Chapter III (2)

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

RELICS.

The remains of human industry found during the excavations of the Lochlee Crannog, calculated to throw light on the civilisation and social economy of its occupiers, are very abundant. They comprise a large variety of objects, such as warlike weapons, industrial implements, and personal ornaments, made of stone, bone, horn, wood, metal, etc. In the following description of them I have adopted, as perhaps the most convenient, the principle of classification suggested by the materials of which they are composed.

I. OBJECTS MADE OF STONE.

_Hammer-Stones._--A great many water-worn pebbles, of a similar character to those found in the surrounding glacial drift and river-courses, which were used as hammers, or pounders, or rubbers, were discovered in the débris all over the crannog, but more abundantly in the deeper layers of a small circular area round the hearths, corresponding to what I have on a former occasion designated the relic-bed. As typical specimens of such implements I have collected no less than nineteen. Of these, fourteen are of a somewhat elongated oval shape, and were used at one or both ends. They vary considerably in size, the major diameter of the largest measuring 6 inches, and the rest graduating downwards to about the half of this. Two are flat and circular, and show friction-markings all round; while other three show signs of having been used on their flat surfaces only. The one represented in Fig. 48, with markings on its flat sides, is divided into two portions, each of which was picked up separately, about a yard asunder, and found to fit exactly. It would thus appear that it was broken while being used on the crannog, and then pitched aside as useless. Some are slightly chipped at one end, others have small finger-like depressions, as if intended to give the user a better grip (Figs. 49, 50, and 51).

Edge view of the previous implement (1/2).]

_Heating-Stones and Sling-Stones._--A large number of round stones, varying in size from half an inch to three inches in diameter, some having their surfaces roughened and cracked as if by fire, but others presenting no marks whatever, were met with. The former might have been used as heating-stones for boiling water in wooden vessels,--the only ones found on the crannog,--the latter as sling-stones or missiles.

_Anvil._--About a foot below the surface, and a few feet to the north of the upper fireplace, a beautiful quartz pebble was found by Mr. Cochran-Patrick, which has the appearance of being used as an anvil. It is discoidal in shape, but a little more rounded on its upper surface, and measures 27 inches in circumference. It is just such an instrument as a shoemaker of the present day would gladly pick up for hammering leather (see Fig. 37).

Sharpening-Stones (1/2).]

_Sharpening-Stones or Whetstones._--Four or five whetstones were collected from various parts of the island, three of which are here engraved (Figs. 52, 53, and 54). They are made of a hard smooth claystone, one only being made of a fine-grained sandstone, and vary in length from 5 to 7 inches. Fig. 54 represents what is supposed to be a hone 6-1/4 inches long, and containing a smooth groove. It was found on the site of the crannog by Captain Gillon, long after the explorations had been brought to a close, and is now deposited in the National Museum (see page 126).

Besides these _hones_ we noticed a large block of a coarse sandstone, having one side covered with deep ruts, supposed to be caused by the sharpening of pointed instruments.

_Polished Celt._--Only one polished stone celt was found. It is a wedge-shaped instrument, 5-1/2 inches long, and 2 broad along its cutting edge, which bears the evidence of having been well used, and tapers gently towards the other end, which is round and blunt. It is made of a hard mottled greenstone (Fig. 55).

_Circular Stone._--Fig. 56 represents a peculiar circular implement manufactured out of a bit of hard trap rock. It presents two flat surfaces, 3 inches in diameter, with a round periphery, and is 1-3/8 inch thick.

_Querns._--Five upper, and portions of several lower, quern-stones were disinterred at different periods during these excavations, all of which, however--with the exception of the pair found over the log pavement, and an upper stone observed towards the west margin of the crannog, but of which I could find no definite information, as it was stolen soon afterwards,--were imbedded in the débris not far from the site of the fireplaces, and superficial to the level of the middle or first-discovered pavement. Some are made of granite, while others appear to be made of schist or hard whinstone. Besides the central cup-shaped hole, which, of course, all the upper ones possess, one has a second hole slanting slightly inwards, another has a similar hole, but only half-way through, while a third has no second hole at all, and a fourth shows a horizontal depression at its side. The one without a second hole on its surface is nearly circular, but the others are all more or less elongated. Their largest diameters vary from 13 to 14 inches. One is broken into three portions, which, though dug up separately, fit exactly. It measures 14 inches by 11, and the central hole is wide, being no less than 5 inches across. From the upper edge of this hopper-like cavity the stone slopes gently all round to the circumference of its under surface, and the second hole completely perforates it.

