On 17th November 1860, while the line of railway was being made
from Dundee to Lochee, a stone cist was found upon the farm of Mill of
Invergowrie, in the highest of a senes of hillocks or knowes, composed
of gravel and sand. The site is about 150 yards east of the well-known
monolith called the "Paddock Stane;"* and the coffin was from 18 to
20 inches deep, about 4 feet long, and 18 inches broad. It was con-
structed of rude freestone slabs, and upon the cover or top was a rough
boulder of from six to seven cwt. The coffin, which contained bones,
lay from east to west, and an urn of baked light-coloured clay was in
the south-east corner of it. The urn contained some black damp mould,
and rested upon its base. It is 6^ inches high, 6 inches across the
mouth, and 2f inches at the base. To the height of 3 inches froflHhe
bottom it bears a closely set zig-zag ornament, then a baud of about an
inch broad, upon which is a plain spotted pattern, and four low unpierced
nobs, or ear-looking projections.
The hillock was thoroughly searched and levelled when the urn was
1 Robertson's Index, pp. 144, 147, 162 ; and Inqnisitiones Speciales (Fife), Nos.
406, 1288, 1808, afford some additional .particulars regarding the old proprietors of
Inverdovat and SeymillB.
2 Proceedings, vol. ii. p. 443.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 39fl
fouDd, bnt DO other coffin or urn was got in it. Stone cists, without urns,
have been discovered in the most of the hillocks which adjoin the one
above-mentioned, and these hillocks have all been levelled and destroyed
in the course of railway operations.
The urn, which is nearly entire, and rather a good specimen — not
very dissimilar in its general appearance from that which was found at
Murley Well* — is carefully preserved in a glass case by Mr Wilson,
tenant of Charleston of Invergowrie, upon whose farm it was found, and
from whom I learned the particulars of its discovery — a fact briefly
referred to at p. 216 of this volume.
Monday, 9th April 1866.
DAVID LAING, Esq., LL.D , Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Gentleman was balloted for and elected a Fellow of the
Society : —
John B. Greenshirlds^ younger of Kerse, Esq., Lcsmahagow.
The following Gentlemen were elected Corresponding Members : —
Joseph Anderson, Esq., Wick.
Thomas B. Grierson, Esq., Surgeon, Thomhill, Dumfriesshire.
The Donations to the Museum and Library were as follows, and
thanks were voted to the Donors : —
. (1.) By Patrick A. Fraser of ITospitalfield, Esq., Arbroath, F.S.A.
Scot.
Large Mass of Greyish Granite of oblong shape, measuring 2 feet 4
inches in length, 2 feet in breadth, and 12 inches in thickness, its upper
surface hollowed into a concavity ; apparently used for rubbing grain, or
as a grinding or polishing stone.
Six rounded Balls or Pebbles of Quartz, the natural surface being
abraded by attrition, probably corn crushers, which may have been used
* Proceedings, vol. v. p. 81.
VOL. VI. PART II. 2 D
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396 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
ID the grinding stone described above. They measure from 2^ inches
to 5 inches in diameter.
Two fine grained Stones of Greenish Colour, partially rubbed on the
sides ; probably used as polishers. One measures 3 inches, and the other
2^ inches in length.
Small Circular Disk of Mica Schist, measuring 2 inches in diameter,
pierced with a hole in the centre.
Fragments of Wood Charcoal from 2 to 3 inches in length.
These various articles were found in hut circles at South Persie, in
Strathardle, Perthshire. (See Communication, page 402).
Irregularly-shaped Portion of Grey Granite, 12 inches long by 12
inches in breadth, and 3^ inches in thickness, with a circular cup-shaped
depression cut on its upper surface.
Flat round-shaped Disk of Chlorite Schist, measuring 4 inches in
diameter, pierced with a perforation tli rough its centre.
Portions of Earth mixed with Calcined Bones ; and Fragments of Un-
bumt Bones of an Animal. Found in the ** Greycairn" at Balnabroch,
Strathardle.
Fragment of Bronze Wire measuring 5 inches in length, apparently
the stalk of a brooch or pin. Found in a hut circle near the " Grey-
cairn," Balnabroch.
(2.) By the Rev. J. M. Joass, Eddertoun, Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Small Fragments of Burnt Bone, pieces of Charcoal, and portion of a
Bronze Pin, 2 inches in length, covered with patina; found in a short cist
at Eddertoun, Boss-shire. (See Communication, page 418.)
(3.) By Gkobqe Buist of Ormiston, Esq., Fife.
Oblong Stone or Hammer, 9 inches in length, 4 inches in breadth, and
1| inch in thickness, with a perforation or haft-hole through its centre.
It is partially chipped at each extremity, as if from use.
Celt of fine grained Greenish -coloured Stone, 3 inches in length and
2 inches across the face, found in the fields of Ormiston Farm, parish of
Abdie, Fifesbire.
(4.) By' J. R. Robinson, Esq., Dewsbury, F.S.A. Scot.
A leaf-shaped Arrow-head, 2 inches in length, of brownish coloured
fiint, and 6 other rudely formed Arrow-heads or Flakes, from jths of an inch
to 1^ inch in length ; of brown and light coloured fiint; found in Ireland.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 397
(5.) By BoBBRT A. Veitoh, Esq., Greenhill Bank, Edinburgh.
Rudely formed l)Owl-shaped Sepulchral Urn, of yellowish- coloured
clay, a little contracted towards the mouth. It measures 3^ inches in
height and 4 inches in diameter at the mouth, and is ornamented with a
pattern of short sloping lines on the upper part, and rude punctures below.
It was found 7 feet below the surface^ in the course of the formation
of the drainage for the new villas at Boroughmuirhead, Morningside.
(6.) By Mr John Huoqes, through Andrew Coventry, Esq.
Large Iron Key, 9 inches in length, cut for numerous wards (figured
in the annexed woodcut.) The stem is in two pieces, which are joined
together by a screw. The whole key appears to have been richly gilt.
It was found among the ruins of Barnbougle Castle, Linlithgowshire.
Iron Key found at Bambongle Castle. (Scale, one-quarter of the original.)
(7.) By A. W. Franrs, Esq., AM., British Museum, F.S.A. Scot.
Two Penannular Bings of Gold Wire, slightly thickened at the ex-
tremities ; each measuring | of an inch in diameter. They were brought
from the Province of Cauca, New Granada, South America.
(8.) By Alexander Whytb, Esq., F.S.A. Scot., South Queensferry.
Penny of Edward II. — Ebor — found near the old church of Queensferry.
Groat of Queen Elizabeth.
Penny Scots, King Charles II., found at Abercom Church.
First brass of the Roman Emperor Grordianus III.
(9.) By D. H. RoBKRTsoN, M.D., F.S.A. Scot.
A Forged "One Pound" Note of the Commercial Bank of Scotland,
Edinburgh, 1826.
2 D 2
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398 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
(10.) By Lieut-Colonel Forbbs Leslie, F.S.A. Scot, (the Author).
The Early Races of Scotland, and their Monuments. 2 vols. 8vo.
Edinburgh, 1866.
(11.) By David Balfour, of Trenaby, Esq., Orkney, F.S.A. Scot.
Portion of the Branch of a Tree, measuring 2 feet 10 inches in length,
and from 4 inches to 5 inches in diameter, ^ith a rounded perforation
at each end, apparently made by fire. It is described by the donor as a
yoke for oxen, and was found under 6 feet of peat in the White Moss,
a short way south-east from the '^standing-stone'* of Shapinshay,
Orkney.
Yoke for Oxen (?) fonnd near Shapinshay, Orkney.
(12.) By Charlks Lawson, Jun., Esq., F.S.A. Scot
Sketch of the History of the High Constables of Edinburgli ; with
Notes on the Early Watching, Cleaning, and other Police Arrangements
of the City. By J. D. Marwick, City Clerk of Edinburgh, F.S.A. Scot.
4to. Printed for private circulation, Edin. 1865.
(13.) By His Grace The Ddkb op Northumberland, F.S.A. Scot.
Memoir written during a Survey of the Eastern Branch of the Watling
Street, in the County of Northumberland, from Bewclay, near Portgate
on the Roman Wall, to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Surveyed by Henry
MacLauchlan. 8vo, and folio plates. Lond. 1864. Printed for private
circulatuyn,
(14.) By Andrew Gillman, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
An Account of what appeared on opening the Coffin of King Charles
I. in the Vault of King Henry VIII. in St George's Chapel at Windsor,
Ut April 1813. By Sir Henry Halford, Bart. 4to. Lond. 1813.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM.
399
(15.) By the Commissionbrs for Publishing the Ancient Laws and
Institutes of Ireland.
Ancient Laws of Ireland — Senchus Mor. Introduction to Senchus
Mor, or Law of Distress, as contained in the Harleian Manuscripts.
8vo. Vol. L Dublin, 1865.
(16.) By the Senatus of the Univbbsity of Edinburgh.
There were exhibited and deposited in the Museum, Four Boman Altars
found at Birrens, Dumfriesshire ; and a Cast in Plaster of the Hosetta
Stone.
The altar No. 1 measures 3 feet 9 inches in height, and 16 inches
in breadth, with mouldings at the top and bottom. No. 2 measures 4
feet 3 inches in height, and is 20 inches in breadth. No. 3 measures
4 feet in height, and 15 inches in breadth. (See Plate XXIII. figs.
1-3.) No. 4 measures 3 feet in length, and 15 inches in breadth. They
are respectively inscribed : —
DBAERICAGAM
BEDAEPAG VS
VELLAVS MILITJ TIMI LIT
COHnXVNG
V • S • L • M •
No. 1.
MARTI ET VICTO-
RIAEAVG- CRAE
NCOH
n TVNGRCVI-
PRAEEST SILVIVS
AVSPEXPRAEF
V • S • L • M •
No. 2.
FORTVNAE
COH • T •
NERVANA
GERMANOR
E Q
No. 8.
D I B X D E
A B X ^ X
O M N I B
F R V M E N T
IVS MIL- COH n
TVNGR
No. 4.
The following notice of three of these altars is from Mr Roach Smith's
" Collectanea Antiqua," vol. iii. page 202, where they are figured as
plate zzxiii.
" Birrens, the Blatum Bulgium of the Itinerary of Antonius, is a strongly
entrenched camp, situated a little to the south of Middleby Kirk, on the
river Mein. A plan of the station is engraved in Roy's * Military Anti-
quities,' and most of the inscriptions found there in earlier times have
been collected and published by the late Mr R. Stuart, in his ' Caledonia
Rom ana.'
"No. 1 (Plate XXIII. fig. 1) presents some little diflBculty in the first
line, as it refers to one of those local deities, of whom we have so many
examples, often troublesome to appropriate. I propose reading it thus ;
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400 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APKIL 1866.
* To the Goddess Ricamaga of the district {Pagua) of Beda, Vellaus, serviDg
in the second cohort of the Tungri, in discharge of a vow willingly dedi-
cates.' The Bed(B Pagus was a tract on the line of the Roman road from
Treves to Cologne, some trace of the original name of which is retained
in that of its modem representative Bithurg. In this region was a station
or town called Bigomagas, or Bicomagus; and to this place, I suspect,
may the goddess of the Birrens altar be referred ; especially, as the dedi-
cator was a Tungrian. The word Pagus is not un frequently found in the
sense in which it here appears, in similar inscriptions. Mr Stuart gives
one, copied from Pennant, and also found at Birrens, which was erected,
also by a Tungrian, to the goddess of Yiradesthian (?) Pagus.
'^ No. 2 (fig. 2). I would suggest the following reading, emending
that given by Dr Wilson in the * Prehistoric Annals of Scotland,' vol. ii.
page 70, only as regards the name of the person who erected the altar :
Marti et Victorias Augusta: C, Rcetius militaris in cohorte secunda Tung-
rorum cui prceest auspex Silvius Prcefectus votum solvit lubens merito,
" The Tungri are mentioned by Tacitus, together with the Batavi, as
being in Britain under Agricola : from numerous inscriptions, they ap-
pear to have been actively engaged in the province, down to a late
period ; at the time of the compilation of the Notitia^ the first cohort was
at Bocovricus ; and another, possibly the second, at Dubris.
" No. 3 (fig. 3) is an Altar to Fortune, erected by the first cohort of the
Nervii ; or as the inscription reads, by the first Nervian cohort of the
Germans. In the inscription on the fourth altar, this cohort uses the
same remarkable style. The solution is afibrded by Tacitus, who in-
forms us that the Nervi and the Triviri were proud of their descent from
the Germans: circa ad/ectationem OermaniccB originis vitro ambitiosi sunt.
Thus, by the aid of this historian, we are enabled completely to under-
stand in these inscriptions a style used by the Nervii, which hitherto
was somewhat ambiguous."
The following reading of the Fourth Altar (No. 4), is given by Dr D.
Wilson, in his " Prehistoric Annals," vol. ii. page 70 : — " Diis dsabdsqcb
OMNIBUS FRUMKNTIUS MILES COHORTIS SBOUHDJB TUNQORUM."
The Cast in Plaster of the Rosktta Stone, is one of four made in the
year 1802, and was presented to the University by the Society of Anti-
quaries of London. The stono was found by the French engineers
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 401
while repairing the ruins of Fort St Julien, near the mouth of the Nile,
on the Rosetta branch. It was taken possession of by General Menou
by whom it was given up to the British army after the capitulation
of Alexandria, Egypt. (See account of the Eosetta Stone, published by
the Society of Antiquaries of London. 4to, 1811.)
The Bosetta Stone is of black granite or basalt, and measures 3 feet 2
inches in length and 30 inches in width. On its surface are incised
three distinct inscriptions, the one at the top being in Hieroglyphics; the
second, or centre one, in Enchorial characters, or those used by the
people of the country ; and the third in Greek. According to the Greek
inscription, the stone was erected in the reign of Ptolemy Epiphanes,
about 193 years before the Christian era.
(17r) By the Hsbitors and Kirk Skssion of the Parish of Scoonie,
Fifeshire, through the Eev. J. Blackwood.
There was exhibited and deposited in the Museum a sculptured slab
of sandstone, measuring 3 feet 6 inches in length, 2 feet 4 inches
in breadth, and 4 inches in thickness. It was found in the old
parish churchyard of Scoonie, about a quarter of a mile to the north
of the town of Leven. The stone displays on the upper part the
so-called ''Elephant,'' or beaked animal, its extremities terminating in
scrolls ; and below it apparently a deer hunt ; a rider on horseback, and
in front of him a dog on the point of seizing a full antlered stag with
(if not merely a subsequent marking on the stone) a javelin apparently
buried in its side ; below these is another horseman, and in front of him
a dog, and below the dog a third horseman. At the lower angle of the
stone is cut a small cross. Along the whole left margin of the stone is
incised an ogham inscription. On the reverse is sculptured a Latin
cross, with a plain circular disk in the centre, and the limbs filled up
with interlaced rope or knot work ; the scroll termination of a nonde-
script animal (like the dog-headed animals on the Ulbster and Brodie
Stones, as figured in the " Sculptured Stones of Scotland," vol. i. plates
xxii. and xl.), appears over the left limb of the cross. The stone itself
is figured in vol. ii. plate xii. of the same work; the whole sculpturing
is rather indistinct in character.
The following Communications were read : —
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402 PROCEEDINGS OP THE 80C1KTV, APRIL 1866.
I.
ACCOUNT OF EXCAVATIONS IN GROUPS OF CAIRNS, STONE CIRCLES,
AND HUT CIRCLES ON BALNABROCH, PARISH OF KIRKMICHAEL,
PERTHSHIRE, AND AT WEST PERSIE. IN THAT NEIGHBOURHOOD.
By JOHN STUART, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot.
A description in the old Statistical Account (repeated and amplified in
the first volume of Chalmers' '' Caledonia ") of the remains at Baba*
hroch, long ago excited my interest in them, and an inspection of the
locality in the autumn of 1864 increased my desire for their investigation.
The notice in the Statistical Account is as follows :* —
*' In the middle of a pretty extensive and elevated heathy moor stands
a large heap of stones, or cairn, 90 yards in circumference, and about 25
feet in height. The stones of which it is composed are of various sizes,
but none of them, as far as they are visible, large ; and appear to have
been thrown together without order. They are in a good measure covered
with moBS, and in some parts overgrown with weeds. This circumstance
argues the great antiquity of the cairn; for the circumjacent ground
being covered with heath, and of a firm mould, a long time must have
elapsed, before so much earth or dust could have been collected by the
wind, and lodged among the stones, as to form soil for the nourishment
of plants. Bound this cairn are scattered, at different distances, a great
number of smaller cairns. They are generally found in groups of eight
or ten together. They are all covered more or less with moss or heath.
About a furlong to the westward of the great cairn are the vestiges, quite
distinct, of two concentric circular fences of stone, the outer circle being
about 50 feet, and the inner about 32 feet in diameter. There are also
the vestiges of six, perhaps more, single circular enclosures of stone, from
32 to 36 feet in diameter, lying at different distances in the neighbour-
hood of the cairn. Two parallel stone fences extend from the east side
of the cairn, nearly in a straight line, to the southward, upwards of 100
yards. These fences are bounded at both extremities by small cairns,
and seem to form an avenue or approach to the great cairn of 32 feet in
breadtli. There can be little doubt that all these are reliques of Druid-
* Sinclair's Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xv. p. 616.
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EXCAVATIONS IN GROUPS OF CAIRNS, STONE CIRCLES, &C. 403
itfin ; that the great cairn is one of those at which they celebrated their
solemn festivals in the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter,
when they offered sacrifices, administered justice, &c.; and that the
circles and lesg'er cairns must have been the scenes of some other religious
rites, of which the memory and knowledge are now lost. Similar cairns
are to be seen in the neighbouring parishes, and in different parts of the
Highlands; but this parish has to boast of a more uncommon and re-
markable monument of Druidical superstition.
*' About a mile N.E. from the above mentioned great cairn, on a flat-
topped eminence, surrounded at some distance with rocky hills of con-
siderable height and steep ascent, stands one of those rocking stones
which the Druids are said to have employed as a kind of ordeal for
detecting guilt in doubtful cases. This stone is placed on the plain
surface of a rock level with the ground. Its shape is quadrangular,
approaching to the figure of a rhombus, of which the greater diagonal is
7 feet, and the lesser 5 feet. Its mean thickness is about 2^ feet. Its
solid contents will therefore be about 51,075 cubical feet. As it is of
very hard and solid whinstone, its weight, reckoning the cubical foot at
8 stones 3 pounds, may be reckoned to be 418 stones 5 pounds, or within
30 pounds of 3 tons. It touches the rock on which it rests only in one
line, which is in the same plane with the lesser diagonal, and its lower
surface is convex toward the extremities of the greater diagonal. By
pressing down either of the extreme corners, and withdrawing the pres-
sure, alternately, a rocking motion is produced, which may be increased
so much that the distance between their lowest depression and highest
elevation is a full foot. When the pressure is wholly withdrawn, the
stone will continue to rock till it has made 26 or more vibrations from
one side to the other, before it settles in its natural horizontal position.
Both the lower side of the stone and the surface of the rock on which it
rests appear to be worn and roughened by mutual friction. There is
every reason to suppose, from the form and relative situation of the sur-
rounding grounds, that this stone must have been placed in its present
position by the labour of men. It will hardly be thought, therefore, an
extravagant degree of credulity to refer its origin to the same period with
those other tribunals of a similar construction, mentioned by writers who
have treated of the customs of the ancient Celts. This opinion is, how-
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404 PBOCEeUINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
ever, the more confirmed from finding, in the neighbourhood of this stone,
a considerable number of other Druidical relics. On the north side of
the stone, at the distance of 60 yards, on a small eminence, are two con-
centric circles similar to that already described, and a single circle
adjoining to them on the east side. Beyond this, at 37 yards distance,
on another small eminence, is another pair of concentric circles, with a
single one adjoining to them on the east side. Beyond these, at 45 yards
distance, is a third pair of concentric circles, with their adjacent circle
on the east side. Farther on to the north-east, at the distance of 90
yards, is a single circle, and besitle it, on the west side, two rectangular
enclosures of 37 feet by 12 ; also a cairn 23 or 24 yards in circumference,
and about 12 feet high in the centre. Several small cairns are scattered
in the neighbourhood : 120 yards west from the rocking stone is a pair
of concentric circles, with a small single circle beside them of 7 feet in
diameter. All the pairs of concentric circles are of the same dimensions,
the inner one being about 32 feet, and the outer about 45 or 46 feet id
diameter ; and all of them have a breach or doorway 4 or 5 feet wide on
the south side. The single circles are, in general, from 32 to 36 feet in
diameter, and have no breach. The vestiges of all those structures are
perfectly distinct, and many of the stones still retain the erect posture in
which all of them had probably been placed at first. Cairns and circles
similar to those described are to be seen in other hills of this parish,
particularly between Strathardle and Glenderby. The elevated situation
and cold exposure in which these ruins lie have preserved them from
being ever disturbed by the plough, which has effaced, and probably
destroyed ruins of the same kind in other places. There are likewise
several tall erect stones, called here in Gaelic Crom-leaca, or Clach-
shleuchda, stones of ivorshtp. Some of these are 5 and some 6 feet above
the ground, and may be sunk a considerable way under the surface, from
their remaining so long in the same position ; for a superstitious reganl
is paid them by the people, none venturing to remove them, though some
of them are situated in the middle of corn fields.''
Through the kindness of Mr Allan Fraser of Blackcraig, I was enabled
to make a thorough examination of these and other neighbouring remains
in the month of September lat>t. Tlie permission of Mr Hagart, the
pro[»rietor of Baluabroch, was readily obtained, and a band of between
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EXCAVATIONS IN GROUPS OF CAIRNS, 8TONK CIRCLES, Ac 405
twenty and thirty workmeo was placed at my disposal for three con-
seoative days, with an intimation that I need not hurry my operations,
and that the men were at my disposal till the necessary operations were
thoroughly completed. The workmen entered thoroughly into the spirit
of the work, and, while eager for discoveries, were careful in carrying out
the instructions for watchfulness. Many of the workmen were servants
sent by Mr Eraser, Mr Trotter of Woodhill, Mr Constable of Balmyle,
Mr Macdonald of Ballintuim, and the number was made up by labourers
hired by Mr Fraser.
The moor of Balnabroch probably has been the site of an early fortified
site or " Broch," of which, however, no memory is preserved. It is a
platform at the west end of the base of the Knock of Balmyle, and slopes
down to the Water of Ardle, which runs to the south through a narrow
glen. The remains on the moor and its neighbourhood seem to attest
the existence of an early and considerable population settled here. Cul-
tivation has been encroaching on all sides, and many cairns and hut
circles have been obliterated within a recent period. The appearance
which the moor still presents is very impressive. In the centre a cairn
of enormous dimensions lifting up its weatherbeaten crest ; and on the
west, north, and east sides are many flat cairns and hut circles, of varying
size and design ; and on the east is a circle of pillars.
The central cairn goes by the name of the Grbt Cairn, and is described
as formerly measuring 90 yards in circumference and 25 feet in height.
The popular belief is that a mermaid is buried beneath it. This mer-
maid used to throw stones at people who were coming from church at
Kirkmichael, and she could only be seen through a hole in the knot of the
pine tree. At last she was chased to the hill at Balnabroch on her flight
to the waters of Loch Marech, on the other side of the hill, and there
killed, when the Grey Cairn was raised over her.
It was plain, on looking at this cairn, that an earlier examination of it
had been made, and on inquiry I found that it had been conducted by
Dr Wise and Principal Campbell of Aberdeen, a few years ago. At this
time a passage formed of slabs on or slightly above the surface of the
ground, so large that a person could creep into it, led from the outer
side towards the centre of the cairn. According to Dr Wise's statement
it led to no chamber. No trace of this passage remained.
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406 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 18€6.
The stones of the cairn were all turned over, with no result till the
surface of the ground was reached, when it was found that the bottom of
the cairn was paved with large boulders, below which, about the centre,
and several yards around, were many traces of burning, — charred wood,
and black stuff which had penetrated the yellow subsoil as if in streams.
On turning over the stones a circular disc of stone with a hole in
the centre was found, as also a small boulder with a cup on its flat
face.
The ground around the Grey Cairn is studded with cairns to the east
and south, and with groups of hut circles to the west. The latter oflen
occur in groups of two together, in size from 28 to 30 feet in diameter,
the walls from 2 to 3 feet thick, being defined by concentric lines of
large boulders set on end. The entrances are to the south, going through
the walls, and are defined by flags on end.
A hut circle on the south-west of the Grey Cc^rn was dug into around
the entrance, in the belief that in this situation articles would probably
have been thrown out, but with no result. In the centre, charred wood
and minute fragments of bones were found.
Two hut circles on the west of the Grey Cairn were thoroughly trenched,
without result, except the appearance of charred wood, and on the west
side a fragment of bronze like the pin of a brooch.
A hut circle in the comer of the improved ground on the north of the
cairn was examined, and much charred wood was found in the floor. It
was one of two which were probably enclosed by a wall, as at Persie ; but
the neighbouring one had been removed when the field was improved.
A hut circle on the north-west of the big cairn was trenched all round
the walls, which were removed, with no result ; but many flags were
found on the floor.
The cairns were of varied plan ; but none of them were conical, the
whole being flat in shape. On the south-east of the large cairn was one
about 9 yards across, defined by large boulders, with a raised ridge around,
and a cup in the centre. The raised ridges and centre were all formed
of small stones and earth. A trench was cut through it from the south-
east, which showed that in the centre, at a depth of 2 feet, a deposit had
been made, of which the remains were charred wood and fragments of
charred bone, with traces of blackish matter, which had filtered into
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EXCAVATIONS IN GK0UP8 OF OAIRNB, STONE CIRCLES, Ac. 4()7
the yellow subsoil, as in the case of the graves at Haitlaw.^ Many frag-
ments of white quartz pebbles appeared near the centre, as in other cairns
to the east.
North-east of the big cairn among the small cairns is a circular struc-
ture of about 18 feet across. Is was defined by an external circle of
large stones ; an inner wall of large blocks went round at about 6 feet
inwards from the outer one. A trench from the north-east towards the
centre showed a rude pavement, several large flattish flags, and great,
quantities of white quartz pebbles. One small cairn north-east and near
the large cairn, on being trenched through, showed no result.
Farther to the north-east, among the small cairns, is a circle of stone
pillars, many of them now prostrate. It consists of nine pillars or boulders
in a circle of about 8 yards in diameter. A trench across it showed,
towards the centre, fragments of charred wood in the subsoil, and also
towards the south margin burned bones, and charred wood in the subsoil ;
and always where this occurs the subsoil is blackened around for a bit, as
if saturated with some liquid. Many of the small cairns around this were
examined, and nothing was found.
Farther north on the moor are two hut foundations of the usual size
and construction, with entrances. Near them a round cairn about 20
feet across, and many smaller ones around. The large one was dug into,
and charred wood appeared. In the centre was a pit filled with calcined
bones and charred wood. This cairn almost abutted on the outside wall
of one of the hut circles.
One of the hut circles north of the large cairn had a flagstone in the
centre. A small space enclosed by stones near to it was found to be filled
with about 2 feet of black unctuous earth.
Among the cairns east of the Grey Cairn is one about 80 feet in dia-
meter, defined by large boulders, and slightly raised in the centre. A
trench made from the west through the centre showed a central cist lying
south-east and north-west, measuring 3 feet 8 inches in length, formed of
great flags. The covering flag had been removed before, and the cist
was filled with mbbish. It had no slab in the bottom, and the earth in
it was rich and unctuous. Many small cairns were around it.
The deposits in some of the hut circles of charred wood and fragments
1 Proceedings, vol. vi. p. 55.
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408 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
of burned bones were so much the same as those in the cairns, as to sug-
gest that burials may have taken place in them after they were disused
for bouses.
On crossing over the moor northwards about a mile from Balnabrocb,
to a point on Dalrullion where a view is opened up the Biackwater towards
Mountblair and Glenshee, is another group of stone circles. They are
concentric, and are defined by boulders or slabs, set in rows about 14
Jeet from each other, leaving a central space of from 25 to 80 feet
within. The entrance of about a yard in width is always on the south-
east, and is defined by slabs set in the earth. On each side of the en-
trance the space between the rows of stones is filled up with a heap of
small stones like a cairn.
Some of them occur in twos together. There is also a very small circle
of about 12 feet across, with a central space of about 8 feet, and circular
walls, defined, as in the other cases, by boulders in the earth. Here the
entrance was probably to the north, as the other side is sheltered by a
projecting knob of rock.
The large boulder resting on a mass of rock, which has been termed a
Rocking stone, is in the neighbourhood of the hut circles, and the hill-
side is covered with boulders and rocky projections.
On the ridge of moor at West Persie, about a mile to the south-east of
Balnabroch, is another group of circles. This group had been enclosed
by a protecting wall, of which the line in front on the west side remains.
In two cases another wall ran from this external boundary, and en-
closed two of the hut circles. The huts, measuring 21 to 27 feet in
diameter, are defined by large slabs in the earth, with entrances on the
south. At the entrances were found paving flags in the ground, and in
the centre of some were found traces of rude pavement. At the door of
one, fragments of charred wood and burned bones were found, and the
t$ame in the centre of an adjoining one, where a large boulder with a
hollow, as if fur grinding, was also found.
In the floor of one of the huts of the enclosed groups were found
seven holes surrounded by stones, leaving an empty space in the centre
sufficiently large to contain a good stout post. A similar small hole was
in the centre of the circle. On the north side of this hut were several
sliarping stones, and round balls of quartz were found in different places
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EXCAVATIONS IN GROUPS OF CaIRNS, STONE CrRCLEH, &c. 409
on the weBt side, also large fragments of charred wood. The adjoiniDg
circle was paved in the doorway and inwards for a little way. Some of
the circles here had only a single wall.
On the slope to the west are some small cairns of stones, but they and
the surrounding walls have been dilapidated for the sake of building
materials. It is probable that the walls and hut circles were continued
to the north, but if so, planting and cultivation have obliterated all
traces of them.
The remains now described seem to be those of early British settle-
ments. They occur partly on lofty exposed moorlands, and partly in
sheltered hollows. I heard of several similar groups in the same
neighbourhood on the high grounds and in their glens.
Most of the sites selected were on exposed platforms, but there they
were probably the only grounds cleared of wood, and their elevation en-
abled their occupants to keep watch over the surrounding districts. They
were dry, and had an abundant supply of water in the neighbourhood.
The mixture of cairns and hut cirles seems to indicate a practice of
burying the dead in the midst of the abodes of the living. Of this mix-
ture there are other similar instances on upland moors on the skirts of
the Mounth. I have examined a line of groups of cairns and pillars on
the Torrocks, near the kirk of Lintrathen, extending in length about a
mile and a half, and half a mile in breadth. Many of the cairns here are
about 15 feet across, although some are about twice that size. They are
almost flat, the stones being laid close together, packed like pavement,
and surrounded by an outside line of boulders. Some of them have been
opened, without any trace of deposit ; others show in the centre remains
of burned wood and unctuous earth.
If this is not a mixture of hut circles and cairns, as at Balnabroch, it
must have been a cemetery of great importance, evidencing a change of
custom from that which prevailed when the dead were buried in isolated
cairns and cists.
A careful examination of these cairns, and of the other groups to which
I have referred, is greatly to be desired.
The thickness of wall in some of the circles on Dalrullion is remark-
able. It seems probable that the space between the two rings of boulders
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410 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
was filled up with stones and earth to a certain height, and that on this
wall the ropf of hurdle-work and branches rested. The walls of houses
in Tiree and other islands of the Hebrides are even in our own day con-
structed on the same plan, and to attain the same end. Two w^ls are
erected at a distance of six to eight feet apart, the space between being
filled up with sand or turf, and the roof is perched on the top on the
inner side, leaving the flat top of the broad wall outside.
The country people in Strath ardle have no knowledge of the Druidical
character ascribed to these circles.
They believe that they were houses, and that in the space between, the
cattle were sheltered.
The Rev. Mr Allan Stewart, who applied the Druidical theory to the
circles and " Booking'' Stone, is inclined also to believe that we may have
to thank the Druids for giving the name to Glenshee. He finds out that
they had a practice of holding assizes in the most convenient part
of the country, and that the oflScers who performed this duty were called
Siihicheany or peacemakers. A round hill in the head of the glen, called
SithdhuTij the hill of peace, may have been, he says, one of the places for
holding these courts of justice, and hence the whole glen may have got
its name. To those who stumble at this suggestion, my namesake offers
another, that Sith-dhtm may have been the place of concluding and
ratifying a peace between two contending tribes or clans.^
On the subject of the Rocking Stones I may remark, that while it
is far from unlikely that in occasional cases, large boulders, deposited by
glacial agency, may lie in such a way as to permit of their motion, yet in
most cases, when their history is investigated, it turns out that they have
for some time ceased to rock, and a wicked mason or idle shepherd is
introduced into the narrative, who is known to have chipped off a corner,
and so ruined the motive powers of the stones.
^ Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xv. p. 607.
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Proceedings of the Society of _i2Lf:^Quaries of ScotUnd
VOL. VI tLATE XXIV
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PLANS AND SECTIONS OF CiSTS DISCOVERED AT NEWBlCCINC NEAR KIRKWAlP
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NOTICE OF A BARROW CONTAINING C18T8. 41 1
II.
NOTICE OP A BARROW CONTAINING CISTS. ON THE FARM OF NEW-
RIGGING, NEAR KIRKWALL; AND AT ISBISTER. IN THE PARISH
OF RENDALL. ORKNEY. By GEORGE PETRIE. Esq., Kirkwall,
P.R.S.N.A., Core. Mkm. S.A. Scot., &c. (Plate XXIV.)
In May 1855, Mr William Fotheringham, the proprietor of the farm
of Newbigging, near Kirkwall, informed me that he had accidentally
discovered on his farm a cist containing a small stone urn, which, having
an unpleasant smell, was left exposed in the open air, and was smashed by
some boys. When found, the urn had a quantity of fragments of burnt
bones and ashes in it. It was of an oval shape— its greatest diameter at
the mouth about 9 inches, and its depth the same. It was narrower at
the bottom, which was flat, and perforated by three or four small holes.
The fragments of the urn are in my possession.
Having observed some barrows near the spot where the urn was found,
and knowing also that another cist containing a human skeleton had
been discovered in the same neighbourhood some years previously, I re-
quested the farmer to open some of the barrows, and, if he came to a
cist, to send me notice. A few days afterwards I was informed that
some graves had been found, and I lost no time in revisiting the place.
The barrow about to be described was situated on the south-eastern
declivity of the hill, which forms the west side of the valley between the
bays of Kirkwall and Scapa, and commanded a view of both bays. It
was about 30 feet in diameter at the base, and 5 to 6 feet high. It was
a bowl- shaped barrow, chiefly composed of clay, and contained three
cists arranged as shown in section fig. 1, Plate XXIV.
On clearing away the clay from the centre of the upper part of the
barrow a heap of stones appeared in view, which was also removed.
Beneath the heap were two large flagstones—one nearly 7 feet long,
slightly overlapping the other, which was a shorter but much heavier
stone. The latter had a piece chipped out of the middle of each end
(see sketch D), apparently for the purpose of more convenient handling.
On raising the flagstones two cists were found beneath them, each about
VOL vr. PART n. • 2 R
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412 PR0CBBDING8 OP THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
4 feet 8 inches long, 1 foot 6 iDches wide, and about 13 inches deep.
The cists lay about east and west by compass, and were separated by a flag-
stone placed between them, about 6 feet 4 inches long, having its ends
extending into the building at each end (see fig. 3). A flagstone, 6 feet
6 inches long, formed the south side of the south cist, but the north side
of the other cist, and the ends of both, were formed by stones rudely
built in the shape of a wall, while a large flagstone served as a mutual
bottom to both cists. They were entirely empty, and showed no trace of
ever having been occupied. On their removal it was discovered that they
had been constructed on the top of another cist, whose covering-stone
— the large flagstone just referred to— had thus been made to do double
service, as bottom to the upper cists and cover to the lower one. The
latter cist measured 4 feet 8 inches in length, 3 feet 1 inch in width, and
2 feet 2 inches deep, and was formed by four large flagstones set on edge
for the sides and ends^ and a fifth for the bottom. Two human skeletons
lay in this cist — one at each end — in a flexed or contracted posture.
The largest skeleton (marked 1) lay on its right aide — its head about
the centre of, and close to, the west end of the cist. The right hand ap-
peared to have been placed under the right cheek, and the left hand
within the fold of the right arm, clasping it just above the elbow. The
back of the skeleton lay close to the north side, and the knees were
drawn up in front of the breast, so that the heels almost touched the
thigh bones. In short, the body was completely doubled up, so as to
occupy as small a space as possible in the cist. The other skeleton (No.
2) was at the east end, lay on its left side, and apparently had also been
deposited in the cist in the flexed posture, for the thigh and leg bones
lay across the body, and one, at least, of the hands appeared to have
rested on the breast. The whole of this skeleton waa so much decom-
posed that its outline could with difficulty be traced ; but the skull was
tolerably perfect, although so friable that it could not bear removal.
The skeleton was so huddled together that it readily conveyed the im-
pression either of having been previously interred and afterwards re-
buried in the cist, or of having been dismembered before interment, that
it might occupy no more space than the corner allotted to it. Its thigh
and leg bones lay above and across those of the other skeleton, shofwing
that the latter had been first placed in the cist.
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NOTICE OF A BARROW CONTAINING CISTS. 413
A quantity of ashes, intermingled with small fragments of calcined
bones, lay in a small heap in the space marked C on the ground plan
fig. 2 ; and some of the bones of the skeleton No. 2 lay on the heap
of ashes, which had therefore in all probability been placed in the cist
be/ore the skeleton No. 2 was laid in it. It is interesting thus to find
traces of burning within a cist in which skeletons were found. Pos-
sibly the ashes may not have been those of a human body; but I am
strongly inclined to think they were, as in numerous instances of crema-
tion in which I carefully examined the bones and ashes, I found un-
doubted fragments of human skulls generally adhering to, or embedded
in, the vitrified substance ("cramp"), which is almost invariably in
Orkney found in the graves or barrows in which cremation can be
traced.
The skull belonging to the skeleton No. 1, which lay at the west end
(P) of the cist (see Plate XXIV. fig. 2), was sent by me to Dr J.
Barnard Davis, by whom it has been described in the '* Crania Britan*
nica." (See description, and plate iii.) The following is a copy of
the description sent to me by Dr Davis, after he had carefully examined
the skull :—
" The cranial relic recovered from this cist, probably the most distinc*
tive and faithful representative of an ancient Orcadian known, may be
regarded as the capacious skull of a man of more than sixty years of age.
Its facial aspect is that of the ancient Briton, in all those features we
have so frequently described as characteristic of the race. It is large
in every direction. The forehead, of medium height and expansion, is
balanced by a deep and wide occipital region. A perpendicular line,
rising through the centre of the auditory orifice, divides the receptaculum
cerebri into two halves of very nearly equal length, but of greatly un-
equal capacity. The mass of brain in the hind-half would much exceed
that in the fore-half, probably not far from double it. This short but
capacious hind-head gives the skull a brachycephalic form, which is
typical. Begarding the cranium from behind there is an obvious irregu-
larity in the sides of the occiput, the right bulging out more than the
left
" We may regard our Newbigging specimen as a noble representative
of the ancient Orcadian race. In point of size, as is marked by its hold-
2r2
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414 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
ing 83^ ounces of Band, it is aboTe the average. Its stern facial features
receive force from this capacious calvarium, but doubtless would also
derive from it a modification of power likewise, mental and moral. The
evenness and equal bulging out of the calvarium at all points impart a
mildness to the skull which is at variance with the angularity and wild-
ness witnessed in some skulls of other races. That this appertained to
a man of consequence in his tribe is very probable, from the mode of
interment in a cist so carefully built, and encompassed by a barrow of
such magnitude.
*^ Measurements.
Inches.
Inches.
" Horizontal circumference,
21-0
Occipital region — ^Length, 4-9
Longitudinal diameter,
71
Breadth, 53
Frontal region — Length, .
6-0
Height, 4-2
Breadth,
61
Intermastoid arch, 15*6
Height,
4-9
Internal capacity^83i ounces.
Parietal region — Length,
5-5
Face— Length, 5*0
Breadth,
6-7
Breadth, 6*4."
Height,
6-1
A tracing of the skull, from a sketch sent to me by Dr Davis, accom-
panies this paper. (See Plate XXIV. ^g, 4.)
The skeleton No. 2 was shorter, and more squat in form than No. 1.
The skull was also of a lower type, more square in its outline than No.
I, and remarkably thick. I was only enabled to send a few of its frag-
ments, chiefly of the lower jaw, and some teeth and two metatarsal
bones, to Dr Davis, who wrote me that '^ the robust appearance of these
parts, and the worn state of the teeth', render it probable that they be-
longed to a man who had passed the middle period of life.''
In 1858 I received notice from Mr James Muir, the intelligent tenant
of the farm and mill of Isbister, in the parish of Rendall, that a group of
ancient graves had been accidentally discovered close to his house. I
visited the place as soon as possible, and found that the largest cist was
unmolested, the lid, which had been merely started, having been re-
placed till my arrival The turf having at my request been removed
from the covering stone, the latter was then carefully lifted, and a cist
exposed to view 6 feet 8 inches long on the south-west side, 4 feet
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NOTICE OF A BARKOW CONTAINING CISTS. 415
8 inches long on the north-east side, and 2 feet 3 inches wide. The
depth was 2 feet 10 inches at the longest side, and only 2 feet 7 inches
on the other or shorter. This gave the cover a considerahle inclination
towards one side, apparently to throw off the water which might reach
the cover from the surface of the ground. As a further means to pre-
vent water lodging in the grave, the bottom was covered to the depth of
about an inch with gravel. It is a very common occurrence in Orkney
cists to find a quantity of gravel both within and around the graves; and
the Bendall cist was not the only instance of the cover of the cist hav-
ing been placed with a slope or inclination, with a view to throw off any
water that might penetrate to it from above. In fact, the greatest care
seems sometimes to have been taken to have the cists kept as dry as pos-
sible, and I have on more than one occasion, where a barrow contained
tbiree or more cists in a group, found a small drain leading from the
centre of the group to the outer edge of the barrow. The long passage
in Maes-how probably was used as a doorway or entrance, but I have little
or no doubt that its main object originally was to serve as a drain to
carry off any water which might get into the interior of the structure,
for the outer extremity of the passage was of so limited dimensions that
no human being could have got through it.
But to return to the cist at Isbister. At the north-west end of the
cist a human skeleton lay on its right side in the flexed posture. The
right hand had apparently been placed under the right cheek, and
the left arm crossed the breast, and the left hand rested on the right
arm. The knees were so far drawn up that the thigh bones touched the
right elbow, while the feet were well up under the thigh bones. The skull
preserved its form when discovered, but shortly afterwards fell to pieces.
At the opposite or south-east end of the cist, another human skeleton
lay in a similar posture on its left side, with the skull close to the end
of the cist. The head was bent forward as if in a stooping posture.
The mouth was wide open, and the arm, thigh, and leg bones lay huddled
together, across and above the leg bones of the other skeleton, which
had evidently been first placed in the cist. The knees were within a
few inches of the chin. The whole appearance of the skeleton last de-
scribed could only be accounted for on the supposition that it had either
been dismembered, or bad been horribly crushed into a mangled heap
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416 PR00EBDING8 OF THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
before iDterment. While great care had evidenilj been taken in placing
the lower body in the cist, it was equally apparent that the upper or last
deposited body had been subjected to very rough treatment. There was
a very marked difference between the two skulls found in this grave,
just as there was between those found at Newbigging. That which lay
at the north-west end of the Isbister cist was of a much longer form
than the skull of the skeleton which lay huddled together at the oppo-
site end. The latter was not only very thick and heavy, but very eJiort
from the front to the back— of a triangular shape — very low in the fore-
head, with deep massive jaw-bones and projecting chin, and was alto-
gether a low type of a human skull. It was, however, in excellent pre-
servation, and apparently belonged to a man of about fifty years of age.
It was not, however, only at Newbigging and Isbister that I have
observed short squat skeletons. I have met with the same peculiarity
in other graves. The bones were generally so wasted that they crumbled
down when exposed to the atmosphere, but I was always able to exa-
mine them sufficiently to ascertain that while the upper part of the
frame was broad and massive, the thigh and leg bones were not of cor-
responding size. Could anything in their habits or mode of life
account for this peculiarity? They evidently were more accustomed
to use their arms than their legs. Possibly they spent much of their
time fishing in canoes, where the arms and chest would have almost all
the exercise.
So nearly alike are the internal arrangements of the cists of New-
bigging and Isbister (with the exception of the heap of ashes), that the
plan of the one might serve for the other. In each case the lower
Bkeleton was longer, the skull also of a longer shape, and the bone much
thinner than in the case of the upper skeleton. It was only, however,
when seen in their original position as first discovered that the difference
could be fully seen and appreciated. No one, looking down into wthei
of these open graves, could for a moment believe that the same affection
and care had been manifested in consigning the upper body to the tomb
as had been bestowed on the lower.
Situated in a south-west direction, and about 5 feet distant from the
Isbister cist above described, another was found. It was 3 feet long,
1 foot 10 inches wide, and 3 feet deep, and contained remains of the
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NOTICE OF A BARROW CONTAIHINO CISTS. 417
skeleton of a woman about fiixty years of age. The skull, minus the
lower jaw-bone, lay at the east-south-east end ; a few bones near the
centre, and a heap «f burnt hones within a foot of the other end of the
cist. A double tooth or grinder much burnt, but perfect in form, was
found amongst the burnt bones, and on the top of them lay portions of
the bones of the arms and legs. The skull had been taken out, and
returned to the cist before I saw it, but I was informed by the young
man who first found it, that it was then lying on its face. The covering
stone of this cist slanted in the same way as the other.
Another cist, about 18 inches square, was afterwards discovered about
5 or 6 feet from the south-east end of the two cists just described, but
it only contained a quantity of fragments of burnt bones lying in a heap
in the centre of the cist.
The group I have just described was a very interesting one. There
was the principal cist with its two occupants, the one evidently of in-
ferior rank to the other ; and, at a short distance, another cist containing
the remains of a female, whose body had apparently, in a sitting posture,
been partially consumed by fire ; and, about equidistant from these two
cists, a third cist, containing burnt bones alone. Looking at the entire
group, I am led to hazard a conjecture that the skeleton with the long-
shaped skull in the largest cist was that of a chief or warrior ; that the
skeleton at his feet belonged to a captive or favourite slave, who had
been slain and interred along with his master ; and that the heap of
burned bones in the smaller cist was the remains of other servants or
slaves also slain on the occasion, that they might accompany and serve
their master in the spirit land. The other cist, with the partially cal-
cined remains of a female, appeared to indicate the existence of a suttee
system, which had induced or compelled the widow of the deceased chief
or WMrior to perish amid the flames.
The similarity between the groups of Newbigging and Isbister is very
remarkable and suggestive. The principal cist in each case contained
two ekeletons, presenting the same distinctive characteristics of the
crania, and the same peculiar postures and relative positions of the
skeletons. The heap of burnt bones lay, however, at Newbigging in the
same cist with the skeletons, while at Isbister they were found in a
separate cist. It is not improbable that the skeleton said to have been
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418 FBOOfifiDINGB OP THE SOCIETY, APRIL 1866.
found at Newbiggiog, sometime preyioos to the discovery of the barrow
which I have described, may have belonged to a female, but that, of
course, it was impossible then to ascertain, as the whole had been covered
up again, and could not be pointed out. There was no barrow visible
at Bendall. The ground had been disturbed all around, and a great deal
of earth had been removed, but I thought I could still trace the outline
of a barrow of large size around the largest cist.
Dr Davis gives it as his opinion that the skull of the lower or most
highly developed skeleton at Newbigging resembled that of an ancient
Briton. Then to what race did the slave or captive which lay beside him '
belong ? Have we in these squat skeletons, with skulls of great thickness,
recovered traces of an aboriginal race of colonists akin to the Fins, Lc^
or Esquimaux, whose snow-houses the so-called Picts-houses so closely
resemble in form and structure, making due allowance for the difference
in material ? Such questions are more easily put than answered, but
they may be solved at some future period. The discovery and careful
examination of a few more of the interesting class of graves to which
those of Newbigging and Isbister belong would probably throw some
light on the subject.
III.
NOTICE OF THE DISCOVERY OF CI9TS CONTAINING URNS AND
BURNED BONES AT TORRAN DUBH, NEAR TAIN. By the Rev.
JAMES JOASS, Cobb. Mem. S.A. Scot. Communicated by JOHN STUART,
Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot. (Plate XXV.)
A few evenings ago, W. P. Duflf, Esq., Eddertoun House, discovered
under a slab, which had been disturbed by one of his ploughs, the upper
part of a small and very rude clay urn (see Plate XXV. A). The covering
slab being carefully raised next morning, a small cist was found, 22 inches
long, 15 inches broad, and 1 foot deep. In one corner, in a small heap of
reddish earth, and under a bit of rolled granite which had probably fallen
into the mouth of the urn, its bottom was foimd, broken in pieces. This
cist occurred on the southward slope of a gravelly knoll, named Torran
Dvibh, about 200 yards to the left of the public road near the fifth "mile-
stone from Tain. On digging at the top of the Torran a pile of large
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'■"rO'-eediL^" of die Socir'^; -t ji' ..^airie:: of f i^v i
VOLYI PLATE XXV
-^^;
TO/iRA/V' DUB//
JOL Jo ass
•A- ». H «• .h..'
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r.l5;T.S & IIRN.S PniJND AT TnRRAN-DUBH NEAR TAIN . ROSS-SHiRE
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DISCOVERY OF CISTS CONTAINING URNS AND BURNED BONES 419
drift stones was discoyered, widening downwards, and passing into small
flags laid horizontally, the whole resting at a depth of 8 feet upon two
large sandstone slahs.
These were found to cover a cist 4 feet 6 inches long, 88 inches wide
at one end and 24 at the other, and 26 inches deep, formed of four large
undressed slahs resting upon the undisturbed gravel. It was filled with
gravel and sand, which, when carefully excavated and passed through
two riddles, yielded several small fragments of burnt bone, part of two
human teeth, pieces of charcoal, and a broken bronze pin much oxidised.
The urn was found 12 feet due south, and at the same distance west;
in the comer of a very small cist, close to the surface, a second urn was
found (B), also mouth upwards. It was of the same height as the first,
5^ inches, and filled with fine reddish earth. This urn was of better
form and finish, being much harder baked, and of rather more elegant
design. It was also ornamented on the lip inside and out, and on the
shoulder, with an incised chevron pattern. On the top of a neighbouring
knoll lay many stones and small slabs of sandstone, blackened by fire.
One of these (C) had on one side a single cup roughly picked out.
Monday, 14^^ May 1866.
The Hon. LORD NEAVES, Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Gentlemen were balloted for, and elected Fellows of
the Society : —
Robert Young, Esq., Writer, Elgin.
James Auld, LLD., St Andrews.
The Donations to the Museum and Library were as follows, and thanks
were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By Mrs John Cairns, Henderson Row.
Celt of Fine-grained Sandstone, measuring 5 inches in length and 4
inches across the face. It has a groove or contraction at the narrow
extremity, where it has unfortunately been broken.
Square-shaped Stone or Stone Cup, measuring 3^ inches in length, 3
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420 paocfi£DiNos of the socisTr, may isee.
tBches io breadth, and If ioob in thiekness, with a deeply cut oval
oavity or OHp on its upper surf too. The cup contains a reddiBli-
coloured powder.
Gelt of a BluiBk-cdoared Stone, measuring S inches in length, and 2
inches across the face, much worn.
Two Stone '' Knives" of fine-grained micaceous sandstone, appare&tlj
formed bj splitting rolled pebbles longitudinaUy, so as to give a sharp
edge on one side.
Portions of large Urns, varying from i inch to 1 inch in thickness, of
coarse reddish clay, mixed with gravel.
Fiat fragments of Beddish Clay, measuring 4 inches in length by 2
inches in breadth, and displaying a raised chevron pattern.
Two Bone '* Hammer-heads," consisting of a portion of the leg-bone
of an ox, cut into a bevelled and polished extremity, with a perforation
for a handle, behind the articular surface of the joint. One measures 5
inches in length, the other 5f inches in length.
Bones of a large Bird, of the Ox, <fec.
Two portions of the shaft of a Bone, transversely cut, so as to form
rings or buttons. The one measures i of an inch in length, the other
^ inch in length.
Eight Pins or Piercers of Bone, the head generally formed by part of
the articular surface of the bone. They measure from 2J inches to 4J
inches in length.
These various articles were found in excavating an underground
chamber at Skerrabrae, Bay of Skaill, Orkney.
(2.) By John Cairns, Esq., Artist, Henderson Row.
Sketch in Oil of the interior of the Chamber at Skerrabrae, 19 inches
by 24 inches, taken in October 1863, and also sketches of various articles
of stone and bone found therein.
(3.) By Andrew Jervisb, Esq., Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Arrow-head of reddish-coloured Flint, measuring 1^ inch in length,
with barbs and stem. Found on the Bed Hill, parish of New Deer,
Aberdeenshire.
Hardhead, or copper Twopenny piece of King James VI. Mark of
King Charles II.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 421
(4.) By Hbnbt C. Maoladrin, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Lecythus or Craet, the mouth-piece awanting, with handle, of red
earthoDware, 6 inches in height, and 2 inchoB in diameter at the upper
part. It is ornamented with a helt of hlack below, and shows remains
of honeysuckle and other patterns above. It was found at Halicar-
nassus.
Black Earthenware Lamp, of circular shape, with projecting nozzle
for wick, with a small projecting triangular-shaped ear at each side. It
measures 2 J inches in diameter, and is ornamented by a pattern in relief.
It was found at Pompeii.
Finger-Bing, silver gilt, with an oval d isk, on which is inscribed I * H * S.,
probably Italian work.
(5.) By Mrs Alexander Morison, of Bognie.
Thirteen pieces of Copper Money, generally in bad preservation, in-
cluding thiee bawbees and a bodle of Charles II., halfpenny of William
III., and others about the same size, but quite defaced. They were
found in clearing out the old chapel well at Montblairy Castle, parish
of Alvab, Banffshire.
(6.) By Francis R. N. Roger, Esq., The College, Marlborough.
Three Scottish Church Communion Tokens, in lead. One, | of an
inch square, has on one side Darst 1708, and on the other MW'E.
Another measures f of an inch square, has on one side, within a circle,
the armorial bearings of Glasgow, which is round, *' Glasgow, 1725." The
third measures f of an inch square with the comers cut off. One side
displays a church with a small belfrey ; on the other is M' A'M* 1767.
(7.) By George Bell, Esq., M.D.
Small Laurated Male Head, sculptured in white marble, 5 inches in
length. The neck is rounded off below, and has a perforation as if for
fixing it by a peg to a base. The head apparently resembles that of the
Roman Emperor Galba.
(8.) By Mr George Rankime, optician.
Fair of Barnacles or Spectacles, without sides or handles, in leather
frame, with a pasteboard case.
Fair of curious Spectacles in bronze frame, with large circular eyen,
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422 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1866.
and hinge at end of the bridge. A small hinged pin, with a flattened
disk at its extremity, springs backwards from the bridge, apparently to
rest on the forehead. The outer edge of each eye-frames is pierced with
two holes, through which passes a loop of silk cord, these, when in use,
were passed over the ears. From Japan.
The right eye is fitted with a lens of rock crystal, which has only two
inches of negative focus, and apparently had been made for a case of
extreme myopia. The wearer was probably also blind of the left eye, as
the frame on that side is fitted up simply with plain glass.
(9.) By the Bev. John Miln, Schoolhouse, King Edward, Aberdeen-
shire.
Silver Coin of King Charles IX. of Sweden, found near the parish
church of King Edward, Aberdeenshire.
(10.) By Jambs Maonab, Esq., 9 St Andrew Square.
Commission from King William and Queen Mary appointing Charles
Boyd, gent., to be an ensign in the company of Foot commanded by Sir
Charles Grahame, whereof Lieutenant-Colonel Somerville is captain,
dated l** Aug* 1693. The commission is on vellum, and bears the sig-
nature of King William III. and a wafer impression of the Privy seal.
(11.) By KoBEBT Cox, Esq., F.S.A. Scot, (the Author).
The Literature of the Sabbath Question. 2 vols. 8vo. Edinburgh,
1865.
(12.) By the Sbnatus of the Univbbsity.
The St Andrews University Calendar for the year 1865-66. 12mo.
Edinb. 1865.
(13.) By J. Babnabd Davis, Esq., M.D, (the Author).
Notice of the opening of a Barrow at East Scalehouse, in the West
Biding of Yorkshire, and a comparison of that barrow with certain others
in Jutland. 8vo. (Pp. 14.) London, 1865.
(14.) By David Laing, Esq., LL.D., V.P.S.A. Scot, (the Editor).
The Poems of William Dunbar, now first collected; with Notes, and a
Memoir of his Life. 2 vols., with Supplement, 8vo. Edinburgh,
1834-1865.
The Poems and Fables of Eobert Henryson, now first collected; with
Notes and a Memoir of his Life. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1865.
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NOTES OF THE EXCAVATION OF TWO SHELL-MOUNDS. 423
The following Communications were read : —
NOTES OF THE EXCAVATION OF TWO SHELL-MOUNDS ON THE
EASTERN COAST OF ABERDEENSHIRE. By CHARLES E. DALRYMPLK
Esq., F.S.A. Scjot. Communicated by JOHN STUART, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot.
The district in which these remains are situated has some peculiar
features which make it worthy of description. It is a peninsula, lying
between the sea and the river Ythan, which stream, for the last three miles
of its course, flows to the south-eastward, its general direction, previ-
ously, having been about east. The peninsula may be roughly described
as an equilateral triangle, about 3^ miles each way, covered for the
greater part with low hummocks of sand, clothed with bent grass, but
which, towards the southern extremity, attain almost the size of hills,
and are totally devoid of vegetation. Standing among the long swelling
slopes of pure hard sand, with a hot August sun overhead, one is struck
by the strangeness of the scene, and its likeness to the deserts of hot
countries, rather than a portion of a Scottish county, within a few miles
of some of the most noted stock-farms in Great Britain.
That part of the course of the Ythan which skirts this peninsula
of Forvie (that being its name) forms at high tide an estuary, called
the ^* Sleek," probably derived from the Gaelic ''sliach,*' mud, as at low
water it is reduced to a dreary expanse of mud banks, through which the
little river steals slowly to the sea. Along both shores of this estuary,
at different distances from the water, lie many shell-mounds, some of
considerable extent ; but those described in the following notes lie on
the eastern side, opposite to the little port of Newburgh.
The present writer was first made acquainted with their existence by
Mr Thomas Jamieson, factor on the estate of Ellon, a gentleman well-
known to our leading geologists, taking himself an honourable place in
their ranks. Mr Jamieson had satisfied himself by a partial examination
of the nature of these mounds, and willingly joined in the fuller investi-
gation which the writer decided on making, and in which they had the
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424
PROOERDINGS OF THE SOCIKTr, MAT 1866.
valuable aid of the Rev. Samael W. King, Bector of Saxlingham, Nor-
folk, an able geologist and antiquarian.
The first mound examined lies along the bank of the Ythan, close to
high-water mark, and looks like one of the numberless sand hummocks
which have been described, covered with bent grass. On close examina-
tion, however, numbers of shells are seen to be mixed with the sand
and the roots of the grass, which feature first drew Mr Jamieson's at.
tention to the peculiar nature of some of these mounds. Its length is
about 150 feet, by 30 in width ; height from 15 to 16 feet. An exca-
vation was made in the side facing the river, showing a perpendicular
section of the mound, and laying open the whole strata, which were
alternately of pure sand and of deposits of the shells of the cockle,
muscle, and winkle, all of which had been exposed to the action of fire,
having evidently been cooked, — the site of at least one fire-place having
been plainly discovered. The accompanying sketch. No. 1, of the
A I 'ill'
t:^^^¥^^%^
'^^^ilL-
',B ''W/
W'////M
V?/. ■ ' ZjL
//./>^/ yA^~77rr^
'fm^mvh3'^A
'/ /
No. 1. Section of Shell-Mound at Forvie.
section made in the mound will show the position of the strata and
their vertical measurements : —
A, Sand, clothed with bents, 4 feet.