_Cup-marked Stones._--Two portions of red sandstone, having cup-shaped cavities about 1 inch deep and 3 inches diameter, were found amongst the débris. One of them was lying underneath a horizontal raised beam at the north side of the crannog. The position of the other was not determined. The latter has two circular depressions or grooves round the cup, the outer of which is about 9 inches in diameter (Figs. 60 and 61).

_Other Stone Relics._--Besides the above there are a few other articles of stone bearing the evidence of design, which I must just allude to.

1. A large stone having a deep groove all round about it, as if intended for a rope. The larger portion of this groove was caused by atmospheric agencies, and only one side could be positively stated to have been artificially formed.

2. A thin oval-shaped disc of a light black substance like shale, measuring 3 inches by 2 inches.

3. Portion of a polished stone 2 inches long, having a narrow groove surrounding one end, and through which it appears to have been broken (Fig. 62).

_Flint Implements._--Only three flint objects have been discovered on the crannog.

1. A beautifully chipped horseshoe-shaped scraper, found at north-east corner, on a level with the raised wooden platform. It is made of a whitish flint, and measures 1 inch in length by 1-1/4 in breadth (Fig. 63).

2. A large knife-flake, 3 inches long and 1-1/4 broad, which appears to have been much used at the edges and point. It is also made of a whitish flint, and presents three smooth surfaces above and one below (Fig. 64).

3. The end portion of another flake, made of a dark flint (Fig. 65).

_Spindle Whorls._--Three small circular objects, supposed to be spindle whorls, are here classed together. Two are made of clay, and were found in the relic-bed near the fireplaces. The smaller of the two is 1-1/4 inch in diameter, and has a small round hole in the centre; the other has a diameter of 1-3/4 inch, but is only partially perforated, just sufficient to indicate that the act of perforation had been commenced but not completed (Figs. 66 and 67). The third object is a smooth, flat, circular bit of stone, 1-1/2 inch in diameter and 1/2 an inch thick, and is perforated in the centre like a large bead (Fig. 68).

A fourth spindle whorl was found by a visitor from Dumfries-shire and carried away, but it has been returned lately, and is now among the collection. It is made of an oval sandstone pebble, and is slightly larger than the one represented by Fig. 68.

II. OBJECTS OF BONE.

Upwards of twenty implements made of bone have been added to the general collection, all of which were found either in the relic-bed or refuse-heap. The following are the most interesting:--

1. Two Chisels or Spatulæ. One (Fig. 69) is made of a split portion of a shank-bone, and measures 5-1/4 inches long and rather less than 1/2 an inch broad. It is very hard, flat, and smoothly ground at one end, and has a sharp rounded edge, which extends further on the left side, thus indicating that it was adapted for being used by the right hand. The other (Fig. 70) is a small leg-bone obliquely cut so as to present a smooth polished surface. Its length is 4 inches and diameter 1/2 inch.

Bone Chisels (1/2).]

Bone Implements (1/2).]

2. Five small objects presenting cut and polished surfaces, three of which are sharp and pointed (Figs. 71, 74, 75); one (Fig. 72) appears to have been notched at the end and there broken off; and the last (Fig. 73) presenting well-cut facets, is fashioned into a neat little wedge.

3. Fig. 76 represents a tiny little spoon only 3/4 of an inch in diameter, and worn into a hole in its centre. The handle portion is round and straight, and proportionally small, being only two inches long and about the diameter of a crow-quill. Fig. 77 shows another portion of bone somewhat spoon-shaped.

4. Fig. 78 is a drawing of a neatly formed needle-like instrument. It is flat on both sides, finely polished, and gradually tapering into points at its extremities. The eye is near its middle, being two inches from one end and 1-1/2 inch from the other, and large enough for strong twine to pass through it.

5. Fig. 79 is a drawing of a portion of bone artificially made into a sharp-pointed instrument. Several similar objects were met with, but as they showed no distinct workmanship I have not preserved them.

6. A great many small ribs, about 6 or 7 inches in length, and portions of others, were found to have the marks of a sharp cutting instrument by which they were pointed and smoothed along their edges, the use of which can only be conjectured. Figs. 80 to 82 are drawings of some of them. Fig. 83 shows a larger rib-bone, highly polished all over and notched round one end.

7. Lastly, there are several portions of round bones which appeared to have been used as handles for knives or suchlike instruments.

Bone Implements (1/2).]