B, Burnt shells, 5 feet ; BB^ fire-place, containing burnt t^Mi/et^ char-
coal, shells, &c.
(7. Alternate very thin strata of sand and burnt shells, 5 feet in all.
Z>. Sand mixed with a little charcoal and burnt matter, 1 foot.
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NOTES ON THB EXCAVATION OF TWO SHELL-MOUNDS.
425
E. Pure blown sand, 1 foot.
F. Old beach, surface 3 feet above present high-water mark.
No weapons, implements, or remains of any kind whatever w«re found
in this mound, excepting what have been mentioned.
The other mound examined was distant about a mile from the first,
lower down the river, and lying further from the bank, at a spot where
the peninsula is lower than anywhere either north or south of it, and
about ^ a mile from its southern extremity. The ground here ii hard
old beach, from 6 to 8 feet above the level of the sea, (wd with little
sand on the level surface, although blown into heaps in the immediate
neighbourhood. The surface of this mound was covered with shingle,
but with many larger stones intermixed, and many shells, both of which
evidently had been exposed to the action of fire, while most of the stones
appeared as if they had been red hot at some time, being split and
cracked as well as discoloured. On the bare ground, neai the mound, are
numberless flint chips to be found, as indeed is the case ovev a great
part of the peninsula, where the ground has not been over-blown with
sand. This mound was of an irregular horse-shoe form, about 90 yarde
No. 2. Longitudinal Section of Shell-Mound at Forvie.
"^ic
in length, but only from 8 to 10 yards broad, and not rising more than
from 5 to 6 feet above the original surface of the ground. A section
having been cut across the east end of the mound, the strata appeared
as shown in sketch of mound No. 2 : —
A, Shells from 1 foot, decreasing in places to a few inches of thick-
ness; here and there a little sand over all. tn the crest of the mound,
at the spot AB^ was a hollow or pocket going down into the next
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426 PROCBEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1866.
stratum, wbicb was sand, and was evideDtly a fire-place similar to that
discovered in mound No. 1. It contained burnt stones, wbicb bad
formed tbe beartb, bones and teetb of deer, and of a small species of ox,
also sbells and cbarcoal.
C. Pure sand, 1 foot.
D. Sbells, 1 foot; DE^ a fire-place similar to tbat in tbe upper
stratum, containing tbe same substances, with the exception of tbe Jxmes,
F, Blown sand, 16 inches.
Q, Shells and cbarcoal, 2 inches only.
H. Blown sand, 16 inches, overlying tbe original beach. At HI tbe
most interesting discovery of the day was made, — a hearth of stones
marked with fire, which bad been made on the original surface of tbe
ground, which was beach K^ and lying on and among wbicb were bones
of large animals, fragments of cbarcoal, and, among the bones, one
which had been polished and sharpened as if for use, also a frag-
ment of much corroded iron (which is exhibited). It must be mentioned
that a rude stone celt (also exhibited), and which has apparently been
subjected to the action of fire, was found on the surface of the mound,
but, excepting these, no implements or other remains were found
to indicate who or what the authors of these accumulations were. Tlie
conclusion, however, to those who witnessed the excavation, seemed
indubitable that, at some very remote period, a fire had been made on tbe
beach, where portions of certain large animals bad been cooked and eaten-^
that later, though bow much so it is impossible to say — but when 16
inches of sand bad accumulated over these remains, the natives. of
tbe country bad either encamped on the spot at different times^ and
lived on the shell-fish of tbe estuary, or that great " feasts of sbells "
bad been successively held, with intervals between sufficient to allow of
the accumulations of sand which exist between the strata of burnt
matter. Tbe discovery of iron in tbe lowest and earliest deposit of tbe
whole, while a stone weapon lay among the latest, is also somewhat re-
markable, although by no means conclusive of any very great antiquity
in these remains, which may quite possibly have come there many cen-
turies within tbe Christian era ; but all must be in a great degree sur-
mise, until further explorations in the shell-mounds of Scotland supply
additional facts, on wbicb alone any correct conclusion can be formed.
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NOTICE OF THK CHURCH OF ST CONGAN, IN ABERDEENSHIRE. 427
II.
NOTICE OF THE CHURCH OF ST CONGAN AT TURRIFF, IN ABERDEEN-
SHIRE, AJ^D OF A FRESCO OP ST NINIAN DISCOVERED IN IT IN
. DECEMBER 1861. By JOHN STUART, Esq., Sec. S.A. Scot. (Plate
XXVI.)
The eoclesiHstical history of Turriflf reaches back to a very remote
period. The remarkable position occupied by the church, on the
brow of a lofty bank, overlooking the valley through which the river
Deveron sweeps close to its base, on its seaward course, seems to have
pointed it out as a suitable site for one of those numerous monastic com-
munities through which the knowledge of Christianity was imparted to
the Celtic tribes of Pictland. The monastery of Turriflf survived till the
middle of the twelfth century. At that time we find Cormac, its abbot,
witnessing a charter of King David I. in favour of the monks of the
monastery of Deir, which had been planted in the same district of
Buchan, by Saint Drostan. He is also a witness to a grant in favour of
the same monastery of Deir, by Colban, the Mormaer of Buchan.
At a somewhat earlier period we discover another ofiScer of the Celtic
monastery of Turriflf, when Demongart, its ferleiginn or lector, witnesses
a grant by Oartnait Mac Cannech, Mormaer of Buchan, and Ete, daughter
of Gillemichel, in favour of the monastery of Deir.
It is probable that the monastery of Turriflf with its territory became
secularised like many other of our Scotch monasteries. In the beginning
of the thirteenth century, the church of Turriflf was given to the monks of
St Thomas at Arbroath, by Marjory Countess of Buchan ; and in the year
1272 her son Alexander Cumyn, Earl of Buchan, by a charter dated at
his castle of Kelly, in Buchan, and witnessed by King Alexander III.,
conveyed to an hospital which he had founded at Turriflf all the right
which he had to the church of Turriflf. This hospital was for the main-
tenance of a master, with six chaplains, and of thirteen poor husband-
men of Buchan, and was dedicated in honour of St Congan. The chap-
lains were to perform service in the church of Turriflf, and wear the
habit of secular canons, living in common, and sleeping in one dormitory.
From subsequent events, it appears that the master of the house was also
the rector of Turriflf, which might have been anticipated, as the church
VOL. VI. PART II. 2 F
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428 PROCEKDlNUb OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1866.
is declared to be the property of the house, along with the lands erected
into church lands.
The Earl's charter, which is printed in the Begister of the See of Aber-
deen,i is there entitled " Carta fnndationis terre ecclesiaatice ville de
Turref continens limitesejusdero." It conveys to the hospital the whole
lands of Gnookikuby in the neighbourhood of Turriff. One of the lines
by which these lands are said to be bounded, runs from the Standing-
stone of Balmali and Cokuki, as far as the Monk's Road, "usque ad
viam monachomm " — an expression which suggests a connection of the
lands with the territory of the early monastery, and the monks to whom
it belonged.
It seems likely indeed that we may account for the gift of these lands
for ecclesiastical purposes, by supposing that having been diverted from
their first purpose, and become the property of the later Mormaers or
Earls of Buchan, they were at least partly restored to the new institution,
when a change of feeling led to its foundation.
It would seem that a like fate befel St Drostan's Monastery at Deir,
and it is remarkable that William Cumyn, Earl of Buchan, father of the
founder of St Congan's Hospital at Turriff, founded a monastery of the
Cistercian Order at Deir, close to the site of St Drostan's primitive insti-
tution. He probably endowed it with the lands which had belonged to
the earlier monastery, for we can recognise among the possessions of the
Abbey, at its dissolution in the sixteenth century, some of the very
lands granted to God and to Drostan, as recorded in the Book of Deir.
Shortly before his death. King Bobert Bruce granted to the master
and hospital of Turriff the lands of Pets, in the parish of Fyvie, for
the maintenance of a chaplain to pray for the soul of his brother Nigel.*
In the year 1412, the church of Turriff, by consent of the patron,
John Earl of Buchan, was erected into a prebend of the Cathedral of St
Machar at Aberdeen. The whole fruits of the benefice (in which the
Hospital of Saint Congan seems to have merged, " una cum terris
ecclesiaticis ") were assigned to the prebendary, under the burden of six
merks yearly, and of a surplice, a black cape, and other vestments, to a
» Vol. i. p. 80 (Spalding Club).
Autiq. of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff, vol. ii. p. 389.
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NOTES OF THE CHURCH OF 8T COXGAN, IN ABERDEENSHIRE. 429
chaplain officiating in the cathedral, and of twelve merks yearly, with a
toft and croft, to a perpetual vicar serving the cure of souIb in the parish,
making his residence at Turriff.
The patronage of the church of Turriff was confirmed by King James
II., in the year 1450, to William Lord Hay, Constable of Scotland. The
reason of this grant may be gathered from a procuratory executed in the
year 1440 by the said William, for the recovery of his right of patron-
age of the church of Errol, in Gowrie, which formed part of the early
possessions of the family. From this instrument it appears that
Lord William's grandfather had through fear surrendered the patron-
age of the church of Errol to King James I., when that monarch wished
to bestow it on his newly founded church of the Carthusians at Perth,
and on promise of receiving other church patronage of like value, but
that although be had often required the promised recompense, he had
hitherto failed to obtain it.
The patronage of the church of Turriff was at last conceded to him
in exchange, with which he professed his satisfaction.
About a month after the patronage of Turriff was thus vested in the
family of Hay, we find a bond granted by Gilbert the Hay, which sets
forth that " frae the tyme that I sal be Qod willand in peaceable posses-
sion resaiuand and joysand freely the benefice of Turray prebend of
Aberdene that I sal yeirly give and pay till my Lord the Constable of
Scotlandis bretheren to bald them at the Scule that will be clerkis ay
[and] while thay be beneficed, or any of thame that may bald the lawe,
fourty pundis of Scots payment, or els three score of golden crownis of
French gold."*
It appears that Gilbert succeeded to the benefice about ten years
after this time.'
In 1511 King James IV. erected the ecclesiastical lands, town and
glebe, of the church of Turriff into a burgh of barony, with power to
give feus of the burgh roods. In 1521 the bishop and chapter granted a
charter to Alexander Hay, rector of Turriff, authorising the grant of feus
and this consent was renewed by a subsequent charter granted by the
* Antiq. of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff, vol. ii. p. 843.
3 Ihid, p. 844.
2f2
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430 PUOCEBD1NG8 OF THE SOCIETY, MAY 1866.
bisbop and cbapier in 1548. In the following year, Alexander Vans,
then prebendary, conveyed to Gilbert Hay of Delgaty, the lands of
Cakeinche, part of the ecclesiastical lands, for payment of a yearly sum
of ten merks, and on other conditions which are significant of the
period. The said Gilbert was to defend and protect the prebendary in
his rights ; he was not injuriously to seize on the fruits of his lands, nor
encroach on the church lands adjoining to those of Cakeinche.
Down to 1627 certain lands were held by the parson of Turriff as kirk
lands ; but in that year Mr Thomas Mitchell, parson of Turriff, with the
sanction of the Bishop of Aberdeen, the Earl of Errol, and others,
granted a charter of these lands to Francis Hay, son of Francis Earl of
Errol, when they were finally secularised.
St Gongan, in whose name the Hospital of Turriff was dedicated io
1272, is represented in the legendary history of the Scottish Church to
have been the son of a chief in the province of Leinster in Ireland, and
sister of St Eentigerna. He succeeded to his father's rule ; but in con-
sequence of some domestic tumults and bloodshed, he forsook his patri-
mony and country, and devoted himself to religion. Leaving Ireland,
with his sister Eentigerua, and her sons St Felan, St Fursey, and St
Ultan, with seven other clercis, he came to Lochalsh, in Northern Argyle,
where he spent a solitary and ascetic life. On his death a church was
built at that place in his honour by his nephew St Felan, and in the
l)eginning of the sixteenth century the name of St Gongan continued iu
reverence by the inhabitants of the district.
It is not now easy to suggest a reason for his selection as the patroo
saint of Turriff, unless we suppose that, like St Drostan, he was the
founder there of one of those monasteries which seem to have been
numerous throughout Alba. The dedications of the neighbouring
parishes also connect them with members of that band of Irish mission-
aries who carried the light of the gospel into Pictland — the parish of
Forglen, on the one side, being dedicated to St Adamnan, and that of
Alvah, on the others to St Columba. When Turriff was erected into a
burgh of barony, it received the privilege of holding two public fairs,
one of which was to be on the feast of St Congan; and after his memory
had faded away in its religious aspect, it was preserved by this fair,
which till lately was held annually on the 13th of October, being the
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NOTICE OF THE CHURCH OF 8T CONGAN, IN ABERDEENSHIRE. 431
day observed as the festival of St Congan in the calendar of the
Scottish Church.
The old church of St Congan was a long narrow structure, with no
architectural features sufficient to fix its date. It measured 120 feet in
length, by 18 feet in breadth.
In its eastern wall are built fragments of sculptured stones, which
appear to have been portions of an older fabric. Some of these represent
groups of heads looking upwards, as if a fragment of tympanum — probably
of Norman character. In 1794 a new parish church was erected, and the
only part of the old fabric now left is its eastern end, still known as *Hbe
quire," and the belfry, in which is hung afined-toned bell, dated in 1557.
Fortunately we have the means of ascertaining pretty closely the date
of the choir, which otherwise, from the appearance which the remaining
part of it presents, would have been doubtful.
In a volume of Illustrations of the Antiquities of the Shires of Aber-
deen and Banff, prepared for the Spalding Clubby Mr Joseph Robertson,
he has printed the following notico from a manuscript pedigree of the
House of Glammis in the possession of the Maitland Club : — '^ John
[fourth] Lord Glammis succeeded his father [in the year 1497], who
when he was master marryed [in the year 1487J Elizabeth Gray, daughter
to the Lord Gray. ... He had children, George and John, both
Lords of Glammis, and Mr Alexander Lyon Chanter of Murray, who was
a singular scholar in these tymes and was tutor to his brothers sones, and
lyeth buried in the quire of Turreffe which he built ; of whom being a
churchman and unmarryed came no laufuU succession. He dyed in the
year of God 1541."'
In December 1861 portions of the wall of the choir were removed as
materials for improving the dilapidated dyke of the churchyard. A
window in the south wall bad been built up at some former period, and
the workmen were engaged in removing the stones, when they discovered
on the splay of one side a figure painted on the plaster in bright
colours.
Several sketches were made, and a photograph was secured of the
painting before the plaster was destroyed. One of the sketches was
1 Antiq. of the Shires of Aberdcou and Banff, vol. ii. p. 338.
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432 PROCEEDINGS OK THE SOCIETY, MAY 1866.
lithographed for the Banffshire Journal^ where it appeared, along with
an accurate notice of the circumstances of the discovery by the editor,
who has done much to diffuse a taste for archadology in his own district.
My friend Mr Gibb of Aberdeen went to Turriff at my request, and
made an accurate drawing of the fresco for me. From a copy of it, along
with the photograph now exhibited, the character of the painting will
be fuUy understood. (See Plate XXVI.)
It represents an episcopal figure, fully habited, with his pastoral staff
in his left hand. His right hand is elevated in the act of benediction.
The background is diapered in lozenge patterns. An inscription in
Gothic letters, divided by the head of the figure, reads S. Nimianus.
Another similar figure was on the opposite splay of the window, but
was destroyed, and there is reason to believe that there was a series of
like pictures all round the church. The fresco of St Ninian was broken
up in the course of a few days after its discovery.
From what has been said, it would appear that we may regard the
choir as a work of the first quarter of the sixteenth century, and we may
therefore believe that fresco painting was in use for the decoration of
the walls of our churches at that time.
An interesting passage in the history of the Abbots of Eiuloss by
Ferrerius, shows indeed that this style of painting was greatly prized
throughout Scotland at the period in question. In describing the many
good deeds of Abbot Robert Beid, he tells us that, in the year 1538, he
engaged a painter, Andrew Bairhum, '* celebrated indeed in his art, but
withal contentious and difficult to manage.'' For three years Andrew
was retained at Einloss, during which time he painted three tables for
adorning the chapels of the Magdalene, of John the Evangelist, and of
St Thomas of Canterbury. He painted also, but in the lighter style,
which, as the writer adds,* is now so prevalent throughout Scotland,
'^ sed picturaleviore qu8B nunc est per Scotiam receptissima,'' the chamber
and oratory of the abbot, as well as a larger chamber in front of the
stair leading to the abbot's chamber.
We know so little of the style of frescoes used in our churches that even
the copy now exhibited of this fragment, snatched from the rude hands
which destroyed the original, will, I trust, be regarded with interest.
* Hist. Abbat. Monasterii de Kynlos, p. 51 (Bannatyne Club).
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rn
f[-;f/-;co from chukch of n. co!:aAf;, tijkr'ff.
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NOTICE OF THE CHURCH OF 8T CONGAN, IN ABERDEENSHIRE. 433
I have already stated that the same record which has preserved to us
a Dotice of some of the abbots of the early monastery of Turriff, has
also handed down the name of one of its ferleiginns or scholastic lec-
turers, from which we may believe that Turriff was not only a seat of
religion, but a school of learning.
Domongart, the ferleiginn of Turriff, as a witness of a grant to tlie
monastery of Deir by Qartnait, the Mormaer, about 1132, is associated
with Nectan the Bishop of Aberdeen, Leod the Abbot of Brechin,
Buadri the Mormaer of Mar, Matadin the Brehon, and others, who were
also witnesses.
The Grammar School of Turriff enjoyed a considerable reputation in
later times.
Of Thomas Austin, who was its rector about the middle of the six-
teenth century, and taught for about 40 years, Dempster speaks in the
highest terms: — He was learned in G-reek, Latin, and Hebrew, and
(what we ought to value fully as much) he was '* antiquarius incompara-
bilis."
Dempster received the rudiments of his early education at Turriff,
under the auspices of Andrew Ogsten, who is described (perhaps partly
in consequence of the vigour with which we learn he used his rod) as
"vir ingenio mediocri." He was, however, Dempster adds, "not un-
learned,'' and wrote various poems, some of them " elegiaco versu non
inculto." 1
The small volume or register now exhibited, belonging to me, contains
all the deeds relating to the church lands of Turriff to which I have
referred, beginning with the " Carta fundacionis terre ecclesiastice ville
de Turreff, continens limites earundem anno Domini 1272,'' and ending
with " Carta consensus Episcopi et capituli Aberdonensis Magistro
Willelmo Hay rectori de Turriff facta ad locandum terras ville sen burgi
de Turriff in empheteosim pro edificiis policia et hospitalitate habenda,"
in 1548. The deeds in this volume are extracted from the chartulary
of the bishopric of Aberdeen, and this copy was probably made about
the date of the charter last quoted, when the rector, under its authority
and that of a previous deed, was probably engaged in granting feus of
the lands for buildings and policy.
* T. Dempsteri, Hist. Eccl. Genlis Scot. t. i. p. 65 ; t. ii. pp. 514, G73
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434 PROCEKDINQS OF THE SOCTETV, MAY 1866.
III.
NOTICE OF A BRONZE VESSEL FOUND RECENTLY IN THE VORARL-
BERG. By JOHN SHOLTO DOUGLASS, Esq. Communicatkd by WILLIAM
BROWN. Esq.. F.R.C.S., F.S.A. Soot.
" I send' you a drawing I made, and had lithographed, of a very
curious bronze pot, tripod, or camp kettle, which was dug up in the
beginning of last month, at a height of 200 feet above the valley, by a
peasant, on the hill side, between the villages of Diins and Schnifis.
The latter you will remember, with its picturesque green spire. The
former is barely distinguishable from the road below (although not so
high as Schnifis, and only a mile distant), its plain, brown, wood houses
being in summer almost buried in fruit trees. It is situate on the way
to Sattains. The vessel was found topsy-turvy, nearly 2 feet beneath
the surface, and quite empty, to the disgust of the finder, who, when he
found he had hit upon a pot, expected a hoard of coin. I have secured
the pot, I may almost say vi et armia, for the Bregenz Museum. I have
coloured the lid and handle red : they are of iron, and much corroded ;
whereas the bronze vessel itself is in perfect preservation. Dr Keller of
Zurich thinks it most likely of mediaBval date. Other Zurichese anti-
quaries are doubtful whether to call it ' middle age' or Boman. I have
written to Baron Lacken, in Vienna, about it also, but have received no
answer yet. I shall be much interested to hear whether your Anti-
quarian Museum in Edinburgh contains anything similar. The form of
the vessel itself is common enough, and can afford no good clue to the
date, or nation who made it ; but the graceful angular side handles, and
the paw-like feet, are very peculiar. I should have mentioned that the
height of the vessel (exclusive of the iron hoop), is a little beneath 10
ioches.''
What I have read is from a letter written to me by Mr John Sholto
Douglass, at Thiiringen, in the Vorarlberg, 5th April 1866. The Vo-
rarlborg is the frontier province of Austria, next to Switzerland ; and is
very interesting from its noble scenery, and its industrious population.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 435
Bregenz, the ancient Brigantinm, is the chief town of the province ; and
a museum, for the reception of antiquarian and natural history specimens
belonging to the province, has been established. It already contains a
considerable collection of valuable objects in all departments ; but it is
rich in Boman remains, which are still found in various directions. It
will be interesting to the Society to know that a young man, with a
Scottish name, elder son of Mr Douglass of Tilquhillie, is devoting his
leisure hours to scientific and antiquarian researches in this far-off
province.
MoNDAT, 11th June 1866.
DAVID LAING, Esq., LL.D., Vice-President, in the Chair.
The following Donations to the Museum and Library were laid on the
table, and thanks were voted to the Donors : —
(1.) By Mrs Baird of Closeburn.
Boat or Canoe of Oak, formed of a hollow oak tree, pointed at the
bow or front, and having a separate board inserted in grooves for a stern.
It measures 12 feet in length, 2 feet in breadth, and 15 inches in depth ;
Canoe of Oak found in the Castle Lodi, Closeburn.
and was found in 1859, while draining the " Castle Loch," in moss, 3
feet below the surface, Closeburn, Dumfriesshire. (See Communication,
page 458.)
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436 PROCBKDINGS OF THE SOCIETT, JUNK 1866.
(2.) By Albxander Spiers of Culcreuch, Esq.
Upper Stone of a Quern, measuring 15 inches in its greatest length.
Its upper surface is cut into ribs, and has a projection on one side, with
a socket for the insertion of a handle (shown in the annexed woodcut).
It was found in trenching a shallow moss in the "Standing Stone*'
park, on the estate of the Donor, parish of Fintry, Stirlingshire.
Upper Stone of Quern found in the Parish of Fintry.
(3.) By Alexander Brtson, Esq., F.S.A. Scot.
Celt of fine-grained Claystone, measuring 9| inches in length, and
3 J inches across the face. Found by the late Mr W. Galbraith, A.M., at a
depth of 16 feet under the surface, at Claddock, in the Island of Arran.
Celt of dark-green Nephrite or Jade, measuring 2^ inches in length,
and 1^ inch across the face, which is worked to a sharp cutting edge.
Brought from Eopu, New Zealand.
Iron Water-chamber of a Hookah or Smoking-Fipe, with a Shield,
incised and inlaid with silver on each side, bearing the initials J. A. ;
above each is a fleur de lis.
Rules of the Society of Stentmasters of Edinburgh, August 24, 1721-
1766. 8vo. MS.
(4.) By the Rev. A. R. Finlay, Houston, through J. Y. Myrtle, M.D.
Head of a coarse Iron Pike, with portion of the wooden Handle attached.
It was dug up in a field at Houston, Renfrewshire, in 1847. In length
the blade measures 11^ inches, by 2 inches in breadth, tapering upwards
towards the point.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 437
(5.) By Sir Willum Wallacb, Bart, of Lochryan.
Beautifully polished Bead of opaque or honey-coloured Amber, 2 inches
in diameter, and f of an inch in thickness. Found on the estate of
Lochryan, Wigtonshire.
(6.) By Mr Robert Sglatbb, Die-Gutter.
Collection of Scottish Church-Communion Tokens in Lead. They
measure from f of an inch to 1 inch in diameter. Some of them are
square in shape; others round, oblong, and heart-shaped, and are in-
scribed as follows : —
Abdooh Chapel, 1796. Let a man examine himself, 1 Cor. xi. 28. Bev.
blank.— A. K. iJet;er8e, blank.— A • S • C • MVS^ ^cv. M»A -B- 1788.
— Carmanock: M.J.H.1777. ^cv. blank.— C • K • 1764. TJcv. Shield
displaying a stag's head (the Canongate arms). — Another, with the date
1818.— C . M . 1727. Bev. blank —C • R • 1716. Bev. blank.— Cbiew,
1811. iJcv. R . S • M.—D . 1726. Bev. blank.— Another, with the date
1752.
Dalkeith, Church with tower at one end. Bev. Kibk of Dalkeith,
1765.
EoiNBUBQH, Castle with three towers, 1741. Rev. T«C«D«G [Dean
of Guild].- Another, 1754. Bev. D • F • D • G.— Another, 1795. Bev.
N . M .D . G.— Another, 1805. ^ev. J . M • D . G.
Galashiels, 1814. Bev. Church with tower in the centre. — G * K. Bev,
Church with belfrey.— G-K- 1761. Rev. blank.— J • G • H. iJcv. blank.
— J • K • M (in monogram), 1728. Bev. blank. — Ibvin • 1721. Bev. blank.
Invebkeituino, 1782. Bev. M» E • B.— K • A • 1731. Bev. blank.—
KiPPAN.1746. ^cv. blank.— K3. iJcv. K3.— K* P . 1741. i?cv. blank.
Leith. Bev. ALEX. POLLOCK — L . K • 1696. Bev. blank. — L • K • 1 725.
Rev. blank.— Others, with the dates 1749, 1757, 1761.— L • P • K • 1730.
Bev. blank.— Leith • new kibk • 1766. Bev. 1 Co. 11 • 23.— M • K. Bev.
W R • H.— M» E.G. 1767. Bev. blank.
Muthil. Bev. blank.— ^B • K • 1714. Bev. blank.— N • K • 1744. Bev.
M-D.G.
Nbwbtbnkirk. Bev. A cup, above which is the letter M •, under, 1739,
and I . S at the side.— S • K • 1707. Bev. blank.— Another, 1837.—
Another, 1819.— S* C. Rev. 1776. -S' N • R • C. Bev. blank.— S^ N • K •
1730. Bev. blank.
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438 PROCRBDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1866.
Eleven Copper Coins, generally of George III.
Ten Scottish Tradesmen's Tokens, Pennies and Half-Pennies of Edin-
burgh, Ac, 1798-1813, copper.
Twenty-Five English Tradesmen's Tokens, Pennies and Half- Pennies,
1789-1814, copper.
Eight Irish Tradesmen's Tokens, Pennies and Half-Pennies, 1792-
1813, copper.
Five Copper Medelets, 1796-1815.
(7.) By David H. Robertson, M.D., F.S.A. Scot.
Deer Horn, with iron frame, rings, and screw, measuring altogether
11 inches in length, used for holding the shank -bone of a large joint, for
assistance in carving. From an old castle in Warwickshire.
Shilling of King George II., 1758, in fine preservation.
(8.) By WiLUAM Brand, Esq., Union Bank.
Two Medals in White Metal, struck in commemoration of King (}eorge
IV.'s visit to Scotland in August 1822 ; and one struck on the death of
the King, 26th June 1830.
(9.) By Professor Sir J. Y. Simpson, Bart., V.P.S.A. Scot.
Egyptian Mummy Case, containing human remains and cloth wrap-
pings. The skull of the mummy is exhibited separately in one of the
wall cases.
(10.) By Dr Dammann, Hamelin, Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Carved Model, in wood, of a harp-shaped Bronze Brooch, measuring
2^ inches in length. Found at Pyrmont in Hanover, and referred to in
a communication by the Donor. (See Proc. Soc. Ant Scot., vol. v.
page 368.)
(11.) By Ebnmurr Maitland, Esq., Sheriff-Clerk of Mid-Lothian.
Rude and ancient Idol of a naked Human Male figure, 18^ inches
in length, with a large head and open mouth, the fingers and toes being
indicated by short incised lines. It is formed of a fine-grained green-
stone or coarse jade. From Mexico.
Thirteen rude Beads, varying in size from j of an inch to 1^ inch
in length. They consist of rounded pebbles, perforated in the centre,
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 439
and are white and greenish in colour, probahly of quartz, serpentine, and
other stones. From Mexico.
(12.) By T. B. Qribbson, Esq., Surgeon, Thomhill, Dumfriesshire,
Corr. Mem. S.A. Scot.
Strip of Paper, measuring 5 feet 4 inches in length and 2 inches in
breadth, covered with characters ; and a circular portion of Paper, 2^
inches in diameter, covered with characters, with a perforation in the
centre. Taken from a Buddhist praying-machine.
(13.) By RoBBBT Carfras, Esq., Curator, S.A. Scot.
Various Autograph Letters and Papers, including those of Edward
Gibbon; John Home (1776?); Henry Dundas, M.P., 17th October
1790; Balph Abercromby, 26th July 1791; Sir Walter Scott, 12th
April 1825 ; two of James Hogg, poet, 27th February 1832 and 25th
July 1833; J. Silk Buckingham, 5th August 1841 ; and T. B. Macaulay,
29th March 1841. Also, the " Order of Battle,*' addressed to the various
officers in command of the Fleet ; given on board *' The Ocean," at
sea, 10th October 1808; signed '' Collingwood.*' A Commission, on
vellum, by the East India Company, appointing Alexander Duncan,
Esq., to the office of Captain of Infantry, dated 1st August 1771, with
the seal and signatures of the Governor and Directors of the Company ;
and a Commission, on vellum, appointing Alexander Duncan, Esq.,
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Royal St Andrews Volunteers, dated 11th
May 1797, and having the signature of King G^rge III., also the
Privy Seal.
Five Shilling Note of the Royal Bank of Scotland, dated 1797.
One Guinea Note of Carrick, Brown, & Co., Glasgow, dated 1813.
Madden's History of Jewish Coins. Royal 8vo. Lond. 1864.
(14.) By Alrxandkr Maokbnzds, Esq., Advertiser Office, Greenock.
" Glasgow Courier," No. 1, September 1791, and No. 11,194, February
1866, being the first and last numbers of that newspaper.
(15.) By WiLUAM Douglas Dick, Esq., New Club.
Photographs of Sculptured Stones in the churchyard of Inchinnan,
Renfrewshire.
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440 PBOCKBaJINOS OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1866.
(16.) By the Rev. J. A. Lseu Campbsll, F.S.A. Scot.
Photographs of Sculptured Stones, fouud when repairing the walls of
St Botoph's Church, Helpston, Northamptonshire.
(17.) By The Smnatus ot thb Uniysrsity of St Andrews.
The St Andrews University Calendar for the year 1866-67. 12mo.
Edin. 1866.
(18.) By Thb Anthropolooioal Socibty ov London.
The Anthropological Review. Nos. 12 and 13. January and April.
8vo. London, 1866.
(19.) By the Society.
Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire. Vol.
IV. New Series. Session 1863-64. 8va Liverpool, 1864.
(20.) By The Associated Arouitsotural Societies.
Reports and Papers, read at the meetings of the Associated Architec-
tural Societies of the Counties of York, Lincoln, Bedford, &c, &c.y for the
year 1865. 8vo. Lincoln, 1866.
(21.) By The Wiltshire Archaoloqical and Natural History
Society.
The Wiltshire Archeeological and Natural History Magazine. No. 28.
Vol. X, July 1866. 8vo. Devizes, 1866.
(22.) By The Society ot Antiquaries ot Newcastle.
Archaaologia -ffiliana. Part 21. New Series. September 1866. 8vo.
Newcastle, 1866.
(23.) By The Manx Society.
Description of the Isle of Man, by George Waldron, 1731 ; with In-
troductory Notice and Notes, by W. Harrison (8vo, Douglas, 1865), being
the Eleventh Volume of the Society's publications.
(24.) By The Royal Irish Academy.
Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Vol. IX. Part 1. 8vo.
Dublin, 1865.
Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy Vol. XXIV. Paris 2, 3.
4to. Dublin, 1865.
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DONATIONS TO THE MUSEUM. 441
(25.) By Tu£ Eilkknny AroujEological Sooiktt.
Proceedings and Papers of the Kilkenny Archceological Society. No.
50. Vol. V. New Series. 8vo. Dublin, 1865.
(26.) By tbe Exbcutors of the late Henrt Curistib, Esq.
Beliquiad Aquitanicad ; being Contributions to the Archaaology and
Palaeontology of P6rigord and the adjoining Provinces of Southern
France. Part 4. 4to. London, 1866.
(27.) By William Brown, Esq., Surgeon, F.S.A. Scot.
Ueber einen befestigten Hiigel bei Mauren in Liechtenstein ein ver-
muthlich Keltisches Werk. Von J. S. Douglass. Juni 1865. 4to.
(Pp. 6.)
(28.) By W. H. Jambs Wkale, Esq., Bruges, Corn Mem. S.A. Scot,
(the Author).
Belgium, Aix-la-Chapelle, and Cologne: A New Guide-Book for
Travellers^ 12mo. London, 1859.
Catalogue du Musee de TAcad^mie de Bruges. 12mo. Bruges, 1861.
Bruges et ses Environs. Description des Monuments, Objets d'Art
et Antiquites, &o. 12mo. Bruges, 1864.
Catalogue des Objets d'Art Beligieux du Moyen Age, expose a THotel
Liedekerke, a Malines, Septembre 1864. 8vo. Bruxelles, 1864.
Bestauration des Monuments Publics en Belgique. 8vo. Bruges,
1862.
Notice de Tlnscription de Dedicace de TEglise de Bixingen. 8vo.
(Pp. 4.) Tongres, 1862.
Ivoires Sculpts de Gknoels-Elderen, prte de Tongres. 8vo. (Pp. 7.)
Gand, 1859.
Emploi des Hachures pour Exprimer les Couleurs du Blason. (Pp. 5.)
1866.
Tombe plate en cuivre dans TEglise de Sain te- Marguerite a Thielen
(Anvers). 8vo. (Pp. 14, and plate.)
Tombe plate en pierre dans TEglise de Notre-dame, a Zandvoorde, 1561.
8vo. (Pp. 3 and plate.)
Notes sur Jean Van Eyck. Svo. (Pp. 32.) London, 1861.
Notice sur la collection de Tableaux Anciens, &c. Svo. (Pp. 64.)
Bruges, 1863.
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442 PKOCEEDINOS OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1866.
(29.) There was exhibited the following Articles, purchased for the
Museum : —
A Pardon granted by King George III., by which Alexander Macleod,
ofMuiravonside, Esq., son of Alexander Maoleod, advocate, is ** Pardoned,
remitted, and released by these presents of all High Treason, and all
other Treasons, Misprisons of Treason, Felonies, Crimes, and Offences by
him committed or perpetrated by himself alone, or with any other person
or persons whatever, whensoever or wheresoever, before the 24th day of
June 1778." The document is written on a skin of vellum, measuring
29 inches by 24 inches, and is highly ornamented on three sides by an
engraved border. The centre of the initial letter of the King's name
displays a portrait of His Majesty in his coronation robes ; attached to
it is the Great Seal in wax, in a tin case. The document and seal are
enclosed in a wooden box, covered with leather, and ornamented with a
gold stamp pattern of leaves and other ornaments.
The following Communications were read : —
I.
ON THE CHA.MBERED CAIRNS OF CAITHNESS, WITH RESULTS OF
RECENT EXPLORATIONS. By JOSEPH ANDERSON, Esq., Loc. Sec.
A.S.L., CoEB. Mem. S.A. Scot. (Plate XXVIl.)
Some very remarkable and interesting features in connection with the
structure of the Chambered Cairns of Caithness were brought to light in
the course of a series of explorations undertaken last summer by the
writer and Mr R. I. Shearer for the Anthropological Society of London,
Dr Hunt, the President of that Society, having liberally placed the
necessary funds at our disposal. A full account of the results of these
explorations is embodied in the Memoirs of the Society above-mentioned,
and the following general outline of the facts observed is communicated
to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, in the hope that it may be use-
ful in furthering the common object by contributing towards the eluci-
dation of the structural characteristics of these interesting relics of tbe
early population of the country.
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ON THE CHAMBERED CAIRNS OF CAITHNESS. 443
In Caithtiess the term ^' cairn'' is applied both to the burial ^^ cairns/'
whether chambered or simply encloBing a central cist, and to the ruins
of the " brocbs/' " borgs," or " Picts* houses," as they are called here
indiscriminately ; but the two classes are usually distinguished by their
external appearance, as "grey cairns" and "green cairns," the cham-
bered cairns in all the instances I know being bare heaps of stpnes,
while the " green " or grass-grown " cairns" have always turned out to be
" brochs," so far as they have yet been examined. In this paper I purpose
to speak only of the chambered cairns, which are externally of two forms.
The commoner form is circular, or slightly oval in its ground plan,
and varies in height according to the area of its base, the smallest
explored being about 25 feet, and the largest about 80 feet in diameter.
It is difficult to ascertain the perpendicular height, as in all cases the
top. of the cairn has been considerably reduced; but in the larger cairns
it seems to be pretty nearly a fifth of the diameter at the base.
The external surface is that of a heap of loose stones. The stones
are gathered, not quarried ; and even the large monoliths and lintels of
the chambers, in a great many instances, are drift stones, with the edges
rounded, and abraded ends. The bulk of the stones that compose the
cairn are such as might be easily carried by a strong man, and, unless in
the passage and chamber, few have been used of such a size as to require
the strength of two men. Many of the lintels of the passage and the
divisional stones of the chamber in the larger cairns, however, are of great
size, some weighing several tons.
Although the idea of a cairn is simply that of a structureless heap of
stones, there are not wanting appearances to lead to the belief that,
externally, they were not altogether so originally. In several of these
circular cairiis there is yet traceable the foundation of one, and in some
cases two, enclosing outer walls, as will be seen by reference to the
ground-plan. The same thing has been observed in some cases with
reference to the smaller cairns enclosing a central cist ; and this curious
feature is specially noticeable in the case of the singular class of cairns
which these explorations have for the first time made known in Caithness.
In these, the rarer class of chumbered cairns, the double enclosing
wall becomes a special feature, and, along with the peculiar shape of the
cairn itself, and the prolongation of its curved ends, giA'es a characteristic
VOL. VT. PART II. 2 a
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414 VROCEEDIKQ8 OF THE 80CIBTT, JUNE 1866.
type of cairn structare to which I know no parallel. Theee caims, from
their peculiar prolongations of the extremities, I have called '* horned,"'
and they appear to he of two kinds— one long, and having the chamber
in the one end, and the other short, and having the chamber (like the
round cairns) in the centre. The latter type appears to be a blending
of the two others ; for if the external structure of the horns and the
double enclosing wall be removed, there remains a round cairn complete,
with enclosing wall and central chamber, though the passage would then
be much shorter than it usually is in the ordinary round cairns.
Internally these cairns are all of one type, whatever may be the form
they assume as to external structure. The chamber is essentially of the
same plan in the round cairn and the long cairn — ^the cairn with '^ horns"
and the cairn with none. There are structural differences in detail, but
the arrangement is the same, and the general plan is one, whatever may
be its minor modifications. This will be evident at a glance, from an
inspection of the ground-plans of these chambered cairns herewith sent
Of these four were explored by the late Mr Ehind, and have now been
accurately measured and laid off to scale by Mr Shearer (who assisted
Mr Ehind in his explorations), and for the correctness of the other I am
myself responsible.
Mr Bhind, in his paper descriptive of these four cairns, characterised
the arrangement of the chamber as *' radically cruciform," and the typical
ground-plan figured to accompany his paper seems rather to favour that
idea. I think, however, that the delineation from the actual measure-
ments gives no countenance to the cruciform hypothesis.
The arrangement of the chamber is tri-camerated, the central compart-
ment being always the largest, and the others varying in their proportions
to it and to each other. The division into compartments is effected by
slabs of large size set on end in the floor, let in to the walls on either
side of the chamber, and projecting across the floor till they leave only
an opening from the one compartment into the other, sometimes of lees
than two feet. In those cairns in which the form of the chamber is
most rectangular, these divisional stones appear to have served the
* A communication on the " Horned Cairns," from the pon of Mr Anderson, will
appear in a subsequent part of the Proceedings.
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W.VA.X .'.*iw..u rlihhl r -I-
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ON THE CHAMBERED CAIRNS OF CAITHNRSH. 445
double purpose of dividing the chamber into compartments and of giving
support to the roof, which was most likely of flags laid across from the
slightly convergent upper portions of the side walls. In some of the
round cairns, again (Nos. 4 and 5, for instance), a different plan appears,
as seen on the section of No. 5. Though, on the ground-plan, these two
are radically the same as the others, they differ in this particular from
the more rectangularly chambered cairns, that the divisional stones which
separate the central from the last or furthest compartment do not reach
the roof, and only rise about four or five feet above the floor. The first
compartment is lintelled over, and has a flat roof of flags the same as the
passage, and the other two compartments (by the lowness of the divi-
sional monoliths) being thrown into one, the walls, after rising a few
feet above the floor, gradually pass from the sub-rectangular contour of
the ground plan into an oval or irregularly circular form, and, finally,
converge into a truncated dome, roofed over with flags at a height of
about ten feet. The tri-camerated arrangement of the ground-plan thus
becomes a bi-camerated structure, in a horizontal section at a height of
four feet from the floor. One out of the five has but two chambers on
the ground-plan, and may be regarded as the exception which proves the
rule of the tri-cameration.
The round cairns have their openings directed to no particular point
of the compass, some being almost the exact reverse of the others ; but
the long cairns all lie pretty nearly east and west, and have the chamber
in the eastern end, which is also the highest, the ridge of the body of
the cairn falling away towards the west end.
Of these long cairns I only know three in the county — two at Yar-
house, Thrumster, and one at Camster — both places being in the parish
of Wick. The two at Thrumster have been explored, the third has
not.
The extreme length of the larger long cairn, from tip to tip, is 240
feet. The breadth of the base of the body of the cairn behind the horns
at the eastern end is 66 feet, and the line across the tips of the horns 92
feet. These measurements at the west end are 36 feet and 53 feet respec-
tively. The smaller long cairn is 190 feet in extreme length. The
breadth of base behind the horns at the eastern end is 43 feet, the horns
expanding till the line across their tips measures 62 feet. The same
2o2
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446 PR<»CKKDING8 OF THE SOCIKTY, JUNE 1666.
measurements at the west end are 26 and 34 feet respectively. The
" horns" are defined by a double dry-built wall, of which only the foun-
dations remain in the larger cairn ; but in the smaller it is still standing
to a height of about 5 feet, where it joins the passage, falling gradually
to ruin as it extends outwards. These walls are both "faced*' only on
the outer side, and they slope slightly inwards. In the smaller cairn
the distance between them is about 2J feet at the maximum towards the
entrance to the chamber, and about 18 inches towards the tips.
The internal structure of the Iwo long cairns differed in the details of
the construction of the chamber, though the general plan was radically
the same as in all the chambered cairns* In the larger cairn the chana-
her was smaller than in the other in proportion to the bulk of the body
of the cairn. Both consisted, as usual, of three compartments; but
while in the larger cairn the third or furthest compartment was very small
and low, and ropfed over by a single immense block of stone, the last
compartment of the other was of a semicircular form, like that of the
round cairn No. 3. About seven feet of the height of the internal walls
remained in the larger, and about five feet in the smaller cairn. Besides
the slabs which stood across the floor as divisional stones in the smaller
raim, the central compartment had a very large slab on either side built
into the wall as part of the enclosure of the chamber, the face of the
slabs making part of the face of the walls.
Jn the first compartment of the smaller cairn a short cist was found
set on the floor in the space between the entrance and the first divisional
stone on the south side. It was about 4 feet long, by 20 inches wide,
and was filled internally with partially blackened clay, in which was a
whitish stratum as of burnt bones. An urn, with the twisted cord
ornamentation, lay on its side at the east end, and through the clay were
scattered a quantity of beads of lignite, about the size of, and similar in
form to, the cross sections of the small end of the shank of a tobacco
pipe. Beneath the urn a few lay end to end in a line, as if they had
been strung when put in. Seventy of these were recovered by washing
the clay that came out of the cist. The appearance and position of the
cist was such as to lead to the conclusion that, as regards the chamber,
it was a "secondary interment.'' The way in which the space between
the end of the chamber and the divisional stone was adapted to the con-
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ON THE CHAMBERED CAIKNS OF CAITHNESS. 447
struction of a cist, and the fact that the eod of the stone formiDg the
onter side of the cist projected into the passage-way, seemed to indicate
that it was not part of the original purpose or structure of the chamher.
In the chambers of both cairns indications of a rough paving of small
irregularly-laid slabs were found, and the floors of both were covered to
the depth of several inches with a layer of clay highly charged with
charcoal, and fragments of burnt and unbumt bones. In the larger cairn,
however, no fragments of bone larger than an inch in length, by less
than half an inch in breadth, were found, the extreme comminution of
the bones being the most singular feature in connection with it. In the
smaller cairn burnt and unburnt bones, broken, but not comminuted,
were found in considerable abundance, both on and in the layer of clay
mixed with ashes which formed the floor of the chamber. Along with
a number of animal bones (broken) a portion of a human upper jaw, a
few phalanges of fingers or toes, and several detached human teeth, were
found in the central compartment of the chamber of the smaller cairn ;
and in the furthest compartment tbe frontal portion of a human skull,
with other fragments of skulls, and a quantity of other human remains
and some animal bones, lay scattered over the floor and partially imbedded
in the clay.
In the larger cairn the only manufactured objects found were a few
flint chips and two pieces of well-made pottery, blackened by fire. The
flint chips wero unburnt. In the smaller cairn not a single flint chip,
and no vestige of pottery was found, the only manufactured objects it
contained being the urn and beads from the (secondary) cist.
The Ormiegill cairn, as I have said, combined the specialties of
external structure of the '^ horned'' and the round chambered cairns.
It differed from the iQng cairns, inasmuch as its greatest length did not
much exceed its greatest breadth, viewing the '* horned" structure as
really the cairn, while it agreed with them in having the larger horns
in front of the chamber, the entrance midway between them, and the
smaller horns to the rear of the cairn. On the other hand, it agreed
with the circular cairns, inasmuch as the chamber was placed in the
centre, and had an enclosing circular wall. From this arrangement the
idea is suggested that the central portion of the cairn, being apparently
complete in itself as an ordinary round chambered cairn, the exterior
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448 PBOCefiDINQS of the 80CIETT, JUNE 1866.
structure of the double wall definiug the '' horns" may haye been a sub-
sequent addition ; but there is no evidence to guide us in drawing con-
clusions of this kind ; and the smaller long cairn at Yarhouse, Thrumster
(before described), has the appearance of the foundation of a circular
wall, 80 feet behind the chamber. Before excayation, the Ormiegill
cairn was, to all outward' appearance, a common round cairn ; fmd had we
not been led to search in the body of the cairn for '* horns," in conse-
quence of the puzzle which the investigation of the Thrumster cairns
had raised, we might have been content with a simple examination of the
chamber and passage.
The "horns" are defined by parallel walls, both of which "face" to
the outside, the one being thus built against the other as it were. The
distance from the face of the outer to the face of the inner wall is about
2^ feet all round. Tbey are all well built, the stones used being mostly
long and flat, and the space between the walls of a more rubbly character.
From two to three feet of the height of these walls remains, and they
seem to have had a considerable slope inwards, instead of rising perpen-
dicularly. This also was observed in regard to the "horns" of the
smaller long cairn at Thrumster. The breadth of the tips of the front
horns flanking the entrance is 8 feet, and the distance from the inner
comer of the tip of the one to that of the other is 50| feet. The
breadth of the back " horns" is 9 feet at the tips, and the distance
between their inner comers in the same way is 37 feet. The distance
between the tips of the " boms" sideways along the length of the caim
was 66 feet on the one side, and 64 on the other. The horns extended
about 30 feet outwards from the circumference of the circular wall
enclosing the chamber. They are slightly convex at the tips, and are
placed by compass as follows : — Front, E.S.E. and S.S.W. respectively ;
back, N. and N.N.W. respectively ; line of passage, S.S.E.
The circular wall around the chamber is 80 feet in circumference. It
is built of squarer, heavier blocks than either the intemal walls of the
chamber or the exterior walls of the " homs," and is, like them, faced to
the outside only, and has a considerable inclination inwards. About four
feet of its height remain in some parts.
The chamber itself, being of the usual tri-camerated structure, need
ot be minutely described. It had a rough paving of small flags, irre-
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ON THE CHAMBERSD CAIBN8 OF CAITHNESS. 449
gularly laid and broken np in the middle. Both over and nnder this
rongh paTement there was a thick layer of ashes, plentifully mixed with
bones, human and animal, burnt and unbumt. Among the teeth of
animals I could recognise those of the horse, ox, and dog. The long
bones, both human and animal, were all broken, but not comminuted,
and many were burnt quite black — converted into bone-charcoaL Some
pieces of skull and phalanges of human fingers or toes were thus charred.
In the central compartment were found the broken palates of two children,
and several fragments of the adult human skull. A thick layer of very
small animal bones occurred, which, unfortunately, were not got pre-
served. They were smaller even than the bones of small birds.
The manufactured objects found were a large number of fragments of
pottery and flint chips ; two very well finished arrow-heads of flint, one
barbed ; the point end of a fine flint knife, with ground edge ; a disc of
flint, about an inch in diameter, of the circular form, known as '' thumb-
flints ; " and a finely-polished hammer of grey granite, perforated for the
handle. Drawings of these are sent along with this paper.
The large round cairn at Camster (of which the ground-plan and sec-
tion are given on No. 5) is one of those in which the tri-camerated
arrangement on the ground-plan is merged into a bicamerated arrange-
ment of the compartments in the section as previously explained. It is
the only cairn I know that has any part of the roof remaining on the
chamber. Its circumference at the base is about 220 feet, and the inte-
rior height of the chamber 10 feet. Except as to its vast size and general
oompleteness, it has no special feature of difiference from those described
by Mr Bhind.
The floor of the chamber had no appearance of paving, and the clay
was blacker and more earthy than that in the cairns previously described.
The number of human bones was greater, and the proportion of animal
bones less, than in the " homed" cairns. Most of the bones were on the
floor, and fewer imbedded in it; and though there was a large quan-
tity of ashes and charcoal scattered over the central compartment, and
specially in the centre of the chamber and between the projecting divi-
sional stones at the back, there were verj' few burnt bones. The frag-
ments of skulls were numerous, and the bones that were got on the floor
were chiefly those of the upper extremities.
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450 PROCEEDINGS OF THK SOCIETY, JUNE 1866.
1 he maDufactured objects obtained from (be clay of tbe floor were
chiefly fragments of pottery, some being parts of vessels of very Urge size,
and others of very fine make, and small size. Some were ornamented
with incised lines, and one pitted all over with tbe point of a finger, tbe
ornamentation being formed by tbe point and nail of the finger being
thrust obliquely into the soft clay, thus making a depression and raising
a ridge at tbe finger point at tbe same time. A small but very finely
made flint knife was found buried in tbe floor, and near by a nodule of
iron ore, about the size of a man's fist ; while an the floor, among tbe
bones, lay part of a broken thick-backed iron knife or dirk. The part
found was the heft end, having a " tang" for insertion in the heft nearly
three inches long. It was so much oxidised that tbe section across tbe
blade (the back of which seemed to have been more than double the
thickness of a large clasp knife) only showed a strip of bright metal
little thicker than stout paper when tried with a file. I question whether
it could have been the contemporary implement with the flint knife that
lay below tbe clay ; but the presence of the nodule of ore in the floor
complicates the question of probabilities so much, that it is vain to specu-
late on the matter.
A curious feature in connection with this cairn was that, though the
passage, which was upwards of 20 feet long, by 2 feet wide and 2^ feet
high (heightening and widening slightly, however, as it drew towards the
chamber), was closely packed with stones from roof to floor and from end to
end, two skeletons were found about half way between the chamber and
the out^r end of the passage. Of the skeletons only tbe upper extremities
remained ; and the skulls and arm bones were not on the floor, but among
the stones above it. The suggestion of the circumstances was that tbe
bodies had been placed there in a sitting position, and the stones that
blocked up tbe passage packed in about them. No vestige of the pelvis
or lower extremities remaining, appeared to indicate that they had been
in contact with the wet floor, and had sooner decayed. The skulls and
bones of the upper part of the trunk were all in fragments, though other-
wise in good preservation, but perfectly deprived of their gelatine.
As to the age of these difi'erent classes of chambered cairns and their
relation to each other, and to the commoner " green cairns" of the county,
it is premature to hazard an opinion. Systematic and carefully conducted
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NOTICEH OF ROBERT RIDDELL, OF GLENRIDDBLL, ESQ. 451
investigation of these and kindred remains in Caithness, I believe, may
reasonably be expected to throw new light upon the early history of our
country; but at the present stage of our knowledge of the facts connected
with these early remains we are only at the threshold of archseological
inquiry. The Held of investigation here, from its peculiar circumstances,
is wider, and the materiab for collation and induction mudh more abun-
dant, than in most other parts of the kingdom ; but the progress of
agricultural improvement and the pottering of amateur curiosity-hunters
will soon sweep the last vestiges of the primitive races from the face of
the country, and blot out for ever one of the richest pages of our prehis-
toric records.
II.
NOTICES OF ROBERT RIDDELL, of Glbnbiddell. Esq., AND OF SOME
OF HIS MANUSCRIPTS AND BOOKS. By JAMES IRVINE, Esq.. F.SJL.
Soot.
Robert Eiddell, Esq., resided at Friars' Carse, in Nithsdale. In '' The
Land of Bums,'' by Professor Wilson and Bobert Chambers, vol. ii. p. 15,
they say : —
'* When Bums took up his abode at Ellisland, his nearest neighbour
to the west was Mr Biddell of Glenriddell. Friars' Carse, the residence
of this gentleman, is about a mile from Burns' farm-house, being, like
it, situated immediately beside the Nith. Biddell was an antiquary of
some note, and an agreeable friend ; and Bums no sooner came to settle
at Ellisland, than he was welcomed to Friars' Carse. He says somewhere
of the worthy captain and his lady, * At their fireside I have enjoyed
more pleasarU evenings than at all the howes of fashionable people in this
country put together.* For the anniversary of the union of this couple,
he wrote his song, * The Seventh of November,' the music of wliich is
said to have been by Mr Biddell himself. With reference to a hermi-
tage in the woods, near the house, Burns likewise wrote his fine English
verses : —
" ' Thou whom chance may hither lead,
Be thou clad in russet wec«l,* &c. &c.
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452 PROOERDIKGH OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1S66.
*' In the manfiiou, on the 16ih of Ootober 1790, took plaoe a baccha-
nalian contest, which makes a conspicuous figure in the poems of Burns,
the object being the possession of a certain ebony whistle, which had
been introduced into Scotland by a Dane, who came over in the train of
Anne, the consort of James VI. Sir Bobert Lawrie of Maxwellton had
gained the whistle from its original owner by overcoming him in drink-
ing ; but it was lost by his son to the ancestor of Mr Biddell. On the
present occasion, Mr Biddell, Sir Bobert Lawrie of Maxwellton, and Mr
Fergusson of Craigdarroch (father of the late B. C. Fergusson, Esq.,
M.P. for Kirkcudbright) contended for it, and
" * A bard was selected to witness the fray.
And tell future ages the feats of the day.*
'' It is scarcely necessary to particularise, that * when six bottles
a-piece had well worn out the night,' Glenriddell retired, and Sir Bobert
fell from the table, so that Mr Fergusson became the victor. The whistle
is still in the possession of his family."
Among the " Original Letters" of Bums, published by Cadell and
Davies in 1814, the S7th letter is that which Bums addressed to Mr
Biddell on the day on which " the Whistle" was contended for, and in-
cluding the lines —
" Here are we met, three merry hoys.
Three merry boys I trow are we," &c. &c.
In the Ballad which Bums wrote on ** The Whistle," beginning —
'* I sing of a whistle, a whistle of wortL/*
he speaks of Mr Biddell as " a high mliog elder."
In the eighth volume of Mr Biddell's manuscripts, beginning at page
132, is an account of his journey from Friars' Carse to Edinburgh, whither
he went " as elder from the Presbytery of DtMn/ries to attend the Oeneral
Assembly of the Church of Scotland,^* In this journey, and on several of
his antiquarian excursions, he was accompanied by Captain Francis Q-rose,
author of the '^ Antiquities of England and Wales," &c.
In the " Land of Bums," vol ii. p. 28, there is a picture of Francis
Grose, accompanied by a brief account of him. The authors say — " It
was in 1789, while travelling in Scotland, for the purpose of drawing
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N0T1CB8 OF BOBERT RIDDKLL, OF GLBNRIBDELL, ESQ. 453
and chrooicliDg the antiqaities of that couDtry, that be met with Burns
at the hospitable table of Mr Biddell, in the mansion of Friars' Carse.
The figure of the man, which was justly said to be the very title-page
lo a joke— his numberless droU remarks and stories—and, in perhaps a
less degree, his great learning and shrewd penetrating sense — ^made a
great impression on the poet ; and, to use the words quoted on the occa-
sion by Mr Gilbert Bums, the two became ' unco pack and thick the-
gither.' '' The intimacy was a memorable one for the admirers of Burns,
for it led, as is well known, to the composition of '' Tam o' Shanter,''
which first appeared in " The Antiquities of Scotland,'' published next
year. The verses in which Bums sketched off the figure, character, and
habits of the antiquaiy, are those beginning : —
" A fine fat fodgel wight,
« « « «
By some auld, honlet-hannted biggin*,
« « « «
He has a fonth of old nick-nackets," &c.
and four other verses.
Among Bums' poems is that " On the late Captain Grose's Peregrina-
tions through Scotland," the first verse of which is so often quoted : —
" Hear, land o' cakes, and brither Scots,
Frae Maiden Kirk to Johnny Groats ;
If there's a hole in a' your coats,
I rede you tent it ;
A chield's amang yon taking notes,
And, faith, he *11 prent it."
The manuscript volumes in the following catalogue contain a great
many original drawings by Francis Grose : —
Burns left on record his esteem and gratitude in his *' Sonnet on
the Death of Robert Biddell, Esq.;" and in the lines <' On Bobert
Riddell:"—
'* To Riddell, much-lamented man,
This iYied cot was dear ;
Reader, dost value matchless wurtli ?
The ivied cot revere.'^
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454 PUOCE£DiNG» OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1866.
Burns abo wrote an '^ Impromptu od Mrs Biddell's Birth-Day/' begin-
ning—
** Old winter, with his froety beard,*' Ac.
Mr Eiddeirs manuscripts appear to have been all written at Friars's
Carse. Vol. YII. contains three different views of tbe house (at pages 2,
50, and 204), with some account of the house, and the persons by whom
different parts of it were erected.
Vol. VIII. was " finished at Friars' Carse, June 2, 1790," see page
298. This was only four years before Mr Riddell's death.
"The mauBion of Friars* Carse is placed on the site of a religious
building, which was a dependency of the Abbey of Melrose. In a lake
hard by there is a small island, formed on wooden piles, in which the
religious kept their valuables in times of peril. Friars' Carse now belongs
to Mrs Crichtou, the widow of a gentleman who has made his name for
ever memorable in Dumfriesshire, by leaving a hundred thousand pounds
to be applied to charitable purposes in the county — out of which fund
an asylum for the mentally infirm has recently been erected, on a mag-
nificent scale, at Dumfries.