III. OBJECTS OF DEER'S HORN.

Out of about forty portions of horn, chiefly of the red deer, bearing evidence of human workmanship, I have selected for illustration sixteen of the most characteristic specimens. Two hammers or clubs, formed from the lower portions of the beam antlers of stags by cutting or sawing off their branches. One (Fig. 84) is 11 inches long, and has about three inches of the brow branch of the horn projecting from it, round the root of which there is a groove as if intended for a string. The markings on the back portion indicate very distinctly that it was used for hammering some hard substance. Fig. 85 is a still more formidable weapon, being 14 inches long and 9 inches in circumference near the burr. Portion of the latter is worn completely away by use. Fig. 86 is the root portion of a large antler, having one surface made smooth, and containing two circular depressions and a few deeply penetrating marks as if made by a sharp instrument. Fig. 87 is a portion of a horn with a groove round one end. Figs. 88, 89, 90 represent split portions of horn sharpened at the point like daggers. Figs. 91, 92, 93 are three pointed portions or tines, two of which were probably used as spear-heads, and contain small holes at the cut ends by which they were fastened on handles. Fig. 94 represents portion of horn (roe) cut at both ends with a hole near its centre, which, however, does not pass through; while Fig. 95 shows another small pointed and curved portion, with a hole, about 1 inch from the end, passing completely through it. Fig. 96 was evidently used as a hook, as the stem portion is smoothly bored and made suitable for a handle. Fig. 97 is a small portion made into a ring. The last object figured under this head is a _bodkin_ 8 inches long, finely polished all over, and pointed at the tip as if with a sharp knife. The other end, which is large and circular, is pierced by a round hole, by means of which it might have been strung to one's person (Fig. 99). The portions of horns not figured consist of clubs, pointed tines, short thick pieces, etc., all of which show the marks of tools upon them.

Besides the above there are a great many fragments of horns, some of which, as mentioned by Professor Rolleston in his report on the fauna, might have been used as implements. One of the fragments labelled by this gentleman as being part of the horn of a reindeer, is a short flat tine, and bears the evidence of having been sawn off. It is 6 inches long and 2 broad at the base.

IV. OBJECTS OF WOOD.

A large assortment of wooden implements was found chiefly in the refuse-heap, and in the portion of débris corresponding to the area of the log pavement. Owing to the softness of the wood and the large amount of moisture contained in its fibres, most of these relics have already shrunk to less than half their original bulk, and become so changed, though they were kept in a solution of alum for several weeks, that I am doubtful of being able to preserve them at all. Seeing the rapid decay they were undergoing, I got full-sized pencil-drawings taken of them, from which the accompanying illustrations have been engraved. They consist of bowls, plates, ladles, a mallet, a hoe, clubs, pins, etc., together with many objects entirely new to me, but which apparently had been used for culinary or agricultural purposes.

1. _Vessels._--Fig. 101. Portions of a circular bowl, diameter 7-1/2 inches, depth (inside) 3 inches, thickness 1/4 inch at edges and 1/2 inch at bottom; bottom flattened, 3 inches diameter (outside). Other fragments of vessels similar to the above were found.

Fig. 102. Flat dish, like scallop shell, with a ring handle, length 7 inches, breadth 6 inches, thickness varies from 3/8 inch to a thin edge. Quite whole when disinterred from refuse-heap.

Fig. 103. Portions of a plate, diameter nearly 10 inches, thickness 3/8 of an inch, depth barely 1 inch; a well-formed bead ran round the rim.

Fig. 104. Ladle. Bowl nearly complete, length 10 inches, breadth 8 inches, depth (inside) 3-1/2 inches, thickness 1 to 1/2 inch; portion of handle still remaining.

Fig. 44. Trough, 11-1/2 inches long, 6 broad, and 2-1/2 deep (inside). Projecting ears 3-1/2 inches long. Thickness of sides varied from 1/4 to 1 inch. Had three rectangular holes in bottom, of which the centre one was larger, measuring 1 by 1-1/2 inch.

All the above vessels were made of soft wood, with the exception of the portions of bowls, which were of oak.

2. _Clubs, Pins, etc.; all of which were made of oak._--Fig. 105. Club, 2 feet long, 3 inches broad, and 1-1/2 thick; circumference of handle 3-1/2 inches.

Fig. 106. Club, 14-1/2 inches long, and greatest breadth 2-1/2.

Fig. 107. Sword-like implement, 20 inches long and 2-1/2 broad; sharp at point and edges.

Fig. 108. Implement with round handle and thin blade, containing teeth at one edge, length 15 inches, and breadth 1-1/2.

Fig. 109. Knife-shaped instrument, blade 10 inches long by 1 broad.

Fig. 110. Round polished stick with charred end.

(Scale 1/8.) ]

Figs. 111 to 115 represent the various kinds of pins which were abundantly met with all over the crannog.

Fig. 115 is 14 inches long, 2 broad, and 1-1/8 thick; the hole in it measures 1-5/8 by 3/4 inch.

3. _Agricultural Implements, etc._--Fig. 116. Mallet, head of which is 10 inches long and 16 in circumference; handle is 9 inches long and 5 in circumference.

Fig. 117. Scraper or hoe, 10 inches long and 4 broad; was cut out of a trunk of a tree, and had natural branch formed into a handle.

Fig. 118. Implement like boot or ploughshare, 10 inches long and 12 round the middle.

Fig. 119. Polished implement, 9 inches long, 5-1/4 broad, and 2 thick (through the hole). The lower surface is flatter than the upper, and slightly curved upwards longitudinally.

Fig. 120. Horseshoe-shaped implement, 2 inches thick and 2 deep at curve; greatest breadth 4-1/2 inches from the tips of the horns; depth of hollow 3-1/2 inches.

Fig. 121. Portion of a circular implement, about 8 inches in diameter, and having a round hole in centre and ten small holes along the margin (if the circle were completed at same rate there would be fifteen holes in the series). The central hole was 1-1/4 inch in diameter, and had a tightly-fitting plug when found. The other holes were narrower in the middle, and large enough to admit of a common lead pencil to pass through. They also slanted slightly inwards, so that their axes, if prolonged, would meet at a common point about 6 inches from the central hole, and in the line of its axis.

Fig. 122. Circular wheel, with hole in its centre and pointed teeth at circumference; diameter 3-1/4 inches, ditto of hole 3/4 inch, thickness 1/2 an inch.

Fig. 123. Smooth piece of wood, 25 inches by 15, with square hole at top and two round ones at sides. Several other portions of boards, containing curious-shaped holes, were found.

Fig. 124. Piece of wood like the back of a seat in a canoe, 28 inches long by 9 broad. It has a raised bead round the margin.

Fig. 36 shows one of the mortised beams with portion of its upright taken from the outer trench at north-east corner.

Many other pieces of wood have been collected which illustrate various points of interest. One has a square hole showing marks of a gouge; another has a similar hole, but indicates that it was cut out by a straight-edged implement like a small hatchet; while a third, being part of the round tenon of a prepared beam splintered off, contains a number of small holes with wooden pins, showing how it had been mended.

4. _Canoes, Paddles, etc._--At the commencement of our explorations, as already mentioned, a canoe, hollowed out of a single oak trunk, was found about 100 yards north of the crannog. Its depth in the moss was well ascertained, owing to the fact that, though lying at the bottom of one of the original drains, it presented no obstruction to the flow of water, and consequently was then undisturbed. During the recent drainage all the drains were made a foot deeper, and hence its discovery. It measures 10 feet long, 2 feet 6 inches broad (inside), and 1 foot 9 inches deep. The bottom is flat and 4 inches thick, but its sides are thin and rise up abruptly. There are nine holes in its bottom, arranged in two rows, and about 15 inches apart, with the odd one at the apex. These holes are perfectly round, and exactly 1 inch in diameter, and when the canoe was disinterred they were quite invisible, being all tightly plugged (Fig. 125).

The oak paddle here figured was found on the crannog. It is double-bladed, 4 feet 8 inches long and 5-1/2 inches broad (Fig. 126).

A large oar, together with the blade portion of another, was found on the margin of the crannog, which has already been described (see page 96).

When the original drainage was carried out some forty years ago, I understand that two canoes, each of which was about 12 feet long, were found in the bed of the lake on the south-west side of the crannog.

V. OBJECTS OF METAL.

(_a._) _Articles made of Iron._--1. A gouge, 8 inches long; stem 1-1/4 inch in circumference, slightly fluted before and behind; length of cutting edge 3/4 of an inch; handle portion contained beautiful green crystals of vivianite (Fig. 127).

2. A chisel, length 10 inches; handle portion 3-1/2 inches long; contains crystals and small remnant of bone handle; below handle there is a thick rim of iron; cutting edge measures only 1/2 an inch, and slopes equally on both sides. Top shows evidence of being hammered (Fig. 128).