" The room in which the whistle was contended for is still an object
of interest with strangers." — (" The Land of Burns," vol. ii. p. 17.)
Catalogue— Manuscripts.
No. 1. "A Collection of Scottish Antiquities, selected by Robert Bid-
dell." Vol. III. 1786. Folio. Containing— Account of the Succes-
sion to the Barony of Eendal. Genealogy of Curwens, &c, A Glossary
of Antiquated Words, English and Scottish, collected by R. RiddelL Ex-
tracts referring to Border History. The Royal Treasury Accounts for
1474, &c. Excerpts from the Register of the Abbey of Holmcultram,
in Cumberland, 67 pages, chiefly Charters, with Index. *' Historical and
Genealogical Collections, selected by R. Biddell." Containing — *^ Extract
from the Council Book of Pittenween" (1651). Notices of castles, with
pictures. Claims for certain Offices (Regality, <&c.), made by John
Campbell of Calder, tbe Duke of Argyll, the Duke of Queensberry,
Sir Andrew Agnew, the Earl of Eglintoun, the Marquis of Annandale,
Robert Riddell, and others. Account of Saxon and Roman Antiquities,
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NOTICES OF ROBERT RIDDELL, OF GLKNRIDDELI., E8Q. 455
with illustrations. At page 64 of this volume is a drawiDg and descrip-
tion of a very curious carved stone, found at west side in Eskdale Muir.
At page 67, Charter by Robert II., anno 1373, of lands in Annandale
to Nigel Ewart, <&c. At page 256, a copy of a curious inscription on
the outside of a church near Warrington — " To the memory of Oswald,
a Sa^on King of Northumberland, slain in battle by Penda, the Mercian
King, August 5, 642;*' the copy made for Mr Biddell, by Thomas
Barrett of Manchester, January 30, 1787.
No. 2. <' Scottish Antiquities." Vol. VII. This volume is illustrated
by many original water-colour drawings, chiefly by Francis Orose and
Thomas Cocking. The volume contains — " An Account of the Ancient
Lordship of Galloway, from the most early period to the year 1455,
when it was annexed to the Scottish Crown ; many charters," &c. '' A
Tour in Nithsdale ;" and " Letters of Correspondence between Charles
I. and the Earl of Nithsdale." " An Excursion, by Dr Clapperton, to
Lough Urr;" and ''An Old Scottish Ballad, called the Bedesman of
Nithsdale." This volume contains twenty- one coloured drawings, by
Francis Orose and others ; sixteen etchings, by Adam de Cardonnel ;
fifteen engravings ; and, at page 210, a drawing by Cardonnel, of the
head of the effigy of John de Sacro Bosco, &o.
No. 3. "Scottish Antiquities." Vol. VIII. Containing— The His.
torical Oenealogies of the ancient and noble House of Setoq, written
by Sir Bichard Maitland of Leadington (in 1545), copied from a MS.
written by Viscount Eingstone; with two pictures of Seton House.
List of Pictures relating to the Topography of Scotland. The Memoirs
of Mr W. Vetch, Minister of the Gkwspel at Dumfries. Journal of a
Tour in Scotland in 1789, by Captain Grose and Mr Riddell. Journal
of an Excursion from Dumfries to Edinburgh in 1790, with Francis
Grose. Notes, critical and historical, on Macbeth. Eight water-colour
drawings, by F. Grose and others; sixteen etchings, by A. de Cardonnel ;
forty-six engravings.
No. 4. Vol. IX. '' Scottish Antiquities." Containing — Continuation
of Accounts of Scottish Castles. List of eighty-six castles, of which
pictures and MSS. accounts are given in the work. On Carved Stone
Monuments in Scotland. A collection of twenty-one water-colour draw-
ings, by Francis Groso and his servant (Tliomas Cocking); and numerous
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456 rR0CEEDING8 OF TUB SOCIETY, JUNK 18C6.
drawing of antiquities, &c., in Indian ink; and thirty-two engravings
inserted.
No. 5. Vol. XI. " Scottish Antiquities (1791)." Containing— A Col-
lection of Old Scottish Ballads, with Notes — 88 pages. Mr Biddell sajs
— " None of them are to be met with except in a very few fnanwcripl
collections" Facts relating to Locker River and Moss. History of
Dumfries (130 pages), with illustrations. Four drawings and twenty
engravings inserted.
No. 6. " Scottish Heraldry" (on back). Inside, "GMenriddelFs Collec-
tions of MSS. No. 24. BB." This volume contains three printed works,
with MS. notes, viz., — 1. '' Observations upon the Laws and Customs of
Nations as to Precedency. By Sir G^rge Mackenzie of Bosehaugh.
Edinburgh, 1680." 2. " Scotland's Herauldrie : the Science of Herauldry,
treated as part of the Civil Law, and Law of Nations. By Sir Greorge
Mackenzie, 1 680." 3. " Various Pieces of Antiquity, communicated to f he
Society of Antiquaries of London. By Bobert Biddell, Esq. of Friars'
Carse, near Dumfries. ] 791. Large plates." Then follow 105 pages of
MS. relating to Heraldry, with many engravings and etchings, copies of
seals, coats of arms, inscriptions, &o.
No. 7. " Fragments." One vol. 4to. MS. Containing— Extracts in
Prose and Poetry.
No. 8. *^ Scottish Topography." A quarto volume, interleaved
throughout ; with this MS. title inside, *^ Additions made to the Scottish
part of Mr Grough's British Topography. By Bobert Biddell, Esq. of
Glenriddell, at Friars' Carse. Anno 1791." These " Additions" were
written by Mr Biddell with a view to a new edition of Mr Gongh's
work being published. The volume contains various references to Mr
BiddelFs MS. volumes ; and at page 663» a list of drawings, etchings,
&c,j contained in his MS. volumes.
(The preceding List of Mr Biddell's MS. collections is followed by a
list of printed books and pamphlets. Some of these, such as Pennant's
Tour in Scotland, 3 vols., are described as containing MS. notes ; but
the list is not of sufficient importance to be subjoined.)
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NOTICE OF THE DI8C0VBUY OF ENGLISH PENNIES.
4f>7
III.
NOTE OP THE DISCOVERY OF ENGLISH PENNIES OF EDWARD I. AND
II.. IN THE PARISH OF KEIR, DUMFRIESSHIRE. By GEORGE SIM,
Esq., Curator op Coins, S A., Scot.
The Procurator-Fiscal at Dumfries lately forwarded to the Exchequer
141 pennies of Edward II. and I., found in the parish of Eeir in
the month of Octoher last, '' having been enclosed in a horn, which was,
at the time of discovery, protruding from an earth bank." The coins,
from the time of discovery, have been till last week in the possession of
one of the factors of the Duke of Buccleuch. Some of the local museums
being desirous to possess the coins, I have advised that the whole should
be restored to the finder, who, in this way, may realise a larger sum than
I could recommend should be paid for them. The coins being all very
common, we require none of them for the Society's collection.
On examining these coins, they were found all to be well preserved.
Many of them read e n w a r, dsc, showing that they belong to Edward
I L I subjoin a list of the mints, with the number of each : —
London, ...... 66
Canterbury,
Durham,
St Edmunds,
York, .
Berwick,
Bristol,
Newcastle,
45
23
6
5
2
2
2
141
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458 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, JUNE 1866.
IV.
ACCOUNT OF A CANOE OF OAK FOUND IN THE CASTLE LOCH OF
CLOSEBURN, DUMFRIESSHIRE. By JOHN ADAM. Esq.. Closeburn
Castle.
This CaDoe (see woodcut, page 435) was found by a party of draiuers,
on Tuesday the 5th April 1859, in the north-east portion of the Castle
Loch, imbedded in the moss about three feet below the surface, and rest-
ing on its keel or bottom. It appeared just as if it had been stranded
by the receding of the waters; and partly sinking in moss, from its greater
specific gravity, the yearly deposits of vegetable matter would soon efiec-
tually hide it from view. The position of the Canoe when found was
pretty nearly east and west, and the drains, which were being cut 4 feet
deep and 18 feet apart, were running south-west from north-east. One
of these drains struck the canoe on the stem, and had the drain been
two feet out of position, the canoe would still have been lying buried in
its mossy bed. The Canoe has been formed, much in the usual way for
such craft, out of a single oak tree, and is 12 long and 2 feet wide in the
middle. The strangest part of its construction seems the loose stem-
board, fitting into a groove. No doubt it would be lighter than the solid
timber, but, one could fancy, very troublesome to keep water-tight. The
moss was probed carefully all round where the Canoe was found with a
pointed iron rod 12 feet long, but no other solid substance was met with.
The old site or bed of the Loch was about 195 feet above the level of
the sea, and extended to about 12 acres, but in olden times, it is highly
probable, the water flowed over 60 or 70 acres. Closeburn Castle, said to
be upwards of 1100 years old, stands on the east side of what was known
as the Loch proper about thirty feet above its bed, and was at one time
all surrounded with water. A drawbridge on the east was the only way
of approach to the Castle and its grounds, occupying at that distant date
a dry-land area of not more than four acres.
Since the finding of the Canoe, in 1859, the Loch has totally dis-
appeared, being converted with the adjoining mosses into a grass-field,
the pasturage of which yields 60s. of yearly rent per statute acre.
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INDEX,
Adam (John), Note respecting a Oanoe found at OloBeburn, Dumfriesshire,
Alexander (Sir James £.), Notice of Oambuskenneth Abbey,
American Paper Money, Donation of, .
Anderson (Joseph), on the Chambered Gaims of Caithness,
Anniversary Meetings, 1864-66, 1866-66,
Anthropological Society, Donations from, .
Antiquaries of London, Donation from the Society of
Antiquarian Society of Newcastie, Donation from,
Appleton (J. B.), Donation from, .
Arohsological Institute, London, Donation from,
Ardderyd, Notice of the Battie of, .
Armour, Donation of Iron, .
Arrow-heads, Donation of Obsidian,
&e Flint.
Artificial Islands in Scotiand, &c.. Notices of,
Associated Societies of York and Lincoln, Donations from,
Assyrian Slab, in the Museum, Translation of the Inscription on,
Auchie (Alexander), Donation from.
Baird (Mrs), Donation from,
Balfour (Dayid), Donation from,
Balfour (John M.), Bronze Sword, &c., exhibited by,
Balgone, Notice of Excayations at,
Barnwell (Rev. E. L.), Donations from,
Battie-Axe found near Bannockbum, Notice of a Bronze,
Beads of Amber, Glass, Stone, &c.. Donations of, .
Beaven fHugh J. C), Donation from,
Bell (George), M.D., Donation from.
Bell (Mrs), Donation from, .
Bennet (David), Donation from,
Bergs6e (M. A.), Donation from, .
Beveridge (Elev. J. G.)» Donation from,
Black (David D.), Donation ^m, .
VOL. VI. PART n.
110,
PAGB
468
14
206
442
1,267
276,440
814
440
336
314
91
272
334
114
46,440
198
46
436
210
107
42
872
208, 310, 437, 438
206
421
311
271
46
113
310
2u
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460
INDEX.
Black (David D.), Notice of Cairns, called " Fairy Knowes," in Shetland,
Boars' Tnsk, Donation of,
Bomerang, Donation of a, .
Bone Comb, Donation of, .
Club, Donation of, .
Holder, Donation of a,
Implements, Donation of,
Skates, Donation of.
Bones of Animals, Ac., Donations of.
Books, Donations of, .
Brackenbory (H.), Donation from,
Brand (William), Donation from, .
Brass Plate with Armorial Bearings, Donation of,
Snuffers, Donation of a Pair of,
Breccia, Donation of a Slab of,
Brewster (Sir David), Donation from,
Brodie (A. Oswald), Donation firom,
Brodie (Thomas), Donation from, .
Bronze Amnlet, Donation of,
Armlet, Donation and Kotioe of,
Basins, &c., Donation of, .
Battle-Axe, Notice of,
Blade or Razor, Notice of, .
Brooches, Donations of,
Brooch, Donation of a Wooden Model of,
Candlestick, Donation of a,
Celts, Donations of,
Celts, Donation of Moulds for casting,
Daggers (spurious), Donation of, .
Ornaments exhibited, Ac., .
Pots, Donations and Notice of,
■ Pots exhibited,
— Pot found in the Vorarlberg, Notice of,
*-« Rings, Donations of,
Scabbard Point, Donations of,
Sickle exhibited, .
Swords (leaf-shaped), Donations and Notices of,
' Wire found with Stone Implements, Donation of.
Brown (William), Donation from, .
PAQB
824
42
182
42
182
488
420
814
111,208
13. 46, 91, 118, 114, 188, 205, 286. 289,
276, 814, 888, 898, 422, 489, 440.
289
488
204
208
181
41,208,209,
112,
206
182
288
11,18
109
872
867
118, 210, 811
488
112
276, 818, 882, 876
209
278
46, 88, 188
87, 108, 180
188
484
12, 109, 110
. 210.811
276
210, 262, 271, 811
896
441
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INDEX.
461
Bryoe (Thomae), Donation Arom, ....
BrjBon (Alexander), Donations from,
Boddhist Praying-Machine, Donati'on of a Boll of Paper from a,
Bnist ((George), Donation from, ....
Bnms (Edward), Donation from.
Batter (William), Donation from, .
Gairby Hill, Notice of Antiquities at,
Gaimgreg, Notice of Examination of, .
Cairns, Notices of the Examination of, 217, 276, 824, 886, 861, 887,
Oaims (John), Donation from, ....
Cairns (Mrs John), Donation from,
Gallig^phy — Notice of Mrs Esther Inglis or Langlois,
Cambnskenneth Abbey, Notice of, ...
Campbell (Sir Alexander), Bart, Donation ftom, .
Campbell (Bey. J. A. L.), Donation from, .
Canoes of Oak, Donations and Notices of, .
■ Paddle, Donation of, ... .
Carfrae (Bobert), Donation from, ....
Carnegie (Miss), Donation from, ....
Carr (Balph), Notice of Bnnic Inscriptions at Maeehowe,
Casket of Ebony and Contents, Donation of,
"Catstane," Notice of the, ....
Celtic Topography of Scotland, Notice on the,
Celts, Donation of Mould for Casting Bronte,
See Bronze and Stone.
Chambers, Notice of Underground,
~— See Cairns.
Chalmers (James H.), Bronze Sickle exhibited by,
Chatelaine, Donation of a Qold, ....
Christie (Key. John), Donation from,
Christy (Henry), Donations from.
Cists or Coffins. See Stone.
** Clach-a-Charra,*' a Stone of Memorial at Lochaber, Notice of
Coal, Donation of Portions of Cannel,
Coins, Donations and Notice of, 12, 118, 178, 288, 814, 897, 420, 421,
Commissioners for Publishing the Ancient Laws of Ireland, Donation
Communion Tokens, Donations of, 118,
Copper Plates, Ac, found at Clunie, Note of, .
Cottier (D.), Donation from, .....
PAOB
204
. 287,486
489
896
814
272
108
98
402, 411, 442
420
419
284
14,26
208
440
148, 485, 458
110
489
114
70
87
189
815
208
. 249, 259
275
814
284
181, 274, 441
828
272
422, 488, 457
from, 899
278, 421, 487
88
204
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462 INDEX.
PAOB
Cowan (A. D.), Donation ^m, 118
Cox (Robert), Donation from, ...... 422
Craig (James T. Gibeon), Donation fh>ni, ..... 288
Crannogs at Dowalton Loch, and other Scottish, Irish, and Continental
Examples, Notices of, ...... 114
■ Donation of Articles fonnd at Dowalton Loch, in a, 110
in Swiss Lakes, Notice of, . . 878
Coninghame (George C), Donation &om, .... 886
Dalrymple (Charles K), Notice of Excavations at Pittodrie, Aberdeenshire, 278
■ Notico of the Excavation of two Shell Monnds in Aberdeenshire, 428
Dammann (Dr), Donation from, ...... 488
Dayis (J. B.), M.D., Donations from, .18,422
Dawson (Adam), Donation from, ...... 884
Deer's Horns, Donation o^ ...... 42
Dick (W, D.), Donation from, ...... 489
Dickson (Bobert), Donation from, . . . . 818
Dies for Coins, Donation of, ..... . 90
Donglas (J. S.), Notice of a Bronze Vessel found in theVorarlberg, at Thiiringen, 484
Donglas (William), Donation from, ..... 180
Dowalton Loch, Notice of Crannogs in, . . . . . 114
Dmmmond (James), Notice of the ** Claeh-a-Charra,** in Lochaber, . 828
Dnndas (Colonel Joseph), Donation and Notes on Excavations at the
Tapock, Torwood, ...... 111,269
Dull, Kirk-Session of the Parish of. Donation from, ... 90
Dumfries Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Donation from, 18
Dunraven (Earl of), Donation from, ..... 289
Durham (Mrs Dundas), Donation and Notice of Silver Ornaments found
at Norrie's Law, near Largo, ..... 7
Edinburgh Academy, Donation from the Directors of the, 44
Notice of the Restoration of the Shaft of the Old Cross at, 875
Town Council, Donation from, ..... 886
Town Guard Cocked Hats, Donation of, . . . . 278
■ University, Roman Altars deposited in the Museum by the Senatus of, 899
Edward (Thomas), Bronze Ornament exhibited by, . . . 188
Egyptian Mummy, Donation of, . . . 488
"Eirde" Houses, Notice of, ...... 249
Engraved Copper Plate for Paper Money exhibited . . 47, 88
Erskine (Colonel K.), Donation of Cinerary Urn, ... 12
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INDEX.
463
Evans (John), Donation from,
*' Fairy Knowee " in Shetland, Notice of Oaima called, .
Farrer (Jamee), Donation from, .....
■ Notice of the Excayation of a Roman Villa in Glonoestershire,
Finlay (Bev. A. F.), Donation from, ....
Finlay (Jamee), Donations Arom, ...
Fir IVee, Donation of a portion of a Scots,
Flint Arrow-heads, Donations and Notices of,
41, 89, 181,208, 284, 288,
277, 818, 884. 896, 420,
a Ma of the 11th Century,
Flint Gelt, Donation of a, .....
Oelts from Preseigny le Grand, France, Donation of,
Dagger, Donation of a.
Flints from India, Donation of Worked,
Floor-tile from Melrose, Donation of.
Flora Macdonald, Donation of a Portrait,
Forbes (Bishop Alexander P.), Account of
Forbes (William), Donation from,
Franks (A. W.), Donation from, .
Fraser (P. A.), Donation from.
Fresco at Turriff Church, Notice of,
Gauntlets, Donation of a Pair of Iron,
Gilchrist (Mr), Donation from,
GiUman (Andrew), Donation from.
Glass Bead, Donation of a,
Bottle, Donation of a,
■ Donations of portions of Painted,
Sepulchral Vase, Donation of.
Glove, Donation of an Embroidered,
Gold Chatelaine, Donation of a, .
Bings, Donations of,
Gordon (Hon. A. H.), Donation from,
Gordon (John), Donation from,
Graves at Hartlaw, Notice of,
at Morton Hall, Notice of,
at Yarrow Kirk, Notice of.
Gray (Lord), Pottery, Bronze Pins, &o., exhibited by,
Greenwell (William), Notice of Cairns at Crinan,
Grierson (T. B.), Donation firom, .
PAOB
208
824
42
278
486
179
204
240,261.
460
178
274
46
208
90
205
88
178
897
895
427
272
285
898 .
810
272
180,204
288
181
814
210, 284, 811, 897
89
271
55
61
62
210
886
489
Digitized by
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464
INDEX.
HalbertB, Donation of, .... .
Haldane (Key. J. O.), Donati(^n from,
Hardie (Thomas), Donation from,
Hay (Sir Adam), Bronze Pots exhibited by,
Hay (John), Donation from, ....
Hartlaw, Account of Graves discovered at,
Heriot (George), Ebony Gasket made by, .
Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire, Donations from,
Hookah Water-chamber, Donation of a, .
Hossack (B. H.), Donation from, ....
Hughes (John), Donation from, ....
Hurley Hawkin, Account of Excavations at,
Hutchinson (Robert), Notice of Stone Coffins, and Donation
found at Kirkliston, ....
Hut Circles, Notice of, .
of Skulls
PAOR
272
90
181
188
288
65
87
18,440
486
278
897
210
181, 184
402
Inglis or Langlois (Mrs Esther), Notice of, . . .284
Irish Archieological and (Celtic Society, Donation from, 18
Iron Axe and Hammer Heads, Donations of, . 110, 112
Ball, Donation of, ....... 286
Caltrop, Donation of an, . 204
Chain, Ac., Donation of, ..... . 46
Dagger Blades, Donations of, .... . 272, 278
Keys, Donations of, . 818, 897
Knife, Donation of, . . . . . 118
— ^ — Padlocks or Fetter-locks, Donations of, . 209, 210, 888
Pile Shoe, Donation of, ..... . 90
Pot, Donation of an, 180
Razor from China, Donation of, . . 871
Spear Heads, Donations of, .... 272, 884, 486
Tirling Pin, Donation of, . 12
Irving (J. T.), Donation from, ...... 288
Notice of Robert Riddell and of some of his MSS. and Books, 461
Ivory Head of a Walking Stick, Donation of, . 814
James III., Notice relating to the Interment in Cambuskenneth of, 26
Jamieson (T. F.), Donation and Notice of Stone Implements, . 284, 240
Jardine (Sir William), Bart, Donation from, .... 204
Jars of Earthenware, Donations of, .... . 286, 276
Jeffray (Alexander), Donation from, ..... 46
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INDBX.
466
PAQB
JenriBO (A.),Acooiintof ExcayationBatHiirley Hawkin, . 210
Notice of a Group of Cinerary Urns found at Weetwood, on the Tay, 888
Notice of a Cist and Urn found at Inyergowrie, . 894
• Donations from,
. 180,420
208
. 273,896
. 827, 886
418
45
188
286
209, 818, 897
219
441
236
Jet Necklace, Donation of, ...
Joass (Rev. J. M.), Donation from,
Notice of Antiquities in Boss and Sutherland,
Notice of Cists found at Torran-Dubh,
Jones (M. C). Donation from,
Jones (Thomas), Donation from, .
Kay (John), Donation from,
Keys, Donations of Iron, ....
Keig and Monymusk, Notices of the Lands, of
Kilkenny Archoological Society, Donation from, .
Kinloch (G. R), Donation from, .
Kymric Element in the Celtic Topography of Scotland, Notice of, 816
Laing (David), Notes respecting Cambuskenneth Abbey, . 26
Notice respecting the Regent Murray's Tomb in St Giles's Church,
Edinburgh, ....... 49
Notices of Mrs^ Esther Langlois or Inglis, and of Manuscripts
written by her, ....... 284
Note on the Restoration of the Shaft of the City Cross of Edinburgh, 876
Donations from, ....... 286,422
Laing (Henry), Donation from, ...... 287
Lake Dwellings in Scotland, &c., . 114
in Switzerland, Notice of, . 876
Langlois or Inglis, Notice of Mrs Esther, .... 284
Lartet (M.) Donation from, ...... 181
Lauder (Misses Dick), Donation from, 818
Lawson (Charles), Donation from, ..... 898
Leaden Communion Tokens, Donations of, . . 278, 818, 421, 487
Lefroy (Gen. J. H.), Donation from, ..... 44
Leslie (Colonel J. F.), Donations from, ..... 208, 898
Letham Grange, Donation of a Sculptured Stone from, 288
Liddesdale, Antiquities in, Notice of, .... . 108
Low (Rev. Alex.), Notices of the Lands of Keig and Monymusk, 218
Lyell (Sir Charles), Donation from, ..... 208
M*Culloch (William T.), Donation from, ..... 888
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466
114DEX.
PAOB
liackenzie (Alexander), Donation from, ..... 489
M'Lauchlan (Bey. Thomas), LL.D., On the Celtic Topography of Scotland, 816
Madanrin (Henry G.) Donation from, ..... 421
M'Leayy (Jamee), Donation of Scottish Coin, .... 12
Macnab (John), Donation from, ...... 422
Maopherson (Gluny), Bronze Antiquities, &c., exhibited by, . 46, 88
Macpherson (D.), Donation from, ...... 888
Maeshowe, Notice respecting Runic Inscriptions at, . . . 70
Maitland (Eenmure), Donations from, ..... 884, 488
Malay Cresses, Donation of, ...... 278
Manuscripts, Donations of, ..... 886,422,486,489,442
Manx Society, Donation from, ...... 440
Mapleton (Rev. R. J.), Notice of a Cairn at Kilchoan, ... 861
liarianus of Ratisbon, Account of a MS. by, ... . 88
Marwick (James D. ), Donation from, ..... 289
Maughan (Rey. John), Notice of Antiquities in Liddesdale, and
from, ......
liaxwell (Sir William), Donation from, ..
Medals, Donations of, . . . . .
Members, Fellows of the Society, Elected, .
> Honorary Members Elected,
Donation
108,289
109
181, 287, 888, 488
8, 7, 41, 86, 108, 178, 288, 270,
271, 810, 882, 876. 896, 419.
8,269
. Corresponding. Elected, . « .8, 109, 202, 896
Deceased Fellows and Honorary Members, • 3, 268
Messer (A. B.) M.D., Donation from, ..... 181
Milligan (Rey. John), Donation from, ..... 288
Milne (Sir Alexander), Donations from, . . 179, 208
Ifiln (Rey. John), Donation from, ..... 422
Mitchell (Arthur), M.D., Stone Moulds, Ac, exhibited by, 48
Donations from, ....... 112,284
Notice of Flint Flakes found at Abemethy, ... 261
Notice of " Eirde *' or Underground Houses, ... 249
Moffat (Mr), Donation from, ...... 272
Monymusk Priory, History of, ...... 218
Morison (Mrs Alexander), Donation from, . .11,421
Moore (George), M.D., Donation from, . . . . .814
Murray (Rey. George), Donation from, ..... 832
Murray (the Regent Earl of). Notice of his Monument restored in St Giles*
Church, Edinburgh, ...... 49
Mustard Cap and Iron Bullet, Donation and Notice of, . . 286, 266
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INDEX.
467
Necklace of Jet, &jc,. Donation of .
Nicholson (John), Bronze Vessel exhibited by,
Donation from, ....
Northumberland (Duke of), Donation from,
Offlce-Bearers of the Society, 1864-66, 1865-66. List of,
Ogilvy (Captain), Donation from, .
Ogilvy (Peter A.), Donation from.
Pagan (William), Donation from, .
Painting of the Interior of a Chamber at Skerra-brae, Donation of,
Paper Money, Donation of American,
Copper Plate for Paper Money found at CuUoden,
Paterson (James), Donations from,
PatuUo (Rev. Henry A.), Donation from, .
Petrie (G^rge), Donations from, ,
Notice of Barrows in Orkney,
Photog^phs, Donations of, . . .45,
Pipe, Donation of a Clay Smoking,
Pistols, Donation of a Pair of,
Pittodrie, Notice of Excavations at,
" Poker Club," List of Members, Donation of,
PoUexfen (Bev. J. H.), Donation from,
Pottery, Etruscan, Donations of, .
Etruscan Exhibited,
Donations of. See Urns.
Powder Horn, Ac, Donation of.
Pulpit of Oak, Donation of a.
Pumice Stone found in a Pict's House, Donation of,
Pnrdie (Thomas), Donation from, .
Quaioh or Drinking Cup, Donation of a, .
Querns, Donations of, . . .
Rafn (Madame), Donation from,
Bankine (Qeorge), Donation from.
Razors, Notice of Bronze, .
Donation and Notice of a Chinese.
Reeves (William), D.D., Donation from,
Riddell (Robert), of Glenriddell, Notice of his MSS. and Books,
VOL. VI. PART II.
205,
FAQE
208
188
205
898
1.267
11
12
118
420
205
47,88
41, 284
286
42, 812
411
289, 480, 440
812
272
276
182
289
274, 421
210
285
286
278, 887
274
204
111,486
205
421
857
871
114
451
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468
INDEX.
Rings, DonationB of. See Bronze, Ck>ld, and Silver.
Robertson (D. H.), M.D., Donations from, 12, 45, 118, 272, 818, 884, 885,
• Notice of Human Remains fonnd at Leith,
Robertson (Colonel J. A.), Donation from,
Robertson (James), Donation from,
Robertson (Joseph), Note on Camboskennetb,
Robinson (J. R.), Donation from, .
Rocking Stones, Notice of,
Roger (Francis R. N.), Donation from,
Roman Altar, Donation of a,
Altars deposited in the Mnsenm,
Hjrpocaust, Donation of a portion of,
Pottery, Donation of,
Villas, Notices of the Ezcayations of,
Rosetta Stone, Cast of, deposited in the Mnsenm,
Rothie, Aberdeenshire, Notice of Cairns opened at,
Royal Irish Academy, Donations from the.
Royal Scottish Academy, Donation from the,
Rnnic Inscriptions at Maeshowe, Notice of,
Rnssell (Rev. James), Note relative to Cists at Yarrow,
Saddle-tree, Ac, Donation of, .
St Andrews University, Donations from the Senatns of,
St Ninian, Notice of a Fresco of, .
Schevez (William), Donation of a Cast of a Medal of,
Sclater (Robert), Donations from, .
Scoonie Parish (Heritors of), Sculptured Stone deposited in the Museum
Scotland, Donation of a Cast of the Royal Arms of,
Scott (Lady John), Notice of Graves at Hartlaw, .
Scott (Mrs John), Donation from, .
Sculptured Stones, Donations and Notices of.
PAGE
897,488
856
274
274
25
896
410
421
44
899
179
208
278,884
400
217
91, 440
118
70
62
118
422,440
427
287
90,487
by. 401
44
55
284
f 45. 90. 101, 111, 179. 180, 209. 238,
I 827. 401, 421, 428.
Sculptured Slab from Nineveh, Donation and Notice of, . . 45, 198
Seals, Donations of a Watch and other, ..... 287, 888
Senatns of the University of Edinburgh, Roman Altars deposited in the
Museum by, . . . . . . 899
Shakespeare*8 Jubilee, 1769, Donation of Ticket, &a, for, • . 888
Shell Mounds in Aberdeenshire, Notice of the Excavation of two, . 428
Shoe, Donation of a portion of a Leather, ..... Ill
Silver Badge and Baton, Donation of a, . . . 284
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INDEX. 469
Silver Ornaments, Donation of, ..... . 7
Rings, Donations of, 179,812,421
Spoons, Donation of, ..... . 88
Sim (Adam), Donation from, ...... 278
Sim (G^rge), Note of Coins fonnd in Dumfriesshire, and Donation from, 280, 467
Simpson (Professor Sir J. Y.), Bari, Donations from, 46, 198, 488
On Ancient Scnlpturings of Gups and Concentric Rings. Appbndix
Simpson (James), Donation from, • . . . . .90
Skene(W.F.), Notice of the Battle of Ardderyd, ... 91
Skulls, Donations and Notices of Human, 181, 196, 288, 246, 884, 886; 866, 418,460
Smith (James), Donation from, • . 818
Smith (John Alex.), M.D., Notice of a Stone Cist at Yarrow, 62
On the Use of the Mustard Cap and Bullet, ... 266
Notice of Bronze Blades or Razors, &c., .... 867
Notice of a Bronze Battle-Aze in the Museum of the Society, 872
Donations from, ....... 112,871
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, Donation from, .46, 814
Snuffers, Donation of a pair of Brass, ..... 208
Society's Museum, Reports concerning the, .... 270
Spectacles, Donations of Pairs of, ...... 421
Spiers (Alex.), Donation from, ...... 486
Stair (Earl of), Donation from, ...... 41
Stark (James), M.D., Donation from, ..... 288
Steel for Tinder-Box, Donation of, ..... 286
Stirrups, Pair of Iron Turkish, Donation of, ... . 118
Stone Balls, Donations of, 11, 90, 112, 118, 896
Beads frt)m Mexico, Donation of, . 488
and Bone Implements found in Swiss Lake Dwellings, Notice of, 876
Celts, Donations of, 89, 178, 181, 208, 284, 286, 274, 818, 896. 419, 486
Circles, Notice of Hut and, ..... 402
Cists or Coffins, short and j 66, 62, 99, 184, 216, 217, 244, 246, 276, 826,
long shaped, Notices of, \ 887, 861, 886, 894, 402, 41 1, 418
Cups, &c.. Donations of, . 12, 42, 89, 109, 111, 419
Hammer heads. Donations of, . 41, 42, 86, 810, 827, 882, 896, 401, 421
Hammer exhibited, ...... 427
-^— ^- Idol from Mexico, Donation of, . 488
Implements, &c., Donation of, .... . 42, 896
Memorial, ** Claoh-a-Charra," in Lochaber, Notice of, 828
Mould for Bronze Celts, ...... 148,209
Moulds for Bronze Spear Heads, ..... 48
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470
INDEX.
Stone Ornament from a Qrave, Donation of, . . .
Pestle from New Zealand, Donation of, .
• Period, Notice of Remains of the, .....
Querns, Donations of, ..... .
Whoris, Donations of, . .90,
See Flint, Scnlptored Stones.
Strath (John), Donation from, .....
Stmthers (Bev. John), Notice of Excavation at Balgone, .
Stnart (James) Donation from, .....
Stnart (John), LL.D., Notice of Giayes at Hartlaw,
Note of a Ck)pper Plate and Bronze Ornaments from Ciuny,
Notice of Gaimgreg, Forfarshire, ....
Notices of a Group of Graanogs in Dowalton Loch, and of others
throughout Scotland, .....
-i Notice ctf Gaims examined at Bothie, Aberdeenshire,
Notice of Gaims, Stone and Hut Gircles, at Balnabroch, .
■ ■ Notice of a Fresco Painting disoovered in Turriflf Ghurch,
Swinton (Archibald Gampbell), Donation from, .
Talbot (H. Fox), Translation of the Inscription on an Assyrian Slab, 198
Tate (George), Donation from, ...... 188
Threipland (Sir Patrick M.), Pottery, &c., exhibited by, . 210
Thomas (Gaptain F. W. L.), Note of two Bronze Swords, 262
Thomas (Biajor), Donation from, ...... 180
Tobacco Box, Donation of a Dutch, ..... 204
Topography of Scotland, Notice of the Geltic, .... 815
Torwood, Donations of Articles found at, . Ill
Tradesmen*s Tokens, Donation of, ..... 488
Treasure.TroYe, deposited in the Museum, .... 86
Turnbull (John), Donation and Notice of Flint Weapons from Arabia* . 288, 258
Turner (William), M.B., Keport on Skulls found near Kirkliston, Kelso, and at
Fyrish. 196.245,266
Turriff Ghurch, Aberdeenshire, Notice of a Fresco Painting diseovwed in, 427
PAGE
288
181
240
486
112, 178
181
107
886
66
88
98
114
217
402
427
888
Underground Chambers, Notice of,
Urns, Donations and Notices of, | J^q g\ « -oa \
. 249,269
88. 112. 208, 288. 284, 286.
888. 894. 897. 411. 418 420, 460,
Veitch (George S.), Donation from,
Veitch (Robert A.), Donation from.
118
897
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INDEX.
471
Vere (Miss Sophia J. Hope), DoDstioD, and Notice of Bomaii RemaiDs,
Vernon (Thomas), Donation from, .....
Walker (Alex.), Bronze Armlet exhibited by,
Walker (Fonntaine), Donation frc m,
Walker (Harry), Donation of Urns,
Walker (William), Donation from,
Wallace (Sir William), Bari, Donation from,
Watt (Mrs), Antiquities purchased from, .
Weale (W. H. J.), Donation from,
Whetstone, Donation of a Sandstone,
Whorls, Donations of Stone,
Whyte (Alexander), Donation from,
Wilson (Daniel), LL.D., Notice of Implements
Dwellings, ....
Wilson (William), Donation from,
Wiltshire Archieological Society, Donation from,
Wood found in Peat, Donation of a portion of Fir,
Wooden Ball and seven Pins of Oak, Donation of,
CJanoe, Paddle, Piles, Ac, Donation of,
Canoe, Donation and Notice of,
Clubs, &c., Donations of, .
Ox Yoke, Donation of a, .
Spindle and Stone Whorl, Donation of,
Yule (Qeneral Patrick), Donation from, .
13
178
894
288
487
208
441
278
90, 112, 178, 204, 208, 813, 384
897
found in Swiss Lake
876
90
440
284
206
118
485, 468
182, 278
898
204
206
PAGE
384
286
2k
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PEOCEEDINGS
SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF SCOTLAND.
EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION,
1864-65.
VOL VI.— APPENDIX.
EDINBURGH:
FEINTED FOB THE SOCIETY BY NEILL AND COMPANY.
MDCCCLXVII.
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CO^^TENTS.
INTRODUCTION,
PART I. Vabietieb in the Sculptuees, ....
Chapter I. Principal Types of the Gup and Ring Cuttings,
Co-existence of Different Types,
II. Some of the Chief Deyiations from the Qenenc
III. Modes of Production of the Sculpture,
PART II. Localities op the Sculptures, ....
Chapter IV. On Stones Connected with Archaic Sepulture,
1. On Stones of Megalithic Circles,
2. On Stones of Megalithic Avenues, .
8. On Stones of Cromlechs, .
4. On Chambered Tumuli, .
6. On Stone-Cists, and Covers of Urns,
6. On Standing Stones, or Monoliths, .
V. On Stones Connected with Archaic Habitations,
7. In Weems, or Underground Houses,
8. In Fortified Buildings, .
9. In and Near Ancient Towns and Camps,
10. On the Surface of Isolated Rocks, .
On Isolated Stones, ...
PART III. Analogous Sculptures in other Countries, .
Chapter VI. Lapidary Sculpturings in Ireland,
VII. Lapidary Sculpturings in Brittany,
VIII. Lapidary Sculpturings in Scandinavia,
Types,
PAOB.
1
2
2
7
8
10
12
18
20
21
20
27
82
89
42
44
54
59
63
68
68
71
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VI
CONTENTS.
PART IV. General Inferences, 79
Chapter IX. Import of the Ring and Cup Cuttings, ... 79
X. Their Alleged Phoenician Origin, .... 81
XL Their Probable Ornamental Character, ... 102
XII. Their Possibly Religious Character, .... 108
XIII. Question of their Age or Date, 105
XIV. Their Precedence of Letters and Traditions, 106
XV. Their Connection with Archaic Towns and Dwellings, 108
XVI. Their Presence on the Stones of the most Ancient
Kinds of Sepulture, Ill
XVII. The Archaic Character of the Contemporaneous Relics
found in Combination with them, . .112
XVIII. The Kind of Tools Required for the Sculpturings, . 122
XIX. Their Antiquity, as shown by their Geographical
Distribution in the British Islands, . . .123
XX. The Race that first Introduced the Lapidary Ring and
Cup Sculpturings, 124
APPENDIX.
Notices op bomb Ancient Sculptubbs on the Walls of Cayes in
Fife. 186
Explanation of the Plates, ... . . 141
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ON ANCIENT SCULPTURING S
OF
CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS, &c.
By Professor J. Y. SIMPSON, M.D.,
VICB-PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES.
Among the earliest, and yet the most oDduriDg traces of archaic man in
this country, are probably to be reckoned his cuttings or sculpturings on
rocks and stones. Some of his rudest, and hence, perhaps, his most
primitive lapidary carvings, consist of rounded shallow excavations, pits,
or cups, and of incised rings or concentric circles. In the present com*
munication it is my object to collect and describe a variety of instances
of these ancient lapidary markings of man as they are seen both ou
separate stones and upon solid rocks in Scotland ; illustrating them
freely, as occasion may require, by examples taken from other parts of
the British Islands.
In attempting to follow out this object, I shall describe first, the
chief generic forms of the cup and ring cuttings, and the principal devia-
tions from these generic forms; the localities in which these archaic
sculpturings have been found, with the peculiarities of the individual
specimens ; and the analogous lapidary sculptures found in one or two
neighbouring countries. Afterwards, I shall consider various general
questions in regard to their meaning, their geographical distribution, the
kind of instruments by which they were cut, the age at which they were
produced, the people who probably carved them, &c,
APPENDIX — VOL. VI. a
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2 ON THE 8CULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
PART I.
Varieties in the Sgulpturings.
The cup and ring-cuttings, which constitute the special subject of the
present essay, vary much in configuration, size, relations, form, &c. We
know, however, that they are all allied to each other, and have a common
origin, and probably a common import, from the fact that, though not
nnfrequently seen separate, we often also find them more or less grouped
and co-existing together in difierent combinations upon the same, or
upon adjoining stones and rocks. Amidst the numerous varieties of
them which have already been discovered, six or seven general types
can be easily traced ; and the enumeration of these types in the first
instance will simplify the study of the whole subject.
CHAPTER I.— principal FORMS OR GENERIC TYPES OF THE CUP
AND RING CUTTINGS.
FIRST TYPE. — Single Cups, (See Plate I. Type 1.)
The simplest type of these ancient stone and rock cuttings consists of
incised hoUowed-out depressions or cups, varying in diameter from an
inch to three inches and more in diameter. For the most part these
cup-cuttings are shallow. Consequently their depth is usually far less
than their diameter ; it is often not more than half an inch, and rarely
exceeds an inch or an inch and a half. On the same stone or rock
surface they are commonly carved out of many different sizes. These
cup-excavations are on the whole usually more smooth and polished over
their cut surfaces than the ring-cuttings are. Sometimes they form the
only sculpturings on the stone or rock, as on many Scottish monoliths ;
but more frequently they are found mixed up and intermingled with
ring-cuttings. Among the sculptured rock surfaces, for instance, in
Argyleshire, there are in one group at Auchnabreach thirty-nine or forty
cup-cuttings, and the same number of ring-cuttings; and at Camban
there are twenty-nine figures, — namely, nine single cups, seven cups
surrounded by single rings, and thirteen cups encircled by a series of
concentric rings. (See Plate XXII.)
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 3
Hitherto archaeologists have had their attention chiefly or solely taken
up with the concentric circles or ring-cuttings, to the comparative or
entire exclusion of the cup excavations. In some model specimens, for
example, of the so-called " Concentric Ring-Cuttings," from Chatton-
law in Northumberland, published in the Illustrated News last year
(March 19, 1863), and copied into Plate XXIV., there are more cups
than rings. On several others of the sculptured Northumberland stones
the cups considerably exceed the groups of rings in number.
The simple cup-cuttings are generally scattered singly, and apparently
quite irregularly, over the surface of the stone ; but occasionally they
seem placed in groups of four, six, or more, — almost in a methodic and
constellation -like arrangement. Usually the edge of the cup is smooth
and regular in its circumference ; but occasionally it is depressed or
guttered at one point, or on one side. (See Plate II. fig. 1.)
Before proceeding further, let me here remark that all the cup-like
excavations which we meet with on megalithic circles, monoliths, <&c. <&o.,
are not by any means the work of man. Many of them are, on the con-
trary, the work of nature ; or, in other words, the results of the weathering
and disintegration of the stone from long exposure. Among the endless
vagaries of shape and form effected on rocks by weathering, cup-like
excavations occur frequently on the surfaces of sandstone and other softer
rocks, like those of the Lundie Stones in Fife and the Duddo Circle in
Northumberland ; and I have found them also on the surfaces of far
denser stones.* Occasionally they are the result of the mineralogical
constitution of the rock, as of softer portions weathering out, or of the
enucleation of fossilized organic remains, or of imbedded stone-nodules.
Thus the surface of the Carline Stone, near Dunmore House, presents a
series of smooth, cup-like excavations ; but they are all the result of
> The very hard " Sarsen" stones or sandstone grits of Abury and Stonehenge
show in many parts weathered irregolar cavities and excavations; some of them
large and deep. Speaking of the Abury stone, Dr Stokely long ago observed, " In
some places I thrust my cane, a yard long, up to the handle, in holes and cavities
worked through by age, which (he argues) must needs bespeak some thousands of
years continuance" (see his " Abury," pp. 17 and 89). The massive rusty conglo-
merate blocks forming the circles at Stanton Drew are still more remarkably drilled
with crystalline cavities, and the corrosions of time.
a2
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4 ON THE 801ILPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
round included masses having been weathered out of the amygdaloid
rock of which the stone is composed. Nor are all cup-like excavations,
which are not the effect of weathering, the result of human agency. On
visiting the so-called cromlech or chambered tumulus on the 0rme*8
Head above Llandudno, I found various excavations on its stones, and
specially on the interior of the covering stone ; but a little examination
of their smooth surfaces and expanding interiors showed that the excava-
tions had been the work of the Pholas, when these stones formed part of
the sea-beach.
In many cases it is difficult, and indeed impossible, to determine con-
clusively whether cup-excavations, when found alone, are the product of
human art or the product of nature. But various collateral circumstances
often tend to evince their artificial origin, such as — 1. The limited size,
regular rounded forms, smooth surfaces, and shallow depths of the exca-
vations ; 2. Their existence upon the surfaces of rocks too hard to be
readily weathered ; 3. Their arrangements in rows or in other artificial
positions and groupings not referrible to any mineralogical peculiarities
in the stone; and, 4, and specially, their co-existence with other cups
surrounded by single or multiple rings, such as we have now to describe
as additional types of these ancient lapidary carvings.
SECOND TYPE. — Cups suTTOunded with a Single Ring or Circle.
(See Plate I. Type 2, three figures.)
In this second type each round excavation or cup-cutting is surroundo^
by an incised ring-cutting. The ring is usually considerably shallow^^
than the cup, and forms, as it were, a border or setting to it. It is mot^
frequently placed around large than small cups. Sometimes the ring i^
complete and unbroken ; but often also it is traversed at one part by ^
radial groove or gutter, which occasionally runs directly from the centr^^
cup outwards through, and even beyond the ring. More rarely tb^
groove appears in the edge of the cup, and not in the corresponding par^
of the ring. Sometimes the ring, as it meets the straight radial groov^y
flexes and bends downwards with it ; and more rarely it terminates fn
new cups. (See Plate XIV. figs. 3 and 4.)
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 0
THIRD TYPE, — Cwj^ surroxmded with a series of Concentric Complete
Rings. (See Plate I. Type 3.)
In this type of these lapidary sculpturiDgs the central cup is sur-
rounded by two or more concentric rings. Each ring is, as we proceed
from within outwards, larger and more expanded than that which it
encloses, and every ring in this type is in itself a perfect circle. The
series of concentric rings varies in number, from two up to six, seven,
or even more. In this complete annular form the central cup is generally
more deeply cut than the surrounding rings,— but not always.
FOCRTH TYPE, — Cups swcrowndtd with a series of Concentric but Incomplete
BingSf and having a straight Radial Chroove. (See Plate XXV. Type 4.)
This type constitutes perhaps the most common form of the circular
lapidary carvings.
It consists, like the last annular type, of a series of expanding rings
cut around a common cup centre. But in this fourth type the circles of
which these incised ring lines consist are not complete ; and this incom-
pleteness in the circles constitutes, along with the direct radial line,
channel, or duct which produces the incompleteness, the double charac-
teristic of the fourth type of these lapidary carvings.
The incompleteness is produced by an incised straight, radial line,
channel, or groove, running from the centre of each circle to its circum-
ference. The circles generally, at either extremity, touch this radial
line ; but sometimes they terminate on each side of it without touching it.
This incised radial groove occasionally extends considerably beyond the
outermost circle ; and generally, but not always, it tends in a direction
more or less downwards along the stone or rock. Sometimes it runs on
and unites into a common line with other ducts or grooves coming from
other circles, till thus several series of concentric rings are conjoined
into a larger or smaller cluster, united together by the extension of their
radial branch-like grooves. More rarely it runs into, and ends upon, the
circumference of another circle, or even traverses part of it.
In this fourth type the average number of concentric rings is from
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6 ON THE BCULPTUHIN6S OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
three to six, and the average diameter of the outermost ring-cuttiDg
from ten to sixteen inches. But occasionally the diameter is much
larger, and the number of rings greater. I measured one specimen at
Auchnabreach, in Argyleshire, three feet in diameter, and consisting of
eight concentric rings. (See Plate XXI.) One of this size, and con-
sisting of seven concentric rings, existed sometime ago on Chatton-law,
as I am informed by that excellent archeeologist, Mr Tate of Alnwick,
but has latterly been much destroyed. He has measured another in
Northuntiberland still larger, — viz., three feet three inches in diameter,
and consisting of eight circles and a portion of a ninth.
FIFTH TYPE, — Cwps sutrounded by Concentric Rings and Flexed Lines,
(See Plate I. Type 5.)
In a fifth type of the ring-cuttings, the series of circular lines, instead of
abruptly ending when they approach the straight or radial groove, turn
downwards at that point at nearly a right angle, and run parallel for a
greater or less distance along each side of the groove line. In thb class
the groove line itself is sometimes double. The number of inclosing or
concentric rings is generally fewer in this type than in the two last
preceding types, and seldom exceeds two or three in number.
SIXTH TYPE, — CoiMifniric Binge without a Central Cup,
(See Plate I. Type 6.)
Occasionally, but with comparative rarity, the concentric rings are
formed of the various types described, but without any central cup or
depression. This absence of an excavated centre has been most fre-
quently remarked along with the complete annular type of the concentric
rings which I have already spoken of in the third type. For example, on
a slab-stone about twenty inches in length and in breadth, found at Great
Hucklow, in the Peak of Derbyshire, and a cast of which has been kindly
sent me by my friend Dr Aveling of Sheffield,* there are seven concentric
rings cut around a common centre ; but the centre shows no cup or de-
pression, and has a convex rather than a concave form. (See Plate
XVI. fig. 2.) The diameter of the outermost ring is about twenty-two
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 7
incheB.' Sometimes concentric circles, both with and without central
cnps, are found cut upon the same stone. Thus on the interior of the
cover of a kist-Taen at Craigie Hill, there are carved nine groups of
concentric circles. Of this number two show central cups or depressions ;
one is doubtful ; and in the centres of the remaining six series of circles
there are no cup-markings, (See Plate XV.)
SEVENTH TYPE — Concentric Circular Lines of the Form of a Spiral or
Volute. (See Plate XXV. Type 7.)
A seventh type of these lapidary markings is characterised by their
cut line or lines running out from the centre in the form of a continuous
spiral or volute, like a watch spring.
The carving consists of one line continued spirally outwards, with its
circle expanding at each turn ; instead of consisting, as the last three or
four preceding types do, of a conceptric and enlarging series of separate
concentric lines.* The spiral line usually, but not always, begins at its
central extremity in a cup-like excavation.
The volute or spiral is perhaps the rarest of the forms of circular ring-
cuttings in Great Britain ; but this type seems common on the incised
stones of Ireland and Brittany.
Co-existence of different Types.
That all these various types of cup-cuttings and ring-cuttings are inti-
mately allied to each other, belong to the same archaic school of art,
and have a community of character and origin, is proved, as already
hinted, by the fact of two, three, or more of them being occasionally
found carved together upon the same stones or rocks. For if, in some
instances we have the sculpturing entirely of one single type or charac-
ter, we have, in other instances, all, or nearly all, the types appearing in
one position. Thus, on the rocks at Auchnabreach, near the Crinan
Canal, there are cups both single and ringed, with all kinds of concentric
circles and volutes. On the megalith ic circle of stones, termed the
Calder Stones, standing within a few miles of Liverpool, I lately traced
1 The original stone is in the Museum of the Literary and Philob(»phical Society
of Shefficia.
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S ON THB 8CUL1*TURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC BING8
out all the different types, — as single and ringed cnps, concentric circles
of various forms, and volutes, — as shown on the sketches of them io
Plate VI.
CHAPTER II.— SOME OF THE CHIEF DEVIATIONS FROM THE
GENERIC TYPES.
Each of the generic types of cnp and ring cuttings which I have
attempted to describe is liable to present many diversities and differences
of form. A brief glance at some of the principal deviations of form pre-
sented by them may enable us to take a more comprehensive view of
these lapidary sculpturings.
The cup-cuttings, such as constitute our first type, rarely deviate
much from the usual round form. But various occasional combinations
aud arrangements of them are worthy of remark. Thus two or more
of them are sometimes conjoined by a straight incised line or groove.
Occasionally the uniting groove is perpendicular, uniting two placed
above each other, either of the same or of different sizes (Plate II.
^g. 1). In other instances it is lateral (Plate IL ^g, 3). I have seen
ao instance at Ballymenach, in Argyleshire, of a lateral or transverse
groove uniting a line of ^ve or six cups. (Plate XVII. ^g, 4.) Occa-
sionally the conjoining gutter is of an irregular branched form, con-
necting two or more cups (see Plate II. ^g, 4 and Plate XIV. ^g. 4) ;
and more rarely two connecting grooves cross each other in a crucial
form.
The uniting channel is sometimes, partly perhaps from weathering
and disintegration, as deep as the cups which it unites.
In a few rare cases, two or more cups are placed in the centre of a
ring-cutting, as seen in the Northumberland examples sketched in Plate
II. figs* 5 and 6. More rarely, a series of small cups or stars forms a
kind of beaded arrangement around the circles, as in the Jedburgh
stone (Plate XVI. fig. 1). In the Pitscorthie and Letham stones, instead
of an incised ring, six or seven cups at oqc part form a circle around a
central cup (see Plate XX. fig. 1).
In specimens of the common interrupted concentric rings of the
fourth type, the radial groove, instead of being single, is sometimes
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 9
double or even treble, as in a Northumberland specimen represented in
Plate II. fig. 7).
A straight bisecting line, in addition to the radial groove, traverses in
a few rare instances the whole ring-cutting, as seen in a specimen at
Auchenbreach, figured in Plate II. fig. 8.
The radial groove is occasionally more or less zig-zagged, instead of
straight, as it traverses the various concentric rings of its circle. In
the fourth type everything is, in a few instances, apparently complete,
and the space for an incised radial line or groove left, but it remains, as
it were, uncut (Plate II. fig. 13).
Two or more of the series of concentric circles or their grooves occa-
sionally touch and amalgamate, as in Plates XV. and XXII. ; and
smaller circles are seen sometimes included within the area of larger
circles, as in Plate XX lY. Occasionally the fifth type assumes a kind
of horse-shoe pattern, as in Plate II. fig. 9. There is an example of
this kind on a rock at Calton More, in Argyleshire.
At Auchnabreach, in the same county, there are specimens of two
and three volutes conjoined together. (See Plate II. ^g, 10 and Plate
XXII.)
In one specimen of the ring-cutting at Bowton Lynn, in Northum-
berland, the circumference of the outer circle has nine straight lines,
diverging at nearly right angles from its circumference. (See Plate II.
fig. 11.) At Auchnabreach there is another specimen of three still longer
straight lines, radiating ofif from the outer rim of the circle. (See
Plate II. fig. 12.)
In a few instances the congeries of concentric rings forms an oval, a
a reniform, or a pyriform, instead of a round figure. (See Plates XXI.
and XXIII., <frc.)
There, occur also, in some localities, along with the circular type of con-
centric rings, angulated and irregularly straight lines ; or even lozenge-
shaped concentric forms, as in Plate II. figs. 14 and 15, and Plate XIII.
fig. 4, which perhaps ought to have been considered as an eighth type of
these markings; and still more rarely straight and angled conjoined
lines of a broken gridiron pattern appear. In some rare examples, as
in castings and drawings kindly sent me by Miss Dickson from Dodding-
ton, there are angled inclosures cut around a series of circular markings
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10 ON THE SCDLPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
and cups (see Plate II. fig. 15). In a few instances, also, an irregular
circular enclosure, in the same way, comprehends a series of cuttings ;
or, projecting from the circumference of a ring, it includes a number of
cups and depressions, and other minor forms.
Usually the circular lines of a concentric ring are cut with great regu-
larity, and almost mathematical precision. But not unfrequently they
display no very marked accuracy of form, and unite very irregularly. In
the sketch, for example, of a specimen from Auchnabreach (see Plate
II. fig. 8), it will be observed that the two outer rings do not meet
at corresponding points as they approach the radial grooves ; and there
are two or three specimens in the same locality where the series of con-
centric circles are so very clumsily drawn as to seem deeply indented and
crushed in at one side.
CHAPTER III.— MODES OF PRODUCTION OF THE SCULPTURES ;
CARVED STONE SURFACES NOT PREVIOUSLY PREPARED.
Generally the sculptured lines and cup-depressions are rounded and
smooth on their surfaces, as if, after their original cutting, they had been
ground and polished either by art, or by time and the effects of the
elements. And probably one mode of their artificial production consisted
chiefly or entirely of a kind of scraped work, or of abrasion or grinding.
But a second and more constant method of sculpturing these cups and
rings no doubt consisted of the use of a chisel and mallet. Evident
proofs of this are seen in those specimens of the sculptures that are
found inside of graves, where they have been deposited shortly after the
carvings were executed, and were thus preserved in their original state
from the efi'ects of weathering and disintegration. Similar evidence of
their original mode of execution can sometimes be obtained on examining
the sculptures cut upon open rock surfaces, when they have happened
to be long buried over with earth and soil, as in a specimen which I
uncovered at Auchnabreach of a deep layer of earth or turf, which had
probably overlaid for long ages the sculptures cut on the solid schist
rock. The concentric rings in this instance were three in number, with
a central cup and long radial groove, which extended a foot or more
beyond the outer circle. The oiitermoBt ring admitted the tip of th**
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ON 8TONB8 AND BOCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 11
finger, which seemed a good measure of its width and depth. Another
part of its circles, and the long groove, allowed two fingers to be placed
within it ; but everywhere the edges felt almost as sharp as a recently-
broken piece of the same schist rock ; and the rugged surfaces of the
grooves and lines showed distinctly that the circles had been chisselled
or chipped out.
I have not seen on our Scottish stones any decisive specimen of these
sculptures that gave the idea of their occasional execution by that pro-
cess of picking or punching that has long been used in some forms of
stone carving and lettering. The only exception, if it be an exception,
is on a stone doubtfully belonging to this class at Jedburgh, where a
circle of pits or stars exist, probably produced in this way. (See Plate
XYI. fig. 1.) In some Irish sculptured stones the circles are cut out in
the form of dots or by punched work ; and are not continuous lines.
The ancient sculptures which we are describing are all cut upon the
natural and uneven surfaces of the stones or rocks on which they are
found. No artificial levelling and hewing of these surfaces has been
made before or at the time the figures were carved upon them. Very
generally rock surfaces that are naturally and comparatively smooth
have been selected for these sculptures. But often also they are cut upon
undulating and broken faces of stone ; and in this last case the lines of
the sculpture follow continuously, without stop or interruption, over all
the irregularities of the stone- surface, dipping into its sinuosities and
mounting over its elevations, quite irrespectively of its heights, hollows,
and other inequalities.
Frequently by exposure, and the disintegration of the rock, the cup
and ring cuttings have become much faded and obliterated ; and no
doubt in numerous instances they have been utterly destroyed by the
surface of the stones weathering and splitting off. Many old basaltic
monoliths, for example, have all their surfaces so disintegrated and
scaled off, that any sculpturings which perchance existed on them must
have been long since erased and gnawed off by the tooth of time.
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12 ON THE 8CULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND COKCBNTRIC RINGS
PAKT II.
Localities in whi<5h tub Cup and Bino Sculptures hate been found.
The cuttings of cnps and rings described in the preceding pages have
now been discovered under various circumstances, and in various posi-
tions and localities. They have been often found on stones used in
connection with the burial of the archaic dead, and with various forms
of ancient sepulture. They have also been detected within the under-
ground-houses, the domestic cyclopic dwellings, and the fortified strong-
holds of archaic living man. Numerous examples of them have now
likewise been found cut upon stones and rocks lying within and without
the walls of the ancient camps or towns in which the communities of our
olden forefathers dwelt. And latterly, these enigmatical carvings have
been traced engraven on the surfaces of isolated stones, and of rocks in
sitUy covered over in some instances by turf and soil that has evidently
been the accumulation of many long centuries. I shall adduce a few
specimens of them in each of these various localities.
CHAPTER IV.-U)N STONES CONNECTED WITH ARCHAIC SEPULTURE.