3. Two knives. One (Fig. 129) has a blade 6 inches long, and a pointed portion for being inserted into a handle; found on a level with, and close to, the lowest hearth, along with fragments of its handle made of stag's horn. The other (Fig. 47), found by a farmer in the débris long after it was thrown out of the trenches, was hafted on a different plan from the former, the end portion being broad and riveted to its handle by four iron rivets, which still remain. The blade is 6 inches long and much worn, being only 1/4 to 1/2 inch in breadth, and the handle portion is 3-1/2 inches long. Its position in the crannog is therefore uncertain.

4. A small punch, 2-1/2 inches long--locality uncertain (Fig. 130).

Iron Punch (1/4).]

5. A bulky nail, some 4 inches long and 1/2 an inch in diameter, with large head; almost entirely converted into rust--locality uncertain.

6. A round pointed instrument, 11 inches long and 1-1/4 inch in circumference; its end portion is square, with sharp tip, as if adapted for insertion into a handle.

7. An awl, 4 inches long.

8. Two spear-heads, 13 and 9-1/2 inches long, with sockets for wooden handles, portions of which still remain in both sockets. The larger of the two (Fig. 131) is prominently ribbed along its centre, and has a small copper rivet passing through the end of its socket. The other has only a very faint ridge along the centre of the blade (Fig. 132).

Fig. 132.

Fig. 133.

Fig. 134.

Iron Weapons (1/4).]

9. Five daggers. One (Fig. 133) has portion of a bone handle surrounded by a brass ferrule, and about an inch in front of this the remains of a guard are seen at the hilt of the blade; length of handle 3-1/4 inches, and circumference of ferrule 2-1/2 inches; the portion of the blade remaining is 6 inches long and rather more than an inch broad. Another, much corroded, has fragments of a wooden handle attached to it (Fig. 134). Fig. 135 represents a short pointed dagger, the blade of which is only 4-1/2 inches long, though at the hilt it is 1-3/4 inch broad. The others are mere portions of the blades, one of which is drawn at Fig. 136.

10. A large ring. It is 3-1/2 inches in diameter, and has a small portion of wood attached to one side (Fig. 137).

11. A saw, in three pieces, two of which were joined when found, and the third was lying a few feet apart. The length of the three portions together is 38 inches; average breadth is about 3 inches; teeth perfectly distinct and set. A small hole is seen at the end of one of the fragments. This relic was found at east side, external to the circle of stockades surrounding the log pavement (Fig. 43).

Iron Weapons (1/2).]

12. An iron shears, 6-1/4 inches long (Fig. 138), was discovered on the site of the crannog by Captain William Gillon, 71st Highland Light Infantry, F.S.A. Scot. In presenting this shears, along with the hone-stone (Fig. 54), to the "National Collection," Captain Gillon thus describes the circumstances which led him to its discovery: "Having been in Ayrshire for the last five months, and within a short distance of Lochlee farm, I have had several opportunities of visiting the site of the crannog, which was discovered there in 1878, and has since proved so rich in relics.... Although the crannog had been filled up, I determined to visit the site in the hope of finding some stray relic which might have escaped the eye of former explorers. In February 1881, Mr. Drummond, farmer, Pockenave, went with me, and as he had been present at the previous excavations, he showed me the most likely place for a 'find.'

"After looking about for half an hour, I was lucky enough to find the shears, which I forwarded to Professor Duns for examination, as I did not observe any articles similar to this in the Museum of Kilmarnock. On a subsequent occasion I found the hone-stone. I did not notice any hone-stones with a like groove in the Kilmarnock Museum, but on driving out to the crannog which is being excavated at Buston, near Kilmaurs, Dr. Munro showed me one which was of the same nature as the one I had found, only the groove was shorter and across the stone, and it had in addition a 'cupped hollow' in the centre, while this one has the groove lengthways." (See Fig. 54.)--_Proceed. Soc. Antiq. Scot._ vol. iii. new series, p. 247.[26]

13. Fig. 46 (p. 96) represents portion of a much corroded hatchet, about 6 inches long and 2 broad immediately below socket, but gets wider towards the cutting edge. Thickness through centre of socket is 1-1/2 inch. The back of socket was round, and had no projecting portion. Total weight 12-1/2 ounces. It had a small bit of the wooden handle in the socket when found.

14. A curved portion of iron, like part of a door staple, found amongst débris, but locality undetermined.

15. A curious three-pronged implement (Fig. 139) was found, about 3 feet deep, in the large drain a few yards to the south of crannog; the prongs are curved, very sharp at the points, and attached laterally; they are 2-1/2 inches apart and 4 inches long; a portion of the handle is twisted spirally; its total length is 3 feet 9 inches.