This is no fit place to debate the question whether the megalithic or
so-called ^' Druidical'' circles, which formerly stood in great and impos-
ing numbers in different localities in G-reat Britain, and many remains
of which still exist, were used by our archaic forefathers as temples for
worship, or places for political assemblages, or courts of law, or places of
sepulture, — or whether all of these characters and uses did not pertain to
them. Various analogies and inferences from superstitious usages, &c.,
have been adduced ; but we have no classical or other ancient and direct
data left us to prove them to have been sacred fanes or courts of convention
and justice. The circles themselves ofier no tangible or visible evidence
that can settle such questions.* But they usually contain within their
1 By far the ablest defence of the sacred or temple character, &c. of our Megalithic
Circles is to be found in Dr Thnmam*s very learned Essay on the Historical Ethno-
logy of Britain in the " Crania Britannica,'* p. 121, Ac.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 13
flat area sufficient evidence — as ascertainable by the spade and mattock —
that they were used as places of human sepulture at least, whether they
were used for other purposes or not. Occasionally the centres of the
smaller circles contain sepulchral mounds or barrows ; or, perhaps, more
correctly speaking, the barrows are surrounded by a single or double
circle of stones. Again, in regard to our ancient cromlechs, we have not
the slightest evidence that they were ever intended for aught else than
sepulchres ; but we have ample evidence that they were used for this
purpose, in the finding of bones, urns, and sometimes of cists, within
their cavities. The same proof applies to the old chambered tumuli,
which often, indeed, contain within their centres cromlech-like struc-
tures as their skeletons or nuclei. The single standing stones or mono-
liths of our island, — erected occasionally, we know from ancient records,
for various other purposes, — ^were often also raised as monumental stones
for the dead, as we learn from the sepulchral urns, and the human bones
and ashes oftentimes found deposited at their base. The remains found
in the interior of the ancient kist-vaen or stone coffin, and of the stone-
covered urn, afford also incontestible evidence of their sepulchral cha-
racter. And in all of those localities of ancient sepulture,— ^n the
megalithic circle, on the cromlech, on the stones of the cairn and
chambered tumulus, on the monolith, on the lid of the kist-vaen, and on
the stone-covering of the mortuary urn,— cup-cuttings and ring-cuttings
have been detected.
1. ON STONES OF MEOALITHIC CIRCLES.
I have had the stones of many megalithic or "Druid" circles in
Scotland and England examined, with the view of ascertaining the pre-
sence or absence of cup or ring-cuttings. In most instances no marks of
ancient artificial tooling or sculpturing have been traced upon the sur-
faces of the stones. But in several examples, both cup-markings and ring-
cuttings have been detected upon them, as in the following examples : —
Circle at Rothiemay^ Banffshire. ^Ahont a furlong north from the
house of Bothiemay " stands a Druidical temple," to use the language
of the old Statistical Account of Scotland.' The circle consists of five
' Statistical Account of Scotland, 1797, vol. xv. p. 886. •
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14 ON THE 8CULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
remaining stones, the others haying heen removed. My friend Dr Black
examined the stones for me, and found one of them distinctly marked.
The marked stone is an immense ohlong hlock thirteen feet long, six
feet high, and ahout four in thickness. On the side of it, looking to the
interior of the circle, are hetween fifty and sixty cnps. Two of the caps
are surrounded with rings. The sketch of this stone in Plate III. is
accurately copied from a photograph of it. On the upper surface of the
stone are also ten or twelve cup-cuttings. Upon the adjoining stone in
the circle there are also four or five cups.
Ctrele at ThoraXy Banffshire. — The circle is situated in the parish of
Mamoch, Banffshire. It consists of six stones. On the inner surface of
one of them, carefully copied into Plate IV. fig 1, from a photograph, are
numerous cup-cuttings ; and an appearance of a ring-cutting is traceahle
around two or three of the largest cups. The cut stone, in this instance,
as in the one at Rothiemay, is a hard granitic or syenitic rock.
Circle at Bankheady Banffshire.^ — Ahout four miles from Thorax is a
stone marked with cups. It stands in the parish of Boyndie. In the
new Statistical Account of Scotland it is stated that " three Druidical
circles are in the parish ; one near the parish church ; another withio a
mile to the north-east ; and a third on the farm at Bankhead." Of this
last circle three stones only remain, two standing and one lying. On
the north side of one of the erect stones — a granite — ^Dr Black found
twelve cup excavations of the usual size. He could not detect any
similar markings on the other stones.
Circles at BnUach^ Invemess-shire. — At Bruiach, near Beaufort, stands
a double circle of stones. About a dozen stones of the outer circle remain.
On the upper surfaces of two of the fourteen or more stones left to form
the inner circle, the Rev. Mr Joass of Edderton lately discovered mark-
ings of a few cups, and one or two connecting gutters, similar to those
which his brother had discovered on other stones in that vicinity, as
depicted in Plate XIY. At Bruach the inner circle is thirteen yards in
diameter, and the distance between the inner and outer circle about
nine feet. None of the stones are very high or large. Eight or nine
measure about three feet in height, and the same in breadth.
1 See the Spalding Glub Volumes on the Antiquities of Aberdeen and Banff,
▼ol. ii. p. 118.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 15
Circle at CuUb^ Perthshire, — In the parish of Caputh there exist at
Cults, within a few miles of Dunkeld, three stones, — the remains, it is
alleged, of a large circle. Two of the stones are erect. The third is
half prostrate. This reclining stone is nearly six feet long, and ahont
two feet nine inches hroad. Its upper surface is marked with numerous
cup excavations, most of them round, a few ohlong, and three sets of
of them joined together by intermediate grooves or gutters.
Circle at Olendevinj Perthshire. — Two or three miles from the Cult
stones, and within the policy of G-lendevin, is an elevated round barrow
now planted with trees. A circle of several large stones formerly stood
around this barrow. On the face of one of them, which still remains, I
found three or four cup excavations.
Circle at Moncrieff^ Perthshire, — Behind Moncrieff House, a few miles
south of Perth, is a small but complete megalithic circle. The stones
are apparently secondary traps. In the centre was formerly a barrow, as
the partial rise in the ground still indicates. Lately bones have been
found in this position. A large block, which is said to have been
removed from the centre of the circle about forty years ago, and now
lies a few feet outside of it, has carved upon its surface a series of cups
of different sizes, as represented in the sketch of it given in Plate lY.
fig. 2.
Cirde at CraighaU, Perthshire. — Cup excavations exist also upon an
erect stone standing at a megalithic circle behind Craighall House,
Blairgowrie. The cups are five or six in number, and placed in a group
near the foot of the stone.
Circle of Turin, Forfarshire. — On a large erect stone which once formed
one of a fine circle of boulder stones at Nether Turin, my esteemed
friend Dr Wyse discovered " several carefully excavated cavitiea upon
its top in groups, without circles.''
Circles of Oraystone and Holytoood, Dumfriesshire. — Dr Dixon of Dum-
fries has been so good as send me drawings of a stone at Oraystone, the
only one left of a circle that formerly existed there. Its face is marked
by four small cups, which (he writes) " occur in a linear series, and are
obviously artificial." The stone is a whin. In a subsequent section I
will have occasion to allude to cup-marked stones in the great Circle at
Holywood, in the same neighbourhood.
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16 ON THE 8CULPTDRING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
Circle of Colder Stones^ Lancashire. — I have already (p. 7) referred to
the circle standing near Liverpool, as remarkable by presenting specimens
of all the types of cup and ring cuttings. The Calder circle is about
six yards in diameter. It consists of five stones, which are still upright,
and one that is fallen. The stones consist of slabs and blocks of red
sandstone, all different in size and shape.
The fallen stone is small, and shows nothing on its exposed side ; but
possibly, if turned over, some markings might be discovered on its other
surface.
Of the five standing stones, the largest of the set (No. I.) is a sand*
stone slab between 5 and 6 feet both in height and in breadth. On its
outer surface— or the surface turned to the exterior of the circle— there
is a flaw above from disintegration and fracture of the stone ; but the
remaining portion of the surface presents between thirty and forty cup
depressions, varying from 2 to 3^ inches in diameter ; and at its lowest
and left hand comer is a concentric circle about a foot in diameter, con-
sisting of four enlarging rings, but apparently without any central de-
pression. (See Plate VI. fig. 1.)
The inner surface (Plate Y. fig. 2 of this Calder stone slab (No. I.),
or that surface which is directed to the interior of the circle, has, near
its centre, a cup cut upon it, with the remains of one surrounding ring.
On the right side of this single-ringed cup are the faded remains of a
concentric circle of three rings. To the left of it there is another three-
ringed circle with a central depression, but the upper segments of the
rings are broken off. Above it is a double-ringed cup, with this pecu-
liarity, that the external ring is a volute leading from the central cup,
and between the outer and inner ring is a fragmentary line of apparently
another volute; a double-ringed volute being common on some Irish
stones, as on those at the great archaic mausoleum at New Gran^,
but extremely rare in Great Britain. At the base of this stone, and
towards the left, are two volutes respectively of two and three turns.
The next stone. No. II. in the series, is about six feet high, and
somewhat quadrangular. On one of its sides, half-way up, is a sing^le
cup-cutting; on a second side, and near its base, a volute, consisting
of five turns, and seven inches and a half in breadth ; and on a third
side (that pointing to the interior of the circle) a concentric circle of
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 17
three rings placed half-way or more up the stone. (See Plate VI. figs. 3
and 4.)
The stone, No. III. (Plate VI. fig. 5), placed next to it in the circle, is
between three and four feet in height, thick, and somewhat quadrangular,
but with its angles much rounded ofif. On its outermost side is a triple
circle, produced by a spiral line starting from a central cup. The
diameter of the outermost circle of the volute is nearly ten inches.
Below this figure, and on the rounded edge between it and the next
surface of the stone to the left, are the imperfect and faded remains of
a larger quadruple circle. On one of the two remaining sides of this
stone (Plate VI. fig. 6) is a double concentric circle, of an oval form, and
measuring five inches by seven. The two rings are united together by
a radial groove or gutter, the only instance of the radial groove which I
observed on the Calder stones.
The fourth stone (No. IV.) is too much weathered and disintegrated
on the sides to present any distinct sculpturings. But it is flat on the
top, and there are nine or ten cups— one large and deep (being nearly five
inches in diameter) ; and seven or eight of these cups are irregularly tied
or connected together by linear channels or cuttings.
The fifth stone is too much disfigured by modem apocr3rphal sharp-
edged cuttings and chisellings to deserve archseological notice.^
Circle of SaUceldy Long Meg^ Cumberland, — By far the most magni-
ficent megalithic circle in the north of England is that of Salkeld,
formed of sixty-seven stones, some of them of very great size. Standing
a few yards outside of the circle is a huge square-shaped monolith,
formerly about eighteen feet in height, and known under the quaint
name of '' Long Meg.'' This monolith is — unlike the stones composing
the circle — formed of sandstone. Three of its four sides are utterly
destroyed by weathering. The fourth or east side is much more entire.
Upon it Sir Gardner Wilkinson discovered a concentric circle of four
rings, placed around a cupped centre. Lately I had an opportunity of
1 The whole circle was enclosed some years ago by Mr Walker within an excel-
lent iron railing, and the generous protection thus afforded will, it is hoped, save
them for many years from farther mntilation. The day on which I visited these
stones was damp and wet. On a brighter and more favourable occasion, perhaps,
some additional markings might be seen.
APPENDIX — VOL. Vr. h
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18 ON THE S0ULPTCJRING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
examining this stone, and found, not one, but several series of concentric
circles carved upon it, three or four of them low down on the stone, and
much faded. The most entire — that discovered by Wilkinson— consists
of four concentric circles, and is about ten inches in diameter ; a straight
radial groove or gutter runs from its third circle, outwards and upwards
through the outermost ring, and onwards to the edge of the stone. This
gutter does not apparently penetrate the two innermost circles. From
the centre of this circle to the ground is a distance of four feet and a
half. A foot lower down, and more to the middle of the stone, is a second
series of four concentric rings, with a shallow cupped centre and a radial
groove running from the innermost ring obliquely downwards and oat-
wards. Still lower, and to the left, a third ring-cutting of four concentric
circles, with its centre one foot nine inches high above the ground, has
a sharpish radial line, most probably a natural fissure in the stone,
passing from the cupped centre outwards and downwards to the edge
of the monolith. A fourth ring-cutting of three concentric circles is
placed immediately below this third or last group, and is connected to it
by a groove or channel which runs from the centre of the concentric
circles above to the edge of the group below. Alongside of it and to the
right is another faded circle, apparently of three rings. Other more in-
distinct appearances of portions of circles are traceable higher up the
stone than the circle first described, and between it and the second circle.
My friend, the Bev. Mr Paterson of Melmerby, had a photograph of the
stone kindly taken for me ; and from this photograph the figure of Long
Meg, in Plate YII., is taken. I found no traces of human art upon the
surface of any of the sixty-seven stones of the Salkeld circle, except
one, a large block placed on the opposite side of the circle from Long
Meg, and which has the doubtful appearance of a faded circle upon its
western face.
Circle at Maughamhy, — Ring-cuttings have recently been found by
my friend the Bev. James Simpson, vicar of Eirkby-Stephen, on two
boulders, forming part of a circle of eleven stones placed around a short
cist in a large cairn situated a few hundred yards to the east of Long
Meg. I have seen them along with him. Two or three cairns or
tumuli existed till lately in the same locality. One of them, of large
size, stood on land belonging to the free school of the township of
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ON 8T0NES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 19
Maughanby. After remoying from its central mound or barrow a
quantity of cobble stones mixed witb earth, several large stones, one of
them only erect, were found arranged in a circle about eighteen feet in
diameter. Several of them were buried beneath the projecting edges of
the barrow. In the centre of the circle was placed a semiovoid cist
formed of rough stones, and measuring only three feet nine inches in
length, two feet four inches in breadth, and ten inches in depth. The
cist contained an urn, burnt bones, and charcoal. The only ornament
upon the rude urn was a raised line near the top. No ornaments or
weapons were detected, though careful search was made for them. On
the inner and upper side of a large whin boulder, forming one of
the eastern stones of the surrounding circle, is cut a spiral line which
makes four turns or circles, the outermost having a diameter of ten
inches. Alongside of it is a group of four concentric circles without
any cup-centre or radial duct. The diameter of the innermost circle
measures four inches, that of the outermost nineteen inches. The outer-
most edges of the volute and of the concentric circle touch and meet at
one part. (For a drawing of this combined volute and series of con-
centric circles, see Plate Y. fig. 1.) On the top of a second stone on
the western side are two circles, both about eight inches in diameter.
The lower has its centre cut out; the higher encloses within it the
remains of a small central cup, with a ridge around it, as is shown in
the sketch, Plate V. fig. 2.
Circle at Oatlands, Isle of Man. — Small megalithic circles, placed
around a central kistvaen, like that previously described at Moncriefif, &c,,
seem to have constituted a not unfrequent form of sepulchre in ancient
days in the Isle of Man. One of the best marked of these sepulchral
mounds and circles that remains is situated at Oatlands, on the right
side of the old road between Douglas and Castle ton. In the centre of
the mound is a stone cist, surrounded by a closely set circle of stones,
seven of which are still in place. A second or outer circle is planted at
the distance of some yards ; and of this outer circle only four stones
remain. On the outer surface of a stone belonging to the inner circle
are some eighteen cup-markings, methodically arranged in five rows, as
represented in Plate YIII. fig. 1. No artificial markings have been
discovered on any of the other stones of this sepulchre.
12
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20 ON THE 80ULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCBNTRIC RINGS
2. ON STONES OF MBOALITHIC AVENUES,
Leading to some megalithic circles are planted, in a few inBtances,
long doable rows of megalithic stones, generally spoken of as alleys or
avenues. The most marked instance of this arrangement in England
was that which formerly existed at Abury. At Callemish, in Lewis,
we have a well-known example of a Scottish megalithic circle, with its
avenue, still standing.
Formerly a long avenue of this kind seems to have existed near the
circle or circles at Shap, in Westmoreland. Camden, in his '' Britannia,"
writing towards the end of the sixteenth century, describes the avenue
at Shap as consisting of '* huge stones of a pyramidal form, some of
them nine feet high and four thick, standing for nearly a mile at an
equal distance." In (Hugh's edition of Camden's '* Britannia," pub-
lished in the latter part of the last century, it is stated that within the
memory of man this avenue, or '' double row of immense granites,"
extended for about a mile through the village of Shap, but has since been
'' removed to clear the ground."' A few of the stones, however, of this
Shap avenue still exist.^ One of them is an oblong massive block, about
nine feet high and five feet broad, now half fallen, and prostrated against
a bank of earth in Aspers' field. On its flattish top I measured one cup
six and a half inches broad, and one inch and a half deep; and a
second cup nearly three inches in breadth, three-quarters of an inch deep,
with a single circle nine inches in diameter, cut around it. These cups
and ring-cuttings on this Shap stone are represented on Plate XVn.
fig. 4, but the outline of the stone itself is imperfectly given in the
lithograph.* A second of the Shap avenue blocks stands still erect about
one hundred and fifty yards south of this marked monolith, and is known
under the name of the '* Goggleby Stone." It is a hard, round block,
about ten feet in height and eighteen in circumference. On its north
side, about two and a half feet above ground, there is carved out upon it
a circular disc, five inches broad, excavated but flat in the centre— the
remains, I believe, not of a cup, but of a worn-out ring-cutting. I could
^ See Gongb's edition of Camden's Britannia, 1806, toI. iii. p. 414.
2 This stone is noted as. marked in Hodgson's work on Westmoreland, p. 139.
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ON STONKS AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 21
not trace any evidences of artificial tooling on any of the stones of the
Shap circle placed by the side of the railway, about a mile south of the
village, nor on the double circle at Ounnerkeld, two or three miles
northward.
8. ON CROMLECHS.
Cromlechs, or structures consisting of a large, heavy, flat capstone,
resting upon two or more upright stone props, appear to have formerly
existed in considerable numbers in various parts of the British Isles.
Their numbers are now much reduced.* The stones composing these
massive archaic monuments are usually and correctly described as pre-
senting no evidence of having been tooled and cut by man. But there
are some exceptions to this gelieral law in the appearance of incised
cups and lines upon them. For instance, a remarkable example of a
sculptured cromlech-stone, popularly called the " Witch's Stone," exists
at Batho, within eight or ten miles of Edinburgh.
Bath) CramUch.'^Ou the farm of Bennington, about a mile beyond
the village of Batho, Mid-Lothian, are the remains of this " partially
ruined cromlech" (as it was first described by Professor Daniel Wilson),
with the capstone partially displaced, as if it had slid backwards upon
the oblique plane of the huge stones or stone which still supports it.
Two or three large blocks lie in front of the present props. Its site
occupies a most commanding view of the valley of the Almond, and of
the country and hills beyond. The large capstone is a block of secondary
basalt or whinstone, about twelve feet long, ten in breadth, and two in
thickness. Its upper surface has sculptured along its median line a long
row of some twenty-two cup-cuttings ; and two more cup-cuttings are
placed laterally, one, half a foot to the left of the central row and at its
base ; the other, two feet to the right of the tenth central cup, and near
the edge of the block. The largest of the cups are about three inches
^ By far the largest and moet imposing cromlech which I have seen in Scotland
ia the so-called " Anld Wives' Lift/' at Baldemock, nine or ten miles north-west
from Glasgow. It consists of three enormous sandstone blocks. Their snrfaces are
cat in many parts, but the carvings are all, I believe, quite modem and apocryphal.
There are various smooth scalps and outcrops of rock near this cromlech, but I
could trace no sculpturings upon any of them.
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22 ON THE BCULPTURIKGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTUiC RINGS
in diameter, and half an inch in depth ; but most of them are smaller
and shallower than this. Professor Wilson* speaks of these cupe as
'' possibly indicating a design of splitting it [the stone] in two." Bot
the shallowness and scooped form of the cups show that they would
have been utterly incompetent to accomplish any such object in a whin
block so massive, hard, and thick. The lateral cups offer strong addi-
tional evidence against any such idea. Besides, among the yarioos
concentric ring and cup carvings which I have seen at Old Bewick, in
Northumberland, one huge squarish block of stone which is carved with
concentric circl^ on its upper surface, has a row of cup-carvings cut
along two of its sides exactly similar to those on this cromlech ; and no
one can possibly imagine that on the Northumberland rock the cup-
cuttings were made with any object, but as a portion of the nomerous
rude ring and cup seulpturings which abound upon the upper surface
and sides of this block.' (See this Bewick block and its cups and ring
carvings represented in Plate XXY. figs. 1 and 2.)
Clynnog Fawr Cromlech (See Plate IX. ^g, 2). — About ten or twelve
miles from Caernarvon, and half a mile to the south-west of the village
of Clynnog Fawr, stands near the sea a cromlech, consisting of a cap-
^ See his ** Prehistoric Annals of Scotland/' toI. i. p. 95. On avery large proetrate
block of Sarsen stone, lying on the left side of the avenne, and seyeral yards to the
exterior of the outermost circle of Stonehenge, there is a row of six small oblong,
narrow, and doepish cavities. They are evidently artificial, and apparently made to
cut off, as it were, a comer of the stone. But the cayities are too sharp in their
edges and sides to be of any great age. One of the prostrate tnlithons which, in
falling, has broken into three pieces, has on one of its fractured surfaces a large and
a small lateral cayity, with smoother surfaces already weathered out upon it.
' Since the account in the text was printed I have had an opportunity of re>
examining this Ratho or Bonnington group of stones, and altogether doubt if they are
the remains of a cromlech consisting of isolated and separate stones. They appear
to be formed, on the contrary, of one large boulder of whin, which has partially split
up. The upper layer or so-called " capstone'* has cleft off by disintegration, and is
slid backwards about a foot upon the earthfast masses which form its props. The
largest of these props or under-masses is as broad at the "capstone,** and after
underlying all its eastern side, projects beyond it. The large fragments in front are
fallen and separated portions of the same mass of rock. If either a heavy boulder
or a mere outcrop of rock, it would resemble the sculptured projecting stones and
rocks at Bewick, Rowtin Lynn, and elsewhere in Northumberland.
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ON STONES AN1> ROOKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 23
stone and four props. This cromlech is described, under date 1772,
in the old Bhyl MSS., compiled by the Bev. J. Llwyd, of Caerwys, as
having upon its capstone *' near a hundred shallow cavities running in
oblique but almost parallel lines along its surface, three much larger than
the rest in a triangular position ; it is supported by four strong bearers,
and in length four cubits, in breadth three, its inclination towards the
setting sun/'' One large and two small carved or chambered cairns
formerly stood near it. For the accompanying sketch (Plate IX. fig. 2)
of this interesting cromlech as it exists at present, I am indebted to the
great kindness of my friend, Dr Hughes of Llanwrst. The cup depres-
sions are isolated and separated, except where some of the largest are
united by a groove or gutter.
Lancreste Cromlech. — Among the numerous remains of cromlechs and
sepulchral chambers which exist in the Channel Islands, none (according
to Dr Lukis) show any carving or ornamental work upon them. " But,"
he adds, as exceptions, " in a small cromlech at Lancresse, Guernsey,
there are on one of the props about fourteen circular hollows, as if they
had been drilled with the intention of breaking the prop in the direction
of the line of hollows. These depressions have been evidently worn
with a rude muller to the depth of about one inch, and three or four
inches in diameter. Only in one instance have I observed," he adds,
'' depressions similarly made ; it is upon a menhir-like stone appertaining
to the Abbacy of St Michel du Yalle, situated in the bourg or village of
the Forest, Guernsey."' For sketches of this cupped cromlech prop, and
monolith, I am beholden to the courtesy of Mr Uniacke. (See Plate X.
fig. 2.)
Cromlech and Circle at Holywood^ Dumjrie$$hire. — A few miles from
Dumfries is a megalithic circle nearly eighty feet in diameter, and eleven
of its massive compact stones are still left. The largest, about ten feet
long and seven broad, is prostrated forward, and has upon its face, its
top, and one of its sides, about thirty smooth and rounded cup excava-
tions. At one side of the circle, and somewhat within the circuit of it,
are three or four stones, which appear to me to be the prostrated remains
1 See the Archieologia Cambrensii for Jannaiy 1S49, p. 1.
' Jonrnal of the British Archseological Aaaociation for 186S, toI. iii. p. 276.
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24 ON THE 8CULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
of a cromlech and its supports. The capstone has, running across its
back, four oblique rows of cup-like excavations, some of them round
and others irregularly eflongated in form. One of the fallen props is simi-
larly marked. It would be important to note accurately if the various
strings of cups correspond in any degree with natural lines in these
stones, and if, therefore, they may possibly have a natural origin ; or if
they are arranged quite independently of the mineralogical peculiarities
of the blocks, and are hence, as they seem to be, the results of artificial
tooling.
Rathkenny^ Meath, — The cromlech markings which I have hitherto
spoken of consist only of cups or excavations. An instance of a crom-
lech carved both with cups and circles has lately been discovered at
Bathkenny, near Slane, in Ireland, by Mr Conwell of Trim ; and I hope
he will soon himself publish a full account of it. In the meantime, he has
kindly favoured me with a sketch of the upper surface of the capstone.
From this sketch the cups or depressions, whether natural or artificial,
seem to be above a hundred in number, and are intermixed with straight
lines or scores running in diverse directions. The capstone is about ten
feet long, and six feet broad. On its under surface are '' seven separate
circles ; and seven other circles of varying size are cut on the upright
stone or prop upon which it leans, at an angle of 82°."
In Great Britain, perhaps the most celebrated cromlech is that known
as Kits Coty House, near Maidstone, in Kent. On visiting it some time
ago when professionally in that neighbourhood, I found the huge cap-
stone completely perforated or ** holed" on one of its projecting sides,
like some of the ^' holed" cromlech stones in Yorkshire* and Cornwall,
in France, Algeria, Circassia, and India.^
1 See Rooke in the Archceologia, voL viii. p. 209.
' See Mr Brash on *' Holed Stones " in the " Gentleman*8 Magazine" for December
1864, where a number of instances are collected. As examples oi holed crcHnleeh-
stones additional to those mentioned by Mr Brash, I may refer to the model in the
British Mnsenm of one that formerly stood at Trevethy in Cornwall (see Norden*8
*' Cornwall") ; and to the holed prop of the cromlech at Trie in France, described and
figured by Carro ("Voyage chez lea Celts"). Bertrand, in a late essay upon the
** Monuments Primitifs de la Caule " incidentally states, that in perhaps a dozen of
cromlechs {*' dolmens*') in France there are "holes" {** trout") "in the supports. ""
The capstone of a cromlech at Oulad Mohammed in the African province of Constantin
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS TARTS OF SCOTLAND. 25
This capstone and its three supports are further scooped out* in
various parts hy cup-like hollows, for the most part shallow, hut some
of them passing deeply into the stone. The outer or exposed face of
the eastmost of the three props shows ahout fifty such round, smoothed
excavations, two inches and upwards in diameter. Their irregular dis-
tribution, and the occasional obliquity and depth of their orifices, seemed
to me to prove that they were the work of nature rather than of art.
They are comparatively wanting, however, on the exposed edges of the
blocks; and they exist, in some instances, on the protected interior
aspects of the stones of this cromlech. One on the inferior and pro-
tected surface of the capstone penetrates upwards some eight or ten
inches into its substance. The stones themselves are extremely hard
blocks of limestone grit. It would be interesting to observe whether
that rock in «i(u, where it had been long exposed to the action of the
elements, weathered into any similar forms. They might, it must further
be remembered, have been weathered blocks even before being used in
the construction of the cromlech ; and possibly they, and some similar
stones, are originally hardened lapidary nuclei, left as relics and waifs
out of geological superficial strata, the softer materials of which have all
been long ago washed away by the action of water and tima
In a paper by Dr Lukis, in the '^ Archsdologia," ' on Ancient Celtic Lapi-
dary Bemains, the author incidentally refers to traces of human chiselling
upon cromlechs in the district of Dyffryn, North Wales — a region rich
in antiquities. The reference is specially, I believe, to a cromlech called
Arthur's Quoit, near Llanddwywe, Merionethshire. There is a second
and larger cromlech within a few feet of it, and numerous cairns in the
immediate neighbourhood. One of the supports of Arthujc's Quoit has
was found ** holed** by M. Ferand ("Revue Archsoologiqne" for March 1866).
Lately Captain Meadows Taylor has shown that a form of cromlech or external kist-
Taen, '* holed*' in one of its props or sides, is very common in the Dekkan of India.
In the district of Bellary alone he alludes to 2129 cromlechs and kistvaens, 688 of
which have " slabs on four -sides, roof slab, and one side perforated by a circular
hole ;*' and 627 as presenting no top or coTering slab, but composed of four sides,
and one of these sides ** pierced with a circular aperture.*' (Trans, of R. Irish
Academy, vol. xxiv.)
1 See Archaoologia, vol. xxxv. p. 260.
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26 ON THB SOULPTUBINOS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
tb^ heavy capstone restiDg merely on its edge ; and the remainder of
the summit of this prop -stone is flat, but weathered and broken off at
two sides. The free and uncoTered flat top of the support presents a
surface of about eighteen by twelve inches, and it has eight or nine
very slightly curved, parallel, deepish lines run obliquely yet fully
across it. These lines, if artificial, are quite different in form from
any described in this essay. The sepulchral character of these two
cromlechs— and consequently of cromlechs in general — ^is strongly shown
by their interiors still containing short stone cbts about four feet long
and three feet high.
4. ON THE STONES OF CHAMBERED TUMULI.
Many of the chambered tumuli and cairns which the ravages of time
have spared us, have been diligently ransacked in search of their osseous
and other contents ; but the stones composing them have in very few
instances been examined with the view of tracing any human tooling
or sculpturing upon their surfaces. Perhaps a more extended search in
this direction will yet be followed by success, as the following examples
tend to show : —
Oibva, Jnt;emeM-«Afre.~Oneof the most remarkable archaic cemeteries
or cities of the dead in Scotland, is well known to be that of Clava, near
CuUoden. It is now much destroyed and dilapidated. Several cairns,
however, and chambered sepulchres, still remain more or less entire,
and have been described and figured by Professor Innes in the Proceed-
ings of this Society (vol. iii. p. 47, Plates VI. and VII.) My friend, Dr
Grigor of Nairn, has examined the chambered tumuli for me. He has
found cup-markings on some of the stones in two or three of the Clava
sepulchral chambers. Thus in Plate X. are represented, at figs. 1 and 2,
the circles of supporting stones forming the walls of two of these cham-
bers, and the entrances leading to them. The two stones painted dark
in these sketches, both present, on their interior surfaces, cup excava-
tions, as represented in figs. 8 and 4 of the same Plate.
As an instance of both cups and concentric circles found on the
stones of chambered sepulchres in England, let me cite the observations
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VABI0U8 PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 27
of Mr Tlssiman of Scarborough, published in the "Archasologia" for
1851.
Cloughton Moor^ Yorkshire, — On Cloughton Moor, near Scarborough,
are the remains of a so-called " Druidical circle" and some sepulchral
cairns. Within the area of the megalithic circle are the remains
apparently of one side of a vault or chamber, ^^ near which was found "
a stone with cup excavations or '^ pecked holes." The figure of this
^^ pecked" stone is copied into Plate XI. fig. 4. ''In very numerous
openings of tumuli," observes Mr Tissiman, '' I have often found stones
with pecked holes, varying in number of holes and sizes, and in most
instances immediately surrounding the interments." At Bavenhill he
met with a vault or cist, with four concentric circles incised on one of
its end stones, as shown in Plate XI. fig. 3 ; and he represents two other
slabs, " part of the sepulchral chamber of a cairn," covered over with
cups and grooved concentric circles.^ Copies of these figures are given
in Plate XI. figs. 1 and 2 ; and an urn found in the tumulus is repre-
sented in fig. 5 of the same plate. The Museum at Scarborough con-
tains, I am told, other cupped stones from the same locality.
I shall have to refer in the sequel to the existence of cups and circles,
as well as of far more elaborate carvings upon the interior of some of
the chambered tumuli of Ireland and Brittany.
5. ON STONB CISTS AND STONE COVERS OF URNS.
The first instance in which the concentric ring-cuttings seem to have
been made a subject of special observation, referred to specimens of
these carvings upon the stones of an ancient kistvaen or stone coffin.
This stone coffin was dug in a gravel pit upon the classic land of
Caihfieldy Ayrshire, — In 1785, Colonel Montgomery, afterwards ninth
Earl of Eglinton, sent a drawing of the cover of the kistvaen and
enclosed urn to the Eoyal Society of Edinburgh. The cist cover was
about five feet in length and two and a half in breadth. Internally, it
^ See the Archsdologia, vol. xxiv. p. 446. Mr Greenwell informs me that in a
tamuluB at Way Hag, near Hackness, a few miles from Cloughton Moor, slabs were
found, showing several groups upon them of concentric circles, provided with the
usual cup centres and radial ducts.
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28 ON THE SCULPTURING8 OF COPS AND CONCENTRIC KINGS
bad cut upon it a series of concentric circles, consisting of six ringa
placed around a central cup, the rings traversed by a straigbt radial groove.
On the drawing are marks of other cups and rings, or rather volutes, and
a number of angular lines. Unfortunately, a variety of inquiries which
I have made after this interesting stone, shows that it has been lost now
for many years, and that it is therefore impossible to correct the rough
original drawing of it, copied into Plate XIII. fig. 1. This sculptured
stone covered an urn of the pattern given in the same Plate, fig. 2.'
Craigie Hall, Edinburgh, — About forty years ago, when a new road was
cut through Craigie Wood, eight miles from Edinburgh, the end of a
stone cist was left exposed. It lay about three feet below the surface
of the soil, and long remained there projecting out of the side of the cut,
and overhangiug the road by eight or ten feet, as seen represented in a
sketch made several years ago for me by my friend Mr Drummond, and
copied into Plate XV. The breadth of the cist was thirty inches, and
its depth eighteen inches. Latterly its length was under three feet,
but a part had been broken off. From the removal and disintegra-
tion of the earth around this sandstone kistvaen, it threatened to
fall; and the proprietor of the ground, Mr Hope Yere, has latterly
removed the stones, and carefully preserves them. The cist consisted
of two lateral stones and apparently two end stones, with a covering
slab which is about three feet broad, and now only about four feet long.
The interior of this slab is carved with nine or ten groups of concentric
circles ; and formerly one or two more sets existed in portions of the
stone that were broken off. Of these circles some have, and others have
not, a central cup, as represented in Plate XV. fig. 2. The diameter
of the largest circle is about ten inches ; the smaller do not exceed four
or five inches. As usual, the circles are carved on the rough unprepared
surface of the stone, and follow into its sinuosities and depressions.
This sepulchral cist seems to have contained an ** urn ;" if we interpret
aright the irreverent observation of one of the workmen still alive, who
states that, on opening it, they found within it " an auld can/'
Caerlowrie, Edinhurghthxre, — On the low ground, about a mile south-
west of the kistvaen on Craigie Hill, my friend, Mr Hutchison, has
* See Dr Wilson's Prehistoric ADXials, vol. i. p. 480.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 29
lately found within bis policy at Caerlowrie a short cist, with the interior
of the covering stone marked with three series at least of concentric
circles. The grave was so near the surface, that the carved stone had
been much broken by the plough. The cist was composed of rude, un-
marked freestone slabs ; but without a stone bottom. It contained a
stratum of unctuous, black, fatty earth, with traces of decomposed
softened bones, and one or two human teeth. The widest diameters of
the sets of rings cut on the inside of the lid is about five inches, and
each set is composed of five concentric circles.
BakerhUl, Boaa-shire. — At Bakerhill, on the estate of Brahan, and
about two miles west of Dingwall, during the trenching of some uncul-
tivated land, a cist-like structure was met with, consisting of slabs set
00 edge, and covered by an overlaying schist stone, four feet in length,
two and a iialf feet in breadth, and six to eight inches in thickness.
One of its sides is marked by above thirty isolated cups, and by several
sets conjoined together in groups of two or more by connecting grooves
or gutters. Six or seven of the cups are surrounded by a circle, usually
imperfect or wanting at one point or side. See Plate XIY. fig. 1. This
stone was discovered on the roadside, some time ago, by Mr Joass of
Dingwall, and its history traced by him. I am indebted to his courtesy
for these particulars, and for a sketch of the sculptures.
Carfiban^ Argyleahire. — Camban, or the White Cairn, is a village and
station on the line of the Crinan Canal. It derives its name from a
large cairn which formerly stood in the field opposite to the present Inn,
but the stones of which have now been almost entirely removed. Placed
on the rock, and at the base of the cairn, was found, and still exists, a
stone cist. Dr Hunter of Lochgilphead, and Mr Bichardson Smith of
Auchnaba, opened and cleared it some years ago, and found a schist
slab, — slid in as an upright loose panel, — and resting against the stone
forming the western end of the grave. This moveable panel is twenty-
fiye inches long, eighteen broad, and two and a half in thickness. It
has cut on one surface a series of five concentric lines, and the com-
mencement of a sixth, not of a round, but of a lozenge or quadrangular
form (see a sketch of the carving in Plate XIII. ^g, 4). The sculpture
is seventeen inches long by fifteen broad. It is not placed centrally
on the slab ; and portions of its outermost parts have been broken off,
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30 ON THE 8CULPT0RINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
apparoDtly to reduce and fit the slab to the size of the cist. There is an
appearance of a central depression, and of a straight bisecting line
passing through the middle of the lozenged lines. This panel was
presented by Mr Smith to the Edinburgh Antiquarian Museum. When
discovered, its cut surface was directed to the interior of the grave. I
had, some time ago, an opportunity of re-opening the cist with Dr
Hunter. We could find no markings on any of the other stones com-
posing it. Its bottom was formed by the solid rock, and its sides, ends,
and lid, each of separate slabs. The cist is short, being only four feet
in length. It is one foot ten inches wide, and about two feet two
inches in depth. The covering stone or lid is a large heavy slab five
feet and a half in length, and two and a half feet in breadth. When
the cist was first opened there was found within it yellow sand with some
black charcoal and several burnt bones lying upon its bottom. Some
flint fragments have, I believe, been discovered in a later search. Stone
hatchets, and forty or fifty large chipped flints, were found some time ago
in the moss of the Hill of Craighlas, immediately opposite to Camban.
High Auchinlary^ Wigtonahire.^ On the farm of High Auchinlary, in
the parish of Anwoth, are six standing stones, apparently the. remains
of a " Druidical circle." Some years ago, on this farm, there was turned
up by the plough, when trenching a piece of waste land, a slab present-
ing on one side a variety of concentric linear cuttings, as represented in
Plate XIII. fig. 3. One of these sculptures is a grooved concentric
circle of six rings. Other cuttings are of the fourth type in one series,
and one presents a series of circular dots or cups between two of its rings.
Mr Stuart, who has figured this slab in his great work on the ^^ Sculptured
Stones of Scotland, * ' compares it to the cist-cover at Coilsfield, &c, Unfor-
tunately the exact relations of this Auchinlary slab to any cist or other
stones do not seem to have been ascertained at the time of its discovery.
Forfarshire. — ^A slab marked with several concentric and single circles
and deep cups, united by radial lines, one of which assumes an unusual
zigzag form, was some years ago found at Walltown, Forfarshire,' and a
drawing of it has been obligingly made for me by an excellent antiquary,
1 Attached to a pencil sketch of this Walltown slab shown me by Bfr Stuart is
a note written by Dr Hibbert, abont 1827, as follows : — " Part of stone at Walltown,
near Forfar ; the other part said to remain in the ground at St Peter*s Well.'*
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OM STONES AND ROCKS IN VABI0U8 PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 31
the Bey. Mr Shaw of Forfar. It belongs to this same category of doubt-
fal cist-stones or covers. It was found in a locality where numerous
sepulchral remains exist. See a figure of it in Plate XIII. fig. 5.
In England stone urn covers have been repeatedly found carved with
concentric rings, and especially in
Narthumberland.—SeyeiBl examples have been discovered in Northum-
berland principally by the Bev. MrGreenwell, of the cutting of cups and
concentric circles upon stones covering cists or the mouths of sepulchral
urns and pits. Instances of this kind have in particular been found at
Black Heddon, and Ford West Field. One of the urn slabs in this last
locality was cut on its under surface with three incomplete concentric rings
on its inferior surface (see Plate XY. fig. 3) ; another showed only cup
excavations. Six or eight similar urn covers were quite unmarked. All
of them, both the marked and unmarked^ covered small sepulchral pits
dug in the soil. Two of those discovered by Mr Bigg at Black Heddon
were apparently the coverings of urns placed in tumuli. In all cases, I
believe, in which these sculptured cist or urn covers have been found in
Northumberland, the accompanying bones and urns indicate cremation.
DorseUhvre. — In his antiquarian researches in this county, Mr Wame
opened, at Gamedown on the Bidgeway, a tumulus of rather an unusual
form. At its base, when reached, were found the remains of six un-
bumt human skeletons, placed without order or regularity, and some
few bones of the ox. Above them, and in the centre of the tumulus,
was built up a cairn or heap of flints around a coarse and broken urn,
which contained calcined bones. This mass of flints was surrounded
and coveredby a horizontal rough slab. Above and upon this slab was
built another large heap of flints, six or seven feet in thickness. This
second heap was capped with another rough slab, lying two or three
feet below the surface of the tumulus. Both these flat unhewn cover-
ing slabs had a group of concentric circles cut upon them. Fig. 1 in
Plate XII. represents a section of the tumulus, and fig. 2 gives a sketch
of the circles on one of the stones.^
^ For a copy of these sketches I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr Wame.
They form part of a forthcoming yolnme by him on the Antiquities of Dorsetshire.
Some aooount of this tomulus is published in the Journal of the Archnologioal Asso-
ciation, Tol. iii. p. 51.
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32 ON THE SCDLPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
6. ON STANDTNO STONES OR MONOLITHS.
Large unhewn standing-stones, stone columns, obelisks, monoliths, or
menhirs, abound in different parts of Scotland, sometimes standing alone,
more rarely placed in groups or lines. They were, as already stated,
raised with various objects. One of these objects was, as we know from
the urns and bones near their base, as a memorial of the dead.
'* Of single memorial stones," says Professor Wilson, '' examples
might be cited in nearly every Scottish parish ; nor are they wanting
even in the Lothians, and in the immediate vicinity of Edinburgh,
where the presence of a busy population, and the unsparing operations
of the agriculturist, have done so much to obliterate the traces of older
generations. But nearly all are of the same character, differing in
nothing but relative size, and the varying outlines of their unhewn
masses. They have outlived the traditions of their rearers, and no inscrip-
tion preserves to us the long-forgotten name."> In every district of North
Britain, according to George Chalmers,' these stone pillars are to be
found ^' in their natural shape, without the mark of any tooL"
This last observation certainly holds good with regard to most of the
Scottish standing-stones. But latterly, since studying the subject of
lapidary cup and ring cuttings, I have found these archaic tool-marks on
no small number of our ancient monoliths ; and the surfaces of some of
the stones have become far too broken and disintegrated to show them
now, if ever they did exist on them. In his '' Prehistoric Annals,"
Dr Wilson gives figures of two monoliths standing in the Lothians,^
namely, the Caiy stone within a few miles of Edinburgh, and a tall
monolith near Dunbar. Markings were only lately detected on them
when they were specially examined for that purpose.
Caiy Stone near Edinburgh. — The Caiy stone, in the parish of Colin-
ton, about three miles south-west of Edinburgh, is a massive, unhewn,
flattened sandstone obelisk, standing about ten feet high. Its surface is
much weathered, but near its base there are still distinctly marked the
remains of seven cup excavations of the usual form, and arranged in a
row like those on the cromlech at Bennington, some six or seven miles
1 Wil8on*B Prehistoric Annals of Scotland, 2d edition, vol i. p. 180.
* Chalmers's Caledonia, yol. i. p. 87.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 33
distant. The sketch of these cups on the Caiy stone, given in Plate
XVII. fig. 1, is from the able pencil of Colonel Forbes- Leslie. There
are other jnore dubious and lesser excavations placed higher up. " On
diggingi" observes Professor Daniel Wilson, " in the neighbourhood of
this primitive monument, a quantity of human bones were found.'''
Monolith at Dunhar, — When speaking of the great memorial stones
which still survive in dumb forgetfulness in many a populous centre of
the low country, Dr Wilson gives a masterly sketch by Mr Drummond'
of, to use his own words, '^ one such fine monolith which stands in massive
rudeness in the vicinity of Dunbar. In a neighbouring field," he adds,
" a number of rude cists, containing sepulchral urns, were dug up in the
early part of the present century."^ When Mr Drummond originally
sketched this stone, he did not observe any cup excavations upon it
But lately he has furnished me with a new drawing of the monolith,
copied into Plate IV. fig. 3, taken by a friend, and showing five cup
markings upon one face of the stone.^
I have notes of similar cup markings upon other Scottish monoliths,
as in Fifeshire, at Pitcorthy and Torrie ; in Stirlingshire, at Buehill,
near Doune ; in Perthshire, at Belmont Castle ; in Wigtonshire, on a
standing stone at Whirlpool, in the parish of Stoneykirk ; in Can tyre,
on a monolith near Campbelltown, &c, ; and no doubt many others exist ;
and many others which formerly existed, cut both with cups and rings,
are now lost and destroyed.^ By far the most interesting specimens
* Prehistoric Annals of Scotland, vol. i. p. 137.
' See the stone represented in Mr Dmmmond's interesting paper on Stone Crosses,
in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiqaaries of Scotland, vol. iv. p. 87.
' See his Prehistoric Annals, vol. i. p. 126.
* Fonr large obelisks stand within a few miles of Danbar, viz., one at Kirklandhill,
a second at Markle, and two on Standingstone farm, near Danpender. None of them
have any markings npon their present surfaces ; but they are all much weathered.
^ As an illnstration of this remark, let me adduce a notice of a monolith in Gallo-
way which Andrew Simson alludes to in his history of that district, written towards
the end of the seventeenth century. In Camerot Muir, in the old parish of Kirkdale,
there is, says he, a stone four or five feet in diameter, called the Penny Stone, which
*' hath upon it the resemblance of that draught which is commonly called the walls
of Troy," viz., a volute or spiral. (See Mr Nicolson's History of Galloway, vol. ii.
p. 47.) It is stated in the last Statistical Account that this stone has disappeared.
APPJCNOIX — VOL. VI. C
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34 ON THE SCULPTURINQS OP CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
which I have myself happened to see are in the vicinity of EilmartiD,
in Argyleshire, at a short distance from the western end of the Crioan
Canal.
The village of Eilmartin is situated upon a rising ground, and com-
mands a striking view of the valley of the Add and of the mountaios
heyond. Its interesting and antique churchyard is — ^like some others in
Argyleshire — full of sepulchral slabs and tombs, covered with rich olden
floriated and figure carvings. But, stretching out for a course of three
or four miles below it, is a scattered archaic necropolis of immensely
older date, — and having spread over it, at various distances, single and
grouped monoliths and megalithic circles, cairns and barrows, chambered
tumuli, stone cists, &c. Some of the monoliths show no decided evi-
dence of tooling upon them. But amongst the extant groups of ancient
obelisks at Nether Largie, Ballymenach, &c., several of the stones are
strongly carved, and hence require more notice from us here.
Largte, Argyleshire. — Along the low ground, from Kilmartin to the
farm of Largie, runs a string or succession of large cairns or barrows,
terminated by a group of six or seven tall monoliths, planted very irregu-
larly— six of them in pairs. One of these obelisks, about nine feet high,
and three and a-half broad, presents on its flat eastern side a series of
above twenty cup-markings. This stone is represented in Plate XVII.
fig. 2. Two of the cups are each surrounded by a deep and smooth
ring. The largest of these circles is from six to seven inches in dia-
meter, and its central cup three inches broad. One of these ringed cups
has a groove or gutter traversing itB circle, and running downwards into
a second cup placed a few inches below. The base of this monolith is
surrounded by a circlet of stones placed on edge. The ring-markings
upon it were first discovered by the Eev. Mr Mapleton, to whose extreme
courtesy I — and other antiquarian visitors to the district — feel most deeply
indebted. One of the other Largie stones has an appearance of three
cup excavations upon it. With this exception no other tool-markings
In the ArchsBologia, vol. v. p. 816, &c., there was published in the last century an
account of several megalithic circles at Achencortliie in Kincaidmeahire, and two
stones are alluded to liaving each a cup and channel leading out from it. These
circles have latterly become much destroyed, and some friends have searched in vain
for me for those described as cupped and channelled.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 36
seem to exist on the Largie obelisks ; nor on the thirteen upright stones
which form the remains of a megalithic circle, fourteen or fifteen paces
in diameter, standing on the opposite side of the road, and surrounding
a stone cist, five feet long and two feet niner in breadth. In the adjoin-
ing field are the remains of a large cairn containing several sepulchral
chambers ; but no apparent markings exist upon any of the huge stones
composing the walls of these chambers.
Ballffmenach, Argyllshire. — Proceeding along the valley from the
Largie group of monoliths, we pass on the left a cairn in a wood, with one
or two large chambers or cists already opened within it ; and about a mile
beyond the Largie stones, we come upon another still more stately and
imposing cluster of seven pillar-stones standing on the farm of Bally-
menach, in the parish of Kilmichael-Glassary. The field containing
them is skirted at two sides by woods, which have been found the seat
of isolated stone cists. In the field itself are placed the levelled
remains of two barrows or cairns, and a small closed circle of stones, the
circle measuring only six paces across, and the stones being about three
feet in height. Thirty or forty paces behind this circle stand arranged
in a straight row the four tallest monoliths, looking nearly directly
east; about forty paces further back are a pair of the stones placed
side by side, and parallel with the first row; and some twenty paces
still further back, but obliquely, and somewhat to the left, the remain-
ing seventh pillar-stone is situated. In Plate XVII. fig. 1 is represented
this group of seven stones, with the small stone circle placed in front of
them.
Four of the seven Ballymenach monoliths show no appearances of
artificial cutting upon their surfaces ; the most southerly in the first row
presenting no markings, though it is the most stately in the whole group,
overtopping them all by two or three feet. Three of them are more or
less carved — two on the eastern, and one on the western side of the stone
or slab.
The two stones principally carved are the two innermost of the first
row of four. The most southerly of these two is a huge slab above
twelve feet in height and six in breadth. To trace all its markings, Dr
Hunter and I were obliged to clear portions of its surface of accumu-
lated moss. Its eastern face shows about forty cup excavations. Five
c2
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36 ON THE SCULPTURINQS OF CUPS AND CONCENTIUC KINGS
of the cups are surrounded each with a deep circle or ring, and near
the top is a sixth appearance of a ring without any central cup. The
circles are from seven to nine inches in diameter. The central cup of
the largest is nine inches broad and about two and a half in depth.
Four of these cup and ring cuttings show the common radial groove
passing through the circle. The western face of thb stone does not
present any markings. In Plate XVII. fig. 2, is a representation from
a careful sketch, kindly drawn for me by Mr H. D. Graham, of the eastern
surface of the stone, showing the appearances I allude to. The opposite
or western surface of the next stone in the row has about forty cup
markings upon it. Three of the cups are surrounded by rings with a
traversing radial gutter. Six of the cups are tied together by a con-
tinuous grooved line. The carvlugs on this stone are represented in
Plate XVII. fig. 3. The isolated monolith is the only other one exhibit-
ing any markings. It is above nine feet in height, and its eastern face
shows eighteen cup excavations. (See the sketch of it in Plate XVIII.
fig. 3.) In addition, it is a specimen of a so-called " holed stone ;" for
between two and three feet above its base it is completely perforated.'
The opening which is represented in the sketch is much splayed on
either side. At its centre it is about three inches wide ; and externally
1 The stone at Torrie, Fifesbire, alluded to at p. 81, is a flattened sandstone flag,
deeply guttered in longitudinal lines, and presenting cup-markings on its eastern
side. It has been attempted to be made ** a holed stone,'* like this block at Bally-
menach, but the artiflcially splayed perforations from the opposite sides do not meet
in the middle. About flfty paces from it are the remains of a small circle of stones.
Let me here add, what I ought to have noted before (p. 26), that two of the stones
at Stonehenge are *' holed ; " no doubt merely by weathering and disintegratioD.
One of the holed stones is the flrst upright stone in the avenue at Stonehenge ; the
perforation is very irregular in shape, and traverses obliquely its south-east angle.
The second holed stone is one composing the flrst upright trilithon on the right side
of the circle. It has a deep longitudinal perforation in its back ; and below this
perforation there is, to nse the old description of Dr Stukely, ** a cavity in which two
or three persons may sit, worn by the weather.'* (See his *' Stonehenge," 1740,
p. 29.) In his " Abury" (1743) he describes a perforated stone standing outside
the southern interior circle, which has, he states, " a hole in it, and probably was
designed to fasten the victim in order for slaying it. This I call the Ring Stone,"
p. 26. I did not observe this holed stone in visiting Abury ; but the Rev. Mr Ross,
late rector of Abury, tells me that it still remains.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 37
it ifl seven inches in diameter on the east side and four on the west.
There are no cups nor rings on the eastern side of this stone.
Passing along the road from Kilmartin to Lochgilphead, we come,
about a mile or less beyond Ballymenach, to a field lying between the
road and the farm of Dun add, where stands a very broad and tall
monolith. At the distance of half a mile or so beyond this point is the
new village of Kilmichael-Glassary. On the western side of the village,
and on the banks of the river Add, are placed, on the farm of Dunamuk,
first, three stately stoues, of about nine or ten feet each in height,
arranged originally in a straight row as a trilith, but the middle stone
is now prostrate ; then a quarter of a mile higher up the stream there
stands together a pair of still taller monoliths ; and lastly, in the field
above this erect pair, and on the higher ground, are two great prostrate
pillars, with the remains of three large caims—^one of them within a
few feet of the fallen monoliths. There are stones also showing the
remains of three circles and cairns in the adjoining and lower field, but
their true appearances have lately been destroyed by blasting them with
gunpowder. On examining the surfaces of these various monoliths, I
could only trace on one of them— namely, the eastermost of the tall
standing pair — one circular cup depression of the usual form, and near it
an elongated smoothed oval cavity, measuring about six inches in length
and one and a-half in breadth and depth.
My friend Mr J. MacGow Crom has lately examined for me other
standing stones near Kilmartin, as two on the road to Ford, and one at
Lechguary to the northward of Kilmartin, twelve feet high, — all of them
unmarked. But about a mile or more above the village of Kilmichael-
Glassary he found a carved stone above ten feet high, at a place bearing
the name of " Tor-a-Vlaarin" or " The Mound of the Battles." The
stone was '^ half buried in the earth, and almost all its marks were placed
low down below ground.'' These marks consist of several cup excava-
tions on the north and south sides of the stone ; and one of them on the
north side is surrounded by a circle, like the ringed cups on the
Largie and Ballymenach stones, and has also, like them, a radial duct
or groove traversing it.
J have examined two monoliths placed on the low ground below
Auchnabreach, and hence a mile or more further down the valley of the
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38 ON THE 8CULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
CriDaD Canal than Dunamuk ; but I could discover no markings or
cuttings on them. One of them, which is now prostrate, was found, it
is said, to have evidence of sepulture near its base.
There has been already described and figured the panel (see Plate
XIII. fig. 4), with angulated concentric carvings, taken from the barrow
at Camban, about a mile or so nearer Eilmartin.
We shall see subsequently that several rocks in situ on the sides of
the Crinan Valley, and in the vicinity of this archaic cemetery — running
from Eilmartin to Auchnabreach — are cut with numerous groups of con-
centric circles and cups.
Hence in this limited district we have specimens of rings and cups
cut upon the surfaces of solid rocks, upon monoliths, and upon cist-
stones; and the specimens already discovered amount, I bcdieve, to
upwards of two hundred in number, in a locality about five or six miles
in length and a mile or two in breadth.
In England the most striking and magnificent group of monoliths that
I have seen are the so-called '' Devil's Arrows" at Borough Bridge,
in Yorkshire. Three only of these tall and enormous monoliths are now
left, and stand in a line about a stone's throw from each other. They
are all pillars of a squarish shape, and said to be formed of millstone
grit. Each at its upper part is deeply and vertically guttered, apparently
by long weathering and exposure ; and their lower portions show round,
smooth, cup-like excavations upon some of their surfaces. The most
northerly of these imposing monoliths is especially marked in this last
way. Many, if not all, of these excavations, have probably been effected
by the elements and weather ; while some of them, which look more
artificial, are of the same shape and form aa those on the Kilmartin stones,
&c. But unfortunately we have not here the presence of rings or circles
around the cups to determine conclusively their artificial character.
CHAPTER v.— ON STONES CONNECTED WITH ARCHAIC
HABITATION.
Hitherto we have spoken of these rude ring and cup carvings as seen
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 39
OD stones, all of them probably connected with the sepulture of the
archaic dead. But the same strauge and curious markings have been
found connected with the dwellings of archaic living man, — as in the
dwellings and forts which he occupied, and within or near his ancient
towns and camps. I shall proceed to adduce a few examples in illuy-
tration of this remark.
7. IN VNDERQROUND HOUSES, «fcc.
Among the oldest forms of primitive domestic architecture of which
we^ have the remains in Scotland, are those rude and dark subterranean,
or semi-subterranean dwellings which are known under the names of
" Earth Houses," " Picts' Houses," ** Weems," &c. These cave-like
dwellings are usually built with rough cyclopic walls of large stones, and
roofed over by flat flags and a covering of earth and soil. Some of their
component stones have been found marked with circles and cups ; as at
Eday^ Orkney. — There is in the Museum of the Antiquarian Society
a stone from tJie island of Eday, Orkney, marked with two sets of triple
concentric circles, each having a cupped centre ; and a faded portion of
a third set. There is also a double spiral cutting of several circles ; and
the outer spiral line of one volute crosses and makes a junction with the
outermost spiral line of the other volute. The stone was discovered in
Eday a few years ago, in a large pile of ruins which had once formed a
so-called " Pict's house." The building, according to Mr Hebden — who
presented the stone to the Museum — was about forty yards long and ten
broad. The incised slab is of sandstone, and is three and a-half feet
long, fifteen inches broad, and eight inches in thickness. (For a repre-
sentation of the cuttings on it, see Plate XIX. fig. 4.)'
Holm of Papa Westray, Orkney, — In 1849, in examining a Plot's house
in the Holm of Papa Westray, my friend. Captain Thomas, found on a stone
— built into the wall near the entrance — a neatly engraved circle ahout
four inches in diameter, and two other small conjoined circles on another
stone in the building. Mr Petrie has more lately detected on other stones
in this subterranean building other circular and linear markings, which^
^ ProceediDgs of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. iv. p. 186.
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40 ON THB 8CULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCKKTRIC RINGS
he says, '* it is easy to see liave been formed by a pointed instnunent
tolerably sharp." '
Pickaquoy^ Orkney, — In 1853, Mr Farrer excavated a built subterranean
structure in Pickaquoy, near Kirkwall. The building was so dilapidated
that it was difficult to trace whether it was a grave for the ancient dead
or a house for the ancient living. Mr Petrie, a most excellent judge on
such a question, thinks that it was an archaic dwelling-house. In one of
the chambers a stone with a central cup and a group of concentric circles
engraved on it was found built upright into the wall. The appearance of
the circles upon this stone is copied into Plate XIX. fig. 5. Another
long slab was found with thirteen small cavities along one of its edges,
and a larger cup or cavity in the centre of one of its sides. " When,"
remarks Mr Petrie, '^ a short time afterwards I examined the engraved
circles, and especially the cavities cut in the stones in the walls of the
Pict's house at Papa Westray, the similarity was so striking that it
required no stretch of imagination to suppose that the same instrument
chiselled the figures in both places."'
Frith, Orkney, — Mr Petrie has found an elongated stone sculptured
on one end in a ruined wall in the parish of Frith. The sculpturing con-
sists of a volute or spiral line making four turns. The diameter of the
outermost circle is above six inches. See it drawn in Plate XDl.
fig 6. I allude to this stone here, chiefly as forming one of the Orkney
group; and partly because it had been used in building, though not
apparently in the construction of a Pict's house. The ruined wall, in
the base of which it was discovered, stood at an ancient broch or burg
at Redland, where it turned up in some diggings conducted by Mr Farrer.
But this was possibly not the original site of the stone ; for it seems to
have been used casually for building material. The stone itself is now
in the Antiquarian Museum, Edinburgh.
We do not know the age at which the "weems" or underground
bouses were used by our Scottish forefathers ; but there are one or two
pieces of evidence which go far to prove that the carving of cups and
1 Seo notices and figures of these caryings, in the Proceedings of the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 61.
' Proceedings of tlie Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 61.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 41
circles upon large Btonea existed apparently before these nndergiouud
houses were built, as in the following instance in a Pict's house at
Letham Orange^ Forfarshire, — Several years ago the stones forming a
Pict's house built into the banks of the* river Brothick, near Letham
Grange, were removed for building purposes. Some of the foundation
stones of the walls were left. Lately, on removing these foundation
stones, one was found carved on both sides with cups and circles, and has
been kindly presented to the Museum of the Society by Mr Hey of Letham
Orange. It is a sandstone block measuring three feet nine inches in
length, three in breadth, and one in thickness. Both sides are very rough
and broken, and in this uneven condition have had chiselled upon them
the cups and circles, single and double, which they contain. See Plate
XX. figs. 1 and 2. One side of this sandstone block has carved upon
it some forty cups. Most of these cups are isolated ; but some are con-
nected together by intervening ducts or gutters. The two largest and
deepest are surrounded each with two encircling rings traversed by the
usual radial groove. Several cups have one surrounding ring. At the
upper and right hand comer a centre cup is surrounded by a circle
of seven cups. Two of these cups are themselves ringed. On the
opposite side of the block are carved fourteen or fifteen cups ; three of
them surrounded by a single guttered or incomplete circle ; and seven of
them encircled with two rings each, with the usual radial duct traversing
them.
The original underground house, of which this sculptured block had
been used as one of the foundation stones, was a structure about six feet
in diameter, and six feet in height. It was built into the side of a gravelly
bank or ridge. The masonry was of the rudest description. The floor
of the honse was only a foot or two above the level of the Brothick. The
sculptured foundation stone was built — the Rev. Mr Duke of Arbroath
writes me — " into the base course of the south wall, with the most deeply
marked side facing the interior. Of course, as the whole building was
originally under ground, the other side of the stone on which there were
also ring markings was embedded and hidden in the soil. It is thus (he
adds) clear to my mind, that whatever may have been the meaning or
use of these markings, they were made at a date anterior to the building
of the house, — that the stone, in fact, was an old stone, and had iserved
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42 ON THE 8CULPTURINQ8 OF COPS AND OONOENTRIC RINGS
a different purpose before the Pict built it into the foundation of his
dwelling."
Buthven, Foffarshire, — A notice and sketch of a sculptured stone, from
another weem in Forfarshire, has been obligingly furnished to me by
my esteemed friend Dr Wise, of Bostellan Castle, Ireland, who, a few
years ago, devoted great attention to early Scottish antiquities, when
residing in this country. This carved stone was an oblong piece of sand-
stone, which formed a portion of the roof of a weem at Buthven, near
Meigle. Upon one of its surfaces are several isolated cups ; two, sur-
rounded by a single ring ; one, by a double ring ; and another is enclosed
by three circles. Three of the ringed cups are traversed each by a radial
groove or duct which runs downwards into three cups set in a row. See
Plate XXV. fig. 3. " The cups and circles were," Dr Wise writes me,
'' partly covert with the other roofstones of the weem, proving the
sculptures to have been cut before this carved stone had come to be used
as a comer building stone."
a IN FORTIFIED BUILDINGS.
The spade and mattock— those indispensable aids to arohsdology—
have of late disclosed to us, in the eastern parts of Scotland, strange
types and forms of archaic houses and places, furnished with more or
less powerful artificial defences, analogous to, and yet differing from, the
archaic burgs of the northern and western counties. In one or two such
fortified dwellings, or clusters of dwellings, stones have been found cut
with ring and cup carvings ; as at
Tappock, Stirlingshire. — In the old forest of Torwood, lying between
Falkirk and Stirling, Colonel Dundas, of Carronhall, has lately made
some antiquarian excavations which have resulted in striking success.
On the top of a hill in the wood he thought that he saw some indistinct
evidence of building. He cut down the trees growing upon the spot,
and, digging downwards, he excavated, with great zeal and skill a large
strongly-built circular area, above thirty feet in breadth, and ten in
depth. A passage from this central area was followed outwards, and
opened externally, after going through twenty-five feet of continuous
wall. The walls of the passage were built of large stones ; and it was
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 43
roofed over by horizontal blocks. A second door passed ont of the cen-
tral area, and led to a stair, which mounted upwards to the ground, on a
level with the top of the circular building. Externally the building has
sloping sides all around ; but whether it was origindly constructed in
this fashion, or the slope is the result of earth and stone accumulated by
time, has not yet been ascertained. The interior walls of the central
area are cyclopic, or built of large stones without lime. Probably at one
time this circular structure was much higher, as Colonel Dundas found
in its interior a great accumulation of large stones, similar to those
composing the remaining lower portions of wall ; and this accumulation
looked like the debris of a higher portion of the building that had
tumbled and fallen inwards. Amid this debris Colonel Dundas found
three stones with circles cut upon them. The carved lines are about an
inch broad and half an inch deep. These three stones are represented
in Plate XIX. Like the walls of the building, they are composed
of sandstone. Two of the stones (figs. 1 and 3) are each about two feet
long, by fifteen inches or more in breadth at the broadest part. The
stone (fig. 1) shows upon it the remains of two double concentric circles,
each provided with a central cup. The stone (^g. 3) has sculptured
upon it two concentric rings, the broadest and outermost being nearly
six inches in diameter. There is no distinct central cup, but a radial
duct or groove traverses the two circles. The second stone (see fig. 2)
is about eighteen inches long and sixteen broad, and has on one edge a
broken portion of a similar double circle and central cup *, and a second
figure, consisting of a single ring without a central cup. Three of the
four double rings or concentric circles on the stones have thus central
cups. From these carved stones being broken in some points through
the line of the circles. Colonel Dundas iodines to think that they were
probably cut and sculptured before they were used as building material
in this ancient structure. Within the central area were found some flat
querns.
LatMf Forfarshire, — To another Scottish proprietor, who has made
upon his estate extensive diggings, in the same scientific and generous
spirit as Colonel Dundas, we owe the disentombment of another and still
more extensive series of old fortified buildings. I allude to my friend Mr
Neish, of the Laws, who, as is well known to the Members of the Scot-
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44 ON THE SCULPTURINQS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
tish Society of Antiquaries, has, in digging upon the high grounds above
his house at the Laws, between Dundee and Arbroath, disclosed a build-
ing, having a central circular area like that at Tappock, paved with two
or three layers of stone ; and near it and around it a long series of strong
and strange cyclopic walls running in the most enigmatical and cnriouB
directions. (See the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland^
1860, vol. iii. p. 440, &c.)
In the course of his diggings among the old and puzzling structures
covering this hill, Mr Neish has met with and preserved some stones
with cup excavations ; and one with a series of three concentric circles
cut around a large central cup, the outermost ring being about eleven
inches in diameter. This ringed stone and another from the Laws, with
cup markings alone, is represented in Plate XII. figs. 4 and 5. The
stone with the ring cuttings on it is apparently a fragment of a larger
stone. Another similar piece was found, and lost.
9. /JV AND NEAR ANCIENT TOWNS (OPPIDA) AND CAMPS.
In many parts of Scotland and England we have the remains of the
structures in which large congregations or communities of the ancient
inhabitants dwelt, in the form of more or less extensive strongholds,
defended by ramparts and ditches, and containing within their circuit
the round foundations of those hut circles which then formed the
dwellings of our British forefathers. Often, when the strongholds are
on elevated spots, the clusters and relics of the hut circles are found
arranged together, lower down the hill, in more favoured and sheltered
situations. Near these remains of olden British habitation are some-
times seen megalithic circles, monoliths, and barrows; sometimes the
cairns of the ancient dead are interspersed among the hut dwellings of
the ancient living ;* and occasionally the cairns now alone remain.
1 One of the most remarkable examples of this kind which I have seen exists in the
parish of Kirkmichael, in Strathardle, Perthshire. In this parish there formerlj
stood above twenty megalithic circles (see their enumeration in the old Statistical
Account, vol. XV. p. 516, and in Chalmers' Caledonia, vol. i. p. 72) ; and Archdeacon
Williams and others have hence described the locality in question as an ancient
centre of Scottish Druidism. Some time ago, when in the neighbourhood, I took
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 45
WithiD and near these archaic and now nameless towns, cup and ring
cuttings have been found occasionally, as in the following examples : —
Lothians, — The summits of various hills in the Lothians and adjoining
districts haye remains of ancient strongholds and defences upon them.
These fortified hills are generally not the highest, but those of minor
elevation, and isolated. Within the walls, and oftener still below on the
slopes of the hills, are frequently the remains of hut circles, and other
pit-like excavations. Few or none of them have yet been searched for
sculptured stones and rocks. On the middle hill of Craigiewood I found,
some time age, within a few miles of Edinburgh, an ancient British city
of this description, abutting on a steep rock on the eastern side ; and on
its other sides defended by a triple rampart, and entered by gates placed
obliquely. The proprietor, Mr Hope Vere, was so kind as to examine,
by the spade and mattock, the mode in which the three inclosing valli
on the western side were constructed. We found that originally they
each consisted of a rude cyclopic wall of uncut stones, now buried under
a covering of accumulated soil and turf. The area of the inclosed town
extends to about forty acres. In different parts of it are still visible
the hollows or pits which formed the flooring of the original houses or
huts ; and a little digging beneath the turf showed rude circular walls
built around over several acres. Not many yards outside the southern
wall of this ancient town was placed the stone cist, which I have
described (page 28) and figured (Plate XV. fig. 2), with nine groups of
concentric circles cut upon its covering stone ; and, in the low ground
below, another cist at Oaerlowrie, with circles cut inside the stone lid.
occasion to examine the few stones now left of the circles, with a view of ascertaining
whether they presented any ancient cuttings upon them ; but detected none. On
walking up to the higher muir-ground above, in the direction of a rocking-stone
and some other reputed ** Druidical *' relics, I unexpectedly came upon a series of
extensive stone remains of circular hut foundations ; and in the midst of this exten-
sive archaic town stood a very large cairn which had been partially thrown down in
an attempt to open it. In the *' Old Statistical Account of Scotland" it is stated,
that from the east side of this cairn there formerly extended two straight stone
avenues, above thirty feet broad and a hundred yards long, while each had a small
cairn at its farther extremity. My excellent and active friend, Mr John Stuart,
has latterly prosecuted various researches with the spade and mattock amid these
remains of ancient human habitations.
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46 ON THE 8CULPT0RIN08 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
Id describing preyiously (p. 28) this cist-cover at Caerlowrie, I omitted
to refer to the drawings of it, kindly made for me by Mr Hatch ison, and
copied into Plate XVI. fig. 2.
The Caiy Stone, in Colinton parish, a few miles south of Edinburgh
(see antecedently, p. 32), is also placed near the remains of ancient sepul-
tures and dwellings. '^ Not far from it," writes Dr Daniel Wilson, *' are
still visible the rude earthworks of a British camp." ' Maitland, in his
History of Edinburgh (1753), describes the Caiy Stone as standing in the
neighbourhood of " divers large cairns," which were placed near a *' large
oval camp," through which an old military way passed.* General Boy
speaks of this military way as the continuatioo of the English Watling
Street, which runs " under the east end of the Pentland Hill," onward
to Cramond.' Professor Walker describes this ancient encampment as
of an oval figure, surrounded by one great ditch and rampart, and contain-
ing about fifty acres of ground.* This fortified inclosure was, in the end
of the last century, more correctly described by the Bev. Mr Whyte, of
Liberton, as an ancient town rather than a camp ; and this obliterated
and long-forgotten city '' must " (he naively remarks) '' have made an
important figure before the Castle of Edinburgh — so greatly famed for
antiquity— existed, and, consequently, long before there was any ap-
pearance of the adjoining city, which is now so flourishing and extensive,
and which has been so much adn^ired on account of the height and
grandeur of its buildings."^
Boas'shire, — Perhaps we may justly refer to this division some sculp-
tured stones lately found by Mr Joass, of Dingwall, near that town. The
hill Crock- ri-avach is situate about two miles from Dingwall. A mutilated
megalithic circle stands on its south-west shoulder. Near its site, within
a dilapidated circular wall, about fifty yards in diameter, is a hut
circle, nearly thirty feet across ; and at a short distance there are the
more indistinct remains of a second. On the hill, nearly half a mile
from these habitations, lie nine or ten loose schistose slabs, averaging
1 Prehistoric Annals of Scotland, vol. i. p. 138.
• History of Edinburgh, p. 607.
3 Military Antiquities of the Bomans in North Britain, p. 108.
^ Essays on Natural History, p. 605.
^ Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. i. p. 808.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 47
about five or six feet in length and breadth, and a foot and a half in
thickness. Their upper surfaces are exposed, and sculptured with cups
and rings. The figures vary from single isolated cups to two or more
cups connected together with a groove or gutter, and others are surrounded
completely or partially by a single ring. In some instances, the incom-
pleted ring surrounding the central cup ends in two cups or depressions,
as represented in the diagram of them in Plate XIV. fig. 1. On one
slab there is the appearance of one central cup, surrounded by a circle
of seven other cups. A piece of yellow flint was found near one of the
stones. Near a hut circle on the top of the hill, flint arrow heads and
cups are reported to have been formerly found in abundance. One of
the sculptured stones was carefully dug under by Mr Joass, and was
found to lie on undisturbed boulder-clay, while the boulder-clay rested
on the soft shale of the district.
Kirkcudbrightshire. — ^The Bev. Mr Greenwell has directed my attention
to a flat rock-scalp on the farm of High Arvie, in the parish of Parton,
Kirkcudbrightshire, as presenting appearances of artificial stone-cutting,
which he believes to be referable to the class described in this memoir.
The carved rock is known as the " Cow's Cloot," and is marked with three
or four cup-hoUows of the usual form and size, and a slanting ovoid circle,
not unlike that which a cow's foot produces in softish soil. It would be
interesting to examine and uncover the neighbouring rock surfaces in
search of other markings. Cairns, &c., exist in the immediate vicinity.
Berwickshire. — About two miles west from Spottiswoode is Harefauld,
a camp or habitation of an irregular circular shape. The walls are
formed of stones, and in many places are from ten to twenty feet thick.
The enclosure is about fifty-five yards across in one direction, but more
in an opposite line. There are vestiges of a dividing wall, runniog
from north to south. On the north side, in the thickness of the wall,
are several cells or houses— one of them measuring nine feet long by
four across ; and others also occur in the thickness of the wall towards
the west. On the north side are circular walls projecting into the area
from the outside wall, forming inclosures of varying size, from six feet
to twenty feet in diameter. On the south side, in the wall, and near to
what was the entrance to the fort, my friend, Mr John Stuart — to
whom I am indebted for these and other notes — found a large slab or
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48 ON THE SCULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONOBNTUIC RINGS
gate-post, having several cup excavations of varying size cut upon its
surface.
Doubtlessly a little more extended inquiry in Scotland will increase
much the number of instances of stones with cup and ring carviDgs,
found in connection with those aggregated hut circles, towns, and camps
of ancient man that lie scattered in various positions over the country.
If, passing from Berwickshire, we cross the Tweed, we find — within a
few miles of the Scottish border — numerous and remarkable examples of
cup and ring carvings upon the stones and rocks of Northumberland ;
and many of these lapidary sculptures stand in more or less direct relation
with the sites of ancient human habitations in that county. In this dis-
trict their character and numbers are so interesting as to deserve a more
detailed notice of their position and peculiarities.
Northumberland, — A high and broad ridge of sandstone runs for a
distance of many miles from north to south through the moorlands of
Northumberland. There still remain, scattered thickly along its course,
numerous relics and evidence of ancient human habitation, in the form
of old camps or cities, hut-circles, cairns, barrows, stone cists, &c. The
sandstone of the district projects upwards in different places, in the form
of bare scalps and blocks of rock ; and in various localities, near the
sites of ancient human occupation and dwelling, these scalps and blocks
have cup and ring markings cut upon them. It is further remarkable
that, — as has been specially pointed out to me by my friend, Mr Tate, of
Alnwick, — while the sandstone rocks in the northern region of Northum-
berland are thus profusely sculptured, the hard porphyry rocks in their
immediate neighbourhood, forming the Cheviots, show no sculptures at
all, although on their lesser heights, flanks, and spurs there are also camps,
hut-dwellings, and sepulchres apparently of the same type and same age
as those situated on the adjoining sandstone moors. Mr Tate believes
that the sandstone, as more easily cut than the hard porphyry rock by
the imperfect tools of the archaic sculptors, was alone carved by them.
But possibly any sculpturings made on the porphyry rocks have — like
other similar carvings on hard rocks elsewhere — disappeared before those
on the sandstone, in consequence of the more deep and destructive
weathering of the surface of the former.
The sandstone blocks and platforms on which the Northumberland
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 49
lapidary scnlpturings have hitherto been chiefly found, stretch from
Rowtin Lynn, not far from the village of Ford, to Beanley Moor, near to
Eglingham. Betimes they will probably be detected running further
south. Between Bowtin Lynn and Beanley Moor — or within a distance
of twelve or fifteen miles — between forty and fifty sculptured rock scalps
and stones have been already detected, with, I believe, above three
hundred examples of rings and concentric circles cut upon them. Mr
Langlands, of Old Bewick, who most kindly showed me the rock carvings
in his neighbourhood, was the first to notice one of these Northumber-
land sculptures as far back as 1825. In 1852, a most accomplished and
able archaeologist, the Rev. William Greenwell, of Durham, when acci-
dentally resting, as he has informed me, near the sculptured rock at
Rowtin Lynn, observed some appearance of carving upon an exposed
piece of it, and speedily satisfied himself of the fact, by removing from
the surface of the rock portions of its thick and ancient covering of turf.
A few months afterwards, Mr G-reenwell read an account of his discovery
to the Archaeological Institute, at its Newcastle meeting ; but unfortu-
nately the paper was lost, and hence not published in their Transac-
tions. Next year (1853) Dr Johnston of Berwick figured and briefly
described the Rowtin Lynn rock in his '' Natural History of the Eastern
Borders." Subsequently notices of this remarkable rock were given to
the Berwickshire Club, and to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland by
Mr Tate, who has extended his inquiry into all the other known sculp-
tured stones of Northumberland with indefatigable zeal and characteristic
talent.^ Another very distinguished Northumberland antiquary, Dr
Gollingwood Bruce, has laboured most assiduously in the same walk, and
^ The pablication of the present essay has been greatly delayed by various
circnmstances, besides the more urgent claims of professional work ; as by the search
after new specimens ; by the collection of drawings of the sculptorings ; and, above all,
by the misfortune of a half of the manuscript being lost with a travelling portmanteau
on the railway. After it was communicated to the Society of Antiquaries, I had
the pleasure of reading over the principal heads of it to Mr Tate, and found that in
most points he and I were agreed. He has latterly drawn up and published, in the
*' Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalist's Club" for 1865, p. 158, a long and
admirable account of all " The Ancient British Sculptured Rocks of Northumberland
find the Eastern Borders/' illustrated by careful and accurate plates.
APPBNDIX — TOL. VI. d
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50 ON THE SCULPTURINGS OF OOPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
has collected for the Duke of Northumberland an elaborate series of
large and magnificent drawings of these sculptured rocks and stones.
The Northumberland rock sculptures present all the usual types of
these lapidary carvings, with the exception of the form of the volute or
spiral ; no instance of which, I believe, has yet been detected among
the three hundred and odd ring sculptures which have been found in
that county. Cup-cuttings, though not specially noticed by the North-
umberland antiquaries, are as frequent upon their rocks as npon our
Scottish stones. On the rock at Bowtin Lynn, which stands out as an
irregular oblong outcrop of stone some ten feet high by sixty feet in
length and forty in breadth, there are still about fifty or sixty ring-
cuitings and about thirty cup-cuttings ;' but many more probably existed
on it formerly, as a considerable portion of this rocky outbreak has been
removed by quarrying. This is still the largest of the carved rocks
in Northumberland, though some other rock-platforms and stones in the
district — as those at Old Bewick and High Chorley — have each on
their surfaces twenty or more groups of ring-cuttings. The figures in
Plate XXIV. give a good idea of the general character of the Northumber-
land rock cuttings. They are taken from one of Dr Bruce's drawings of
the sculptures on Chatton Law, two or three miles south of Bowtin
Lynn. But, as already hinted, one of the most interesting facts connected
with these sculptures on rocks in ntu in Northumberland, and the cir-
cumstance which leads me to notice them under the present head, is their
relation to the numerous old British towns, oities, or camps of the dis-
trict. The position of these archaic towns or camps is marked by the
existence of ramparts formed of rude earth and stone walls, and ditches ;
and sometimes, as at Beanley, Bewick, Horton, and Dod Law, the roots
or foundations of the ancient hut circles or dwellings can be yet traced
within the enclosed space. The camp or town walls are, — like the many
similar structures in Scotland and England, — usually of a roundish form,
and have generally a large second or supplemental enclosure — less per-
fectly defended — attached to one side of the primary camp. All, or almost
all, of the Northumberland sculptured rocks are situated within a
1 On the Bowtin Lynn Bock is an example (the only one I have noticed in
England) of a cup surrounded by a circle of five or six cups — instead of a circular
line— ad already described at p. 8.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 51
dtstanoe of ten, fifty, or at most a hundred yards of those archaic
dwellings of human communities; and a few of the carved rocks are
placed within the artificial ramparts. The camp or city of Old Bewick
— (Wrongly and strikingly situated on the brow of a high hill, with one
side protected by a deep cliff, and the other, or land side, defended by
four high and formidable ramparts — has two sculptured rocks or stones
within the ramparts, and two or three placed outside of them. In Plate
XXY.figs. 1 and 2, are two sketches, kindly drawn for me by Miss Lang-
lands, of one of the sculptured stones at Old Bewick. The stone, which
is placed about one hundred yards outside the walls of the camp, is
nearly ten feet square on its slanting top, and stands about three or four
feet high. Fig. 1 shows the ring sculptures on the top of this large
sculptured block of rock, and fig. 2 represents a row of cup-cuttings
carved upon its sides. The large sculptured rock at Bowtin Lynn stands
within the enclosure of a secondary camp, the primary camp or town
being defended by four separate ramparts and ditches. The carved
stones at Beanley, placed amid the foundations of hut circles, are also
situated in the supplemental enclosure near the old strongly- walled camp.
Stones sculptured with cups and rings have been found in connection
with ancient camps and towns in other districts lying still farther south-
ward, as in Yorkshire, Wales, Cornwall, &o,
Eobin Hood's Bat/y Yorkshire. — A large mass of sandstone in the moor
above Bobin Hood's Bay, near Whitby, had some sculpturings upon it,
part of which were split off by Mr Kendall of Pickering, in whose garden
I have seen the slab of carvings which he thus procured. Mr Kendall's
slab is about five feet long and two and a-half broad. Upon its surface
are three or four isolated cups about an inch and a-half in breadth, and
five or six others surrounded by ring-cuttings. See a sketch of it in
Plate XXYI. fig. 1. Two or three of the ring-cuttings consist of single
circles. One consists of a triple circle and stiaight radial groove. The
ends of the circles, as they reach the traversing groove, turn round and
unite together, as in the horse-shoe pattern in Plate II. fig. 9. The
two remaining circles, which are respectively five inches and eight inches
in breadth, and consist of cups surrounded by two and by three circles,
are conjoined together by a long gutter. The upper circle shows a
single and the lower a double horse-shoe pattern. In tiie uppermost or
c/2
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52 ON THE SCULPTUBINGS OK CUPS AND CONCKNTttIO RINGS
double circle tbe rounded ends of the rings are united and bestridden
by a shallow right-angled line ; and the ends of the lowest or triple
circle are in part also conjoined by the gutter which runs from the
double circle above, and by a cross straight line which runs ofif from it
The circles are more imperfectly finished than usual, and at some parts
present almost an appearance of being punched out rather than cut out.
I am not aware whether or not any other evidences of the habitations of
ancient man were found in the immediate vicinity of these rock-carvings
on the Bobin Hood Bay Moor ; but, in his excellent History of Whitby,
the Bev. Greorge Toung has shown that, in the vicinity of that town,
barrows, stone circles, and pillars are common ; and the remains of
clusters of.hut circles and circular pits, or '^ ancient British settlements,
abound." *
Wales. — No careful search has yet, as far as I know, been made
among the ancient fortified stations and towns scattered over Wales for
the presence of ring or cup carvings ; but I have seen one remarkable
specimen, and from it I should expect that many others will betimes be
discovered in the Principality. Near the viUage of Llanbedr, in
Merionethshire, are two tallish monoliths, and one intermediate stone of
much smaller size, inscribed as " Meini Hirion " in the Ordnance map.
The three are placed near each other, and stand in a row. The two
lateral monoliths are respectively about seven and ten feet high. The
short intermediate stone is only about three feet in height, and is cut on
one of its faces with a faded volute, consisting of six or seven spiral
concentric lines, the diameter of the outermost being about eleven
inches. But this carved stone, instead of being a part^— as supposed—of
a set of standing stones belonging to the spot where it now stands, was —
as I am assured by Dr Griffith of Hyeres — ^removed several years ago
down to its present site from one of the ancient fortified enclosures,
camps, or towns, which abound on the neighbouring high grounds.'
Cornwall — My friend Mr Blight, of Penzance, who has already done
so much for the archaeology of his native country, writes me, that be
has found at Lancreed, on a fine-grained granite rock in sUu^ five cup
carvings, with a curved incised line over them. The cnps are, as usual,
» History of Whitby, 1817, vol. li. p. 666.
* Mr Oliffe, in a short letter published in the Archeologia CambrenBis for 1849,
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 53
from two to three inches in diameter. These sculpturings are placed,
Mr Blight adds, '^ahout two hundred yards from a strongly fortified
group of hut circles, and one hundred yards only from the site of a
large walled grave, which, on heing opened hy a former occupant of the
estate, was found to contain an urn with ashes/'
Isle of Man. — In the wood situated immediately hehind the church-
yard of Eirk Braddan — a locality so celebrated for its number of Bunic
inscriptions and crosses — ^is an ancient city or town, with an angled portion
of its strong encircling walls still standing, and faced with huge upright
stones. The foundations of circular and other forms of ancient structures
and dwellings exist in a secondary town or camp within the circuit of the
wood. On the sides of the largest outcrop of rock standing within this
circuit, Professor Babington and I traced, after the removal of a covering
of old moss, a number of cup excavations, some of them conjoined together,
by grooves or guttered lines, as represented in Plate II. figs. 1 and 2.
One of a great group of massive stones placed on the northern border of
the wood has between twenty and thirty cups cut upon it,— some of them
apparently arranged in a circular form. Three or four stones within or
near this interesting site of an ancient Manx community, appear to show
artificial straight lines and markings, for tracings of some of which I
am indebted to the kindness of Dr Alcock of Birmingham. In his
''Vestigia Insulas Manxias Antiquiora" (pp. 96 and 190), Dr Oswald
alludes to this ancient town, and states that its remains extend over ten
acres or more; and he gives a drawing of portions of the walls,
and of a flat excavated flagstone surrounded by the remains of a small
circle.'
p. 821, alludes briefly to some of the many megalithio remains in this district of
Merionethshire, and incidentally states that, in a large cairn on the summit of
Penmom, he obeerred ** a hnge stone with remarkable indentations.*' Are these
indentations artificial cup ezcayations ?
1 Another old chnrchyard in the Isle of Man, rich in Rnnie monumental stones, —
that of Manghold, — ^is still surrounded at different parts with a deep ditch and a high
rampart. Within the area of these ancient fortifications at Manghold stands the
church, thickly surrounded by graves. The line of fortifications is much more
extensive than the site of the interments, containing about five acres; and in
other parts within their circuit, I traced in the green sward the remains of old hut
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54 ON THE 8CULPTURINGS OP CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
10. ON THE SURFACES OF ISOLATED ROCKS.
Several of the lapidary carviDgs included in the last section were
found cut upon rocks in $Uu within or near old British strengths or
towns. But there is another section of them carved on rocks which
are so far isolated, that nowhere near them do there now exist any traces
of ramparts, walls, fosses, or circular hut foundations, such as are so often
observable in our island in localities of ancient human communities.
In all likelihood, however, the rock carvings I allude to were cut
originally in the vicinity of collections of human population, though
there now remain no visible evidences of that population except their
rock sculptures and their sepultures.
We have a variety of examples of this last kind in Argyleshire, in
the district lying between Lochgilphead on the east, and Grinan on
the west coast of that county. In other words, on the higher grounds
skirting the valley in which the Grinan Canal passes from Loch Fyne
or Loch Gilp to the Atlantic Ocean, several localities have been here
discovered with the rocks in siht, sculptured with ring and cup carvings;
as at Camban, Auchnabreach, Tyness, and Galton Mor.
Cambany Argyleshire. — The first notice of the rock-sculptures in
Northumberland, and, as I believe, in England, was published, as I have
just stated, in 1852. The Bev. Mr Green well, of Durham, who dis-
covered the carvings on the Kowton Lynn, &c,, read, as already stated,
a paper on the subject earlier in the same year to the Archaeological
Institute. In 1830, or twenty-two years before, a notice of the analo-
gous rock ring-cuttings at Camban was published by Mr Archibald
Currie, formerly a schoolmaster at Bothesay, in his Description of the
Antiquities, <&c., of North Knapdale. He urges that the lapidary carv-
ings on the sculptured rock at Camban are " worthy of the attention of
the scientific antiquarian ;*' and to his account of the ring-cuttings there
circles and dwellings. At Manghold, as at Kirk Braddau — which were both probably
in ancient times the sites of fortified towns — there now are to be seen within the
area of the old walls, the graves of the modem dead, and the remnants of the
dwellings of ancient Hying man. In the centre of each is the Christian chorch —
the only modern building — and in both localities it may possibly occupy the site
of some ancient fane for Pagan worship.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 55
he adds a theory of their import which posBesseB probahly one merit,
namely, that it is at least both as reasonable and as ridiculous as many
hypotheses that have since been broached on the same subject. ^' In the
hill," writes Mr Currie, " about a mile aboye the * Doctor's' (the sobriquet, •
as I am told, by which Mr M^Calium, the former innkeeper at Camban,
was usually known), on a rock whose surface is level with the plain, there
are cut groups of concentric circles, three in aline, and fifteen in number.
These circles are similar to those used in astronomical plates for elucidat-
ing the revolution of the planets round the sun. Of these circles, there
are five in each of the concentric ones, probably to correspond with the
number of the planets then known. The Doctor is of opinion that this
is one of those methods which were in use previous to the introduction
of letters into this country, for commemorating extraordinary events;
and in the case in question, he thinks these circles represent the right of
the proprietor to the estate where the rock lies on which they are engraved,
and that they signify that his descendants were to enjoy it as long as the
celestial luminaries which the circles represent should perform their
unerring revolutions round the sun. This opinion is not at all impro-
bable ; for of old, rights to inheritances were in many instances conveyed
by hieroglyphic symbols, similar to those now described. I am informed,
on unquestionable authority, that the right of Macmillan to the estate
of Knap, in South Knapdale, was cut in rude characters in the Celtic
language on a rock in the shore at the point of Knap, which are now
obliterated by the action of the waves on its surface." ^
Auchnabrectch. —Ahont a mile and a half north-eastward of Camban,
and higher on the sides of the valley, are rocks which show still more ex-
tensive ring-carvings.^ On the high ground upon the farm of Auchuabreach
1 See Description of the Antiquities and Scenery of the Parish of North Knap-
dale, Argyleshire, by Archibald Cnrrie, author of the *• Principles of Oaelic Oram-
roar, &c., Glasgow, 1880, p. 84. The appearances presented by the cup and ring
cuttings on the hill above Camban are all faithfully represented in Plate XXII.,
and it is hence unnecessary to describe them. I have already (p. 2) enumerated the
figures of which they consist. No other carvings have hitherto been found on the
same hill.
' The existence of sculptures at Auchuabreach was first discovered by the former
intelligent farmer there, Mr Maclean, now innkeeper at Kilmartin.
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66 ON THE SCULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
are various bare, rounded scalps of Silurian schist, projecting to the height
of two, ten, twenty or more feet above the surface. These scalps are
magnificent specimens of rock surfaces ground and planed down by old
geological glacier action. The surfaces of three of these rocks — thus
smoothed and prepared as it were by the gigantic polishing machinery
of nature — have been subsequently scratched and carved in numerous
places with rude cup and ring cuttings by the frail and feeble hand of
archaic man. See specimens of these Auchnabreach carvings in Plates
XXI. and XXIII.
The three rocks on which the cup and ring carvings have hitherto
been discovered are in the second field above the old farm-house of Auch-
nabreach.
The first and highest of these rocks has, scattered over a surface
twenty-nine yards long and seven yards wide, about forty concentric
ring-cuttings, and nearly an equal number of cups and hollows without
circles around them. The Rev. Mr Mapleton, who has most carefully
examined these sculpturings, informs me that of the ring-cuttings one
is three feet in diameter, and composed of seven circles and a central
cup ; a second, two feet five inches in diameter, consists of six circles
cut around a central cup ; a third, two feet seven inches in diameter, is
formed of four concentric circles ; a fourth, one foot nine inches broad,
contains six circles and a central cup ; a fifth, eight inches in diameter,
has a cup surrounded by two circles ; and so on.
The second rock scalp at Auchnabreach is about forty feet long, and
thirty-six feet broad. It contains thirty-six groups of ring-cuttings, and
fourteen cup-cuttings. The largest concentric ring-cutting is two feet
seven inches in diameter, and consists of nine or ten circles ; a second, of
nearly the same diameter, has nine circles carved around its central
cup; a third, seven circles; and so on. Almost all, but not all, of
these concentric circles at Auchnabreach are traversed by the usual
straight radial groove or duct. These grooves run on in some instances
and unite with others. Their direction is generally, but not always, down-
wards.
My kind friend, the Rev. Mr M^Bride of Bute, the well-known geo-
logist, discovered the third sculptured rock here, when looking for the
efi'ects of glaciation. This third rock is placed about a hundred or a
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ON STON£S AND ROOKS IN YABIODS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 57
hundred abd fifty yards south of the others, and its exposed surface is
much smaller than the other two, being as yet cleared of turf only to
the extent of about three yards in length, and two in breadth. Upon
the cleared portion I counted twelve ring cuttings, each with a radial
groove, and seventeen cups and hollows with no surrounding circle*
On the Auohnabreach rocks most of the concentric circles are so scat-
tered as to be separate and unconnected with each other, but occasionally
two or more touch at their edges. The radial groove is usually, but not
always present. Some consist only of one cup and one surrounding
ring, and the radial groove is untraceable in several of these. There
are two or three peculiar sculpturings, especially on the second rock-
scalp. One of them consists of a very distinct double volute, as represented
at the bottom of first section of Plate XXII., the whole lateral breadth
of the two combined spirals being about ten or eleven inches, while their
depth is about eight inches. A second group of three circles near this
touched each other and amalgamated at their sides. (See the same
Plate.) Near these two groups was a third, consisting of one concentric
ring around a central cup, and with a radial groove. The ring was six
inches in diameter. From its outer edge, on the side opposite the radial
groove, proceed three straight parallel lines, each about eleven inches in
length. See Plate II. fig. 12. The radial line from this same circle
joins the outer circle of another ring-cutting. These, and some sur-
rounding circles and cups, are represented in Plate XXXII., first sec-
tion. Some of the ring-cuttings, particularly on the third rock, are
much twisted and indented on their sides (see same Plate, second sec-
tion), and by no means so accurately and regularly round in form as these
lapidary circles usually are.
The rock upon which the first and largest collection of concentric rings
and cups at Auohnabreach is placed has a Gaelic name, which, according
to John Kerr, an old shepherd brought up on the farm, is ^^ Leachd-nan-
Sleagher'' — ^the rock of the spears. Mr Henry D. Graham, to whom I
am much indebted for drawings of the Auohnabreach sculptures and
others, believes the word to be " Leachd-nan-Sluagh" — the rock of the
hosts or gatherings. The Bev. Mr M'Bride has perhaps more happily
suggested it to be '* Leachd-nan-Slochd'' — the rock of the pits or impres-
sions. The rock itself, let me add, is in a position which commands a
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58 ON THE 8CCJLPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
charm ing yiew of the waters and shores of Loch Gilp and Loch Fyne,
with the distant and magnificent hills of Arran serving as a gigantic
background.
Callton M6r and TyneaSy Argyleahire, — ^A few years ago, when a few
miles west of Auchnabreach, some rock in the garden of Calton Mor,
the beautiful seat of Mr Malcolm of Poltalloch, was being blasted and
removed, several carved concentric circles were observed by the workmen
to be cut on the rock when it was exposed. But, unfortunately, ere these
sculpturings attracted sufficient attention, all were destroyed except two
specimens, which are carefully preserved, and show the usual forms of
these concentric rings and cups. Calton Mor is four or five miles distant
from Camban ; and about a mile north from Calton Mor are the sculp-
tured stones at I^argie, near Eilmartin, described already at p. ^4.
Near Calton Mor, is a rock at Tyness, with eleven ring cuttings upon
it, and some cups. Mr Mappleton informs me, that on the hill-top above
Tyness there stood a cairn, in which he found lately the remains of two
cists and some burnt bones, with ^' a skeleton, of later date, between the
two cists, but probably put there by the men who destroyed the cairn.
There is also," he adds, '^ apparently the remains of a ' duu,' a quarter
of a mile north-east of Tyness."
I have spoken of these sculptured rocks at Camban, Auchnabreacb,
Tyness, and Calton Mor as '* isolated," because few or no evidences of
ancient camps or communities are now, as far as I could observe, to be
found near them. They all lie, however, within a few miles of each
other, along the valley of the Crinan Canal ; and that valley — ^forming
the neck to the peninsula of Cantyre — is, as we have already seen, full of
the sepulchral remains of an ancient and large population. All the
neighbouring ground belongs to the rich and princely estate of Poltal-
loch, and is in most places too highly cultivated, agriculturally, to allow
of the foundations of hut circles, ramparted walls, and other such signs
of human habitations, to have remained. But the very nomenclature
of the hills, lying within the circuit of this valley of sculptured rocks
and stones, sufficiently attests its former populousness and importance,
by showing that every hill-top was formerly a fort or "dun." My
friend, Dr Hunter, pointed out to me that, standing on the hill on which
the Carnban sculptures are cut, we had, within a radius of one or two
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ON STONES AND BOOKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 59
miles only, Dunamuck, Dnnans, Dunbny, Donobain, Dunamarak, Dun-
craigig, and Dunadd, — the last of these a fort, still remarkable by its
huge cyclopic walls, and the high and isolated conical rock on which
it b built. In the seventh and eighth centuries it continued to form,
as we know from ancient Irish annals, one of the most important strong-
holds in the Western Highlands.^
11. ON ISOLATED STONES.
In the preceding pages I have cited numerous examples of the cup
and ring carvings, as found on individual stones connected with archaic
sepulture or habitation. Some of the examples already quoted, as the
stones found at Walltown, Auchinlary, Frith, <&c., are so indeterminate
in the conditions under which they were found, that perhaps they
should have been more correctly placed in this, chapter. I have notes
of a few instances where the sculptures were found on stones of a still
more isolated cast ; as at
Balvraid, in Olenelg^ Inverness' shire.-^Mi Joass, of Dingwall, dis-
covered, about half a mile from the well-known old brochs of Glenelg, a
stone covered with cup-markings, and represented in Plate XIV. fig. 2.
*' The stone, which measures above six feet in length, is," he writes me,
*' lying on the ground. The markings I have sketched are quite distinct ;
but there are a great many more, particularly towards the left-hand end,
which are rather faint, and they appear to be disposed in rows with a
certain degree of regularity."
Cargilly Perthshire. — In the thirteenth volume of the first Statistical
Account of Scotland, a description of the parish of Cargill was published
about fifty years ago. It is therein stated, " Near the village of Cargill
may be seen some erect stones of considerable magnitude, having the
figure of the moon and stars cut out on them, and are probably the rude
remains of Pagan superstition. The com field where these stones stand
is called Moonshade to this day" (p. 536). The stones thus marked, and
standing in Moonshade or Moonbutt's field, were dug around and under,
^ See Dr Reeres* Life of St Columba, pp. 877 and 8S4 ; Anno Dotn. 688, " Ob-
leano Doin At. */* Anno Dom. 786, ** (Engns Mac Fergnsa, rex Pictorum, vastavit
regionen Dailriatai et obtinnit Dun Att."
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60 ON THE 8CULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
and buried some half century ago in the agricultural improvement of
the ground. Mr Fergusson, the very intelligent schoolmaster of the
parish, has repeatedly tried to discover these buried stone relics^ but
hitherto in vain. But he has been more successful in disinterring other
marked and carved stones in his neighbourhood.
A, In Newbiggiug, which borders upon the Moonshade fields, he raised
a stone, a corner of which jutted from the earth. It is a slab of grey
whinstone, three feet six inches in length, two feet one inch in breadth,
and seven inches in thickness. Upon one of its faces — as represented
in Plate Y. fig. 3 — are five series of concentric circles and some isolated
cups. The external rings of four of the series of circles run more or
less into each other. The radial ducts from two of the largest unite
into a common gutter, which, after running a considerable space, ends
in an isolated cup. Two of the circles do not show any radial groove.
B, More lately in Gladesfield, about ten or twelve hundred yards west
of the supposed site of the Mooubutts, Mr Fergusson has uncovered a
stone still more sculptured. The stone is about five feet in height, and
three and a half broad. One side of it is sculptured in the way repre-
sented in Plate Y. fig. 4. The sculptures consist of a number of scattered
isolated cups, of several cups surrounded with circles, and of radial
grooves, some of which are connected with a gutter which nms straight
along the surface of the stone for a distance of about four feet. Some of
the circles are single ; one cup has two, another three, and a fourth has
four or five concentric circles drawn around it. One concentric circle has
its outer ring passing in its course through three cups ; and its radial duct
runs outward to the left, and forms the beginning or end of the long,
linear straight groove which passes longitudinally along the face of the
stone.
C7. About two hundred yards north of the stone {A) is the Brisbane
stone, about six feet in length, and three and a half in breadth, with a
cup-marking or two upon its face.
D. Upon a stone, about a hundred yards or more east of the school-
house, Mr Fergusson has found a stone with twelve or fifteen cup-marks
upon it. The stone was discovered in ''a small mound" composed of
stones and earth. The mound is about twenty-four feet long, fifteen
broad, and three high. Further researches in this mound or barrow may
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 61
possibly result in the discovery of sepulchral remains, which may prove
interesting.
Mr Fergusson believes that the stones at Cargill are arranged in
a methodic and angulated direction in regard to each other. In their
near neighbourhood one or more megalithic circles are reported to have
formerly stood.
Migvie, Aberdeenshire — At a distance of about two hundred yards east-
ward from the old churchyard of Migvie, the plough, a few years ago,
struck upon a flat stone, which, when dug out, was found to be nearly trian-
gular in shape, about two feet nine inches long, and three feet across at
its broadest part. Part of its surface was covered with various cup excava-
tions, four of which were united crosswise by ducts or gutters, and some
in pairs by grooves of various depths. For a drawing of the stone I am
indebted to the kindness of Dr Bobertson, of Indego. The field in which
this stone was discovered, and still lies, is about a mile distant from an
earth-house or weem, which was found in the same parish.
Inehture, Perthshire. — My friend, the Rev. Mr Honey, of Inchture,
showed me some time ago a whinstone block, found in the foundation of
a wall opposite the church, and having on its hard and smooth surface
three or four cup markings, of the usual breadth and depth.
Arbirlot, Forfarshire, — About two miles from the Eirktown of Arbirlot,
Mr Gibb, of Aberdeen, some years ago observed and sketched an earth-fast
stone presenting the cup and ring markings figured in Plate XY. fig. 3.
They will be observed to belong to the second type, described in p. 4. Other
similar stones are said to be in the neighbourhood. Pr Dickson, of Car-
noustie, and Mr Miller, of Arbroath, have both of late searched, but
hitherto unsuccessfully, for these marked rocks. The so-called ^' Girdle-
stone," in the adjoining parish of Rescobie, about four feet long and three
broad, is cut on its surface with two circles, the largest of which is above
two feet and a half broad, and hence does not, I believe, belong to the
class which we are considering in this essay.
PUscandly, Forfarshire, — In Mr Stuart's work on the '^ Sculptured
Stones of Scotland '' he mentions a carved fragment at Pitscandly, in For-
farshire. Mr Shaw has kindly examined this stone forme, and furnished
me with a drawing of it, which is copied in Plate XVI. fig. 4. The stone
is about a foot and a half in breadth and length ; on its surface are two
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62 ON THE S0ULPTUR1NG8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
or three cap-excavations, a single incised ring, and two concentric
circles, with a central cup and long radial groove. In the " Proceedings
of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland,'* vol. ii. p. 190, Mr Jervise men-
tions this piece of carved stone, and describes it as reputed to have scaled
off from one of the two remaining large obelisks of Pitscandly — an
opinion which, he informs me, some later observations of his own have
confirmed. These Pitscandly stones stand on the top of an artificial
mound. One of them is of great size, and " both," adds Mr Jervise,
'* appear to be the remains of an ancient circle. A clay urn, with
burned ashes, was found at the base of one of the stones. The whole
of the locality abounds in traces of ancient sepulture."
La Mancha, Peeblesshire. — A broken slab, about two feet squu'e,
covered with very rude double rings and a spiral circle, was found by
Mr Mackintosh, at La Mancha, in Peeblesshire, in digging in a bank of
gravel. There were some other large stones near it; none cf them
marked. Possibly this stone, therefore, is sepulchral in its character.
The half-effaced circular sculptures upon it are represented in Plate
XVI. fig. 3.
Jedburghy Roxhurtjhshire. — Sometime ago Mr Tate, of Alnwick, dis-
covered in the garden of Mr Matthewson at Jedburgh a stone cut with
concentric circles, possibly a sepulchral cist, but peculiar in some respects.
The stone is roundish, but broken off at one side, and about eighteen
inches broad. Its face is covered by five incised concentric rings, and
through the central cup pass at right angles two straight lines, which
completely bisect all the circles. The outermost circle is about fourteen
inches in diameter. Some inches to the left of the central cup is a
second, with one incised circle around it. Arranged circularly outside
of the outermost circle is a series or ring of points or stars, each cut
out — so Dr Falla writes me — " as with a single stroke of a pick, rather
than hewn out." I am indebted to the same gentleman for the sketch
of this stone, given in Plate XVI. ^g» 1.
High HuckloWt Derbyshire, — A detached flat stone, found iii the Peak
of Derby, and which I have already alluded to at page 6, is of the
same shape as some of the urn covers met with elsewhere. The cast of
it sent to me by Dr Aveling shows it to be a broken slab, measuring
twenty- (Hie inches by eighteen, and cut on one side by a concentric
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 63
circle of seven rings, and probably of twenty iDches in diameter, when
the stone was entire. There is no central depression nor radial groove.
See a representation of this fragment in Plate XVI. fig. 2.
PART III.
Analogous Sculpturbs in otukk Countkibs.
The instances of cup and ring sculptures which I have described or
alluded to in the preceding chapters, have — with a few exceptions noted
in the context — been all discovered within the last few years ; and, no
doubt, very many more examples will be detected in other localities in
Scotland and England, when sufficient archsaological investigation is
directed towards them. But, in the meantime, it is not nninteresting to
inquire if any similar lapidary sculptures have been found elsewhere. On
this subject there still exists as yet very limited information. I am not
aware that any carvings of the same early art-type have hitherto at-
tracted the notice of antiquaries or travellers in any distant quarters of
the world ; and Brittany and Scandinayia are the only parts of the Con-
tinent of Europe where, as far as I know, any analagous sculpturings have
as yet been met with. They have been found also in Ireland. I shall very
briefly advert to some of the leading instances and forms of the analogous
early lapidary sculptures of Ireland and on the Continent, with a view of
comparing and contrasting them with the simpler cup and ring cuttings
of Great Britain.
CHAPTER VL— LAPIDARY SCULPTURINGS IN IRELAND.
In Ireland, stones, sculptured with cups and concentric rings exactly
like those we have described in the preceding pages, have been found,
I believe, in different parts of the island. For example, in Plate
XXVII. is a rough sketch of a large slab cut with cups and rings, and
groups of circles apparently with radial grooves similar to those of Scot-
land and England, which was found in the western county of Kerry. A
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64 ON THE 8CULPTCRING8 OF CUPS AND CONOBNTRIC RINGS
cast of it has been for many years in the Musenm of the Boyal Irish
Academy.^
I have been famished by Dr Wise with a sketch and note of a flag
sandstone found by him at a place called Aghnacerribb, near Dingle, in
Kerry, partially carved in a similar style to the preceding stone from the
same county. The stone at Aghnacerrib is about five feet three inches
square, flat on its surface, and probably in $itu. Upon it are four cups of
different sizes, surrounded by two or three concentric circles, made with
almost geometrical precision. No radial ducts or grooves traverse the
circles. In the neighbourhood of the stone are other interesting arcbaso-
logical remains, as stone circles, a circular fort, and many clog-bauns, or
ancient stone dwellings.
As specimens of apparently similar sculptures found existing on the
eastern side of the island, I may refer to two slabs of granite, discovered
and sketched by Mr Du Noyer, from two localities in the county of
Dublin. The first, a slab lying close to the base of the round tower of
Rathmichael Old Church, in the county of Dublin, has cut upon it two
groups of four concentric circles, each connected by three lines. The
second slab was used as a tombstone in the churchyard of Tullow, and
has an ornamentation. In both these specimens the circles are, I believe,
formed by intermittent dots or pits, and not, as in the British specimens,
by continuous incised lines. But these sculptures are peculiar from
another circumstance, namely, that outside the circles, and intermedi-
ately between them, are marked out straight lines running in different
directions, an appearance never seen around the cup and ring cuttings of
Scotland and England. Mr Du Noyer suggests that those two stones
under discussion were "carved in Pagan times, and the stones sub-
sequently adapted to Christian uses.'' ^
I have in a previous page (p. 24) referred to a cromlech at Batbkenny
1 Dr GrareB has, I am informed, made an important collection of analagons
scnlptures from stones and rocks in various parts of Ireland, and we may soon ex-
pect a full account of them from his able pen.
2 Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, vol. viii. p. 61. I have seen sketcbei
of stones found in Ireland at East Goulane and Banoge with rings and cups, and
with the same exterior straight lines ; but the circles in these stones are also, I am
informed by Mr Stuart, made up of pits, and not of lines.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 65
in Ireland, sculptured with cups and rings, and apparently, from the
sketch sent to me, scratched over with many straight lines.
A series of most interesting sepulchral sculptures has lately heen dis-
covered hy Mr Gonwell, of Trim, upon the stones of an extensive group
of ancient chambered cairns, reared upon the summits of a ridge of
hills known as Sleive-na-Callighe, in the county of Meath. The cairns
are circular externally ; and internally the largest consist for the roost
part of small chambers and cists arranged in a cruciform shape, the narrow
entrance passage representing the shaft of the cross. The chambers are
formed by large flags set on edge, and rough pillar stones, while the roofs
are made of overlapping and converging slabs. Many of the stones
forming the walls of the chambers and cists are carved, most frequently
by punched or picked work, and sometimes by scraping and the chisel ;
and so varied is the sculpturing, that no two stones are exactly alike. I
am indebted to the courtesy of Mr Gonwell for some sketches of them.
Among the figures are numerous cup excavations, groups of concentric
circles, with and without central depressions, the rings being sometimes
complete, sometimes incomplete, and interspersed with volutes or spirals.
But in addition to these figures, and freely commixed with them, are
much more elaborate sculptures in the form of lunet-shaped, zig-zag,
and straight lines ; loops, arches, lozenges, and diamond or cone-shaped
figures ; dots, stars, and circles, with radiating rays ; some quadrangular,
triangular, and reticulated forms, devices like the stalk and fibre system
of a leaf, &o. In the '' Meath Herald" for 21st October 1865, Mr Du
Noyer, an excellent Irish antiquary, compares some of these carvings at
Sleive-na-Callighe to the figures of a wooden shield, of a gold torque, a
two-wheeled chariot, a boat with high poop and stem, &c.
Within these ancient graves, the walls of which are so curiously
carved, Mr Conwell has found many portions of burned human bones ;
with various relics and implements, as pieces of broken and very rude
pottery; several round stone balls ^ of syenite and ironstone, &c.] the
beads of a stone necklace ; a white flint arrowhead, and some flint flakes ;
two or three hundred sea-shells, and rounded white sea-pebbles: an
1 The late Dr Petrie had in his collection one of these balls, which he told me had
been fonnd within the sepulchral chambers of New Grange.
APPKNDIX — VOL. VI. e
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66 ON THE S0ULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINQ8
enormous collection of bone implements, as portions of bone pins,
numerous broken pieces of bone tools and combs, many of them carved
with figures, curved lines, and circles, — one of them containing the
representation of a stag in Crosshatch lines ; besides hundreds of broken
pieces of bone, levelled or smoothed apparently with cross lines, as if
intended for carving ; an ornamented bronze pin ; one or two pieces of
jet ; and in the southern side crypt of one of the largest cairns, and
near the entrance of the crypt, a few small amber beads, with portions
of several small bronze rings, five or six fragments of glass and glass
beads, a ring of iron about half an inch in diameter, an iron punch five
inches long, with a chisel-shaped point and broadened head, and five or
six other small corroded pieces of the same metal. The drawings in
Plate XXYIII. are copies of the figures cut on some of the cysts or
chambers ; the last and lowest drawing being much more finished by the
artist than the first, and giving a general view of the most elaborate
crypt yet detected in this most interesting necropolis. A large stone
basin was placed on the floor of the crypt.
I do not know whether the remarkable sculptures within the
chambered cairns or tumuli of Sleive-na-Gallighe should be regarded as
earlier, or later, or contemporaneous with the diversified and decorative
carvings which exist in Ireland on some of the stones of the gigantic
old barrows that stand on the lower banks of the Boyne, a few miles
above Drogheda. Several years ago I had an opportunity of visiting
the great old necropolis there, and of seeing the megalithic interior
of New Grange along with my fnend, Sir William Wilde. From his
admirable work on the Boyne and Blackwater, there is copied into Plata
XXIX. a series of specimens of the sculptures cut on the stones of the
tumuli of New Grange and Dowth.
Figure 1 shows the double spirals, &c., carved on the enormous curb-
stone that stands at the entrance to the passage or gallery of New
Grange. This gallery, which is sixty-three feet long, leads into the
high dome-roofed chamber which forms the centre. These volutes, like
others in the interior of this vast sepulchral mound, are formed of a
double coil, commencing with a loop. On this curbstone the lines are
said to differ from those on our lapidary cuttings in Scotland and
England by being apparently raised in relief, rather than incised. In
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 67
fig. 6 is represented a small portion of the edge of a lintel, which pro-
jects horizontally a short distance above and within the line of the
present entrance of the gallery — carefully carved in lozenge and sandglass
patterns — and with the lozenges partially dotted or pitted with minnte
pick work. The great interior chamber has three crypts or recesses
leading off from it ; and fig. 2 gives a view of the eastern crypt, which is
slightly narrowed at its entrance, and has the stones composing its roof
carved over with circles, volutes, and chevrons. These carvings have
been executed after the stones were built into their present places, as the
patterns pass from one stone to another. In the bottom of the crypt is
seen — what existed in all the three recesses — an oval, slightly concave,
stone basin. A similar stone basin of still larger size is represented in
Plate XXVIII. as having been found in one of the crypts at Sleive-na-
Callighe. In fig. 3 we have a more enlarged view of some of the mark-
ings in the eastern crypt, — the double spirals, in most instances, having
seven turns. Fig. 7 shows another variation in the type of the cuttings,
as seen on one of the blocks forming the roof of the same or eastern crypt.
A leaf- like or fern pattern, cut upon the surface of one of the stones of
the western crypt^ is shown in fig. 4. A peculiar linear and angulated
scroll, like a broken gridiron, is cut upon a stone facing the western crypt,
and is reproduced in fig. 5. Several of the stones in this pyramid-like
tomb have round cuttings upon them, which Sir William Wilde speaks
of as small sockets or mortises (cups ?), made *' for the insertion of wedges,
either to split the stones or lift them/'
When describing the sculptures of New Grange, Sir William Wilde
states, that in Ireland, tomb^sculpturing or tomb- writing of similar
characters '* have been found in analogous megalith ic tombs in the
counties of Down and Donegal," and in the great sepulchral mound
at Dowth, about half a mile from New Grange. Several of the blocks
forming an interior chamber at Dowth are carved like those at New
Grange, and present no small beauty of design ; but some of the patterns
ace different— as, for example, two selected in figs. 8 and 9, showing
concentric circles around a central cup ; a double ring with a crucial
pattern in its centre — such as is not un frequent in Scandinavian lapidary
sculptures ; another ring, with numerous straight star-like radii diverging
frum its outer surface (a common device upon the sepulchral stones at
c2
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68 ON THE SCtJLPTURTKGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC BIN08
Sleive-Da-Calligbe), and another double circle with straight lines cut
below it, and straight lines and zig-zags placed over it.
The two Plates XXVIII. and XXIX. are given with the view of
showing the highly decorative and ornamental style of some of these
Irish lapidary scnlpturings, as compared with the comparatively ruder
and simpler, and hence in all probability earlier, cup and ring cuttings
which are found on the archaic carved stones of Scotland and England.
CHAP. VII.- LAPIDARY SCULPTURINGS IN BRITTANY.
In Brittany, the lapidary carvings upon the stones of some of the
ancient tumuli and cromlechs must perhaps be considered — from their
distinct representation of various actual objects— as still more advanced
than those of Ireland.
But the simplest sculpturings also are sometimes seen on the Brittany
sepulchral stones ; as, for example, six cups upon the inner surface of
one of the roofing-stones of the elongated chambered tumulus of Mount
St Michael at Camac, and which, — sketched by the kind assistance of
Mr Barnwell, — are copied into Plate XI. fig. 6, from an interesting essay
of his in the " Cambrian Archsaologia" for January 1864. My friend,
Captain Thomas, informs me, that on a propstone of the dolmen of
Men§Lud at Locmariaker, he found eighteen small cups arranged in
the form of " an irregular circle and a short straight avenue leading
from it ;'' and I could not quote a more accurate and careful observer.
I have seen no account of any separate concentric ring cuttings having
been observed on the Brittany stones, except the statement by Baron
Bonstetten, that on the interior surface of the capstone in the dolmen or
cromlech called "Pierres Plates," at Locmariaker, there are cutout
circles or concentric discs, along with arched lines, leaves of fern, &c,
Mr Barnwell tells me he has seen, on the " Pierres Plates," central dots
or cups and annulets cut out, similar in appearance to the figures given
as the symbol of the sun in astronomical works and almanacs. Captnin
Thomas has shown me rubbings which he made of cups and rings ar-
ranged upon these " Pierres Plates" in rows, which are again inclosed in
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 69
surrouDdiDg settings of elongated lines. He did not find in Brittany a
single example of any concentric rings with a radial duct.
But many of the Brittany stones are cut much more elaborately. Thus
the blocks used in the construction of the gallery and chamber of the
great sepulchral mound at Gkkvr Inis, in the Mcrbihan^ are everywhere
densely covered over with continuous circular, spiral, zig-zag, looped,
and various other types of carving, as represented in sketches of three
of the stones forming a portion of the entrance gallery copied into Plate
XXX. fig. 1. The other stones forming the gallery, <&c., of this magni-
ficent monument are all carved in analogous styles, — except where the
quartz blocks have apparently proved too hard for the tools of the
sculptors. These Gavr Inis sculptures represent a still more elaborate
type of carving than that seen at New Grange, &c. in Ireland ;~and
besides, they display on several stones the important addition of the
outlines of actual objects, namely, triangular-shaped celts' and well-
drawn snakes placed among the ornamental lines.^
In other large Brittany tunnili more perfect, though still rude, repre-
sentations of various other objects have now been detected upon the
component granite stones by M. Galles, and by the remarkable researches
of Mr Samuel Ferguson, of Dublin.* These gentlemen have lately dis-
covered, upon the stones of the tumuli and cromlechs at Locmariaker,
Isle Longul, <Src., figures of various military weapons and arms, as battle-
axes or hatchets (see Plate XXX« fig. 3), handled, and sometimes
> Dr Jameson has sent me a note of the figure of a celt or triangular ** dagger,^
cot out upon a tall monolith at Anchonear, in the Scottish island of Anran. The
figure, he states, is about 9 inches long, and 8 inches broad, at its base, and points
upwards. There are no' other markings on the stone. This is the only celt figure ~
in Scotland of which I have heard. Dr Jameson has kindly inspected for me all
the other standing-stones and cirdes in Arran, without discovering any markings
or toolings upon one of them. I found none on those which I examined in the
adjoining island of Bute.
' One of the stones in the gallery at Gavr Inis is ** holed" or perforated obliquely
on its face, the entrance and exit of the artificial perforation — which admits the
hand — ^being about fifteen inches apart. Each opening has a semicircle or half ring
in relief surrounding it. I am indebted to Miss Young for an excellent sketch of
this stone.
3 See the Proceedinga of the Royal Irish Academy for 1864.
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70 ON THE 8CULPTUBINGS OF CUPS AND OONCKNTRIC UING8
plumed, — bow8, semi-circular and cross, — and oblong shields (see figs. 3
and 4) ; with some imperfect figures of animals. Many of these remark-
able sculptures, it is to be remembered, were, as we shall see subsequently,
found in sepulchres where abundance of stone weapons and objects were
discovered, — but unaccompanied by any metallic instruments or orna-
ments.
In addition to these few remarks on the Brittany catacomb sculpturci*,
let me add, that carvings also exist upon the stones of the open crom-
lechs in that country. In a celebrated cromlech at Locmariaker, called
the Merchant's Table, the head stone is cut with a succession of lows
of long parallel vertical lines, straight in their middle, and curved at
their extremities ; and besides there are carved out on the inferior surface
of the capstone, — and before it was placed in sitUy — various lines, and
specially the figure of an axe, with a long looped handle and a floreated
head, as represented in Plate XXX. fig. 2.
Some of these Brittany sculpturings are raised, and not incised, like
those which I have described on the Scottish and English sculptured
stones ; and hence in this respect, as well as from the objective character
of the sculptures, they seemingly indicate a higher type of art.
The surfaces of the megalithic structures in other parts of France do
not appear to have been yet examined with any great accuracy. M. Alex.
Bertrand, in his " Monuments Primitives de la Gaule,*' states, that above
two thousand " dolmens" (megalithic tumuli and cromlechs) still exist
on the soil of France ; 500 of them being in the department of Lot alone,
and 500 in that of Finisterre. New discoveries in prehistoric sculptures
are almost certain to be attained in this extensive archaeological field. ^
1 Lately, in his work upon the Antiquities of Poitou (Epoquet AnUdUwrienn% et
CtUique du Poitou) j M. Bronillet deecribes and figures some roundish and irregular
excavationB upon the capstones of several cromlechs in that neighbourhood, which
he believes to be probably artificial ; but they seem to me to be much more like the
corrosions and destruction produced by weather and time. His obeervations upon
the contents of various French cromlechs are more important In the interior of
several he found successive layers of human bones, separated by layers of flat stones.
These bones were apparently all more or less bruised and often gnawed, and lay in
regular anatomical order. No objects of metal were found along with them ; hut
some pottery, bone weapons, and implements of flint and stone, were occadonslly
discovered within these cromlech sepulchres. In a preceding note at p. 24 I am
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 71
CHAPTER VIII.— LAPIDARY SCULPTURINGS IN SCANDINAVIA.
I am not aware that the active school of Aichadology in Scandinavia
has hitherto paid any special attention to archaic pre-lettered carviDgs
upon stones and rocks. But amidst their antiquarian literature, speci-
mens are incidentally alluded to of lapidary cup and ring carvings, which
are interesting in relation to the present inquiry ; and some forms of
ancient sculptures, different from ours, and peculiar to Sweden and Nor-
way, have long attracted the attention of the northern antiquaries. One
or two specimens and figures of each kind will he sufficient to illustrate
my meaning.
Cup markings exist on a granite hlock, known as Balder's Altar, Baal's
or Balder's Stone, near Falkoping, in Sweden. The stone is of a some-
what ovoid shape, ahout six or seven feet long, and three feet high. Its
upper surface is covered with cups of different sizes. Four of the largest
and four small cups form a row ohliqnely across the middle of the stone ;
and along the side of the hlock there is another row of such cups, like
those on the Bewick Stone, figured in Plate XXV. fig. 8. " Such holes,"
observes Professor Nilsson, " are frequently found in large stones both in
Sweden and abroad, and are supposed," he adds, '' to have been made
upon heathen (or Baal) altars, in order to receive part of the blood of
the sacrifice" — an opinion in which he seems inclined to join. But the
cups, in some of their positions, as upon the sides of the Balder and
Bewick Stones, and upon the surfaces of erect monoliths, could never
possibly contain any fluid.^ I have had copied into Plate XXX. fig. 1,
a sketch of the Balder Stone, as given by Professor Nilsson in his
'' Scandaniska Nordens Ur-Invanare," p. 133.
Concentric circles are figured by the same author in another part of
the same work (p. 167), as cut upon a large standing stone on Asige
perhaps wrong in conceiving that M. Bertrand states there were not above a dozen
out of the many hundred cromlechs in France which were *' holed" or perforated in
their props ; for since reading M. Bronillet's remarks, I believe M. Bertrand probably
refers to incomplete and doubtful holes {(rout), and not to complete perforations.
* Professor Nilsson thinks that these cupped Baal altar stones became the earliest
holy water stones when Christianity was first introduced into Sweden.
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72 OM THE SCULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTUIC RINGS
Moor, ill Halland, SwedoD. The stoDe is probably one which formed
the side of a tall trilithon, like those in the middle circles at Stone-
henge, but one stone is now prostrate ; and near them stand, six feet apart,
two similar stones, from fourteen to sixteen feet in height, above three
broad, two in thickness, and flat on the top, where apparently a trans-
verse impost wus formerly placed. These great pillars are known under
the name of '^Haborg's Gibbet,'' or '^Hanging Stones." The circles
made on the standing stone are concentric, and six in number, as repre-
sented in the copy from Nilsson, given in Plate XXXI. fig. 2. Further,
the circles are not cut in continuous lines, but as dots or pits, in the
same way as some of the Irish stones. (See ante, p. 64.) In Nilsson's
woodcut and brief description, there is no note of the presence of a
central cup or radial duct. Bemains of a megalithic avenue and large
monoliths exist in the neighbourhood.
A sculptured cromlech in Denmark is described and figured by Axel
£m. Holmberg in his '* Skandinaviens Hallristningar," p. 79, and his
sketch of it is copied into Plate XXXI. fig. 3. Among the many
naked and mound-covered cromlechs of Denmark this is one of the
very few that have been hitherto discovered presenting any appear-
ance of tooling and carving. The cromlech in question is situated
in the parish of Grevinge, in Zeeland. It was entirely concealed
within an earthen mound or baiTow, until it was accidentally dis-
covered by adventurers searching for treasure, and now stands free and
exposed. Some urns with tools and pieces of flint were found within its in-
terior chamber, which is six feet high, and formed of six upright supports,
covered by a large capstone. On the upper surface of this capstone
are several figures, so slightly carved that they only become very
distinct in a good light. These figures consbt — 1. Of two small circles,
with a third and larger circle, each of them inclosing two lines, which
cross or intersect at right angles ; and 2. Of three very rude figures of
ships, with crews varying from eight to twenty-four. There are three
or four other imperfect linear markings on this capstone, which Holm-
berg^ considers to be probably nothing but natural marks. "Some
antiquarians," he observes, " look upon this monument as belonging to
^ ScandinaTiens HailiistniDgar, p. 80.
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ON STONES AND BOCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 73
the very oldest age, wlien metals were unknown ; and tbey believe, there-
fore, that the sculptures must have been done with stone. Others, and
among them Professor Worsaae,^ ascribe it to a later date, because the
vessels contain more men than single-tree canoes or skin boats could hold."
Circles, containing within them two right-angled lines, in the form of
an equal-limbed cross — like the circles on this Zeeland cromlech — are
very common on sepulchral and other stones and objects in Scandinavia.
Some northern archaeologists ccmceive the figure to represent a shield or
wheel; but others of them hold that it, and the ''fyllot»'' or four-
angled cross, are symbols of Baal or Woden.'
Very rude sketches of ships and crews, like those on this Zeeland
capstone, have been found carved in great numbers on rocks in Scan-
dinavia ; and the age of the earliest and latest forms of these " hallrist-
ningar" has by no means been as yet determined. In the latest, the
ship outlines are often mixed up with wheels, simple and crossed, rows
and groups of cup-like excavations, one or two volutes, and many rude
figures of armed men, animals, &c.' Holmberg has published drawings
of above one hundred and fifty of these " hallristningar," and each
drawing contains several figures. Two boats with various accompany-
ing figures were discovered a century or two ago sketched upon the
interior stones of a chambered cairn at Eivik, and lately this Eivik
tumulus has attracted much attention in consequence of a very learned
and deeply respected Scandinavian archsBologist — Professor Nilsson of
Lund — maintaining that the figures are Phoenician in their origin, of
the bronze age, and connected with the worship of Baal. Let us, there-
fore, for a moment consider this Eivik monument at somewhat greater
length, — the more so as Professor Nilsson attributes this monument and
our British ring sculptures to the same people and the same age.
The Kivik or Bredaror cairn is placed to the south of Eivik, in the county
of Skane, and district of Christianstad, Sweden, and stands about three
1 Danmarks Oltid, oplyst ved GravhOge, &c., p. 71.
2 Holmboe, in the Ghristiania " Videnskabsselskabs Forhandling*' for 1860,
figures several of these cross markings, and seems to look upon them as emblems of
death.
3 For drawings of these *' haUristningar/' see Holmberg^s work, and Dr Aberg, in
the Annaler for nordisk Oldkyndighed, for Aaret 1889.
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74 ON THE SCULPTUBINGS OFCUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
hundred yards from the shores of the Baltic. The great original size of the
cairn cannot be now ascertained, as for many long years its stones have
served as a quarry for the building of bridges, houses, walls, &c.^ in the
neighbourhood. Before the middle of the last century its interior chamber
was reached and examined. It measured thirteen feet in length, and
three in breadth, and lay north and south. Its walls were found to be
composed of upright stones or slabs, some of which were sculptured,
others were not. Probably the chamber had been previously entered
and harried, and two of the sculptured blocks were displaced. The
chamber was roofed in above, not with flat slabs, but with large irregular
stones of considerable size, — some of them laid edgewise, but sufficiently
preventing the mass of small cairn stones placed above from falling in.
The carved or sculptured stones lining the chamber were of granite, and
on an average about four feet high, three feet broad, and eight or nine
inches in thickness. The carvings upon them are rude and rough, yet
confessedly graphic* Various archaeologists have discussed and figured
these Eivik sculptured stones and sculptures, as Lagerbring,' Abra-
hamsen,^ Sjoborg,^ &c. ; but I have drawn the notice and sketch of them
(copied into Plate XXXII.) from Professor Nilsson,' as the latest
authority on the subject. He holds that the figures on most of Uie
stones are symbolical or religious ; while those on the two last (figs. 7
and 8) are more strictly historical, and represent a victory, or rather the
rejoicings and human sacrifices following it ; and he believes that the
representations upon the carved stones of the cairn show the victors and
its builders to have been worshippers of the eastern sun-god Baal.
A granite block stands at either end of the sepulchral chamber. The
* A second smalleT chamber or cist, only four feet in length, has been discovered
in the Kivik caim ; its stones are quite unscnlptored. It lies south of the larger
and sculptured chamber.
> Specimen Historicum de Monumento Kivikensi. Loud. Gk)then. 1780.
3 Scandinaviskt Museum, 1808, p. 288-802.
4 Samlingar idi Nordens Fomalskare, torn. iii. p. 142.
ft Die Uereinwofaner des Scandinavischen Nordens I. Das Bronzealter. Hamburg,
1868. Lately Professor Nilsson has published, in the 4th volume of the Transac-
tions of the Ethnological Society of London, p. 244, a remarkable essay on Stone-
henge, as probably a Solar Temple of the Bronze Age. It formed originally a sup-
plemental part to his " Bronsiildem."
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 75
stone at the north end (fig. 5) lias no carving upon it. That at the
south end (fig. 1) has cut upon it helow, the outline of a crewless and
perhaps defeated boat; and above it two bronze axes and two other
weapons, perhaps javelin-points, on either side. Placed intermediately
between these instruments is a cone or obelisk, which Professor Nilsson
maintains, from various eastern emblems and evidence, to be a symbol of
the Sun-god, who, he adds, *' granted the victory by means of the arms
here represented." Fig. 2 contains merely a rude outline of a vessel
and its crew, such as exists so frequently on Swedish rocks. Fig, 3
represents four animals (horses) in a square or panel, with a series of
straight and interlaced zig-zag lines, and lozenge-shaped squares, sepa-
rating two of these animals above from the two below. Fig. 4 repre-
sents a cartouche or panel, ornamented with zig-zag lines, and containing
within it two quartered discs,— or, in other words, two circles, each with
two inclosed cross-lines. Fig. 5 shows another panel, inclosing two
quartered discs below ; and two crescents above, with a horned or spiral
line passing upward out of each end of the crescent. Professor Nilsson,
and those who argue for the eastern origin of these symbols, find an
emblem of Baal or the Sun-god in the obelisk, in the horses, and in the
quartered circles or discs, and an emblem of the Moon-goddess in the
crescents and horns.
The two next sets of sculptures are, as already stated, more historical.
The first of the two, fig. 7, seems to represent in its first line a warrior
in his double-horsed chariot, preceded by prisoners, who appear to have
their hands tied behind their backs, and to be guarded by a person hold-
ing a raised sword ; on the second line are two horses opposed to each
other, and a boat(?); and on the third line is a row of men dressed,
according to Professor Nilsson, in flowing priestly costume, and who
walk in procession after a person holding on high a quadrangular im-
plement or banneret in his right hand. Fig. 8 is more elaborate still.
Its first line consists of a procession, which Professor Nilsson considers
as a continuation of the conqueror's festival procession in the first line
of fig. 7. First, there are two musicians, apparently playing upon large
horns; a third holds a squared instrument like the figure in fig. 7;
a fourth personage has his limbs, according to Professor Nilsson, set
for dancing ; and the two last play upon a kind of suspended double
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76 ON THE 8CULPTUBINQS OF CUFS AND CONCENTRIC BINGS
drum or "tjmpanou," a form of musical instrumeDt which Nilsson
holds to have been known to the Israelites and Egyptians in the East.
The second line seems to consist of priests, advancing to an altar in tbe
midst of them ; while the third line contains, apparently in different
attitudes, two small groups of the prisoners, with their hands bound
behind their backs, — attended by a keeper with a drawn sword, — and
having two circles incomplete, and with angled extremities, — like two
inclosures or prisons, — for the reception of the captives.
Professor Nilsson, while believing this cairn at Eivik to have been
erected in commemoration of some victory — ^probably a naval one — by
worshippers of the eastern snn-god Baal, holds, further, that it is a
monument which belongs certainly to the bronze age ; although human
figures, and any other objects, — except geometric circles and lines, — are
rarely found on stones and implements of the bronze period. Farther,
be believes — as we shall see in a subsequent chapter — ^that all tbe
traces of Solar or Baal worship hitherto discovered in Scandinavia have
been invariably found in connection with tbe bronze era ; and on the
Kivik monument he conceives tbat the long-flowing dresses of the priests
are such as we would expect from the account of the peculiar vestments,
mantles and pili, of the worshippers of Baal, as given by Herodian,
Lucian, &c.
It is perhaps proper to add, that Professor Nilsson, like Mr Miinter,'
considers the two last Eivik stones (figs. 7 and 8) to represent an
immolation of some of the vanquished, as sacrifices for the victory
obtained, and that the priests are assembled around the altar or cauldron
for tbat purpose. The immolation of prisoners of war was a prac-
tice followed among some old nations. When Carthage, originally a
Phoenician city or colony, was besieged by Agathocles, the inhabitants
sacrificed two hundred boys of the highest descent as burnt-offerings ;
and afterwards, when they bad obtained the victory, they immolated tbe
most beautiful captives in like manner (Diodorus xx. 14,565). We
know from this and various other sources that the Phoenicians or
Canaanites, and the worshippers of Baal, had no remorse against the
barbarous sacrifices of the infants and subjects even of their own
J Antiqvariske Annaler, Copenhagen, for aar. 1816.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OP SCOTLAND. 77
race^ While conducting their sacrifices, some of the priests of Baal
seem to have jumped or danced,* as Nilsson believes to be the act
in which one of the personages or priests in the first line of fig. 8 is
engaged; and perhaps each individual with the upraised four-sided
instrument in figs. 7 and 8, may be looked upon as occupied in an ana-
logous manner.
Professor Nilsson makes one critical remark on the position of the
figures on the last two stones, which seems worthy of quotation. The
figures are arranged on the slabs from right to left, and are only in-
telligible when taken in this order. They form, as it were, a writing in
figures instead of letters, and in doing so, they followed the course of
Phoenician and other Semitic documents in reading from right to left,
instead of from left to right.
Such sketches as are cut on the Eivik stones are not unique in Sweden.
Professor Sjoborg' has described a very heavy flat stone, a relic of another
> Professor Nilsson alludes to the large double drum or instrament, represented
in the first line of slabs (fig. 8), as the eastern *' tympanum.'' He does not advert
to the circumstance, that onr best Hebrew scholars derive the name of Tophet from
the Hebrew word '* Toph/' signifying the drum or tabret, beaten to drown the cries
of the human victims. See Milton's allusion to this in " Paradise Lost:*'—
** Thoagh for the noiae of druma and timbrel* loud.
Their children's cries anhe«rd, that pasted through Are
To his grim idoL"
It is well known that Tophet, or the valley of the son of Hinnom, placed near one
of the gates of Jerusalem, was long noted for the sacrifices to Baal, perpetrated at
it by the Israelitish followers of the Phoenician gods, who there burned *' their sons
and daughters in the fire" (see 1 Kings xziii. 10, and Jeremiah vii. 81). Hence the
title of the place is commanded to be altered to the significant name of ** the valley
of Slaughter" (Jeremiah rii. 82, and xiz. 6, 6).
> About 900 years before the commencement of the Christian era, we find, in
1 Kings xzvii. 26, that the priests of Baal ** leaped upon the altar which they
made," an expression which Pyle, Patrick. Qotch, and other commentators, hold as
meaning in the original, they " danced about the altar." Professor Nilsson cites
the opinion of Dr H. M. Melin to the same effect Herodian, in his History (Lib. v.
cap. 8, 6), states that, under Heliogabalus, the worshippers or priests of Baal danced
around the altar of the sun-god, in the Phoenician manner, to the music of drums,
cymbals, and other instrument*.
' Sammlung fiir Nordische Alterthomsfh>nnde, vol. iii. p. 146.
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78 ON THB SCULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
Swedish tumulus at Willfara, and cut with rough representations upon
it, like those at Kivik, of a two-wheeled chariot, drawn hy a pair of
horses, three boats, and about a dozen cup excavations. That these exca-
vations were, however, of an older date than the objective figures is proved
by one simple fact. A line forming the side of one of the ships traverses
one of the cups, and cuts its way along the concavity or bottom of it, so
far proving that the cup marking was older than the line marking. In
digging into the barrow, from which apparently this stone had been taken
at Wallfara, Professors Sjoborg and Nilsson found a very perfect flint
knife and a small piece of bronze ornament.
The school of sculpt\ire that carved these Eivik figures is one which
we naturally surmise to be much more advanced than that simpler
and more primitive school which was content with cutting only
the rude lapidary rings and cups which form the subject of the pre-
sent memoir; and whatever may be the age at which the Eivik
sculptures were cut, the age of the lapidary circles and cups in Scan-
dinavia and in Britain must, I believe, be allowed by all to be at least
either still more remote and archaic in point of time, or carved by a
ruder race.
Let me here add, that the search after cup and ring cuttings in our
own country has been only recently begun ; and in the course of a few
years many more specimens of them will doubtlessly be discovered.
But the search for them among the archaic remains of distant coun-
tries in Europe, and in other divisions of the Old and New "World," will
probably bring to light many new facts, both as to the sculptures them-
selves, and as to the ethnological relations which possibly they may
help to prove among different portions and localisations of the human
race.
1 I )iave heard of cup markings in Switzerland. Miss Paterson, of Leith, a keen
and accurate observer, saw some markings on stones behind Smyrna, in Asia Minor.
In the bed of a winter torrent at Bonmabat, seven miles beyond Smyrna, she dis-
covered a large boulder, with several concentric circles on it, similar to drawings of
lapidary circles which she had seen in my possession before leaving Rdinbnrgh.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 79
PART IV.
GENERAL INFERENCES.
Id reference to the lapidary concentric ring-cuttings and cup-cuttings
in Scotland, &c., I will take the liberty of adding a few general obser-
vations about their possible import or meaning, their dsite, &c»
CHAPTER IX.-IMPORT OF THE RING AND CUP SCULPTURES.
Of the real objects or meaning of these stone-cut circles and cups we
know as yet nothing that is certain. They are archaeological enigmata
which we have no present power of solving ; lapidary hieroglyphics and
symbols, the key to whose mysterious import has been lost, and probably
may never be regained. But various doctrines and hypotheses which have
been proposed as to their origin and object necessarily require more or
less consideration on our part.
They have been supposed, for instance, by the Rev. Mr Greenwell, Sir
Gardner Wilkinson, Dr Graves, and others, to be archaic maps or plans
of old circular camps and cities in their neighbourhood, telling possibly
of their direction and character — *^ such (observes Sir Crardner Wilkin-
son) as are traced in time of danger by the Arabs on the sand to guide
the movements of a force coming to their direction'' (Journal of British
ArchsBological Association for January 1860, p. 109). But I believe
this idea has now been abandoned as untenable by some, if not by all,
of the antiquaries who first suggested it.
The carvings have been held by some as intended for dials, the light
of the sun marking time upon them,— or upon a stick placed in their
central cups, — and its shadow corresponding with one of the central
radial grooves; but they have been found in localities which neither
sun nor shadow could reach, as in the dark interiors of stone sepulchres
and underground houses. Others have regarded them as some form of
gambling table ; but they occur on perpendicular and slanting, as well
as flat rocks ; and besides, if such were their use, they would scarcely
have been employed to cover the ashes of the dead.
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80 ON THE SCULPTUUINGS OF CDP8 AND OONCBNTBIC RIKG8
I have beard them spoken of as rode representationB of the sun and
stars, and of other material and even corporeal objects^ of natural or
Sabean worship ; bnt all attempts to connect the peculiar configurations
and relations which they show with any celestial or terrestrial matters
have as yet confessedly failed. Nor have we the slightest particle of
evidence in favour of any of the numerous additional conjectures which
have been proposed,— as that these British cup and ring carvings are
symbolic enumerations of families or tribes ; or some variety of archaic
writing ; or emblems of the philosophical views of the Druids ; or stone
tables for Druidical sacrifices ; or objects for the practice of magic and
necromancy.
My friend Mr Dickson of Alnwick has, in some archaeological observa-
tions relating to the incised stones found upon the hills about Doddington,
Chatton, &c., '* suggested that these carvings relate to the god Mithras
(the name under which the sun was worshipped in Persia), that about the
end of the second century the religion of Mithras had extended over all the
western empire, and was the favourite religion of the Komans,*' a system
of astrological theology ; that in the sculptured Northumberland rocks
the central cup signifies the sun, " the concentric circles, probably the
orbits of the planets ;" and the radial straight groove ^' the way through
to the sun." In consequence, Mr Dickson holds these rock sculptures
to be " the work of the Komans, and not Celtic," having been cut, he
supposes, as emblems of their religion by Roman soldiers near old British
camps, after they had driven out their native defenders. But if they were
of Boman origin, they would surely be found in and around Boman sta-
tions, and not in and around British localities — in Boman graves, and not
in old British kist-vaens. The fact, however, is that they abound in
localities which no Boman soldiers ever reached, as in Argyleshire,
in Orkney, and in Ireland. And possibly even most of them were cut
before the mythic time when Bomulus drew his first encircling furrow
1 Two archaoological friends of mine— both dignitaries in the Episcopal Chnrch —
have separately formed the idea that the lapidary ciipe and circles are emblems of
old female Lingam worship, a supposition which appears to me to be totally with>
out any anatomical or other foundation, and one altogether opposed by aU we know
of tlie specific class of symbols nned in that worship, either in ancient or modem
times. •
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ON bTONEB AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, &C. 81
around the Palatine Mount, and founded that petty Tillage which was
destined to become — within seven or eight short centuries — the Empress
of the civilised world.
Some archsBologists have attempted to carry back the lapidary cuttings
to the influence of an eastern race, who appear to have known the west,
and perhaps the north, of Europe, for several centuries before Rome even
was founded, and who are imagined to have cut the lapidary rings, not
for the worship of the Persian god Mithras, but of the Phoenician god
Baal. From its novelty and peculiarities this theory requires a more
detailed consideration from us than any of the preceding suggestions.
CHAPTER X.-THEIR ALLEGED PHCENICIAN ORIGIN.
The chief supporter of this theory of the Phoenician origin of the
cup and ring cuttings is the eminent Swedish archaeologist. Professor
Nilsson, to whom I have already referred in chap. viii. He holds that
the Druidism or Druidical worship, which Julius Caesar found prevalent
in Gaul and Britain at the time of his invasion of t^hese countries (viz.,
upwards of half a century before the Christian era), was a form of religion
that never reached Scandinavia, and which at that time was — relatively,
at least— recent in England and France, being only, perhaps, t\NO or
three centuries old, and fundamentally a younger type of a more ancient
and oriental creed. For he believes that anterior to Druidism in Britain
there existed here, and in the north of Europe, — as a result of Phoe-
nician commercial intercourse and colonisation, — a form of eastern
Solar worship; that our megalithic circles, <&c., were reared by these
Sun worshippers, and not by the Druids — for in none of the classical
notices of Druidism are these stone circles ever distinctly alluded
to, whilst they exist in many countries where neither Celt nor Druid
was ever known;' that Stonehenge, Abury, <&c., were erected as Sun
1 Stone circles have been fonnd in almost every country in the old world, from
Greenland southward. Nor are ancient circles of this kind wanting even in
Australia. My friend, Mr Ormond, informs me, that he has seen many, especially
in the district near the Mount Elephant plains, in Victoria. <* The circles (Mr
Ormond writes me) are from ten to a hundred feet in diameter, and sometimes
APPENDIX — VOL, VI. /
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82 ON THE SCULPTURINQS OF CUPS AND OONOENTRIO RINGS.
temples to the Phoenioian Sun-god, Baal ; and that our lapidary ring-
cuttings on the stones of New Grange and Dowth, and upon the rocks of
Northumberland, &c., are also the work of these Sun worshippers, and
were cut for the purpose of symbolising the sun ; — ^the single central cup
and central ring indicating the solar luminary, and perhaps each addi-
tional circle afterwards added around this solar figure, recording and
honouring — as he suggests — the death of some near relatiye.' Professor
Nilsson further maintains that this supposed Solar worship in Western
and Northern Europe prevailed during the Bronze era ; and that circular
or concentric figures and designs upon ornaments, implements, weapons,
&c.f are inyariably associated in these European countries with the
Bronze age, and consequently with the era of Sun worship, — except
where they have descended, and been adapted to articles of the Iron
age, as designs which were ornamental merely, and without any inner
signification.'
In relation to these opinions let me here observe, that it seems to be a
fully established fact in ancient history that, on the shores of the Atlantic
Ocean, the Phoenicians founded Gradir, Gudeira, or G-ades (Cadiz),' about
there is an inner circle. The stones oomposing these circles, or circular areas, Tary
in size and shape. Human bones have (he adds) been dug out of mounds near
these circles. The aborigines have no traditions regarding them. When asked
about them, they invariably deny knowledge of their origin."
* See his Skaiidinaviskd Nordens Ur-Invn&are, p. 148.
' Professor Nilsson has published at length his obeeryations on the early FhoBni-
cian intercourse and colonisation of Western and Northern Europe in the eBsays
already referred to at p. 73, ante,
^ For the special historical data proving the date of the founding of Gadeira, see
Mr Kenrick's scholarly and learned history of "Phoenicia" (p. 125, &c.), or the
more extended work, "Die Phoenizier," of Professor Movers of Breslau, vol. ii^
p. 147, &c. " The foundation," remarks Mr Kenrick, " of Gades by the Tyrians,
twelve centuries before Christ, is one of the best attested facts of such ancient date"
(p. 209). In Strabo's time (20 b.c.), Cadiz, which, after six or seven centuries, had
become a Carthaginian, and ultimately a Roman conquest, was still, according to
him, a city second only to Rome in population ; and, as a proof of the extent of
Phoenician colonisation in Southern Spain, he states (iii. 11, i 18), that " the whole
of the cities of Turdetania and the neighbouring places" in the Spanish Peninsula,
were in his days inhabited by the Phoenicians, — ^including under that term, as he
always does, the inhabitants of Carthage, as well as those of Tyre and Sidon. See
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, &0. 83
eleven or twelve centuries before the commencement of the Christian era;
and this colony or city was not perhaps, by one or two centuries/ the
earliest of the many Phoenician settlements' established upon the coast of
TartessQS, Tarshish, or Southern Spain. We know that the powerful
and wealthy city of Tyre, " the crowning city," whose " merchants are
princes,'' and itself '' a mart of nations " (according to the striking lan-
guage that, seven or eight centuries before Christ, Isaiah uttered in regard
also Mr Orote in his History of Greece, vol. iii. p. 874, as to these towns being
'* altogether PLcBnicised." Strabo mentions (iii. 11, { G), that the largest merchant
shipe which in Roman times visited the ports of Naples (Dic«darchia) and Ostia were
the ships of Tnrdetania — representatives, as they were, of the ancient *' ships of
Tarshish," a name given to large vessels in ancient Biblical times, apparently on
the principle that all commercial ships of nnnsnal size were, in Great Britain, thirty
or forty years ago, called " East Indiamen," whether they traded eastward or not.
1 " Phoenicia," observes Mr Kenrick, " had, no donbt, been enriched by intercourse
with Tartessas during the [anterior] period of the ascendancy of Sidon, before any
attempt was made to obtain a permanent establishment there" (p. 124). The
mention of Tarsis as a gem in the breastplate of the Jewish High Priest (Exodus
xzviii. 20), shows that precious stones were already imported from Spain to the
East as early as about fifteen centuries b.o. (see Kenrick's Phoenicia, p. 118, and
Professor Mover's ** Die Phcenizier," Band ii. p. 692). ** We are therefore, surely,"
observes a cautious and critical writer, Sir John Lubbock, " quite justified in con-
cluding that between b.o. 1600 and b.o. 1200 the Phoenicians sailed into the Atlantic
and discovered the mineral fields of Spain and Great Britain " (see his Prehistoric
Times, p. 46). Homer represents Sidon as abounding in works of bronze (•« Zi/ciroc
»'&wx;t«xx w) at the era of the Trojan war (Odys. xv. 424).
* *• Scylaz (c. 1), whose Periplus was composed about 840 B.C., mentions," observes
Sir Gomewall Lewis, "many factories of the Carthaginians to the west of the
Pillars of Hercules, apparently on the European side." — {Attrotiomy of the Ancients^
p. 449. See also Strabo in Note 2, p. 82, ante) Eratosthenes speaks of the coasts
of Mauritania (southward from Cadiz and the Straits of Gibraltar), as containing
in early times 800 Phoenician settlements (see Kenrick's Phoenicia, p. 186; and
Grote's Greece, vol. iii. p. 867). Sir Come wall Lewis lays down the voyage of
Hanno, whose Periplus is extant, as being partly for the foundation of colonies, ami
partly for discovery. " He is supposed," adds Sir Cornewall, ** to have sailed along
the [Atlantic] coast as far as Sierra Leone, and according to the best considered con-
jecture, his expedition took place about 470 b.c." — (Astronomy of the Ancients, p. 464) .
The Rev. Isaac Taylor, in his work on " Words and Places," points out Phoenician
names running along the Atlantic coast of Africa (p. 89. See also Mover's " PhoD-
nizier," vol. ii. p. 684).
/2
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84 ON THE SCULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC KINGS
to it), had in her fairs — as Ezekiel witnesses, about 600 years b.o. —
'' silver, iron, tin, and lead," from Tarsbisb ; and further, that Tarshish
was then her merchant, ''by reason of the multitude of all kinds of
riches " (Ezekiel xxvii. 12). Further, there is the greatest probability, if
not certainty, that the tin — alluded to in Ezekiel — which was sometimes
used as a metal by itself,^ but which was far more indispensably necessary
in the formation of bronze*— one of the most valued and popular metals
in these and in still more ancient times' — ^was derived either from the
1 Tin by iudf, — In ancient times tin seems to have been used sometimes by itself,
as well as in the form of alloy. The earliest separate mention of it as a metal is about
1450 B.C., when it is enumerated among the spoils taken by the Hebrews from the
Midianites (Numbers zzxi. 22). Homer describes Agamemnon's corselet as con-
taining twenty rods or bars of tin {Iliad^ xi. 25), and his shield as showing twenty
bosses of the same metal (//. xi. 84). The greaves of Achilles were made, we are
told, of ductile tin {II. xliii. 612, and xxi. 592), and his shield is represented as
haying heen welded of five layers, the two innermost of which were of tin (//. xx.
271) ; while some of the devices moulded upon its surface were formed of tin, as
the fence round the vineyard {II, xviii. 564). Tin is represented also by Homer as
entering into the composition of the chariot of Diomede (II, xxiii. 508). In ancient
times, let me add, it was not always employed in the formation of bronze and metallic
implements. Thus, it has been lately ascertained that the glaze of the bricks of
Babylon and Nimrod contain an oxide of tin ; and these bricks are supposed to have
been made about six or eight centuries b.o. (see Kenrick's Phoenicia, p. 455).
' Bronze generally contains about 88 or 90 per cent, of copper, and 10 or 12
per cent of tin. " It is remarkable,*' observes Mr Eenrick, p. 218, ** that the same
proportions result from the analysis of the bronze instruments found in the sepul-
chral barrows of Europe, of the nails which fastened the plates with which the
treasury of Atreus at Mycense was covered, and of the instruments contained in the
tombs of ancient Egypt In the mirrors of the ancient Etruscan tombs the
proportion of tin is sometimes as high as 24 or even 80 per cent." (See more in-
stances of the composition of ancient bronzes in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and
Roman Antiquities, 2d edit. p. 25.)
» In our English Bible, the Hebrew word " nahas," signifying bronze, has been
translated brass. But brass, a metallic alloy of copper with zinc, was probably little,
if indeed at all, known in these ancient times, as one of its components — ^zine —
seems to have been undiscovered (see Dr Percy's Metallurgy, Part i. p. 519). Some
of the Bibb'cal notices of the use of bronze — and hence of the import of tin — are both
early and remarkable. Shortly after the Israelites left Egypt, about 1490 B.C., the
women gave up the mirrors of polished bronze which they had brought from Egypt
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ON 8TONB8 AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, Ac. 85
streams and miDes of Spain, or the far richer stores of Cornwall, or the
Cassiterides ;^ and that the Phoenician amher trade was conducted from a
(see the compoeition of Egyptian bronze in preceding note) to form the brazen layer
(Exodus zxzviii. 8); and at the building of Solomon's temple, about 1000 B.C., the
Phoenician metallurgists cast, of bronze, enormous pillars, a molten sea supported
by twelve oxen, layers upon wheels, &c., — works which would test the skill of the
best modem artificers in metals.
1 Tin, whence derived in ancient times, — ^TiU some later discoyeries in metallurgy,
only two or three portions of the earth were known to contain tin in any available
or marketable quantity, namely, first, Banca, and other adjacent islands in the
Straits of Malacca, in the East Indies ; secondly, Drangiana or Sejestan, Persia ;
thirdly, Spain and Portugal; and fourthly, the Scilly Isles, Cornwall, and the
adjoining part of Deyonshire. From which of these localities was the tin which
was used in ancient times derived?
Firtt, We have the very best reason for knowing that in former times the tin used
by the civilised nations that were spread along the shores of the Mediterranean was
not derived from Banca or the East. In Arrian's " Periplus of the £rythr»an Sea,*'
we have recorded with all the minutin of a modem invoice the exact articles of
traffic carried backwards and forwards between Egypt, Ceylon, Africa, India, &c.,
some eighteen centuries ago. In these authentic documents we have various
notices of tin as a recognised article of merchandise. We find it, for example, as
an article of commerce at the following emporia, namely, Cand, on the southern
coast of Arabia ; Barygaza, at the mouth of the Nerbudda (north of Bombay) ; and
at the port of Bacar6, on the Malabar coast. But then, at these points, instead of
being carried from the East to Egypt, it is invariably entered in them as exported
from Egypt to them. The trade in tin at these parts is from the West to the
East, and not from the East to the West, though in this latter direction, in these
invoices, we have articles entered from the farthest parts of India, and even from
China. If tin had in ancient times ever been brought commercially from Banca
— where the supply is abundant — the knowledge of the locality of such a rich and
valuable commodity would never have been lost.
Secondly, Strabo, writing about 20 b.c., states regarding the district of the
Drange :— " Tin is found in the country" (Book xv. chap. 11, J 10) ; but, accord-
ing to his able translators, Messrs Hamilton and Falconer, ** none is said to be
found there at the present day" (see Bohn's edition, voL ii. p. 126.) We have
no authority, so far as I am aware, except that of Strabo, as to tin being found in
Drangiana, a district at the eastern end of the present kingdom of Persia. At all
events, it had not been found in quantity enough to have been sent down within
the century after Strabo wrote to India to interfere with the tin traffic from
Alexandria and the west of Europe to India, as described by Arrian in the preceding
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86 ON THE 8CULPTUBING8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTBIO BINGB
point still further to the north — ^both forms of merchandise being chiefly
or entirely carried by the seaward route through the Straits of G-ibraltar,
till at last the land and river routes from the Germanic and Atlantic
Oceans to the Mediterranean became more opened up. And we must not
forget, that a nation which — ^besides navigating her vessels to Malta,
Sardinia, the Balearic Isles, and other parts of the Mediterranean Sea
— traded to Tartessus, some 2500 miles from home, would have com-
paratively no insurmountable difiSculty in reaching the southern parts
of Britain. Indeed, when we consider the first and leading fact, that this
most active commercial and marine people had factories and colonies, that
proved rich and thriving, and some of which were planted on the Atlantic
shores of Spain, at the least 1100 or 1200 years B.C., it seems hardly
possible to resist the second and resultant fact that, during the course of
the long centuries which they thus spent on one part of the Atlantic
ocean, the same innate energy, and the same irrepressible love of enter-
prise, would induce, if not compel, the same people to visit with their vessels
paragraph. Nor, Beveral centuries earlier does the tin of this country seem to have
been worked to any considerable extent, as we find no notice of it in Ezekiel's
description of this merchandise of that " mart of nations," Tyre, 600 b.c.
Thirdly, Spain and Portugal contained in former tiroes, and contain still, a small
quantity of tin, both in streams and lodes. But at the present day they furnish an
extremely small quantity of that metal, and probably in ancient times never for-
nished any great supply. In the two last London Exhibitions specimens of Spanish
or Portuguese tin were shown ; and Mr Forrester tried to work it in Ghdicia, but, I
believe, has given up the enterprise ; and Dr George Smith (in his able essay on
the Cassitorides, pp. 1 and 46) shows from official information that there is little or
no tin-mining now in the country, and that Spain never appears to have produced
any considerable quantity of this metal.
Fourthly, Cornwall and Devonshire. — Dr Smith points it out as an axiom in tin-
mining, that " wherever tin has been produced in any considerable quantities within
the range of authentic history, there it is still abundantly found" (p. 45). In the
last year's reLum from the tin mines in Cornwall, the quantity raised is reported
to be as great as it was ever known to be in any one year. No doubt these British
mines were, as pointed out by Strabo, Diodorus, and other ancient authorities, the
great source of tin from the earliest historic periods. It is remarkable that in olden
times we have no allusion to any want or scarcity in the production of this metal ; and
the quantity used in the bronze age must have been very great indeed.
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ON BT0NE8 AND ROCKS IN VABIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, Ac. 87
the coasts of that same ocean, and its nearest islands, such as Britain.
Indeed, to reach the Eider or shores of the Baltic^ for its electron or
amber,3 or even the northernmost part of Norway or Thule, was not so
^ Professor Nilsson holds that, probably, the Phoenicians traded as far north as
the celebrated fishing-grounds in the Lofoden Isles, within the arctic circle, bring-
ing from thence fish, furs, &c. The fires of Baal were lit till lately at Beltane time
in some of these islands. That fish was a great article of merchandise among the
Phoenicians we know historically from different points, and from their coins, &c.
They had stations for making salted provisions, as at Mellaria, in Spain, &c (Strabo
iii. 18). Incidentally we learn that the Tynans had a fish market at Jerusalem
in the time of the prophet Nehemiah, or about 440 B.C. (Kehemiah xiii. 16).
* Amber.— Pliny (xxxvii. 11) tells us that the word "Electron" or Amber was
applied in ancient times to our common bituminous amber (which— as he long
ago hinted — naturalists now regard as probably the gum or product of a primeval
pine) ; and secondly, to either a natural or artificial mixture of about four parts of
gold to one of silver, — an alloy, perhaps, showing some of the colour or appearances
of amber. Some very early notices of amber occur, as in the Odyssey of Homer (iv,
78, XV. 460, and xviii. 296). In the two last of these passages the amber was in
pieces, and the use of the plural shows that it was probably not a metal. In the first
paspage the amber is represented as brought to the island of Syria by a Phoenician
ship, before the breaking out of the Trojan war. Some centuries later, about 450
B.a, Herodotus describes amber, as in his time, one of the things imported, like tin,
from the western extremities of Europe, as their only known source — a description
that can apply to common bituminous or vegetable amber alone, and not to any alloy
of gold and silver, the elements of which abounded around them in Oreece. Hero-
dotus states that the story of his day was, that amber came from the river Eridanus,
which opened into the Northern Sea (iii. i 115). The shores of the Northern
Sea or German Ocean along the western coast of Denmark have always served as
the'principal source of the amber trade ; and in his late learned disquisition on the
subject. Professor Werlauf of Copenhagen states (Bidrag til den Nordiske Bavhaur
dels Historic, p. 91) that though the coast has become greatly changed and washed
away in the course of centuries, yet the shores and mouth of the Eider, in Holstein
— in all probability the old Eridanus— and the islands opposite it, have, np to our
own time, supplied this bituminous substance in the greatest quantity, though it
is cast up also upon some other beaches after rough weather. Pliny states that it
was latterly brought overland from the shores of Prussia to the head of the Adriatic,
and hence to southern Europe ; but this appears not to have occurred till the time
of the Roman Emperors, or many centuries after it had been carried seaward into
the Mediterranean &om the shores and isles of the German Ocean (zzzvii. 11. 8).
In early times there may have been land routes across Europe for such light and
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88 ON THE SCULFTDR1NG8 OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
loDg a voyage from TartessuB, as Tartessus originally was from the
parent cities of Sidon or Tyre.*
Taluable commerce, which we cannot now easily trace. Pytheas, the Maadlian
astronomer and traveller, who calculated, with his gnomon alone, the latitude of
Marseilles within a few seconds only of correct time, voyaged, passing by the Straits
of Gibraltar, about 850 B.o., to Britain and Northern Europe, and first described to
his unbelieving contemporaries and successors Thule as a district or island on the
Norwegian coast, as far north as the 66th degree of latitude. He tells us that in
the islands where the amber was obtained, there was an estuary (cutttarium) of the
ocean, implying an ebb and flow of the sea,— such as, of course, occurs on the ooa«t
of the Germanic Ocean, but which could not possibly hold true in regard to the
waters and shores of the Baltic. (See Pliny xzxvii. 11 ; Nilsson, p. 71 ; and
Humboldt's Cosmos, vol. ii. note 171). He states that Thule and other neigh-
bouring seas contain neither earth, air, nor water separately, but a concretion,
which he had himself seen, of all these, resembling marine sponge or jelly-fishes^
which he was told could neither be travelled over nor sailed through (see Strabo
ii. chap. 4 2 2). This description is now acknowledged to apply exactly to the
appearance put on by the circular pieces of sludge or young ice, when the freezing
of the Northern Sea threatens to begin. (See Nilsson's " Nordens Ur-Invanare,"
p. 140, and Sir John Lubbock's " Prehistoric Times," p. 42.) And his allegation,
that he reached a northern mountain in Thule where the nights were only^wo
or three hours long, and where the barbarians showed him the place in which
the sun lies in bed (7«'«» i jfXi«r xaj^STw), is an observation which Pn^eesor
Nilsson of Lund, in the present century, has .confirmed ; for the inhabitants of
Duno showed him exactly in the same way a hill-top Arom which the mm was
visible the whole of midsummer night, repeating to him the observation which
had been made to Pytheas between two and three thousand years before (p. 74). Yet
these two observations, and others, of Pytheas, have induced many literary men in
his own, and even in later times, to look upon him as telling traveller's fables.
Pytheas states about amber, that at the place where it was obtained it was sometimea
found in such great quantity that it was burned as a light — an occurrence which,
according to Werlauf (p. 42), has happened also in later times amongst the in-
habitants of Western Sleevig. From the electrical power which amber poflBOBsee
of attracting light substances, the Greek philosopher Thales argued, according to
Diogenes Laertius, that it was endowed with a soul ; and as Thales lived above six
hundred years b.o., the specimens of amber which he saw and experimented upon in
Greece could not have reached there by the Massilian land rente, which did not then
exist, but it must in all probability have been carried thither from the western ex-
tremities of Europe by ships which possibly had been already engaged in the Ikr
distant amber and tin trades for centuries before.
1 Phanician NavigtUkm, — It seems only idle to argue, as some have done, that tiie
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But there are strong objections against the triple idea of Professor
Nilsson, that (1) the age of bronze in western and northern Europe is
(2) the age of our Megalithic circles, and that both are (3) the direct
efifects of Phoenician influence and colonisation among us.
It appears, for example, difficult or impossible to explain why the
Phoenicians should not have introduced into western and northern
Europe both iron and bronze, or iron as well as bronze. They early
possessed both metals, and worked in both. They exported both from
Tarshish. Ten centuries before Christ, the Phoenician craftsman sent
from Tyre to Jerusalem was skilful to work in iron as well as in gold,
silvertSud bronze — as stated in the letter of King Hiram of Tyre to king
Solomon in 2 Chronicles ii. 14. Four or five centuries earlier, or about
1440 B.O., the Canaanites (and the Phoenicians, if not, as many good
ethnologists hold, of the same race, and only " Canaanites by the sea, "
were at least their nearest neighbours) had apparently abundance of iron
and iron implements (Joshua xvii. 16, and Judges i. 19). Jabin, king
of the Canaanites about 1300 b.o., had as many as '* 900 chariots^ of iron "
(Judges iv. 3 and 13) ; and mention of the possession of such chariots by
th^ Canaanites is made about a century and a half previously (Joshua xvii.
16). Besides, iron was used for many and various other purposes by the
early Israelites,* Assyrians,' Greeks,* &c.
voyages of the PhoeniciaxiB were all coastiDg cmises in sight of land,— seeing we
know for certain that they constantly crossed the Mediterranean Ocean to Malta,
Sardinia, &c., where no land was visible for many long days, guided probably by
the sun by day, and using, it is alleged, during the night the fixed stars ** Cynosure,"
or the Little Bear, as a means of directing their course (see Kenrick's Phoenicia,
pp. 285, 280), — means which, I am assured, modem navigators still occasionally
employ,— especially when their compasses go wrong, an occurrence not very unfre-
quent in iron-built ships.
> In the time of Isaiah, or 600 b.c., " there was in the land no end of their chariots "
(Isa. ii. 7). Yet, in accordance with the desolation of the land and its highways, pre-
dicted thirty-throe centuries ago (see Leviticus xxvi. 82, and again Isaiah xzz. 8),
there does not exist at the present day, in any part of the Holy Land, " such a thing
as a single wheeled carriage" of any sort, '* not 0001 a whUlbamw** (see Dr Robert
Buchanan's ** Clerical Furlough " in 1860^ p. 08). «* Boads for wheeled carriages,'
observes Dean Stanley, **are now unknown in any part of Palestine" (** Sinai and
Palestine," p. 184).
> Thus iron was employed in the construction of various implements and instm-
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90 ON THE 8CULPTURINQ8 OF CUPS AND OONOENTRIO RINGB
Perhaps, however, the marked prevalence of tools, implementa, and
ornaments of hronze, in northern and western Europe — as specially
proved to ns in our grave-diggings — hefore the introduction to any
notable extent of articles of iron, is explicable by the same circum-
stances— whatever these circumstances may be ^ — which led in the East
ments (see Numbers xxzy. 16); for hewing tools (Dent, xxrii 5); for axes, agri-
cnltural instruments, and saws (Deut. xiz. 6 ; 2 Kings vi. 5, 6 ; 2 Sam. xii. 81 ;
1 Chron. xz. 8) ; for nails for the doors of the gates of the temple (1 Ghron. xxii 8) ;
for spear-heads and weapons of war (1 Sam. xvii. 7, where it is stated that Goliath's
spear-head weighed 600 shekels of iron). Mines of brass and ironstone are men-
tioned in Deuteronomy viii. 9. The 28th chapter of the book of Job proves the
high degree of perfection to which the art of mining had reached in his day, for we
have in this chapter, says Mr Kenrick, " a complete description of the art of mining
— tunnelling through the rock by artificial light, the construction ^of adits, shafts,
and water courses, whether for obtaining a stream or for draining the mine, and the
application of fire to separate the metal from the ore.*' (See his PhcauetOy p. 265).
s Iron seems, according to Mr Layard, to have been the most useful and mort
abundant of metals amongst the Assyrians {Nineveh and iit Remains^ vol. i. p. 341,
and vol. iL p. 416). Amongst other objects of iron from Nineveh in the British
Museum, '* may be particularly specified," says Dr Percy, '* tools employed fnr the
most ordinary purposes, such as picks, hammers, knives, and saws." Mr Layard
(*( Discoveries in the Ruins of Nineveh and Babylon," p 198) gives the figure of a
saw found by him in the northmoet palace at Nimroud. It is a double-handled saw,
similar in form and shape to that used by carpenters of the present day for dividing
large pieces of wood. It is about three feet six inches in length. " There is," observes
Dr Percy, " no object in the Museum of greater interest than this rusted saw, and it is
computed that while it could not be later in date than 880 b.c., it may have b»en
considerably earlier " (see Dr Percy's Metallurgy, Part ii., Iron and Steel, p. 876).
* Thus a ball of iron, and twelve pieces made fit for arrows, are given away at the
games held at the funeral of Patroclus (Iliad, xxviL 126 and 860) ; and Homer men-
tions the use of iron for axles of chariots (II. v. 728), for fetters (Odyssey, i. 204), for
axes, bills, &c (U. iv. 486, and Od. xxL 8 and 81.) (See p. 89 for references to notes
above.)
^ The relative age at which copper, bronze, and iron appear among different
nations, and in different parts of the world, seems to be by no means always the
same. Last century, in the Polynesian Islands, the stone age at once ceased, and
that of iron began at the advent of Cook and other voyagers. In a very few parts d*
the world, as in North America and Eastern Hungary, a kind of copper age, in which
tin and bronze were unknown, seems to have followed that of stone. In the early
periods of the Chaldean monarchy, or about 1600 B.C., all the implements found
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ON STONES AND BOCKS IN VABIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, Ao. 91
to the early and general preponderance of bronze over iron weapons.
In the Trojan war and the heroic age of Greece, all the military weapons
mentioned seem made of bronze,^ though Homer speaks of iron as used
amidst the primitive Chaldean Toins are either in atone or bronze. Flint and stone
knives, axes, and hammers abound in all the true Chaldean mounds, but by no
means so unpolished as those of the drift in France and England. In the ectfly
times of Chaldea iron is seemingly unknown, and when it first appears is wrought
into ornaments for the person, as bangles and rings. — (See Rawlinson's Five Cfreat
Mcnwrehiett vol. i. p. 119, &c.
1 Homer describes the spears, swords, and other weapons of his heroes at the Trojan
war, or about 1200 b.c. as made of " ;^«x»«f .*' The original meaning of xmXM§t is,
no doubt, copper; but some of its alloys, and particularly that with tin forming
bronze, passed under the same name, just as at the present day shillings and sove-
reigns in our coinage pass under the names of silver and gold, instead of being called
alloys of these metals which they virtually are. We know that the armour, and
particularly the offensive armour of the ancient Greeks, must have consisted of
bronze and not of copper, because it possessed the physical qualities of the former
and not of the latter. A bronze sword or spear can be made both very sharp in its
edge and strong in its texture, whilst it is impossible to invest a similar copper in-
strument with the same qualties. Homer represents Ulysses as striking Demacoon
on the temple with such force that his spear passed twice through the cranium, the
point penetrated through the opposite temple (Diad, iv. 602.) If it were possible to
effect such a penetrating wound with a bronze spear, it was certainly not possible to
produce this and many other extreme wounds mentioned in the Iliad with instruments
of copper alone, as copper spears or swords would have bent or twisted under the force
applied to them. The cutting power of these ancient weapons comes strongly out in
the speech of Apollo to the Trojans, immediately after the fall of Demacoon, when
he argues with the Trojans that " the flesh of the Greeks is neither made of stone
nor of iron, so that when struck it should resist the flesh-rending bronze " (Iliad, iv.
511). But further, before the Trojan war bronze and its qualtites were well known to
the Greeks. In the old city of Mycentc, Pausanias (II. 16 { 5) describes the treasury
and the tomb of Atreus, the father of Agamemnon, the great leader of the Greek
hosts against Troy. The structure is probably entirely sepulchral, and according to
Gell, Hughes, Dodwell, and others, is as old, and probably older, than the Trojan
war. On examining, within this century, the nails which had fastened the plates
of metal that formerly lined the interior of this Atreian tomb or treasury. Sir
William Gell found them to consist of bronze, and that the tin and copper com-
posing them were in the usual proportions (see his Itinerary of Greece, p. 88, plate 7.
See also Hughes, in his Travels in Sicilj/, Greece, Jfc, vol. i. p. 284). As another
argument for ;c«x»«f or copper being used as a term to include other metallic
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92 ON THB SCULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND OONCBNTKIO RINGS
for other purposes.^ Was it the greater existing amount of bronze, or
of the elements of bronze — and hence its relative cheapness — in these
ancient times,* or was it the greater facility of melting and working and
giving it a sharp edge, — or was it a want of knowledge of any easy means
of rendering the iron sufficiently hard and useful as a weapon of war,'
that led, in these early eras, to the general adoption of bronze, and the
rejection of iron, as metals for cutting and military weapons ? I do not
know if these or any other reasons, as yet suggested, are adequate to
explain the difficulty of our British ancestors, for instance, manufacturing
for themselves— or purchasing from others, as the Phoenicians — imple-
ments of bronze^ in preference to implements of iron. Or, seeing this
alloys, let me merely add, that the word originally used for copper-smith caftae to
be employed betimes to include a worker in metallic compounds generally, so that
the smith or iron-worker, for example, passed under the general designation of
;^ftX«ivf , or brazier. For instance, Herodotus (1. 68) speaks of a coppersmith (x»XMWf)
being engaged in his workshop in beating out iron. In still earlier times, Homer
speaks of the manufacturer of iron axes as mpg^ ;^ftA«itff , literally a brazier ; and a
smithy, as ;^ftX»iMv (Odys.) ix. 891). See a learned paper on the early history of
Brass by Dr Hodgson, in the << Archffiologia iBliana," vol. i. p. 17 teq.
1 See footnote on this point. No. 4, p. 90.
2 When the accumulation of materials made by David for the building of the Temple
at Jerusalem is mentioned in Chronicles, it is significantly stated that " David pre-
pared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings,
and brass in abundance," so as to be both '* without weight " (1 Ohronicles xxii. 8 and
14). It seems here implied that the amount of bronze in relation to iron was compara-
tively unlimited. Elsewhere it is stated that Solomon, in forming the vessels of
the temple, used such an amount of brass or bronze, that its weight " could not be
found out" (2 Chron. iv. 18, and 1 Kings vii. 47). When we remember that one-
tenth of all this bronze or brass "without weight" consisted of tin from the west
of Europe, and particularly from Cornwall, it tends to give ns some idea of the im^-
mense extent of the tin trade in these days. Other facts strengthen thi^ idea, as
at Babylon, the hundred massive gates, with their lintels and side -posts all entirely
made of bronze, as mentioned by Herodotus (Lib. I. c. 179).
> Yet Homer, in the Odyssey (ix. 892), gives an excellent account of tempering
iron by plunging it when hot into cold water.
« Both Strabo (iii. 6 { 11) and Csasar (B. G. iv. c. 22) speak of bronze as one of the
imports at their day into Britain, though the raw tin was for long, no doubt, their
richest export from the island, — as we import cotton from America, the East Indies,
Ac, and send it back to the same countries as cotton cloth. The Phoenicians pro-
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ON 8TONK8 AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OP SCOTLAND, &0. 93
difficulty, ought we to go farther hack into prehistoric archieology, to reach
an era when hronze, in relation to iron, was, in this and other parts of
Europe, almost the only metal employed in the arts either of peace or
war?*
That our Phoenician visitors and colonists raised our megalithic circles,
and sculptured rings upon our rocks as Solar worshippers, is still more
a question of douht.
In imitation of the Canaanites and their Phoenician kinsmen and neigh-
bours, the Hebrews sometimes, in their idolatry and obduracy, paid wor-
ship " to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the hosts
of heaven" (2 Kings xxiii. 5 ; xvii. 16 ; xxi. 3-5 ; Deuteronomy iv. 19 ;
xvii. 3.) " Baal and Ashtaroth, the two chief divinities of Phoenicia,"
to quote Mr Kenrick, ''were unquestionably the sun and moon; and the
minor deities appear either to have been the same heavenly bodies, or at
least to have represented objects of astral worship" (p. 298). In addi-
tion to the worship offered to Baal in his original solar character, his
name came to be regarded as that of supreme god and ruler. He occu-
pied the place of both Apollo and Zeus or Jupiter in the mythologies of
G-reece and Home. That Baal worship extended widely at an early period
over western and northern Europe, is so far rendered highly probable
by various circumstances, as, for example, by the frequent prefix of
Baal to the names' of localities in the West as in the East; and,
bably brought back the tin mixed with copper, in the form of the elegant bronze
weapons and ornaments that we meet with in ancient British tombs, &c, but
which, as we know from the moulds left, came betimes to be mannfactored in
this country. The abundant copper deposits in Cornwall seem never to have been
worked tiU the fifteenth century ; and the Cornish ore is difficult to reduce to pure
copper — one strong reason for it not being used in very early times (see Dr Thumam
in ** Crania Britannica," p. 102).
^ For ample evidence, as drawn from our cemeteries, &c., of the predominating
use of bronze by our British ancestors before iron was much or at all used, see the
very masterly work of Sir John Lubbock on " Prehistoric Times."
2 *' In Syria and the East, the numerous names of places,*' argues Mr Eenrick, p.
800, *'to which Baal is prefixed in Palestinian geography, as Baal-Gad, Baal-Hamon,
Baal-Thamar, Baal-thelisha, indicate the early and wider diflfasion of his worship."
The same argument applies to the west and north of Europe, where we have names
with the same prefix of Baal, in Balerium (or Land's End), Bel Tor, in Devonshire,
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94 ON THE SCULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND OONOBNTRIC RINGS
specially by the persistence and popular representation of some of the
older observances of Baal-worship, — such popular superstitions being
always very difficult to eradicate when the results of iT religious creed*^
Bel-an, in Montgomeryshire, Baal Hills, Yorkshire, &c. ; and, according to Nilsson,
in more northern names, as the Baltic, the Great and Little Belt, Beltberga, Bale-
shangen, Balestranden, &c. According to him, Baal is a prefix as far north in
Norway as the Lofoden Isles, where it occurs in the villages Balself and BalsDsord.
(Nilsson, p. 48.)
1 Fi&b-Fbstivals. — Few superstitions usages of former times have continued for
a longer time .than the keeping of days for fire-festivals. Two great fire-festivals
seem to have been formerly observed in our own country, and over a great extent of
northren and western Europe, namely, 1. Beltane, upon the opening of summer on
the first of May ; and, 2. Samhain or Hollowmass eve, on the first of November — new
or old style. A third fire-festival day has betimes sprung up at midsummer's eve or
St John's eve (22d or 28d June), usually displacing, where it is observed, the Beltane
festival, and accompanied by the same customs. It is to the first of these festivals
namely. Beltane, from Baal^ the Fhosnician god, and Teine, Tine, or Tene, fire, as a
possible and probable continuation in the west of the old oriental fire-worship of
Baal, that I chiefly advert in the text. For the former great, and comparatively
late annual prevalence of Baal-fires or Beltanes in Great Britain, in Scandinavia,
on the Continent, &c., see numerous extracts in Brand's " Popular Antiquities"
(May-Day and Midsummer Eve); Jamieeon's Scottish Dictionary, article '* Bel-
tane;" Hislop's "Two Babylons;" Nilsson's " Skandlnaniska Nordens T7r-In-
vnala>e" (pp. 14-76); Grimm's Mythologie, pp. 579, Ac. &c Some Celtic authors
have described it as a Celtic festival, but it has long been practised in the Lofoden
Islands, and in other parts too far north in Norway for a Celt to have reached.
Latterly, I have seen it stated that the word "Beltane," or "Beltein," does not
signify Baal's fire, but merely " a lucky" fire. Unfortunately, however, for this
suggestion, the name of it in Scandinavia is Baldersb&l or Balder's pyre, a
word which no Celtic ingenuity could easily change into "lucky" fire. The
distinguished geologist, Leopold von Buch, who saw the Baal-fires or Baldersb&l
lit up at Midsummer's-eve at the island of Hindon, in the far north of Nor-
way, and within the arctic circle, shrewdly remarked that it was almost incon-
ceivable to suppose that such a northern people should ever have themselves origi-
nated the idea of lighting fires on the hill tops in their own country at Midsummer's-
eve — a time when daylight is almost so continuous with them, that the smoke rather
than the fiame of the fire was visible ; and from this alone he argued the foreign or
eastern source of the practice ;^a practice, besides, which surely must have been
brought from some common centre, since it could scarcely spring up spontaneously
among so many distant countries and populations. In the Isle of Man— the geographic
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ON STONES AND BOCKS IN VARIOUS PABTS OF SCOTLAND, Ac. 95
But the idea promulgated by Professor Nilsson, that our great Megalitbic
circles in this and other adjoining countrieB were originallj reared as
centre of the BritiBh islands — the month of May bean the old significant name of
Boald jn or Baal's fire ; and on the eve of May-day, old style, there are still numerous
fires lit np in all directions, — so numerous**, says Mr Train, '* as to give the island
the appearance of a general conflagration** (Train's Isle of Man, toI. i. p. 815) ; whilst
the individuals surrounding them blow horns and hold a kind of jubilee on the
occasion. Mr Harrison, in his late edition of Waldron*s " Isle of Man,'* says
that it was customary to light two fires in honour of the pagan god Baal, and to
drive the cattle between these fires as an antidote against murrain or any pestilential
disease for the year following (p. 124). Mr O'Flaherty tells us that in the tenth
century. King Cormac was in the habit of erecting two fires, between which hoth
the people and the cattle of the district were driven for purification (see " Transac-
tions of the Irish Academy," vol. xiv. p. 100, &c.) ; in the same way as when the
Hebrews ** served Baal, they caused their sons and daughters to pass through the
fire*' (2 Kings xviL 16, 17). Mr Toland, an Irishman by birth, but who re>
sided much in this country and on the Continent, writing 150 years ago, observes :
— ** Two rude fires, as we have mentioned, were kindled by one another on May-eve
in every village of the nation (as well throughout all Gaule as in Britain, Ireland,
and the adjacent lesser Islands) between which fires the men and the beasts to be
sacrificed were to pass. One of the fires was on the cairn, another on the ground."
(See his HUtory of the Ihuidt, 1814, p. 117.) Mrs Abbott, of Copenhagen, tells me
that on both the Danish and Swedish coasts of the Baltic, the Baal-fires may be still
seen, on the evening of the 28d of June, lit up in a long line at the distance of about
one mile from each other. Tetlan and Temme (Preussische Sag, p. 277) say, that
in Prussia and Lithuania, on St John's-eve, fires are seen as far as the eye can
reach. Grimm remarks that, in the celebration of their fire-festivals the northern
parts of Germany have adopted Easter or May-day, as Lower Saxony, Westphalia,
Holland, Friesland, &c.; while the more southern parts, as the shores of the Rhine and
Austria, with the kingdoms lying between them, hold the 28d of June as their fire-
festival ; and again some parts, like Denmark and Kamten, keep both days (Qrimm's
Deutsche-Mythologie, p. 581). For similar fire-festivals in other parts of Europe,
see Grimm, pp. 589-591, &c. In Scotland formerly various forms of frolic and
merriment reigned on Beltane-day, as we know from King James the First of Scot-
land's celebrated poem, " Peebles to the Play," describing some of the usages of
our forefathers on that festival in the early part of the fifteenth century; and
Bobert Bums has similarly described the superstitions and festivities of Hal-
lowmass or Halloween. Fires were formerly burned at this last festival or Novem-
ber eve, as weU as on May-eve. ** On the eve of the first day of November,'* says
Toland, '* there were also such fires kindled [as on May -day]; accompanied as
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96 ON THB 8CULPTURING8 OP 0UP8 AND CONCENTRIC BIN08
Baal or Solar temples, by the spread of Phoenician influence and colo-
tiisation among our ancient forefathers, is an opinion which seems open
to the gravest objection. Stone circles of varying sizes are, as we have
just seen in a footnote to a preceding page (p. 81), known in almost
every portion of the world, from Greenland to Australia, and consequently
in many portions where Phoenician fancies and ideas never reached.
Besides, if gigantic megalithic circles, like Stonehenge, Abury, Salkeld,
Gallemish, &o., were erected in Britain as solar temples to the Phoenician
Baal, we should naturally expect that many circles on the same gigantio
scale should be found to exist, or to have existed, in Phoenicia itself,
and in its numerous eastern colonies. I am not aware, however, that there
can he adduced any evidence whatever to this effect; for the exceptional
presence of a single small circle, as observed by Dean Stanley, near
the site of Tyre, scarcely deserves consideration in such a question as
this.^ Again, that our English large megalithic circles were not
they constantly were by sacrificee and feastings.*' {Hiitary of the Drvids^ p. 117.)
In some parts of Scotland these November fires are still lit up. Dr Arthnr
Mitchell informs me, that a few years ago, he counted within sight of a railway
station in Perthshire ten or a dozen of these Samhain fires burning in different
directions on a Halloween night.
^ It has been sometimes argued that the erection of megalithic structures with
rude and unhewn stones implied necessarily on the part of the builders a want of
knowledge of metallic tools. But certain circumstances tend to refute this as
an absolute idea. Thus a Semitic race — ^living contiguous to the Phcenidans^
yiz., the Hebrews, erected the first stone circles and single monoliths, of the rear-
ing of which we have any historical record, after—if we should excei»C the
very earliest, which is even doubtful — they were possessed of bronze and iron
tools. All the monoliths spoken of in Scripture, and the twelve stones reared
at Gilgal after the passage of the Jordan, seem to have been erected as memo-
rials of important facts, events, or covenants, or as sepulchral stones ; but the
circles of twelve stones which Moses raised at the foot of Mount Sinai, inclosing
an altar of earth within its circuit, was more certainly of a religious character. For
an interesting and ample discussion of the various bearings of the single pillar-
stones, stone circles, cairns, &c., mentioned in the Bible, I would beg to refer to some
dissertations on tho subject in Dr Kitto*s ** Palestine ; the Bible History of the Holy
Land," pp. 241, 856, 404, and 428. Dr Kitto does not allude to the remarkable fact
that it is several times specially commanded that, although iron and other instru-
ments were well known and used at the time, the stones used to build altars should
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Phoenician solar temples, is strongly borne out by the fact, that none
of the solar temples of Phoenicia and the East consisted — as our me-
galithic circles do — simply of a circular series of open and more or less
distant upright stones. On the contrary, they were built, as we have every
reason to believe, from the remaining temple walls in Gozo, Malta, <fec.,
solidly of stones; and though possibly, like some large eastern public build-
ings left occasionally roofless above, this appears not to have been usually
the case with Phoenician temples.^ The coins of Berytus, Byblus, Tripoli,
^c, seem always to represent Astarte as standing under a roofed temple.
Doubting, then, that the megalithic circles of Great Britain were raised
as solar Phoenician temples, we doubt also entirely that the concentric
circles and cups carved upon our rocks and stones were cut out upon them
by sun- worshippers, and that they were sculptured by them as symbols
be whole, and not hewn or touched by any tool. (See Exodus xx. 26, and Deutero-
nomy xxYii. 6.) " An altar of whole stones over which no man hath lift up any
iron" was in consequence erected on Mount Ehal by Joshua about 1450 B.C. Some
twelve or thirteen centuries later, the altar erected in the Temple— after the profana-
tion of it by Antiochus Epiphanes — was, according to the first Book of the Macabees
(iy. 47), built of " whole [or unhewn] stones, according to the law.'*
1 Josephus quotes the Qreek author Menander, the Ephesian, to the effect that
some ten centuries b.o., Hiram, king of Tyre, raised in the city *' a bank on that
called the * Broad Place,' and dedicated that golden pillar which is in Jupiter*s [Baal's]
temple ; he also went and cut down timber from the mountain called Libanus, and
got timber of cedar for the roofs of the temples," — one of which he rebuilt and con-
secrated to Hercules, and another to Ashtaroth (see Whitson's translation of Jose-
phus' Works, Essay against Apion, Book 1. 2 18). Meuander's circumstantial account
of the position of the bank on the " Broad Place " or ** Broadway" of the city — no doubt
a well known street or square in ancient Tyre (as it is in its mighty representative —
the modem American Tyre) — was possibly copied from the public records. Josephus
elsewhere states (} 17), that the Tynans kept "with great exactness" their public
records, both domestic and foreign ; and it is certainly much to be deplored that
these chronicles, with the history of the Phoenicians by Dius, and all the other
native literature of Phoenicia, have, with one questionable exception, utterly
perished ; a loss which is the more to be lamented, for none of the nations of anti-
quity diffused more widely over the ancient world a knowledge of industry and of
the blessings of peace and commerce. What another flood of light might we have
on ancient history if, by any strange chance, a copy of Pytheas's account of his
travels in Britain (860 B.a) should ever turn up in the yet unexplored parts of Pom-
peii or elsewhere. Pytheas " travelled all over Britain on foot" (Strabo ii. 4 J 2).
APPKNPIX VOfi. VI. g
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98 ON THE 8CQLPTURINGS OF CUPS AND OONCKNTRIO KINGS
of their Sun-god. The idea that these circles and cups are in any way
connected with Baal or Solar worship seems to me entirely hypothetical,
and without any direct proof or evidence whatever in its favour. In
answer to Professor Nilsson*s lengthy and ingenious archaeological specu-
lations upon this point) it may be enough, on the present occasion, to
reply, in regard to British stone concentric ring-carvings and cups —
1. That the carvings of concentric circles and cups are not by any
means confined to the bronze era, for they are found from the earliest to
the latest ages in architecture and lapidary carving; while, on the other
hand, the bronze era itself, besides displaying so frequently circular and
spiral forms, contains many bronze articles, cut and ornamented with
angulated double and single zig-zags, chevrons, and rhomboid lines (see
Nilsson's Skandinaviska-TJr-Invanare, p. 2) ; and stones, also, as in the
Eivik monument — supposing it, as Nilsson thinks, to be of the bronze age
— carved with weapons, animals, chariots, and men differently dressed and
armed. Nor must we forget that during the bronze age in the East,
metallic figure sculptures were common, as on temple offerings, and on
the helmets, shields, and chariots of some of the Greek heroes.
2. That we have no evidence whatsoever, from any Phoenician or any
other ancient remains, that a series of cups or of successive concentric
circles or rings— divided or not by a traversing radial duct or groove —
was ever anywhere connected with Solar worship, or with the religi<m
of Baal.
3. That it is altogether gratuitous to imagine that our cups and series
of concentric lapidary rings were cut to symbolise the sun, to which
they have no similarity except the one equivocal attribute of roundness.
4. That over the shores of our own country, as well as in the interior
of it, these lapidary cuttings have already been discovered extending far
too widely and generally for being the possible product and effects of
Phoenician influence and civilisation among us, unless — contrary to all
existing ideas — the Phcenician people had found an extensive general
domicile in this island. On the other hand, it must further be remem-
bered, that the same specific lapidary carvings remain as yet undis-
covered in the true colonies and country of Phoenicia.^
* I have seen drawings by Mr Adams, Miss Smith, Mr Bartlett, and othos, of a few
stones marked in the Giant's Temple (Torre dei Oiganti) at Qozo, and the mins of
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ON 8T0NBS AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, &C. 99
5. These lapidary conoentric rings and carvings are found profnsely
cut upon chambered tumuli in Brittany, where— as we shall see in a sub-
sequent chapter — the contained relics of the barrows do not include bronze
instruments, nor have any apparent connection with Professor Nilsson's
Bronze and Phoenician era, — ^but are all, on the contrary, of the anterior
materials belonging to the so-called ^' Stone age." And,
6. Though carefully looked for by Sir Gardner Wilkinson in Devon-
shire, and by him and by Mr BUght in Cornwall, lapidary cups or circle
cuttings have not yet been found, with one single exception (p. 52), in
any part of these two counties. Yet if these cups and circles had been
Phoenician in their origin, they ought certainly to have been discovered
more abundantly in these two counties than in any others, seeing they
formed the district in which alone the tin trade existed. In reference
to this last remark, let me here add, that the abundance of the lapidary
cup and circle cuttings in some counties, as in Northumberland, Argyle-
Hagar Eeem, near Orendi in Malta, but with one exception — that of a stone with
two or three concentric circles at Hagar Keem — all the few others seemed short
ornamental raised volutes, such as Rawlinson represents as forming a double bracket
for a statue of Astarte in Etruria (see his edition of Herodotus, vol. ii. p. 548).
Besides, we have no adequate evidence that the old cyclopic buildings in Gozo and
Malta were built by the Phoenicians at all. A few of the stones are minutely dotted
or picked over the surface, as in the case of some of the lozenged ornaments at New
Grange, Ireland. I have seen it suggested, that possibly our British lapidary circles
may be found similar to those cut on the pilasters and other stones discovered at
the entrance of the so-called Treasury of Atreus at Mycene. But the drawings of
Mr Dodwell (see his Tour ihrwgh Oreeee^ vol. ii. p. 282) and of Mr Donaldson (see
Stewart and Revett*s Anttguitiea of Athens, Supplement, p. 82) show the carvings
on these Myceniean stones not to be single nor concentric circles, but to consist of
long and elegant continuous strings of double spirals, encircling the columns, and in*
troduced between chevrons and soffits. Besides entirely varying from the ancient
British sculptures in this respect, and in the advanced spirit of design which they
display, they are farther different, in being not incised, but, according to Mr Donald-
son, *' cut in very low relief.*' Mr Dodwell states the curious fact, that upon the frag-
ments of pottery scattered on all sides near this so-called tomb of Atreus, spiral and
zig-zag ornaments are seen similar to those sculptured on the marbles and pillar at
the entrance (p. 287). Dodwell, Olarke, Mure, and others, believe the architectural
spiral zig-zag ornaments at Mycens not to be Greek in their origin, but rather Asiatic
or Egyptian. No one, as far as I am aware, has suggested their Phoenician origin.
?2
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100 ON THE 8CULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCBNTRiO RINGS
Bhire, Orkney, &o., and their nearly entire absence from others, as Corn-
wall, Devon, and Pembroke,^ is a subject by no means undeserving of
attention, and one which may yet contribute to the solution of the diffi-
culties connected with their origin and object.'
Are not the Kivik Sculptured Stones Cimhrtan f
Before leaving altogether Professor Nilsson's ideas and opinions on
these and other questions connected with the present inquiry, I will
take this opportunity of adding, that — though I have hitherto cited
without criticism — his observations on the Kivik monument, I have the
gravest doubts of— even as to that monument — ^being Phoenician in its
origin. On the contrary, I incline to think that the historical figures
answer better to the accounts which we have of the customs of the
neighbouring ancient Cimbri than to any account which we have of the
Phoenicians. In other words, in all probability, they are native rather
than foreign. During a century or two before the Christian era, large
masses of Cimbri traversed and devastated various parts of Europe, and
invaded Qaul and Italy. They at different times defeated no less than
five Roman consular armies (Tacitus, Oermania^ cap. xxxvii.) A nation
of these Cimbri seems to have been fixed from the time of Pytheas' at
least (350 b.c.)) down to the time of the Roman Emperors,* in the
1 The Rev. Mr Barnwell and Mr Blight have examined most of the megalithic
stmctores in Pembrokeshire without finding any example of the circle or cap cutting,
and yet the eyes of both were well instmcted for the pnrpose. I should have already
stated (p. 20) that it was Mr Barnwell who discovered the cirde-cutting in the
€k>ggleby stone after several antiquaries had passed without noticing it, and I con-
fess to have been one of the number.
> In the special localities in which the ring and cup sculptures are, there is this
analogous difficulty : Why are they found, as at Gaerlowrie, upon the Hd of one
kistvaen only out of several placed in the same ground? Or, as at Ford, on the lids
of two out of several mortuary urns or pits ? Do they note any specialty of creed,
office (as priests), or rank on the part of those, over whose remains they are placed?
Why are some megalithic circles marked, and not others ? Why only tome of the
obelisks at Largie, Ballymenach, &c., and not on all of them ?
3 Mommsen's History of Rome, vol. iii, p. 178.
* See Tacitus's Qmnania, J 87 ; and Mela, iii. 128 8.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, Ac. 101
modern kingdom of Jutland or Denmark — the ancient Cimbrian Cher-
sonese, the PramorUorium Cimhrorum of Pliny : and Tacitus describes
them, as in his time, small in number, but still great in renown. This,
the " original country," of the Cimbri, as some have termed it,* stands
at a short distance across the Cattegat, from Scania, where the site of the
Eivik monument is placed. The sculptures on the monument, especially
on the stones 7 and 8, perhaps portray more faithfully a victory festival of
the Gimbrians than of the Phoenicians. ^^ The Cimbrian," writes Mr
Mommsen, " fought bravely — death on the bed of honour was deemed by
him the only death worthy of a freeman, but after the victory he indem-
nified himself by the most savage brutality. . . . The effects of the
enemy were broken in pieces, the horses were killed, the prisoners were
hanged, or preserved only to be sacrificed to the gods. It was the
priestesses—grey-headed women in white linen dresses and unshod — ^who
offered these sacrifices."' These priestesses thus dressed, and, adds
Strabo (Book vii. chap. 11, § 4), bearing drawn swords, went to meet
the captives throughout the camp, and having crowned them, led them
" to a brazen vessel containing about twenty amphoras, and placed on a
raised platform, which one of the priestesses having asfcended, and hold-
ing the prisoner above the vessel, cut his throat In battle,
too, they beat skins stretched on the wicker sides of chariots, which
produces a stunning noise."^
1 See CimM, in Smith's Dictionary of Geography, vol. i. p. 628.
* History of Rome, translated by Professor Dickson, toL iii. p. 180. On the prac-
tice of immolating prisoners of war by the natives of Anglesea, see Tacitos's AnnaUt,
lib. xiv. cap. 80.
s Strabo, Book VIII. chap. ii. { 8. In 1846, Lisch found inclosed in a mound at
Peocatel, in Mecklenburg, a round cauldron three feet in diameter and two in
depth, placed between what he conceives to be a large altar on which the victim was
placed, and a station which he supposes to have been the position of the sacrificing
priest or priestess in such Cimbric rites. The edge of the cauldron projected
about a foot above the level of the altar. The skeleton of an unbumt human body
lay in a trough or coffin six feet long, three feet broad, and one in depth, in the
neighbourhood of the cauldron. Both this coffin and the so-called altars and
sacrificing station were made of sand, mixed clay, and hardened up with clay. (See
" Jahrbucher des Vereins fiir Mecklenburgische Geschichte nnd Alterthumskunde,"
ix. p. 369).
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102 ON THE 8CULPTURINQS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
The strange figures around the caldron or altar, in the second row of
stone 8, and last row of stone 7, probably portray the dress of women rather
than of men ; and their great numbers is more in accordance with the
fact stated by Strabo, that the Cimbri were accompanied in their military
expeditions by their wives, than with the idea that the Phoenicians
would carry such an array of priests as we have on these stones, to such
a very distant shore as the coast of Scania. Under this view, we would
beg further to suggest, that the conical body represented centrally in
figure 1, is not a symbol of Baal, but possibly a representation of the
elongated spear or materisy which the Cimbri carried (Mommsen, iii. 179).
In the drawings of the Eivik stones,^ given by Hilfeling, Sjoborg, and
Holmberg, this central cone is very much more elongated and spear-like
than it is in the sketch published by Nilsson. Holmberg considers it
to be a bronze celt seen in profile; the narrow bodies on either side to
be bronze arrow points; amd the lateral hatchets, with knobbed handles,
to be true representatives of the bronze form of that weapon.
CHAPTER XI.— THEIR PROBABLE ORNAMENTAL CHARACTER.
Without attempting to solve the mystery connected with these archaic
lapidary cup and ring cuttings, I would venture to remark that there
is one use for which some of these olden stone carvings were in all
probability devoted — namely, ornamentation. From the very earliest
historic periods in the architecture of Egypt, Assyria, Grreece, Ac, down
to our own day, circles, single or double, and spirals, have formed, under
various modifications, perhaps the most common fundamental types of
lapidary decoration. In prehistoric times the same taste for circular
sculpturings, however rough and rude, seems to have swayed the mind
of archaic man. This observation as to the probable ornamental origin
of our cup and ring carvings holds, in my opinion, far more strongly in
respect to some antique stone- cuttings in Ireland and in Brittany than to
the ruder and simpler forms that I have described as existing in Scotland
and England. For instance, the cut single and double volutes, the com-
plete and half concentric circles, the zig-zag and other patterns, which
* See Holmberg*8 UdllrUtningar, p. 15, and Tab. xli?. fig. 162, Ac.
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ON STONKS AND R0CK8 IN VAUIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, &c. 103
cover almoBt entirely and completely some stones in those magnificent
though rude Western Pyramids that constitute the grand old mausolea
of Ireland and Brittany, appear to be, in great part at least, of an orna-
mental character, whatever else their import may be. The great curb-
stone, for example, at the entrance of New Grange, covered with double
volutes (see Plate XXIX. fig. 1), and many of the lapidary cuttings in
the interior of that gigantic barrow, the granite blocks forming the props
of the passage into the sepulchral chamber at Gavr Inis (see Plate
XXX. fig. 1), and some other Brittany stones, seem to present patterns
of ornamental lapidary carving.
In some of these, and in other instances, the stones are densely covered
with various and endless rock-cuttings, with curved, spiral, and angled
lines, like the face of a tatooed * Polynesian, and possibly somewhat like
the faces of our British forefathers in those distant days when they
stained their skins with woad. The surfaces of the stones in the Iritdi
and the Brittany instances I have referred to in the preceding paragraph,
and the surfaces of the tatooed Polynesian faces, are indeed so miich alike
in general character, as to suggest a possible general origin — in the one
instance as well as in the other — in that craving which naturally exists,
even among the rudest people, for decoration and embellishment ; and,
after all, an elaborately tatooed stone is not, perhaps, to our ideas at
least, so strange as an elaborately tatooed skin. In far later end
mediaaval times we see the old sculptured stones and crosses of Scotland
and Ireland decorated in a more perfect but yet analogous way — and for
an analogous object too — by endless and elegant scrolls, circles, volutes,
chevrons, and other interlaced and ever- varying patterns cut upon their
faces and sides.
CHAPTER XII.— THEJR POSSIBLY RELIGIOUS CHARACTER.
The Scottish concentric ring-cuttings and cup-cuttings, however, are
far ruder and simpler than the Irish and Brittany examples of old lapi-
' M. Dumont d'Urville, in his •* Voyage de rAetrolobe,'* gives numerous figures
of tattooing amongst the Polynesians. The principal figures upon the face consist
of simple or compound spirals (see tbe accompanying plates, torn. i. pi. 68, 74, &c )
They indulge also in abundance of circular and crescentic lines and figures.
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104 ON THE SCULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
dury ornamentation to which I have referred. They lack that elaborate-
ness and diversity of detail which characterise the cuttings within the
Irish and Brittany sepulchral chambers. They are also in most cases
far more sparse in their distribution, and more rough and rude in their
details, than we would naturally perhaps expect in rock or stone surfaces
carved for mere and pure decoration only. At the same time these
ancient rock-cuttings in Scotland and England present indisputably,
wherever they occur, the same archaic " handwriting on the wall,"—
they are everywhere so wonderfully similar in their type of art, — so
nearly and entirely like to each other in all localities in their general
artistic conception and details, as to prove that they originated in some
fixed community of objects or ideas among those that cut and formed
them — whether their origin was ornamental, or symbolic, or both. But,
whatever else was their object, that they were emblems or symbols con-
nected in some way with the religious thoughts and doctrines of those
that carved them, appears to me to be rendered probable, at least, by
the position and circumstances in which we occasionally find them
placed. For in several instances we have seen that they are engraved on
the outer or inner surface of the stone lids of the ancient kistvaen and
mortuary urn. The remains of the dead which occupied these cists and
urns were covered over with stones carved with these rude concentric
circles, apparently just as afterwards — in early Christian times— they
were covered with cut emblems of the cross placed in the same position.
Man has ever conjoined together things sacred and things sepulchral,—
for the innate dread of death and the grave has ever led him, in ancient
as in modern times, to invest his burial rites and customs with the char-
acters and emblems of his religious creed.
In some instances the carved stone employed to cover the body or
ashes of the dead, or used in the construction of their megalithic cists,
seems to have been taken for that purpose from other localities where
possibly it had been already regarded as sacred, and had possibly served
for other religious purposes. Thus, for example, the carved cist-cover
at Craigiehill is, at one end, broken off right through two or three series
of concentric rings (see Plate XI. ^g» 2), which must have been cut
upon it before it was reduced to its present shape and size ; the small
slab from the cist at Carnban has been similarly mutilated through the
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ON BT0NB8 AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, Ac. 105
linear course of the carying upon it, to allow of it being placed as a
panel in the end of the grave ; and a few of the Bculptured stones in the
megalithic sepulchral crypts and galleries of Ireland and Brittany have
been ascertained to be carved upon their hidden as well as upon their
exposed sides, showing that they were sculptured, in part at least, ere
they were placed in their present situations.
Perhaps it might be further argued that the presence of the concentric
rings and cups on the sides of Long Meg, the Calder stones, and the
stones of other " Druidio Circles," goes to show their sacred or religious
character,— whether we regard megalithic circles as places of worship, or
places of sepulture, or both. The same remark applies to their appear-
ance upon cromlechs ; and, if possible, more emphatically still to their
occurrence upon sepulchral monoliths and standing stones.
CHAPTER XIIL— THEIR AGE, OR THE DATE OR DATES AT WHICH
THE RINGS AND CUPS WERE CUT.
The central cup, with or without a surrounding circle or circles, con-
stitutes one of the most simple, and consequently most frequent, forms
of ancient sculptured ornamentation. Nothing could possibly be more
rude and primitive, except it were one or more unomamental straight
lines or grooves such as we occasionally see both traversing and passing
beyond the cups and rings. The very simplicity of the cup and circle
forms is one strong reason for our regarding these types of sculpture as
the most archaic stone carvings that have been left to us. When once
begun, such types of lapidary carving and ornamentation would — for the
same reason — ^be in all likelihood readily transmitted down to future
generations — and perhaps to races even — that followed long after those
who first engraved them on our stones and rocks. Possibly their sacred
symbolisation — if they were sacred — contributed to the same end ; for
forms and customs that were originally religious observances often per-
sist through very long ages after their primary religious character is
utterly forgotten, and even where the type of religion has been totally
changed.'
1 As, for example, the use of the old pagan marriage-ring in the Christian mar-
riage ritoBof some churches ; the general avoidance of marriage in May, a snpersti-
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106 ON THE 8CIILPTURING8 OF CUPS AND CONCKNTBIC RINGS
As yet, we want a suflScient body and collection of data to determine
with any accuracy the exact age or ages and periods at which the lapi-
dary cup and ring cuttings we have described were sculptured. But the
facts we possess are quite sufficient, I think, to prove that the date or dates
at which they were for the most part formed must be very remote. In
evidence of this I shall appeal in the following chapters— though at the
risk of some recapitulation — to their precedence of letters, and traditions ;
to various data regarding the connection of these rude sculptures with
the dwellings and sepultures of archaic man ; to the archaic character of
the antiquarian relics w^th which they have been found in combination ;
and to their geographical distribution as bearing upon their antiquity.
CHAPTER XIV.— THEIR PRECEDENCE OP LETTERS AND
TRADITIONS.
In no instance have the lapidary cup and ring cuttings been found
in Scotland or England conjoined in any way with any attempts at aoy
form, however rude and primitive, of letter-cutting or letter-writing.
We have no reason whatever to believe that the ring and cap cuttings
are themselves, as we have heard suggested, unknown words, or hiero-
glyphics, for they are too few in number and too analogous in form for
such a purpose ;* and if any type of letters had been known to the carvers
of the cups and rings, examples of these letters would almost inevitably
have been found somewhere cut alongside of these sculptures.' We are
tion described some eighteen centuries ago by Ovid ; the ancient heathen well-
worship, which is not yet extinct in some parts of the British islands ; the h'ghtiog
up of Baal-fires on May and Midsummer's eve, &o., &c.
1 All the cnps, for example, npon the cromlechs and tumuli, figured in Plates
VIII., IX., and X. are so similar — as are all the concentric circles upon Long Meg,
in Plate VII. — that they offer singly no such differences as render them capable of
being interpreted ss individual and separate letters.
* Governor Pownall, in the " Archcsologia" (vol. ii. p. 260), imagines the broken
gridiron-looking markings at New Grange (PI. XXVII. fig. 6) to be some old
Eastern or Phoenician inscription ; and Mr Du Noyer, in the Meath Herald for
October 21, 1865, reports among the sculptured tombs of Sleive-na-Caillighe what
he believes to be short Ogham inscriptions or letters. But my observations in the
text apply to British antiquities, and not to those of Ireland.
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ON STONES AND R0CK8 IN VABIOUB PARTS OF SCOTLAND, Ac. 107
not aware when a knowledge of letters reached the western shores of the
Old World, and whether they came in, as some hold, with a race using
bronze wei^ons and ornaments,' — or with a later race, using iron imple*
ments, as others maintain. At all events, they were not apparently
known or employed in Western. Europe for centuries after the inhabi-
tants of Western Asia had engraved their deeds and thoughts upon rocks
and stones, bricks and tablets of clay. And in regard to Britain, we
are at all events fully entitled, I believe, to hold that the race or races
that cut our many rude ring and cup sculptures were not, either at the
beginning of the practice, or even up to the termination of it, acquainted
with the use and carving of letters— or otherwise, as I have just stated,
we would almost inevitably have found traces of their letters in connec-
tion with some of these lapidary sculptures.
Nor am I aware that in any spot in which the ring and cup sculptures
have been found, has tradition preserved the faintest remembrance,
either of their object or their presence. They are too decidedly " things
of the past," for even the most traditional of human races to have retained
the slightest recollection of them.' Thus, for example, in the kistvaen
> Certainly not with the bronze en, for traces of writing on old bronze weapons
baye not been found except in a very few instances. Two of theee instances con-
sist of bronze helmets, with Greek inscriptions cut npon them. One of them — ^the
helmet of Hiero I. — is probably of the date of 474 b.u. ; the second may possibly be a
centnry earlier. (See these helmets and the inscriptions npon them figored in Mr
Franks* valnable additions to the **Hor8Q Ferales/' pi. xii.) Both of these helmets
are now in the British Mnsenm. At Constantinople there is still preserved the
brazen stand of the famous golden tripod, which was dedicated by the confede-
rate Greeks to Apollo at Delphi, after the defeat of the Persian host at Platasa,
B.C. 479. On its stalk is engraved, in ancient Greek letters, a battle-roll of the
Greek army, which was possibly used by Herodotus himself in drawing up his his-
tory. (See Rawlinson's Herodotus, vol. iv. p. 451).
* The carving of circular markings upon a kind of stone that is remarkable for
the tempting facility with which it may be incised, is a practice followed in one spot
of the British Isles at the present day. The rock at Fetheland Head, Shetland, is
formed of steatite or soap-stone. It is as easily cut or whittled with a common knife
as a piece of wood. Three years ago, my friend Dr Arthur Biitchell saw the herring
fishermen, in a day of idleness, cutting circles with their knives in the face of *the
rock, without the operators being able to assign any reason for their work, except
that others had done it before them. The circles were all single, round, and small,
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108 ON THE 8CULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND OONCBNTRIC RINGS
of the large barrow which formerly stood at CarabaD, in Argyleshire,
some two miles west of Lochgilphead, we have seen (p. 81) a sculptured
slab introduced as a loose panel, within the stone grave of the great chief
or priest in whose honour the barrow was raised. Of ail races, the Celtic
is specially retentive of traditional descriptive appellations. But he who
was buried in the cairn gives no more his own name to it — as, no doubt,
he did at first for long ages ; and instead of recognising the barrow by
his special appellative, the neighbouring Highlanders have, from time
immemorial, known it merely from the colour or figure of its stones,
under the meaningless name of " Carnban," or " the white or fair cairn."
Did the occupant of this originally great cairn, with his flint fragments
buried beside him, belong to an earlier branch of the Celtic race than
the present ? Or did he and his brotherhood, who sculptured the rocks
in the same valley 'with rings and cups, not pertain to a population or a
race really older than the Celtic ?
CHAPTER XV.— THEIR CONNEOTION WITH ARCHAIC TOWNS
AND DWELLINGS.
When cut upon rocks in aUUf the cups and rings have usually been
found, in Northumberland, within the walls of archaic camps or towns, or
placed at a small distance from them. At Old Bewick, some of the
sculptured stones stand both within and without the great and striking
ramparts of that ancient British city ; and at Bowtin Lynn and Chatton
Law there are walled camps or citadels in the immediate neighbourhood
of the sculptured rocks; and the sculptured rocks themselves are in-
cluded within their secondary defences or out-towns (see ante, p. 50). We
have found the same observation to hold good in reference to examples of
other isolated cut stones in Northumberland, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Sec
But in highly cultivated districts the march of agricultural improve-
without any central cup or side duct. On the eame rock were initials and <
carved out. Dr Mitchell found also circular marks on the rock, varying in diameter
from ten to thirty inches— of an older date, and some of them turf-covered — which
had heen made, not by a knife, but by a pick or pointed chisel. The larger drclcf
are averred by the natives to be of Danish origin.
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ON STONES AND BOCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND, &0. 109
iDGDt bas generally swept away all traces of ancient human habitations
in the neighbourhood of the sculptnred cists and monoliths ; though not
always. We have, for example, found (p. 45), within a few miles of
Edinburgh, the carved kistvaen i^t Craigie Hill placed outside the ram-
parts of an ancient walled town ; and the monolith at Comiston occupy-
ing a similar position (p, 46).
There exist no pracise facts to fix the age at which the anoient British
towns at Old Bewick, Bowtin Lynn, Craigie Hill, Comiston, &c., were
inhabited ; but probable data bearing on the point may yet be recovered
in the form of buried tools, pottery, and weapons — ^as, for example, even
in the varying and particular forms of their flint arrowrheads — in the
special types of their walls and defences— in the characters and shapes
of their included hut and house foundations and pits, &c. Wanting,
however, still any adequate facts to determine the exact age of these
towns or forts, we cannot through them approach with any accuracy the
era of the archaic sculptures connected with them. Nor must we forget,
in attempting to reason from the age of these ramparted dwelling-places,
that in all likelihood — in ancient as in modern times — the same spots
served for cities and communities through many long generations ; and
that the sculptures may belong to their earliest and not to their latest
period of existence.
Within these archaic towns and camps no lapidary circles and cups
have yet, I believe, been found in immediate connection with the stones
of their hut foundations, circles, and pits — the dwelling-places of their
olden inhabitants. They have been discovered, however, upon the
stones of single human dwellings probably equally old. Among the
most antique types of artificial human habitations in this country are our
underground houses or " weems." I have already adduced instances of
one or two of these underground weems having, in their structure, stones
sculptured with rude cups and rings, &c. The origin and general age of
this type of artificial human dwelling we know not, though the rude
materials and relics occasionally found within them prove the earlier
forms of them to be very ancient. But some facts show that the ring
and cup cuttings were as old or older than the date of the building
of the most ancient type of these weems ; for in one or two archaic
earth-dwellings of this kind, blocks of stone, carved with ring and
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110 ON THE 800LPTUBING8 OP 0UP8 AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
cup cuttings (see Plates XX. and XXV. fig. 3), have been dis-
covered both in the foundations and roof of the weems, where they
had apparently been introduced and used, after serving other functions
as sculptured stones ; and possibly at so advanced a date from the time
of their carving, that all reverence for the sculptures themselves had died
out in the minds of the generation who used them as simple building
material.*
These underground weems are seemingly artificial representations of
those natural caves which formed in all likelihood, at a still earlier
period, the dwellings of our archaic forefathers. On the coast of Fife
there are several of these natural caves or *' weems/' as they are still
called in that district. One, which was lately opened near Easter
Wemyss, contained numerous relics of bones, broken and split for the
extraction of the marrow, as in the bones of the ancient Danish midden-
heaps. In another cave, nearer the village of Easter Wemyss, which I
visited with Dr Dewar, I found faded appearances of some depressions or
cups with small single circles cut on the wall. Probably a more minute
and extensive search in these caves would discover many more such
carvings ;^ and it is not impossible that they or similar rude sculpturings
I The edges, however, of the rings and cups upon the large stone from the weem
at Letham Grange, described at p. 41, are still so sharp as to show that the block
had not been greatly exposed and weathered before it was buried in the foundation
of this underground house. Gould the builder of this weem have cut these mark-
ings upon the stone, with the hope of thus investing it with any sacred and pro-
tective character, before he placed it in the foundation of his dwelling ?
s I leave this sentence as it was written, above two years ago. Shortly after that
period I revisited Wemyss to inspect the other caves of the district, and make more
minute observations than I could do in my first hurried visit, and discovered on the
walls of some of them many carvings of animals, spectacle ornaments, and other
symbols, exactly resembling in type and character the similar figures represented
on the ancient so-called Sculptured Stones of Scotland, and like them, probably about
a thousand years old. The small circles and cups which I saw In the Court Cave on
my first visit, proved, on more careful inspection, to be the faded fragments of ends
of two or more so-called ** sceptres" or sceptre ornaments. On the occasion of my
revisiting the caves, I was accompanied by Drs Joseph Bobertson, Duns, and
Paterson ; but my esteemed friend Mr John Stuart, who has so admirably collated
our Sculptured Stones, declined to make one of the party, as he deemed it Im-
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ON STONES AND ROOKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SOOTIiAND. 1 11
may yet be detected on the walls of those caves which, from their cod-
taining fragments of the bones of men and animals, with weapons, and
other rude works of human art, are known to have been, in very distant
and remote times, the dwellings of man ; such as Kent's Hole, Wokey
Hole, Brixham Cave, and the old inhabited caves of Belgium, France, &c.
CHAPTER XVI.— THEIR PRESENCE ON THE STONES OP THE MOST
ANCIENT FORMS OF SEPULTURE.
Our archaic forefathers have left us many more specimens of the
tombs of the dead than of the dwellings of the living ; and ancient sepul-
tures have ever formed great treasuries for archceological investigation.
These sepultures are, as we have already seen, especially rich in the rude
sculpturings after which we are inquiring. They have been found (see
Chapter iv.) on the stones covering urns ; on those forming the lids of
kist-vaens, specially of the short and earlier form; within sepulchral
chambers ; and on the stones of cromlechs ; not to speak of their appear-
ance upon sepulchral stone pillars and megalithio circles. Some of
these forms of sepulture, as the megalithio circle, the chambered
tumulus, and its fundamental prototype, the uncovered cromlech, are
in their origin beyond— perhaps very far beyond— our historic era.
The carvings upon these sepulchral stones are probably all as old, and
some of them even older, than' the megalithio tombs of which these
stones form a part. We have evidence of this in the facts I hav^ already
adverted to in pp. 81 and 105, — as that, for example, in one or two of
the sculptured stones within the great sepulchral chamber at New
Grange, some sculptures can be felt carved upon the backs of the
blocks, — a position in which they could only have been cut before the
sepulchre itself was reared. It is apparent that on other stonec^ the
Bculptorings were made after the blocks were placed, as the patterns
probable that we would find anything intereeting. I deecribed at lengtb these Fife
Cave carvings to the Royal Society of Edinburgh on the 2d January 1865, and illus-
tratod them by a full series of drawings of the sculptures made by Mr Drummond,
R.SA., and Dr Paterson. My communication on the subject (see Appendix) was
published in the ** Proceedings of the Royal Soetety of Edinburgh," vol. v. p. 621 to 626.
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112 ON THE SCULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
are continued from the face of one stone to another.' Not knowing
with any reliable exactitude the era of these great sepulchral works,
on the stones of which the cups, rings, &c, are cut, we fail of coarse
in fixing the data of the sculpturings themselves. But that some of
these sepultures and their attendant sculpturings are very ancient, we
know from another piece of evidence which we shall consider for a
moment, viz., — the nature of the relics which have been found in con-
nection with them.
CHAPTER XVII.— THE ARCHAIC CHARACTER OP THE CONTEMPO-
RANEOUS RELICS FOUND IN COMBINATION WITH THEM.
Antiquarian relics found in connection with ancient human habita-
tions, whether the dwellings of single families or of large communities,
are liable, as archaaological chronometers, to mislead us by the evident
fallacy that these dwellings may have, in ancient times, been often the
residences, not of one generation, but of many successive generations,
and even of successive races of men.
A i^imilar source of fallacy is often involved in the answers which the
archceologist may obtain from the examination of ancient places of
sepulture, unless he pursues his interrogations with all due caution ; for
chambered tumuli, burial mounds, and cemeteries when once rendered
sacred structures and spots, by the interment of the dead, continued
occasionally to be used as places of sepulchre, for long ages by later and
distant populations. Hence the well-known fact, that as late as 785,
Charlemagne had to issue a special order to his christianised Saxon sub-
jects, that they should cease from interring their dead in the tumuli of
1 When speaking of the lines cut upon the cromlech called the Merchant's Table,
at Locmariaker in Brittany. Mr Lukis observes, that " the stones were engraTed
previously to the construction of the cromlech, for the scored lines pass over the tops
of the props at the points in contact with the capstones. This ornament was, how-
ever/' Mr Lukis adds, " completed [occasionally] after the erection of the whole
structure, for in the instance of Gkivr Inis, the small stones — ^wedged into the spaces
between the principal — have the scored work continued over their surfaces." —
ArchoBologia for 1868, vol. xxxv. p. 260.
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 113
the pagans, instead of bar3ring them in the churchyard.* (Ut corpora
Christianorum Saaonum ad ccemeterta Ecclesice deferantur, et non ad
iumtdos Faganorum.) Many of our oldest barrows and burial mounds
contain, in this way, secondary or later interments, which have often
been confounded in arohadological researches with the primary burial,
for which the barrow or mound was raised. The long barrows of Eng-
land, for example, seem to have been originally the graves of a popula-
tion who had elongated skulls,' and apparently possessed no metallic
weapons ; but in other parts of the long barrows, and before reaching
1 Pertz's Monumenta Oermania Hutoriea ; Legum, torn. i. p. 49. In the same
capitulary Charlemagne issued orders against the practice of burning the dead, and
laid it down as a cs^ital crime. (" 8i quit corpus defuncH honUnit teeun'han ritum
pogtmoTtim fiamma eontum feeerit^ et oBta ad emerem redierit capiU punietur")
s The doctrine of the greater antiquity in Britain, of the long-headed or dolicoce-
phalic, as compared with the round-headed or brachycephalic race, was first broached
some twenty years ago, by one of our greatest leaders in Scottish archaeology, Pro-
fessor Daniel Wilson. (See his Prehistoric Annals of Scotland, I86I, p. 160, &c) A
late writer on the subject, and a most keen and accurate observer, Dr Thumam^ in
an essay " On the Two Principal Forms of Ancient British and (Mulish Skulls,'* — ^in
speaking of his own extensive experience in England, remarks, in regard to the
long-chambered barrows of North Wilts and Gloucestershire, — '^ There is no well
authenticated proof that metallic objects, whether of bronze or iron, have in any
case been found in the undisturbed chambers of these tombs, which, however, yield
well-chipped flakes and arrow heads, and also axes of flint. The skulls ^m these
barrows, which are those of a people of middle, or even short stature, seem certainly
the remains of a more ancient people than those who raised most of the circular
tumuli of this part of the island." Dr Thumam, in the essay referred to, p. 89, and
previously in the " Crania Britannica," enumerates as the results of his observa-
tions and study of British barrows, in regard to their shape, and the skull forms of
those buried in them, the brief axiom, — ** Long barrows', long skulls ; round barrows,
round or short skulls.'* The connection of the long skull with the long barrow and
the Stone period seems founded on well established facts by Dr Thumam with
regard to some parts of Great Britain ; but it is doubtful if his axiom holds true of all
parts of England, or of other countries, and still more distant human races. The
skulls fh>m the Neanderthal and Engis caves, when man was contemporaneous
with the cave bear, are elongated in form ; one from the cave of Lombrive in the
« rein-deer period," is said, on the contrary, to be round. But the whole subject of
skull forms, as connected with ages and races of men, is still at beet involved in
no small doubt and di£Sculty.
APPBNDU: — VOL. VI. h
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114 ON THE SCULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
tbe spot in which their primary occnpantB have been placed, other
graves are frequently enough met with in the same mound ; and their
secondary occupants are occasionally found to have been buried with
weapons of bronze, and even of iron.
In this respect single graves or kist-vaens are freer from doubt than
grave mounds, and barrows, and cairns. The sculptured slab in the Coils-
field cist covered an urn presenting, to use the language of Professor
Wilson,^ ''the usual characteristics of primitive sepulchral pottery."
(See figure of a portion of this sepulchral urn in Plate XIII. fig. 2.)
In Plate XI. fig. 5 is sketched an urn with even ruder markings, found
near Scarborough in a tumulus, some of the stones of which were cut
with cups and rings. Yet archaic man ornamented his sepulchral and
other pottery far oftener than he cut figures on stones ; and his bone
carvings were often more elaborate than his lapidary. The mode of burial,
with the body more or less contracted and bent within a short cist or grave,
is usually regarded as a form of interment older and more archaic than
that with the body buried at full length and in long kist-vaens. Moet,
if not all, of the single cists hitherto found covered with sculptured slabs,
1 TJnfortunately this fragment of urn has not been preserved, and the original
sketch of it, from which Dr Wilson made his woodcut, is also lost. On asking Mr
Birch of the British Mnsenm, the author of the well-known and classical work on
the <* History of Ancient Pottery/' the probable age of this urn, as far as oonld be
judged from the sketch of it given by Dr Wilson, and copied, as stated above, into Plato
XIII., that eminent archseologist replied, *< It is always desirable, if possible, to see
the ohject itself before pronouncing an opinion, but the urn seems to me closely
like those found in Wales and Ireland of the so-called stone period. Its closely-
hatched lines have great similarity with the vases of North Wales and Ireland, and
it was no doubt of a light brown, imperfectly baked clay, such as is commonly
found in the early Celtic graves, and some examples of which are engraved at the
end of my work on pottery (vol. ii. ad finum). It must therefore be assigned to a
remote epoch as to style." My friend, the Rev. Mr Qreenwell of Durham, another
high authority on such questions, has kindly outlined, as seen in Plate XUI., the
probable shi4)e of this Goilsfield urn, and adds, that such urns are found not unfre-
quently in Ireland, are often associated with bronze daggers, and hence probably,
he thinks, pertains to the bronze period. *' The Scarborough urn (Plate XI. fig. 5)
is," he adds, " of the type of those that contain the burnt bones of a body, and which
in ail cases, except in the Goilsfleld instance, have been found with the cironlar-
marked stones."
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 115
Lave been of the short form, and hence of the earliest type, as the stone-
coffins at Carlowrie (p. 28), and Craigie (p. 28.) The cist at Camban,
which contained the sculptured stone panel, is only four feet in length.
The cist at Oatlands or Balnakelly, in the Isle of Man (see p. 19), with
a cupped stone standing near it, is short also, being two feet three inches
in breadth, and between four and five feet in length. Some of the
sculptured sepulchral lids were small, as they merely covered urns, and
hence burned bones, and are important as marking the very frequent co-
existence of the cup and ring cuttings with the practice of cremation.
Within the urns and cists connected with these sculptured stones
nothing has been as yet found, I believe, except tools and weapons formed
of flints and other stones, with implements and ornaments of jet and
bone, — all of them works of a very antique type. But, as far as the
British Isles are concerned, we still greatly lack data to indicate — on any
large scale — the kinds of implements which co-existed and were buried
with those men whose sepulchres show the ring and cup carvings. We
want also greatly any characteristic crania from such sepulchres, in order
if possible to arrive at the probable race or races of the primary carvers of
these rude sculptures. It is true that the human bones hitherto dis-
covered where the urn lid or kist lid has been sculptured with rings
and cups have been few, and almost cdways destroyed by burning ; for,
88 just stated, the sculptures and cremation are often conjoined. But
in very ancient times, with the Celt, and probably the pre-Celt and
Turanian, as with the 3reek, Roman, and early Saxon, the inhumation
was sometimes used as well as the incineration of the body ; and in the
ancient tumuli of Brittany, and the cromlech sepultures of the Channel
Islands, the archaic dead have been found both buried and burned in
different yet analogous barrows, and even within the same sepulchre.
In Brittany much more successful inquiries have been made than in
our own country as to the contemporaneous relics and weapons of the
stone carvers. We have already seen that the stones in a few of the
great sepulchral barrows and chambers of Brittany have been found
marked and carved, — the sculpturing in some of them, as at Gavr Inis,
Locmariaker, Long Island, &c., being far more elaborate and objective
than the simple rude cup and ring carvings of Great Britain, — and hence,
we infer, later than them in date, unless we may hold — what is not
A2
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116 ON THE 8CULPTURIN08 OF 0UP8 AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
impoBsible-^that the art of lapidary sculpturiDg advanced at a very
different rate of progress in the two countries.
Many of the Brittany barrows have been opened in search of supposed
treasures, &c., for years past, without the character of their contents
having been ascertained ; but the interiors of others, where sculptures
exist, have been examined and determined with the greatest accu-
racy. Thus one large Brittany barrow, — that of St Michaers Mont, at
Camac, — ^was found to have the single large slab covering its contained
cist cut with cups, like many of our Scottish stones. See a sketch
of these cups on this Brittany slab in Plate XI. fig. 4. They were not,
I believe, above one and a half inch in diameter each. This ruder cup-
carviug most probably marks this tumulus as of an age older than some
of the other elaborately carved sepulchral chambers of the same district.
The contents of the St MichaeVs Mont barrow are consequently interest-
ing, as marking the kind of contemporaneous weapons, ornaments, &c.,
that were known to those men whose hands cut these cup sculpturings.
There were found within the sepulchral chamber thirty-nine polished
celts of jade, tremolith, and other stones ; nine pendants and one hundred
small beads, mostly of jasper, perforated, and hence probably the remains
of necklaces; two fragments of flints; and a ring of smdl beads, said
to be formed from the bones of a bird's leg. Fragments of the calcined
bones of the occupant of the tomb were discovered underneath the floor
of the chamber.*
Another and more gigantic Brittany barrow was opened a few years
ago at Tumiac, in Arzon. On some -of the slabs forming the sepul-
chral chamber of this Tumiac tumulus " curious ornamental work,"'
1 See Mr Barnwell in the Arehaologia CambrenM for 1862, and '* Fonilles da Mont
Saint-Michel/' by M. R6ne Galles.
3 The ornamental work on three of the stones of the Tomiao barrow was cnriooi
and exceptional. On one of the supporting slabs of the chamber, there was, at iti
upper part, a kind of double crescent, formed of two strings of circles or beads, like
an imperfect necklace or collar. Lower down on the face of the same stone w^e
four crossed and somewhat irregolar lines, ending each in a very imperfect and
irregular circle. On another of the stones were a number of projecting points, in
rows, like small mammillary protruding pegs; and at its lower part, two parallel
straight lines, which end in curves at both extremities. (See L. GUdles' ** Fouilk
du Tumulus de Tumiac en Arzon.")
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 117
observes Mr Barnwell, ^' was found, and a large number of stone imple-
ments,— some more tban eighteen inches long ; and necklaces of stone
beads, the various articles being nearly forty in number. All the stone
celts had been fractured across about two-thirds of their length/' " On
this occasion," adds Mr BamwelU " and indeed on all other similar ones
where these chambers have been explored, no copper or bronze imple-
ment has ever been found. The articles are invariably of stone, and
in the case of the grand chambers of Flouhamel, of gold.'' The body
in this Tumiac barrow was inhumed, and without incineration, whilst
that contained in the neighbouring barrow at St Michael's Mont had
been burnt.*
A remarkable sculptured slab containing carvings of hatchets, bows,
&c.f found in opening the tumulus of Manne-er-Hroek at Locmariaker,
is represented in Plate XXXII. fig. 3. This carved slab was found
amongst the stones filling up one end of the sepulchral chamber. In
opening the tumulus MM. Lefebvre and B^ne Galles dug down about
thirty feet from the summit before they reached this central sepulchral
chamber, which measured about thirteen feet by nine, and was about
five feet high. Within it were found the following objects : — ^A hundred
and four broken stone hatchets of tremolith and jade, one of them
eighteen inches in length ; two perfect jade hatchets, thirteen inches
long, and of beautiful finish ; five beautiful pendants of jasper ; forty-
four small beads in jasper, quartz, and agate ; one prism of crystalline
quartz ; three pieces of sharp cutting flint ; a quantity of charcoal ; and
some fragments of pottery. Earthy matter covered the floor to the
depth of about a foot and a half, but no trace of bones or animal matter
could be detected.
Weapons and ornaments of bronze have been found within some mega-
lithic tombs and cromlechs, analogous in their type of building to those
of Tumiac, St Michael, and Manneer-Hrock.a When discovered they have
^ Arekaoloffia Cambrenni for 1862, p. 886.
' Baron Bonstetten, in his ** Supplement d' Antiquities/' states that in the mega-
lithic tomb at Flouhamel a kind of ligula in bronze was also found ; and more
lately, in his <* Essai sur les Dolmens," he adduces a few rare and exceptional in-
stances of bronze implements being found in these catacombs in France and Spain,
though throughout Northern and Western Europe their general and pripiary con-
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118 ON THE 8CULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTBIC RINGS
been found usually, if not always, in circumstances showing that they were
most probably introduced secondarily, or later than the primary age and use
of the catacombs. Indeed layers, showing different and distant burial de-
posits, have been repeatedly found along with relics and bones displaced
laterally to admit of the interment of others. Dr Lukis has specially
pointed out this fact in relation to the megalithio catacombs in the Channel
Islands, where he had an unusually favourable opportunity of studying
the contents of these tombs and their interior arrangements, in couse-
quence of their cavities having in long past times become silted up— and
stereotyped, as it were, for modem investigation — ^by layers of sea-sand.
We have figured a specimen of cup-carvings on the props of one of these
cromlechs (see Plate VIII. fig. 2). In one only, however, of the many
archaic sepulchres which he examined did Dr Lukis find an implement
of bronze. In this instance, in the upper layers filling the interior of a
oyclopic chambered tumulus in Guernsey, covered by nine capstones, be
discovered beneath one of the capstones an ancient armlet made of a
copper alloy. In subsequently pursuing his researches downwards among
the contents of this megalithic tomb, Dr Lukis states that he *' arrived
at the usual varieties of pottery, bearing evidence of greater age ....
accompanied by many stone instruments, mullers and mills of granite;"
and he believes the metallic armlet — and another found near it of jet,
pretty highly ornamented — must have been placed within the cromlech
for security or otherwise at a subsequent period."^ Elsewhere he has
stated that,^with this spurious exception, — in all his extensive re>
tents are entirely of the stone age. Bnt crondech building, we mnst remember, his
extended to other districts of the world, and has in them extended onwards into
later periods. As proof of the occasional posterior Introduction of reb'cs into crom-
lechs with HKxmdary interments or otherwise, M. Bonstetten states, that inside an
archaic '' dolmen " at Locmariaker, and sunk down twice the depth of some remains
of archaic pottery and flints, two statuettes in terra-cotta of Latona, coins of the
second Constantino, and some Boman pottery, were found. Messrs Christy and
Ferand opened fourteen cromlechs near Constantin, in Africa, and discoTcred In
their interior, besides the corpses, — ^which were buried in a bent or contracted posi-
tion,— ^worked flints, bits of pottery, rings of copper and iron, and in one instance,
a coin of tbe Empress Faustina, who died 200 ▲.a (See Rteueil de la SoeUU
ArchSologie de OonttaiUin for 1868, p. 214.)
' Journal of the British Archieological ABaociatiqfi;. vol. lii. p. 344.
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ON 8TONE8 AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 119
searches among the deposits within the megalithio sepulchral chambers
and cromlechs of the Channel Islands, "no metallic instruments nor
ornaments were discovered, nor even indications of the knowledge or use
of metals." ^
We have had several megalithic catacombs and cists opened in England
of late years, as at Bodmarton, XJley, Littleton Drew, West Eennet, Long
Lowe, Nympsfield, Arlington, &c., where the relics found interred with
the dead were entirely those of the Stone age ; but the walls of these
olden tombs have not been examined with the necessary care for the
discovery of cup and ring markings, and possibly none may be present.
In the field adjoining the sculptured stones of Largie, in Argyleshire
(see anteriorly, p. 34), a megalithic round tumulus with three chambers
or compartments in it was lately examined by the Bev. Mr Mapleton
and Mr Greenwell. One of the three chambers was nearly twenty feet
long. They found within these catacombs burnt and unburnt bones,
charcoal, flints, and several urns or rather portions of urns, some of which
were ornamented externally. The Bev. Mr Greenwell believes, from the
examination which he has made of this great barrow, that the dead
deposited in it at different periods were at one time inhumed and at
another burned. But he concludes further— contrary to the general
opinion on such subjects — that the age of cremation in this tumulus
preceded, and perhaps long preceded, the age of burial.
At present I am not aware that within any of the sepulchres, whose
stones are marked only with the incised ring and cup cuttings, any kind
or form of metallic tool or instrument has yet been found. Should
further and more extended observation confirm this remark, then it will
naturally follow that the commencement of these sculpturings must bo
thrown back to the so-called Stone period, or to an era anterior to the use
1 I have mentioned anteriorly (p. 65) Mr Conwell's discovery at 81ieve-na-
Galligh, in Ireland, of an extensive old "city of" the dead/' containing a great
number of chambered tnmnli wtth carvings on their stones. In one of the crypts
of one of these chambered cairns Mr Oonwell found what in all probability were the
remains of a secondary and late interment, viz., a few fragments of iron and of small
bronze rings and glass beads. No similar metallic relics have hitherto been found
anywhere else in this large necropolis, except a bronze pih, probably also a secondary
introduction.
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120 ON THE SC?ULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
of metals; unless, indeed, we can imagine, with some archaeologists,
that in consequence of the extreme age, moisture, &c., of these places of
interment, any bronze or iron articles deposited in them have disinte-
grated and totally disappeared in consequence of the destructive oxidation
of the metals — an idea contradicted by the chemical fact that the human
and other bones have been more or less spared under conditions which,
on this supposition, have removed all the metallic objects.
I have no doubt, however, that at whatever time the simple cup and
ring sculptures were first begun to be cut, the practice of carving them
— ^if it did not initiate in — was at least continued into, and indeed ex-
tended during the so-called Bronze era, and perhaps till a later period;'
for bronze tools and ornaments have been occasionally found in locali-
ties in Argyleshire, Northumberland, and elsewhere pear to spots where
the sculptures exist in unusual numbers ; though none yet have been
discovered, as far as I am aware, in immediate and direct connectioD
with these carved stones or cists themselves.
Mere peculiarities in the artistic type of the figures found cut on stones
and metals, on pottery and bone, &c., have been sometimes held as suffi-
1 Last century an example of lapidary circles, Ac., was found upon the sepulchral
slabs of a cist which contained iron weapons. The discoTery was made in opening
a barrow at Aspatria in Cumberland, and is casually described by Ifr Books in the
Arehaoloffia^ vol. x. p. 118. On digging the barrow, a stone cist was exposed con-
taining the skeleton of a tall man. Beside the skeleton lay a long iron sword and
dagger, their handles ornamented with silver ; a gold buckle and a figured omameDi,
in the end of a piece of belt ; with remains of a shield and battle-axe, and of a
horse-bit and spurs, all very much corroded by rust. The stones marked were two
cobblestones which inclosed tho west end of the cist. The sculptures upon them
consisted of single and double rings, some with cups and others with crosses in their
centres. One of the stones had on it '* marks which resemble** letters, but none
such are visible in the accompanying sketches in the Archctclogia. These l^dary
rings, however, differed entirely from all the British forms described in this
essay^ as their " rims and the crosses within them are cut in relief,**— raised and
not incised. Lately I made, through Mr Page of Carlisle, full inquiries after these
stones of Aspatria, but unfortunately they have disappeared. The crossed circles
or discs on these Aspatria stones is common on Scandinavian stones (see anteriorly
p. 78) ; but I know no other example of it in Great Britain. The relics are such
as we would expect to find in a Scandinavian grave, and probably mark the inter-
ment as a result of the Scandinavian settlement of Cumberland.
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ON STONES AND BOOKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 121
cient criteria for detennining the age of their productioD. Thus tlie
pottery, for instance, of the Stone and of the Bronze age, shows usually
on its surface only dots, nailmarks, and compositions of straight lines,
from the markings of cords or thongs upon the soft clay ; and occasion-
ally, in addition, we find some curved, circular, and spiral lines. It has
heen stated by various antiquaries,^ that, on the contrary, while all
attempts at the representation of natural objects, as plants, animals,
weapons, &o^ are rare, the ornamentation of the bronze age is specially
characterised by combinations of circular, spiral, and sometimes zigzag
lines ; and certainly such are the geometric patterns generally seen on
the most ancient bronze ornaments and weapons— whether we regard
these combinations and peculiar types of decoration as foreign or
native, Semitic or Aryan, Asiatic or European, Eastern or Western,
in their origin. Again, however, if we turn to carvings on stones, we
find that in some localities, apparently before metals were much if at all
used, archaic man attempted to cut representations of external objects,
as celts, animals, &c., upon the walls of his sepulchral chambers, as we
have already seen (p. 69-70) in the cromlechs and chambered tumuli of
Brittany. While we are not entitled, then, to draw any strong inference
as to the age of the lapidary cup and ring sculptures from their artistic
characters being supposed to be comparable with the geometric forms of
ornamentation of the Bronze era, we are yet perhaps entitled to hold that
— from their rudeness in artistic type — our Scottish and English cup
and ribg sculptures are earlier than those lapidary carvings and repre-
sentations of natural and artificial objects which, along with circles and
zigzags, exist in the cairns of Brittany ; — and are consequently, accord-
ing to this mode of reasoning, to be carried back with them in their
origin to the so-called Stone age.
But the very formation and cutting of such lapidary cups and rings
has been supposed of itself to involve the use of metallic tools. Let us,
therefore, in the next chapter inquire for a moment into the soundness
of this opinion.
1 See Kemble's Horas Ferales, p. 78 ; Labbock's Prehistoric Times, p. 26 ; and
Nilsson's Skandinaviska Nordens TJr-Invanare, p. 2, Ac. Professor Niisson and his
school regard all the earlier and finer ornamentation npon onr archaic bronzes as
Semitic or Eastern, and not Celtic or Western, in their origin.
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122 ON THE SCULPTURINQS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINOS
CHAPTER XVIII.— THE KIND OF TOOLS BY WHICH THE CUP AND
RING CUTTINGS WERE SCULPTURED.
It has been argued that such sculpturiDgs oould not belong to the
distant and so-called Stone age in archsaology, because they could not
have been cut except by metallic implements. In speaking, for example,
of some sculptured stones in the sepulchral chambers and cromlechs of
Wales and Brittany, Dr Lukis observes that it is difficult to conceive
the possibility of the stones being cut by any but metallic tools
(Archceologia^ vol. xxxv. p. 250). MM. Merimee and Closmadeuc ex-
press a similar opinion as to the impossibility of sculpturing the stones of
Gavr Inis without metallic implements (L'He de Oavr Inisj Sec,, p. 14).
In most localities the ring and cup cuttings are found chiefly, and in
Kome instances solely, carved upon the comparatively soft and easily
worked sandstone rocks of the district. In Northumberland, as already
stated, all the sculptured rocks hitherto discovered are sandstone, while
the older and harder rocks in the neighbourhood of the sculptured stones
show no markings whatever. But in other localities the rings and cups
are engraved on stones and rocks far more difficult to cut, as on whin-
stone in the cromlech near Batho ; on dense schist as in Argyleshire ;
or on hard primitive granites, syenites, &o., as on the stones at Bothie-
may, Midmar, &c. The presence, however, of the rings and cups upon
these harder and more primitive rocks does not necessitate the know-
ledge and the use of metaUic tools on the part of the sculptors. For 1
have found experimentally that the rings and cups can be engraved
deeply and without difficulty upon the Argyleshire schist, and even upon
hard Aberdeen granite, with a flint celt and a wooden mallet. In the
Edinburgh Antiquarian Museum there is a block of grey Aberdeen
granite from Eintore, forming one of the sculptured stones of Scotland,
and containing upon one side two crescents, dw. (See it figured in Mr
Stuart's " Sculptured Stones of Scotland," pi, cxi. fig. 3.) On the back
of this hard granite Mr Bobert Paul, the doorkeeper of the Museum,
tried for me the experiment I allude to, and cut, in two hours, two-thirds
of a circle with a flint and wooden mallet. The flint used was about
three inches long, an inch in breadth, and about a quarter of an inch in
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 123
thicknesB. The circle which he sculptared with it in the granite was
seven inches in diameter; and the incision itself was nearly three
quarters of an inch hroad, above a quarter of an inch in depth, and very
smooth on its cut surface. In hewing out the circle with the flint, its
sharp tips from time to time broke off, but another sharp edge was always
immediately obtained by merely turning it round.
The result of this simple and decisive experiment seems to me to be
important, as showing that if these archaic cuttings could be sculptured
alike either by stone or by metallic tools, their mere character and form
afford no evidence whatsoever that they were not carved till after the
discovery and use of metallic implements. In other words, the experi-
ment bhows that they might have been produced before the introduction
of metals — or during the Stone age.
CHAPTER XIX.— THEIB ANTIQUITY AS SHOWN BY THEIR
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS.
The ring and cup sculpturings have been found in many of the
inland districts of England and Scotland. But — for the sake of argu-
ment only — let us look at their distribution for a moment in districts
nearer our shores. Taking this view of their localisation, we find thai
they have now been discovered along the whoU length of the British
Isles, from Cornwall and Dorsetshire in the south to Orkney in the far
north ; and also across their whole breadth^ from Yorkshire and Northum-
berland on the eastern coast of England to Kerry on the western coast
of Ireland. At these distant and diverse points, and in the mainland
districts between them, they everywhere present a sameness of type and
form, showing — like a peculiar language — a sameness among the race or
races that carved them. In other words, they all evidently indicate,
wherever found, a common thought of some common origin, belonging
to a common people. But how very long is it since a common race in-
habited, simultaneously or successively, the four different and distant
parts in the British Islands that I have just named, and dwelt also in
the inland and intervening districts ? Yet it was evidently at some such
remote date that these rude and simple lapidary carvings were primarily
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124 ON THE SCULPTUR1NG8 OF CUPS AND OONCBKTBIC RlKGfi
and chiefly made ; and the last question that meets os is, What race or
races out them ?
CHAPTER XX.— THE RACE THAT FIRST INTRODUCED THE CARVING
OF THE LAPIDARY RING AND CUP SCULPTURINQS.
British historical records can only he truly said to hegin with
the notices of our Island and its inhabitants left us by Julius Cadsar,
half a century before the commencement of the Christian era. At
that date the population appears to have been mainly Celtic, but par-
tially also Belgic and Iberian (if we may trust to the subsequent observa-
tions of Tacitus upon 'Hhe dark and curly-haired Silures ") ; and many
have held that the Celts — including the two divisions of the Gymry and
Gktel — were the aborigines of these islands. During the ten or twelve
centuries that followed the commencement of our historical records,
we know that England was subdued and overrun by four different races of
conquerors, viz., by the Bomans, the Saxons, the Danes, and the Nor-
mans ; and during the long prehistoric ages that preceded the notices
left by Cassar, our country was probably then — as afterwards—the seat
and scene of repeated immigrations of new inhabitants and conquerors.
For we know that when the curtain of western European history first
rises in Pre-Christian times, it affords us strange glimpses of whole
nations and hordes, like the Cimbri and Helvetii, changing from site to
site in greater and smaller masses in quest of new settlements and new
conquests. By the era of the first Boman invasion of Scotland, a.d. 81,
our forefathers were already so advanced in civilisation as to build and
use war chariots— -a fact in itself showing no mean progress in the
mechanical arts ; and they had ere this time passed through the era of
bronze weapons, for they fought at the battle of the Mens Grampius
with what, to the Boman eye, seemed huge (tngentes) swords, large and
blunt at the point (enormea gladii sine mucrone\^ — a form of weapon which
we can only suppose to have been made of iron.'
1 Tacitus, Vita Agrkola, J 82.
2 A century and more before Agricola invaded Scotland, Julias Cseaar had found
the Celtic nations of Gaul provided with long two-edged iron swords (sec Livy,
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 125
We have no adequate data as yet to fix the date of advent to our
shores of the Gymry and Gael, and to determine whether or not they
brought along with them, at their first arrival, as some hold, a know-
ledge of the metallurgic arts. Bat much evidence has been gradually
accumulating of late years to prove that there had existed some pre-
Celtic races in Britain.^ Without venturing in the least to point out all,
xxxviii. 17 and 21). Diodorous Sicalus statee that they had also spears formed
with a long blade of iron, and had invented iron coats of mail (V. 80). When the
Roman armies first encountered those of Ganl in 222 b.c., the Ganls were even then,
according to Polybios (ii. 88), provided with iron swords ; but the metal was soft,
and bent in battle. It was, says Mr Aiken, when describing this circumstance, ** of
the idnd at present called * hot-short,' a defect which," he adds, '* much of the iron
now made in the southern departments of France is very liable to" (Hhtiiratioru of
Mamtfaetures, p. 261). When Julius CiBsar attacked by sea the Veneti, or inhabi-
tants of Armorica, in the year 66 B.C., he found them furnished with a strong fleet
of oak ships, above two hundred in number, clinker-built with large iron nails, and
the anchors of the vessels provided with chain cables of iron. In a very suggestive
chapter in his late interesting work on the "Early Races of Scotland," Colonel
Forbes Leslie hints that the Veneti owed probably their knowledge of naval archi-
tecture to the previous influence of Phoenician art and science among them (p. 47
to 61).
1 Perhaps comparative philology, and the study of the ancient names of some of
our mountains, rivers, and places, may yet afford the archsBologist surer means
than we generally use of ascertaining the presence in this island, in ancient times,
of races before the Celtic. That Iberians, speaking the Basque or Euskarian
language, partially inhabited the southern and western parts of Great Britain in
the time of Tacitus, and long previously, is generally admitted to be of high pro-
bability ; and their presence in western Europe is held by most ethnologists to be
ante-Celtic. Perhaps fhey will yet be found to have left some of their language and
appellatives not in south Britain only, but even far northward. One of the best
known provinces of Spain bears the Basque name of Asturia, or, in other words, a
district of ''river and rook," from Aita^ rock, and Ura, water. In Scotland we have
the Basque word '<Ura" forming — apparently now in modified forms—the names of
various streams and lakes, possibly before the advent of the Celts ; as the rivers
and lochs Ure, Urr, Ury, Ore, Orr, Ayr, Aire, Yar, &c., used either singly, or as pre-
fixes and affixes to other names. Tacitus tells us that Agricola, after passing the
isthmus formed by the estuaries of the Clota and Bodotria (Clyde and Forth),
stationed his army during the winter before the battle of the Mens Grampius, or
▲.D. 88, in the land of the ** Horesti," a district which is usually supposed to be
Fife, or more probably the southern part of Perthshire. May this term ** Horeati"
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126 ON THE SCUIiPTDRINGS OF CUPS AND C0NCJ5NTRIC RINGS
let me simply note two or three. A raoe of Megalithic Builders — if we
may so call them — who have not left in tjjeir sepulchres, and therefore
we infer did not possess, in their earlier era at least, any metal tools or
weapons, seem to have either preceded the Celts, or to have formed our
first Celtic or Aryan wave ; and judging from the extent of their remains
in massive chamhered catacombs and cromlechs, in numerous cyclopean
forts, gigantic stone circles, &c., they must have held the country for a
considerable length of time, and overspread the whole of it by the
diffusion of their population. From their remains, as left in their tombs
and elsewhere, we know that they employed weapons and tools of horn,
wood, and polished stone ; manufactured rude hand-made pottery ; had
ornaments of jet, bone, &c. ; partially reared and used cereals, as iudi-
cated by their stone mullers and querns; and possessed the dog, ox,
sheep, and other domestic quadrupeds. I do not stop to discuss {he
various questions whether these Megalithic Builders did or did not
hollow out and use the archaic single-tree canoes found on our shores,
rivers, and lakes ; — whether they were the people that anciently whaled
in the Firth of Forth with harpoons of deer-horn, when its upper waters
were either much higher or its shores much lower than at present ; —
whether they or another race built the earliest stone-age crannoges or
lake habitations ;~and again, whether there was not an antecedent
population of simple fishers and hunters, totally unacquainted with the
rearing of com and cattle, and who have bequeathed to Archseology all
their sparse and sole historic records in casual relics of their food, drees,
and weapons buried in heaps and mounds of kitchen refuse which they
have incidentally accumulated and left upon our own and upon other
northern and western coasts of Europe. Whether these formed one, or
two, or more races, let me add, that long anterior to the Megalithic Builders
not be composed of the same elements as the Basque word Astnrias, but revened ;
the Ura or Or being placed first, and the AitOf or JEsta, being last ; and the whole
signifying — ^like the analogous Euskarian word — " a land of rivers and rocks, or
hills?" Sometimes the accidental change of a single letter makes the recognition
of an old word very difficult, as in the instance of the word cited above (Bodotria).
It has been often said that there is no traceable relation between the river Forth and
this its old Latin name Bodotria. But the properly spelt form was possibly Fodotria,
and if so, the analogy between it and Forth then becomes self-evident
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PAKTS OF SCOTLAND, 127
there certainly existed in our Island a tribe of inhabitants that dwelt, in
part at least, in natural or artificial caves, where their bones and their
contemporaneous relics have been found ; who possessed implements apd
weapons of stone and flint, but rough, and twt polished like those of the
Megalithic Builders ; who seemingly possessed no pottery ; who— if we
may judge from the want of rubbers and querns to grind corn food — had
little or no knowledge of agriculture ; and who lived in those far distant
times when the colossal fossil elephant or mammoth,' the woolly-haired
rhinoceros, the gigantic cave-bear, the great hysena, &c., were contem-
poraneous inhabitants with him of the soil of Britain ; when the British
lion' was a veritable reality and not a heraldic myth ; and when possibly
England was still geologically united to the Continent, and the Thames
was only a tributary of the Rhine. I am not aware that we have yet
sufficient evidence to consider as of the same family with these ancient
Gave*men, or as of a race still anterior to them, the Flint-folk of the
southern counties of England, whose unpolished flint hatchets — besides
being found in great abundance on the banks of the Somme and Loire-
have been discovered in various parts in the river-drifts of south England,
and an excellent specimen of which, along with the bones of an elephant,
was dug up, in the last century, from a gravel-pit near Gray's Inn Lane,
in the centre of London itself.' It sounds like an archsdological romance
^ According to Professor Buckland the fossil elephant was — jndging from the
specimen foond in the ice at Tangnss— ** clothed with coarse tufty wool of a reddish
colour, interspersed with stiff black hair, nnlike that of any known animal ; that it
had a long mane on its neck and back, and had its ears protected by tufts of hair,
and was at least sixteen feet high." (See his RdiquuB Dihwiana, p. 172. See also
a drawing and description of it in Figuier*s <* World before the Deluge,'' London,
1866, p. 850.) Between the years 1820 and 1888, on the coast of Norfolk alone,
the fishermen, in trawling for oysters, have fished up no less than two thousand
molar teeth of the fossil elephant— one proof among others of the former abundance
of the animal in this part of the world. (See Ibid. p. 886.)
3 The Felit tpekta or pleistocene lion, has (observes Mr Owen) left its remains in
many stratified deposits of the pliocene period in Britain {Pdktcntology^ p. 884).
It measured, if we may judge from its remains, '* four yards" in length, according
to Figuier, " with a size exceeding that of the largest bull" ( World hefon the DtHuge^
p. 864). Lately Messrs Dawkins and Sandford have shown that the Feli$ apelaa is
a large variety only of the Filii L6o (Palieontographical Society Essays, vol. xiii.)
8 The original account of the discovery of this British elephant and the stone axe,
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128 05T THE 8CULPTURINQS OP CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGfi
thus to find the rade weapon of an archaic Briton, who hunted of yore
on the ground where the metropolis of England now stands, apparently
lying alongside of a skeleton of the wild game which he then and there
pursued, — and that game nothing less than a British elephant.* What
88 given in a letter written by Mr Bagford in 1715, and published in Heame's edi-
tion of Leland's Colleetanefi, vol. i. preface, p. Ixiii., is probably worth quoting. Mr
Bagford is not, of course, aware of the specific difference between the British elephaut
{ElepJuu prtmigenhu)^ whose fossil tusks, teeth, and bonea, often turn up in our soil,
and the Afilcan and Asiatic elephant {EUphas Afrkanus and E. Asiatim^), known to
the Romans. After speaking of the antiquarian zeal of Mr John Conyers, Mr
Bagford remarks : — ** 'Tis this very gentleman that discovered the body of an
elephant, as he was digging for gravel in a field near to the sign of Sir John Old-
castle in the fields, not far from Battlebridge, and near to the river of Wells, which,
though now dried up, was a considerable river in the time of the Romans. How
this elephant came there is the question? I know some will have it to have lain
there ever since the universal deluge. For my own part, I take it to have been
brought over, with many others, by the Romans in the reign of Claudius the
Emperor, and conjecture (for a liberty of guessing may be indulged to me as well
as to others who maintain different hypotheses), that it was killed in some fight by
a Briton ; for not far from the place where it was found a British weapon, made of
a flint lance, like unto the head of a spear fastened into a shaft of a good length,
which was a weapon very common amongst the ancient Britons, was also dug up,
they having not at that time the use of iron and brass, as the Romans had. This
conjecture may perhaps seem odd to some ; but I am satisfied myself, after having
viewed this flint weapon, which was once in tlie possession of that generous patron
of learning, the reverend and very worthy Dr Charlett, Master of University College,
and is now preserved among the curious collections of Mr John Kemp, from whence
I have thought fit to send you the exact form and bigness of it." A rude figure of
this flint weapon was published by Heame ; and a more careful one is given by Mr
Evans in one of his excellent papers on Flint Implements in the Drift (see the
Areheeohffia, xxxviii. p. 801). This London flint weapon is not smooth and polished
like those found in the Brittany and other megalithic tumuli and cromlechs, but
rough, unpolished, and similar in shape, size, and form to those found on the banks
of the Somme and Loire. It is now preserved in the British Museum.
> Dr Buckland ennmerates various locidities in the valley of the Thames where the
remains of the mammoth have been discovered. These remains seem to be specially
frequent on the site of London. " In the streets of London," he observes, " the
teeth and bones are often found in digging foundations and sewers in the gravel'*
Again, he speaks of the remains occurring "in almost all the gravel pits round
London," (see his SeliquuK DHuoianm, pp. 174, 175) ; — as if forsooth the site of th«
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ON STONES AND BOCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 129
a contrast do sach antiquariaD revelations suggest between the objects
of pursuit of the archaic and of the modern Londoner 1
To which of these races of men, or to what others, should we refer the
first sculpturings of the cup and ring cuttings which we have been
considering in the present essay ? The question is one which, in the
present state of archaeological knowledge, cannot be positiyely answered.
Many additional data are required, — ^particularly in the way of more care-
ful and correct observations on the contemporaneous works and relics
with which the sculptures are generally connected; and also on the
extent of their diffusion. Do they exist over Europe generally, or are
they limited to special localities in it? Sculptures, analogous, at least,
to the cup and ring carvings of Britain, are, we have seen (see p. 71),
traceable in Scandinavia. Are they common in that or other countries
which the Celtic race never reached ? But still more, are they to be found
in the lands of the Lap, Finlander, or Basque, which apparently neither
the Celt nor any other Aryan ever occupied ? Do they appear in Asia
within the bounds of the Aryan or Semitic races ? Or can they be traced
in Africa or in any localities belonging to the Hamitic branches of man-
kind ? Do they exist upon the stones or rocks of America or Polynesia ?
But we have some data which perhaps entitle us to suggest a possible
approximate opinion on the question of the race or races that first cut
these cup and ring carvings. They have now been found in sufficient
abundance upon the stones of the chambered catacombs, cromlechs, and
megalithic circles of this country, of the Channel Islands, and of Brittany.
We have already, a few pages back, seen that the relics found in some
of the chambered catacombs where these rude lapidary sculptures are
carved, belong entirely to the Stone period, and consequently we infer that
the age of the earliest of these sculpturings — as found in this connection
— was the Stone era. But further, if any of them were thus carved in the
Stone age, they were carved — according to the chronological opinions of
most archseologists — anteriorly to the advent of the Celt to our shores.
English metropolis had been formerly a favonrite haunt and home of the gigantic
English mammoth. In Plate XXI. he represents a section of the cave called
Gk)at-Hole, in Qlamorganshire, where an elephant's head and human skeleton
are marked on the spot in which they were actually found — flying near to each other
(p. 275).
APPENDIX— VOL. VI. f
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130 ON THE 8CULPTURINGS OF CUPS AND CONCENTRIC BIN08
»
Besides, on another ground, we believe the earlier of these stone carv-
ings are possibly anterior to the age of the Celt, namely, because they are
found — though hitherto but sparingly — on cromlechs and dolmens ; and
cromlech-burying and building is not characteristic of the Celt ; for in all
probability this form of sepulture — ^involving, as it does, a rude but quaint
type of architecture often so massive and gigantic as to be difficult of
execution— was commenced and practised anterior to his arrival in our
Island and in Western Europe. For though found in some countries —
like Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Ireland, &q, — inhabited since the begin-
ning of the historical era by the Celt, yet both the simple and galleried
cromlech are relatively or entirely wanting in other countries— like
Cisalpine G-aul and some of the most central and eastern provinces of
ancient GauP itself — districts that were assuredly Celtic in their popu-
> In his excellent essay, 2>c la distribution de$ Dolmens mr la Surface de la Frmee^
M. Bertrand points out that, geographically, these megalithic structures—*' dolmena."
and open galleried cromlechs or chambered barrows — exist chiefly on the islands,
capes, and coasts of Northern and Western Franco, from the mouth of the Ome to
the mouth of the Gironde ; that in the interior of the kingdom they are met with
principally in proximity to the course of navignblr, and particularly of large, rivers
that they are almost entirely wanting, however, along the chief ancient tracts of
Celtic and Pre-Roman commerce by the valleys of the Rhone, of the Seine, Soane,
and Upper Loire; that they are similarly sparse and deficient in the last, and in the
very heart of ancient Gaul or in the olden Celtic districts of the ^dui, Senones,
Lingones, Biturigcs, Arvemi, Cenomani, Boii, and Ambarri, except at some points
where these districts are penetrated by the rivers Garthe, £ure, and Ome ; that
they apparently belong, in their larger and most massive forms, chiefly to the
latter part of the Stone age, and to a population wliich generally buried and did not
burn the dead ; and that their builders did not migrate across France from east
to west, but penetrated first from the sea-shore, and by its rivers, into the western
portions of the kingdom. Baron Bonstetten, in his Euai sur Us Dolmens, endea-
vours to show that— as far as we can judge from the aggregations and chains of
stone relics that they have left— the race of cromlech-builders, along both of the
shores of the western portion of the Baltic, througli Denmark and the Danish Isles,
onwards to the northern parts of Holland, stretched tlieir habitations at the same
time from the shore inward into Mecklenburg, Hanover, &c. According to the
same author, without remaining in Belgium, they seem to have passed onward into
France, following the geographical points and routes |K)intcd out by M. Bertrand.
They crossed over into Great Britain, and occupied principally its western section
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ON 8TONB8 AND ROCKS IN VABIOUS PABT8 OF SCOTLAND. 131
lation in the earliest historical times. Besides, it is a form of sepulture
which has been followed in countries, as Scandinavia, where the Celt never
dwelt, and in others, again, where neither the Celt nor any other branch of
the Aryan race ever penetrated, as in Barbary, Constantin, Algiers, Oran,
on the banks of the Jordan, &c.^ In other words, the race that erected
and the eastern and southern section of Ireland. Arrived at the Gironde, they left
the sea-shore, avoided the travelling difficulties of Gascoigne, and crossed southern
France, obliquely in the direction of the Gulf of Lyons. Thence their remains are
found running like a broad belt along the whole northern and western shores of the
Spanish peninsula. They reappear in Grenada and Andalusia, on the southern coast
of Spain, and stretch southward across the Mediterranean to Algiers, Constantin, and
other parts of northern Africa ; and perhaps passed. Baron Bonstetten suggests, to
Egypt, and there formed the Tamhu (or men of the north) under Barneses [who, we
may remark, are represented in the Theban tombs with leather dresses and tatooed
limbs]. All the more northern cromlechs that remain in Europe are found to be of
the Stone age. But as we pass southwards, bronze implements, at first seemingly
altogether of foreign manufacture, gradually, though sparingly, appear, till at last, in
the cromlechs of Africa, bronze, stone, and iron are found mixed up together in their
contents. In this long pilgrimage the race of cromlech-builders, whilst apparently
always keeping near to the sea-shore, still spread to a certain distance inwards for
pasture and food for their flocks, which consisted evidently, from the various relics
left, of the ox, sheep, horse, &o. Their weapons in the earlier and northern part of
their European journey seem to have been entirely those of the Stone era, with the
celts, axes, beads, &c., in some instances highly worked up and polished. Baron
Bonstetten — ^whose account I have been following — further believes that, before
appearing on the shores of the Baltic, they had passed or been pursued across Europe
from the Black Sea and Caucasus, — and perhaps from still more southern districts, —
where their remains are traceable ; and that at different times they sent away
offshoots that reached India, Palestine, Greece, Etruria, and elsewhere. In their
long pilgrimage from the Baltic to the African shores of the Mediterranean, the
nomadic race of cromlech-builders formed, Baron Bonstetten maintains, a pastoral
people, living upon the products of their flocks, and upon fishing and hunting ; and
he holds, that the chain of cromlechs which they have left in their long and probably
slow migration from the shores of the Baltic to the frontiers of Egypt, are so similar
in general type as to prove the identity of the great tribe or nation of men who, out
of veneration for their dead, reared them ; — and yet the very name of this people is
lost in prehistoric darkness. They succeeded, in his opinion, to the Cave-men of
the west; but preceded all historical races. He adds an interesting map illustrative
of his ideas of the geographical course and extent of their pilgrimage.
^ See the observations of Mr Rhind in Journal of Archaeological Association, vol. i.
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132 ON THK 8CULPTUBINGB OF CUPS AND OONCENTRIC RINGS
megalitbic cromlechs has been much more widely diffused over the
world's surface than the Celtic ; possibly, or indeed probably, sojonmed
in our country before them ;i and in other parts, as Greece, pre-existed
the oldest remains of the earliest traces of historic ciyilisation.'
(1869), and in the ArchsDoIogia, voL xxxix. ; Shaw's Barbary and Leyant, p. 67 ;
Irby's Travels in Syria and the Holy Land ; Madden in Transactions of Royal
Irish Academy for 1868, p. 117 ; Sir Gardner Wilkinson, in Journal of Azchisolo-
gical Association for 1862, p. 48, &c.
1 Archeologists, very zealous for the eontinnation of the most arcbaie practices
down to the most modem times, might argue that the old memorial standing stones
and slabs are perpetuated in our present churchyard obelisks and upright grsTc-
stones ; and that cromlechs have their prototypes in the table or flat form of tomb-
stone supported by lateral slabs or by stone props, that is so common in many of our
Christian burying-grounds. In the churchyard of Santon, Isle of Man, is a yery
massive unhewn slab, formerly supported by comer-stone props, and which no doubt
formed, before it fell, no contemptible specimen of a cromlech. In 1666, the vicar
of the parish, Sir John Cosnaghan, was— in consequence of a strong desire ex-
pressed by him before death — buried under this, *' The Great Stone," as it was then
termed. But for a far more interesting notice of the continued oonstraction in the
present day in Upper India of cromlechs of this form, and other megalithic strac-
tures, see Dr Hooker's " Himalayan Journal," vol. ii. p. 276.
2 We have already alluded in a preceding footnote (see p. 99) to the very ancient
tombs or so-called treasuries at Mycene ; and they afford us a kind of chronometer
of the great age of our European cromlechs. For, near Mycenie, there is an old
cromlech of the usual form, built of massive unhewn stones, according to the
common type and arrangement. (See a sketch of it in Bonstetten's Etmi ncr U$
DolmenMt p. 41). How very much older must this mde megalithic stracture be
than any of the ruins in the city of Mycene itself, archeic as these ruins are?
The so-called tomb of Atreus or Agamemnon is usually considered as reaching to
twelve or more centuries b.c. (see Gell, Hughes, Clarke, &o.), ** the remains of
Mycene being," to use the language of Mr Dodwell {Travelif ^c, vol. ii. p. 229),
** enveloped in the deepest recesses of recorded times." The tomb is of the form of
a gallery, chamber, and side crypt, very analogous in type to that of New Grange
and other western catacombs ; but its stones are polished and hewn, and the orna-
ments upon its pillars are, from the specimens left, of a simple yet elegant character.
(See footnote in a previous page, 99.) The enormous lintel stone placed over the
entrance of the dome-shaped chamber or tomb may *' perhaps (observes Dr Clarke)
be mentioned as the largest slab of hewn stone in the world" (TVmWt, 4th ed^
vol. vi. p. 608). If these tombs are, as usually believed, thirty centuries old, the
mde unhewn cromlech near Mycense, and other similar cromlechs, must be many
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ON 8T0NS8 AND BOCKS IN VARIOUB PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 183
It appeals to me not improbable, therefore, that the race of Megalithic
Builders, whether Celtic or Pre-Celtic, who had tools of flint and polished
stone, first sculptured our rocks and stones with the rude and archaic
ring and cup cuttings. But the adoption, and even more extended use,
of these forms of ornamental and possibly religious symbob passed down,
in all likelihood (with their sepulchral practices, and with other pieces of
art and superstition), to the inhabitants of the Bronze age, with its era
of cremation and urn-burial,-* and thence onwards to other and later
times ; and perhaps they can be still traced in the spiral, circular, and
concentric figurings upon our ancient Celtic bronze weapons and orna-
ments ; on their stone-balls and hatchets ; on ancient bone implements
and combs ; and even possibly among some of the symbols of the so-called
" Sculptured Stones " of Scotland.*
It is important, at the same time, to recollect that the origin of the
cup and ring cuttings may be still older than even the age of the earliest
Celts or of the Megalithic Builders, for no doubt man attempted to carve
and sculpture at a still earlier epoch in his history. We have proofs of
this in the works of the archaic Cave-men of the Dordogne in France,
who were contemporary in that district with the reindeer, had no
pottery, and apparently possessed no domestic animals — not even the
dog. Among their cave relics' there have been found several rude draw-
centuries older still. Let me merely add here, that the so-called Gate of the Lions
at Mycene — ^bnilt, along with its cydopean walls, at a very early period of the city's
existence— is archeologically interesting as the oldest piece of known lapidary
scnlptnre in Europe ; and it is interesting to connect with it the other fact, that
scenes in the Agamemnon of Eschylns and the Electra of Sophocles — splays written
four or five centuries before the commencement of the Christian era — are placed by
their ancient authors in front of this very archaic sculptured gate, the remains of
which continue comparatively entire down to our own times.
^ See, for instance, the drawings of these Sculptured Stones in Mr Stuart's magnifi-
cent work on the subject in Plates IX., XXV., XXVII., Ac,
* See M. Lartet's Cavemet du Perigord; dbjeU gravft et sculptes des temps Pre-
hittoriques, 3^e. See especially the drawings in pp. 20, 29, and 81. Latterly M.
Lartet has found in these caves a broken plate of ivory, scratched with a portrait of
the mammoth, and eridently executed by one who had himself seen this fossil
elephant. (See a copy of this remarkable portrait in the AnndUM des Seiencet Nch
turelles, 6"** s^rie ; ZoologU et PaliorUologie, tom. iv. PI. xvj.)
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134 ON THB 8CULPTURING8 OF CUPS AND OONCBNTRIG RINGS
iDgs of animals, &c,f scratched on bone and stone, apparently by means
of the sharp point of a flint implement; and a poinard made of the
horn of a reindeer, and having a rude attempt at the carving out of the
form of that animal upon the handle of the weapon. It is possible, as I
have already ventured to hint, that the examination of the walh also of
these old inhabited caves and rock-shelters may yet detect upon them
also some attempts at lapidary cuttings or sculpturings, — and none could
be well conceived of a more primitive and rude type than the cup and
ring cuttings described in this essay.
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ON STONES AND ROOKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 135
APPENDIX.
(See ante, p. 110.)
NOTICES OP SOME ANCIENT SCULPTURES ON THE WALLS OF
CAVES IN FIFE *
The county of Fife abounds in caves or " weems" — a deriyative from
the Gaelic name for cayes — and their existence gives a title to the earl-
dom of Wemyss. Some of the caves in Fife are historical, as St Kule's
at St Andrews, St Adrian's near Elie, and St Margaret's at Dunfermline.
St Serf of Culcross, the great patron saint of the west of Fife, is described
by one of his biographers as having usually spent the forty days of Lent
in a cave named, as such retreats often were, the Desertum, This cave
at the Desertum — (or Dysart, to use the modem form of the name)—
was used as a church up till near the time of the Beformation. About
two miles eastward of Dysart, and near the village of Easter Wemyss,
there is a range of large caves, seven or eight of which are at the present
time open; but probably several more exist, having their openings
covered over with fallen and accumulated debris. They stand about
ten or twenty feet above the level of high tide. Some of them are
eighty to a hundred feet in length, and of corresponding height and
breadth. Two or three of them are perfectly dark, and require to be
entered with candles. Last summer, when on a professional visit to
Fife, I made a hurried visit to two of these caves, the Gas-work and
Court Caves, along with Dr Dewar, Kirkcaldy, and saw some rude
* Extracted from the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh for 2d Janu-
ary 1866, Vol. V. p. 621, &c. One or two obseTYations which I have already ex-
pressed in the preceding essay may be found to be repeated in these Notices ; bnt
it did not seem necessary to obliterate or alter them.
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136 ON THE SCULPTUBINGS OF CUPS AND OONCBNTBIO RINGS
sculpturings in the last of these. This discovery indaced me to return
for farther search, accompanied by my friends, Drs Joseph Robertson,
Duns, and Pateraon, when two or three new caves were visited — partica-
larly Jonathan's Gave and the Doo Gave — and their walls found to be
covered at different parts with representations of various animals, figures,
and emblems.
The cave sculpturings in Fife are of special interest to the Scotch
archaeologist, for this reason, that they exactly resemble, in type and
character, the ciTrvings on the so-called Sculptured Stones of Scotland.
In his magnificent first volume on the Sculptured Stones of Scotland,
Mr Stuart has collected one hundred and fifty examples ; and latterly
perhaps fifty more have been discovered. These Sculptured Stones ex-
tend along the whole east coast of Scotland, from the Forth northwards.
Only two have been found south of the Forth. In general ornamenta-
tion, they resemble the sculptured stones of the west of Scotland, Ireland,
Wales, and England ; but the peculiarity of the Scotch stones is, that
they have additional figures and symbols upon them that have been seen
nowhere else in the world. These peculiar and characteristic symbols
consist of the crescent or crescent-ornament, sometimes intersected with
the Y sceptre; of the so-called spectacle ornament — a double set of
circles connected by middle lines — with or without the intersecting Z
sceptre ; of figures of elephants, fish, serpents, mirrors, combs, arches,
or tores, &c. The arrangement of these symbols upon the stones is in
no two instances alike. On the oldest stones they are cut upon unhewn
blocks, without any surrounding ornamentation. In the Sculptured
Stones of a later date, they are cut in a raised form, with surrounding
ornamentations, and often combined with figures of the Ghristian cross.
Other figures are found carved on these stones, as portraits of priests and
dignitaries, processions of men ; the sacrifice of the bull ; war and hunt-
ing spenes; animals, native and foreign — and particularly of Eastern
origin — as the lion, tiger, camel, and monkey ; the battling and devour-
ing of men by wild animals ; men with monster heads of beasts and
birds ; representations of dragons and monsters, &c. There is one in-
stance of the representation of a boat on St Orland's Stone at Grlammis;
and another of a chariot, on a stone at Meigle.
These rude sculpturings have, with one exception, been (previously to
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ON STONES AND ROCKS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND 137
the present time) found only on sepulchral stones or monoliths ; but in
the Fife caves they exist in great abundance on the cave walb. These
walls are usually oompicratively smooth; and in many places, though
not in all, they retain the figures cut upon them. The cave figures con-
sist of animals, as the elephant,— exactly of the form seen on the Sculp-
tured Stones, — the deer, the dog, the swan, the peacock, fish, serpents,
and monsters, a tripod, jar, &o., &o. On them we see also representa-
tions of the mirror, comb, and arch or horse-shoe. No perfect example
of the crescent ornamentation exists in these cave sculpturings ; but
many specimens of the spectacle ornament are to be found on theii: walls
both with and without the intersecting Z sceptre.
One of the cave-figures is specially interesting, from the fact that it is
the exact counterpart of the only analogous carving found on aught
except a monolith, viz., a scale of silver armour presented to the Anti-
quarian Museum of Scotland by Mrs Durham of Largo, and whose his-
tory is this : — A man still living in Fife — a huckster— acting, it is said,
upon an old tradition, that a knight lay buried in silver armour in a small
barrow called Norrie's Law, stealthily dug into it, found in reality the
silver armour, and removed and sold it in pieces to the amount, it is
alleged, of four hundred ounces. By the time this spoliation was dis-
covered, the silver armour was all melted, except a few fragments. One
of these fragments is a scale, having cut upon it a spectacle ornament
traversed by the Z sceptre, and having appended to one end of it the
head and shoulders of a dog, as in some modem Orders of European
Knighthood. A similar figure, with the appended dog's head, is carved
upon the interior of one of the Wemyss caves.
On the walls of some of the Wemyss caves there are crosses of various
forms, and particularly of the equal-limbed or Greek type ; and, in two
or three parts, appearances somewhat resembling letterings, and symbolic
arrangements of figures or hieroglyphics. On the walls of St Adrian's
cave are lines which have been believed to be half obliterated Bunes ;
and the Bev. Mr Skinner of St Andrews has a loose stone from this spot
which presents, he thinks, Bunic characters.
Among the cave sculpturings at Wemyss there is a figure of a man of
diminutive form ; and Mr Stuart has traced among them faded outlines
of a human figure, apparently tailed, as if he formed one of the provok-
APPENDIX — ^VOL. VI. k
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138 ON THE 8CULPTURING8 OP CUPS AND CONCENTRIC RINGS
ingly missiDg links which some enthusiastic ethnologists are so anxiously
and vainly searching after.^
The caves of Fife, both those that have sculptures and those without
them, have almost all occasional complete perforations or holes cut in the
course of their angled or projecting ledges, as well as in their floors and
roof; and these perforations or "holdfasts" seem fitted for a thong or
rope to be passed through them, as if they were intended to suspend or
to affix objects.
The age of these cave sculptures can only be fixed by approaching the
age of the analogous figures upon the Sculptured Stones. The earliest
of the Sculptured Stones are perhaps very old — possibly as far back, if
not farther, than the period of the Roman invasion. In opening last
year a cairn at Linlethan in Forfarshire, a figure of the elephant, exactly
similar to those existing on our sculptured stones, was found on a stone
lying upon the covering of the stone-enclosed cist. This cist contained
a bronze weapon and an urn. The elephant carving was as old, there-
fore, as the era of urn burial and bronze weapons — except the carved
fragment of stone had got by pure accident into its present position when
the barrow was opened twenty years ago. The ancients sometimes buried
both stone and bronze relics with their dead, after apparently they bad
iron instruments and weapons. But if the bronze dagger at Linlethati
was a weapon used by the person buried under the cairn, the date is pro-
bably pre-Boman. For when Agricola invaded Scotland in a.d. 81, our
Caledonian forefathers had apparently already passed through the bronze
era, as, according to Tacitus, they fought the Roman legions with swords
"long and without a point;" in other words, with iron swords. (See
ante, p. 124).
But most of the Sculptured Stones, particularly the more elaborate
varieties of them, were of comparatively later date, and were probably
erected as late as the eighth or tenth century. An elaborate specimen
found buried in the old churchyard of St Vigeans, having upon its sur-
face the spectacle ornament, the crescent, the mirror, the comb, several
animals, a hunter attacking a boar with bow and arrow, &c., all in raised
^ Since these Notices were published I have, in rovlsiting the Caves, seen this
fignre, which is above two feet in height ; but neither Mr Druromond nor I could
make out any appearance of a tail appendage.
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OK STONES AND ROCKS IN VAKI0U8 PARTS OF SCOTLAND. 139
fignres, has an inscription on it, which is probably the only Fictish in-
scription and sentence now remaining. It speaks of the stone as erected
to Drosten, son of Yoret, of the race of Forcns ; and a Fictish king Drosten
was killed in the battle of Blathmig or Blethmont — a mile or two o£f —
in the year 729, as we learn from the Annals of Tigheamach. The
crosses found among the Fife cave sculptures at Wemyss show that they
were cut after the introduction of Christianity ; and in one or two spots
there are appearances of Christian monograms. Within St Adrian's
cave at Caplawchy, near Elie, there are many crosses, generally of the
eastern form, on the walls ; stone seats cut out, &o. ; but no animals or
83rmbols.
The meaning of the mysterious symbols on the caves and sculptured
stones, and the purposes for which they were cut, are archseological
enigmata that no one has yet solved. As long as they were found on
sepulchral monoliths only, they were supposed to be hieroglyphic or
heraldic Junerdl inscriptions or emblems. This doctrine is so far gain-
said by this late discovery of them on the walls of caves. But possibly
they may be sacred symbols of some description, or of some unknown
form and meaning. For around and upon his gravestones man has
always been in the habit of cutting emblems of his religious creed when-
ever he has cut anything at all.
Other Scotch caves have sculptures cut upon their walls. The so-called
Cave of Bruce, in the Island of Arran, has been found by Dr Mitchell
and Mr Stuart to have deer and serpents carved on its interior ; and
many years ago, within St Maloe's Cave, in Holy Island, Dr Daniel
Wilson found ancient Scandinavian inscriptions written in Bunes.
In many counties in Scotland, both on the sea-shore and inland, there
exist large caves, the walb of which require to be now carefully examined,
in order to find if our ancient forefathers had carved upon them any such
emblems and sculpturings as have been traced in Fife. The Fife caves
have formerly been inhabited. From some of the Wemyss caves a collec-
tion of bones have been obtained, split to remove their marrow, like the
bones found in the old Danish midden heaps, &o. Among the bones
were those of the deer, sheep, ox, <fec.; shelb, also, of limpets, &c.;
and microscopic remains of cereals were found in cavities in the rocks
that had been apparently used as rubbers or querns. Perforated stones
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140 Oir THB 80(JLPTUBINQ6 OF 0UF8 AND GONCBNTRIO BING6.
and two implements from the tyne of the deer's horn were picked
up from the rubbish upon the floor; but the debris of these caves re-
quires to be more carefully searohed, before all that could be ascertained
on this point becomes known to archssologists. In Scotland, there is one
cave still occasionally inhabited, at Wick, and within which Dr Mitchell
has seen living a family of eight or ten. But cave men are common
elsewhere. Mr Barnwell has lately recorded the interesting fact, that in
the neighbourhood of Chartres there are at present living, in caves, about
1^0,000 human beings, in the very centre of France. In Africa, Asia,
<&c., caves are still inhabited, as they were by the Troglodites and Horites
of old.
In England, we know that in archaic times caves were inhabited by
the men of those distant ages, such as Kent's Hole, the Brixham Cave,
the Kirkdale caves, &o. In these caves the bones of man have been
found with his stone weapons ; and along with them the bones of long
extinct animals, as the mammoth, the cave bear, the hysena, &c. But
in his earliest and rudest times, man has been a sculpturing and paint-
ing animal ; and his old attempts in this way may possibly yet be found
upon the walls of those ossiferous English caves. Sir Charles Nicolson
and Sir William Wallace have both stated to me the curious fact, that
at the heads of Sydney harbour rude and ancient figures of the kangaroo,
&c., have been found sculptured on the rocks, when the turf was removed
for building operations there. Mr Graham has likewise informed me
that at the Cape, the Bushmen — one of the rudest existing races of
humanity — live much in caves, and frequently paint on the walls of
them the animals in their neighbourhood, and sometimes battle and
hunting scenes, — always in profile. Mons. Lartet has lately shown that
the caves of Perigord have been inhabited by archaic man, at a time
when apparently he had as yet no metallic weapons, and when the rein-
deer still inhabited the south of France. Yet amongst the relics found
in these Perigord caves have been discovered sculpturings upon stone,
bone, and ivory, of different animak ; and latterly a rude sketch of the
mammoth itself. All this entitles us to hope that, if these cave researches
aro prosecuted, we may yet find on some Cave Walls sculpturings done
by man in the most ancient times, and containing fragments of his
earliest history.
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141
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES.
DeKribedin
text, page
PLATE I.^Thb Common ob Genbbic Ttpbs of thb Sgulptubinos—
Type 1. Cape of various sizes in rows, or irregularly grouped, . 2
Type 2. Cape sorroanded with a single ring or circle ; the ring (1)
complete ; or (2) incomplete ; or (8) with the commencement of
a radial groove passing throngh the cap or ring, . 4
Type 8. A cup sorroonded by a series of concentric complete rings or
circles, ........ 5
Type 4. A cap sorroonded hy a series of incomplete concentric rings,
which are traversed by a straight line or duct passing from the
central cup to beyond the circumference of the circles, . 6
Type 6. A series of complete concentric rings, which at last bend and
run parallel with the straight radial duct or groove which issues
from the central cup, ...... 6
Type 6. A series of complete concentric rings without a central cup, 6
Type 7. Concentric circular lines running fh>m a centre— either cupped
or plain — in the form of a spiral or volute, ... 7
PLATE II. — SOMB OF THB MOBB UNUSUAL FOBMB OF THB SOULP-
TUBINGS—
Figs. 1 to 4 show cups of different sizes united together by connect-
ing grooves running in various directions, ... 8
Figs 6 and 6 show two or more cups with one inclosing drde, 9
Fig. 7. A large concentric circle, with three radial lines traversing it
from the centre, ....... 9
Fig. 8. Concentric circles, with a complete bisecting line in addition to
a radial groove — ^Auchnabreaoh, ..... 9
Fig. 9. Horse-shoe pattern — ^Tyness, Ac., .9
Fig. 10. Volutes conjoined together from Auchnabreach, 9
APPBMDIX — VOL. TI. I
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142 EXPLANATION OF PLATES.
DMcrtbedtn
text,p«se
Fig. 11. Concentric rings, with straight lines radiating from the out-
most circle — Rowton Ljmn, ..... 9
Fig. 12. Three external lines, radiating, as in preceding fignre, from
the outer surface of a circle ; from Auchnabreach, . 9
Fig. 18. Concentric circles ; circles incomplete, but no radial groove
drawn or cut, ....... 9
. Fig. 14. Lines more or less angulated instead of circular, Northumber-
land, 9
Fig. 16. Cup circles and uniting ducts enclosed within an angulated
circumferential line ; from Doddington Law, .10
PLATE III.—
The largest stone from the circle at RMiemay, Banffshire, marked
with several cups ; two or three of them with rings around them, IS
PLATE IV.—
Fig. 1. Stone from the circle at Thorax, Banfbhiro, . .14
Fig. 2. Stone which was formerly in the centre of the circle at Mom-
emff Perthshire, ...... 16
Fig. 8. Monolith standing near Dunbar, East Lothian, 88
PLATE v.—
Figs. 1 and 2. Stone from the circle at Maughanby, Cumberland, . 18
Figs. 8 and 4. Stones from the neighbourhood of the Moonbutts,
parish of Caiyti/, Perthshire, ..... 69
PLATE VI. — ^FiYB Stones fboh the C alder Circle, Lancashire —
Figs. 1 and 2 show the outer and inner surfaces of the largest stone
in the circle, ....... 16
Figs. 8, 4, 6, and 6, are all smaller, but very distinctly marked, . 16, 17
PLATE VIL—
« Long Meg," standing near the large Salktld Circle, Cumberland, . 17
PLATE VIIL—
Fig. 1. OaOandt Circle, on the farm of Ballakelly, parish of Santon, lale •
ofMan, 19
Fig. 2. A monolith with three cup-markings in a bourg or village of
the Forest in Guernsey, ...... 28
Fig. 8. Part of the capstone and cupped prop of a cromlech at Lamert$u^
in the same island, ...... 28
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EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 143
Deteribedlii
PLATE IX.—
Cromlechs at RatkOf Edinburghshire, and at dynnoff Fator, Gaemanron-
shire, . . . 21, 22
PLATE X.—Ghahbxbed Tumuu at Clay a —
Figs. 1 and 2 represent an outline of the stones comprising the circles
and galleries or entrances to two of the Tnmuli, . 26
In fig. 1 a stone is darkened at the entrance, and in fig. 2 another
is represented as darkened in the course of the gallery. The inner
surfaces of these two darkened stones are represented in figs. 8 and 4
to show the cup-markings on them.
PLATE XL-
Figs. 1 and 2. Two stones with cups and concentric rings from the
chamber of a cairn at Ravenhill, Yorkshire, . . .27
Fig. 8. Concentric circles on the end of a cist stone from the same
locality, ........ 27
Fig. 4. A stone, with cup excavations, from a chamber or cairn at
ClouffhUm Moor, ....... 27
Fig. 5. Urn from same locality as stones Nos. 1, 2, and 8, . .114
Fig. fi. 8iz cup-markings on the inner face of a ooTering or roofing
slab in the tumulus of 5^ IfieAae/, Brittany, . . 68
PLATE XII.—
Fig. 1 is a section of a kind of double barrow in DorsiUhire, On the
top of each superimposed heap of stones was an urn, with a stone
lid coyer marked with three concentric circles, as seen in fig. 2, 81
Fig. 8 is a similarly marked stone urn coyer from NorihumherUmd^ . 81
Figs. 4 and 6. Stones, with rings and cups, from the ruins of Lanoi,
in Forfarshire, ....... 48
PLATE XIII.—
Fig. 1. Lid of a stone cist from CoiUJUld, Ayrshire ; and fig. 2. Frag-
ment of an urn found in the cist. The light outline shows the
probable original form of the urn, .... 27
Fig. 8. Stone, with cut circles, &c., from AwkMary, Kirkcudbright-
shire, ........ 80
^g. 4. Loose panel, with markings on it, remoyed from the kist-yaen
of Camban, Argyleshire, ...... 29
Fig. 6. Figure of a sculptured stone, probably sepulchral, from WaU-
toien, Forfarshire, ...... 80
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144 EXPLANATION OF PLATES.
Deacrfbedln
t€Xt,i»ge
PLATE XIV.—
Fig. 1.. Stone at BakerhiU, near Dingwall, Ross-shire, with cups and
rings. In seyeral instances the cups are joined together by a
connecting groove, ...... 29
Fig. 2. Stone from Balvraid^ Invorness-shire, with cnps— some in rows,
others conjoined by grooves, . . . • . 69
Fig. 8. Stone from Arbirlot, Forfarshire, with cnps and single incom-
plete rings, . . . . . .61
Fig. 4. Different forms of conjunction of cupa^ and terminations of
rings in cnpe, obseryed by Mr Joass on stones in Ross-shire, . 8
PLATE XV.—
Fig. 1 shows the section of a road cut through the wood at Craigie
mil, Linlithgowshire, and displaying the open end of a kist-vaen,
with a superimposed mass of stone lying over it, . . 28
Fig. 2 shows a series of circles found to be cut out upon the interior
of thelidof tbiskist-yaen, ..... 28
PLATE XVI.—
Fig. 1. A stone, cut with rings, Ac, in Mr Matthewson'a garden at
Jedbttrffh, . . . . .62
Fig. 2. A stone from ffigh UicHow^ Derbyshire, with several con-
centric, bnt no central cup, . .62
Fig. 8. Concentric ring and volute on a stone at La Mancha, Peebles-
shire, . . . . . . . .62
Fig. 4. Supposed splinter from one of the PiUcandly stones, Forfar-
shire, showing cups and concentric rings, &c., . .61
PLATE XVII.—
Fig. 1. Caiy atone, Oomiston, parish of Colinton, near Edinburgh, . 32
Fig. 2. One of the stones of the LargU group, near KUmariin, Argyle-
shire, ........ 84
Fig. 8. One of the BaUymenack stones, Argyleshire, . . .85
Fig. 4. Head of one of the Avenue stones, near the village of Shap^
Westmoreland, . . *. . .20
PLATE XVIII.—
Fig. 1 shows the group of seven standing stones at Ballymmath^
Argyleshire, with a small circle of stones placed in front of them, 85
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EXPLANATION OP PLATES. 145
Described In
text»pi^re
Fig. 2. The second stone in the first row at BaUymenachf with the
cnps, rings, and radial grooyes npon it, • • • ,86
Fig. 8. The <* Holed" or perforated stone at BaUymenaeh, with cnps
npon one of its surfaces, ...... 86
PLATE XIX.—
Figs. 1, 2, and 8. Stones from Iiqi>poek, in the Tbrwood, Stirlingshire,
with rings, donhle cirdes, Ac, ..... 48
Fig. 4. Stone, with series of donble oirdee and donble yolntes, from
.EUay, Orkney, ....... 89
Fig. 6. Stone from Pkkaqmy, Orkney, a series of concentric circles
ronnd a central cnp, ...... 40
Fig. 6. A Yolnte out on the end of an elongated stone from Frith,
Orkney, ........ 40
PLATE XX,—
Figs. 1 and 2 show the two sides of a foundation stone brought from
a weem at Letham, Forfarshire, and scnlptnred orer on both sides
with cnps, rings, single and donble, straight radial lines, Ac, . 41
PLATE XXI.—
Specimen from the lower rock sXAuehnabreaeh, Argyleshire,of scnlptores
of concentric circles, and elongated and united radial ducts, . 66
PLATE XXII.—
Sculptured rock at Camban, Argyleshire, showing cups single or sur-
rotmded by one or more rings, and generally trayersed by radial
grooyes, ........ 64
PLATE XXIII.-
Sketches of two of the sculptured rocks at Auehnabreach, Argyleshire,
displaying cups and seyeral series of concentric rings; some of
them considerably distorted in figure— with radial ducts, irregular
in connection and occasionally joined ; a cutting of a double in-
yolyed yolute (shown in lowest figure in first column) and a triple
figure of connected yolntes or concentric circles (see middle of
the same column), ...... 66
PLATE XXIV.—
Three sketches of oaryed rocks at ChaUcn Law, showing some of the
types of the Northumberland sculptures. The central series of
circles in the higher part of the plate has seyen geometric circles
surrounding its central cup, and is about three feet in diameter, 60
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146 EXPLANATION OF PLATES.
Described In
text, ijage
The figure in the left lower compartment ie composed of five con-
centric circles and two traversing radii ; while the compartment
to the right contains both concentric rings and cups, . . 'S
PLATE XXV.—
Fig. 1 represents the upper carrod slanting surface, and fig. 2, two
of the sides of one of the sculptured rocks at Old Bewick,
Northumberland. The continuous row of cups along the two sides ,
in figure 2, are so situated as not to be seen at the same time as
the upper surface of the rock. Hence they have required to be
represented in two sketches, .51
Fig. 8. Stone from the roof of an underground house or Weem,
at Rutkven, in Forfarshire, ..... 42
PLATE XXVL—
Fig. 1. Carved slab splintered off a large piece of sandstone from Robin
Hood'8 Bay, Yorkshire, ...... 61
Fig. 2. Circles on the interior of a kist-vaen at CarJ^owrie^ near Edin-
burgh, . . . . . 28&61
Fig. 8. Stone with a yolute of six or seven turns on it, at LUmUdr,
Merionethshire, ....... 52
Fig. 4. Bock Sculptured with single and conjoined cups dXKirk Braddan,
Isle of Han, ....... 53
PLATE XXVIL—
•Representation, ftrom the Royal Irish Academy, of a large slab from the
neighbourhood of Sneem, in the county of Kerry, carved with
cups, single and concentric circles, .... 63
PLATE XX VIII. — Sculptures from Chambeeed Tumuli at Slikvk-
na-Callighe, Ireland.
The lower compartment of the plate shows the most carved and
perfect crypt that has yet been discovered in this locality. The
three upper sections display some of the more quaint sculptured
forms which Mr Conwell sketched when he first opened these
remarkable tombs, ...... 65
PLATE XXIX.— From Chambered Tumuh at New Grange and
DowTH, Ireland.
These several figures are described at length at page . . 66
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K
ERRAT
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the Eflsay, some errors of reference have oocn
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