16. A much corroded pickaxe was found about the middle of the lake area. The end of the axe portion is nearly 5 inches broad, and the whole length of the implement is 22 inches.

(_b._) _Articles made of Bronze or Brass._--1. Two fibulæ, represented full size in Figs. 140 and 141, found about the centre of the refuse-heap. Figs. 142 and 143 represent side and back views of a third fibula, much more elaborately ornamented, which was subsequently found in the débris when closing up the trenches. The diamond-shaped spaces on its back were originally filled with enamel.

2. A bronze ring pin, 6 inches long. The square-shaped portion at the top has a different device on each side, and the shank from its middle to the point is ornamented on both sides (Fig. 144).[27]

3. A bronze spatula or dagger-shaped instrument. It is very well preserved, and although shaped like a dagger, the edges are not sharp. Its length is about 11-1/4 inches and breadth 1-1/2 inch (Fig. 145).

4. Portion of strong wire, 4 inches long, showing evidence of having been in the fire.

5. Thin spiral finger-ring (Fig. 146).

6. Fig. 147 represents a curious bronze object about 3-3/8 inches long; diameter of ring portion is 1 inch; the transverse bar at the other end is slit longitudinally and pierced transversely by a small hole about its centre.

7. Curved and slightly grooved bronze wire, 2-1/4 inches long, and precisely similar to the upper portion of a modern safety-pin.

(_c._) _Article made of Iron and Bronze._--A bridle bit. This consists of two large rings and a centre-piece. Its extreme length is 10-1/2 inches, the outer diameter of the rings is rather less than 3 inches, and the centre-piece, which is entirely made of iron, is 3-3/4 inches long. The rings are partly iron and partly bronze, the circular portion being iron and the rest bronze. The bronze portion is 2-1/2 inches long, and has two eyes or loops, one of which is attached to the centre-piece and the other free. This interesting relic was turned up by two visitors poking with a stick at the south-east corner of the refuse-heap (Fig. 148).

A round knob of lead, as if intended for the hilt of a hand weapon, was found very near the surface of the mound.

VI. MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS.

1. _Carved Wood._--Perhaps the most interesting of all the relics discovered on the crannog is a small piece of ash wood, about 5 inches square, having curious diagrams carved on both sides. On one side (Fig. 149), three equidistant spiral grooves, with corresponding ridges between, start from near a common centre and radiate outwards till they join, at uniform distances, a common circle which surrounds the diagram. On the other side (Fig. 150) is a similar diagram, with this difference, that between the points of commencement of the spiral grooves there is a space left which is occupied by a small circular groove surrounding the central depression or point. This figure is surmounted and overlapped by two convoluted and symmetrical grooves meeting each other in an elevated arch, with a small depression in its centre. The relic was found on the west side of the crannog, about 4 feet deep, and near the line of the horizontal raised beams.

2. _Fringe-like Objects._--Another object which has excited considerable curiosity is an apparatus made like a fringe by simply plaiting together at one end the long stems of a kind of moss (Fig. 151). Portions of similar articles were found in three different parts of the crannog, and all deeply buried. The one figured here, and the most neatly formed, was found in the relic-bed; another about a couple of yards north of the fireplace, and others at the south-west side, a little external to the area of the log pavement. In this latter place a large quantity was found, but although the evidence of having been plaited at one end was quite distinct, the stems of the moss were not prepared with the same care as in the one figured overleaf, as the leaflets were still adhering to them. The cue or pigtail, described at page 95, seems to have been formed of the same material as the so-called girdles or fringes.

3. _Leather Objects._--Fig. 152 is the representation of a fragment of a curious object, consisting of two portions of thick leather kept together by stout square-cut copper nails. These nails are broader at one end than the other, and pass completely through the layers of leather, after which they appear to be slightly riveted. The relic, as it stands, contains six nails, arranged in two rows, three in each row, and measures 2-1/2 by 2 inches, but the marks of additional nails are seen all round. Several portions of leather were collected from time to time. On the occasion of Mr. Joseph Anderson's visit to Lochlee, he found a shoe in the stuff just thrown out of the bottom of the outer trench at the south side of the crannog. Other portions were picked up on the surface of the trestle-work, showing marks of having been neatly sewed. Also two stout thongs, one with a slit at the end through which the other thong passed and then formed a knot, together with a portion of coarse leather about the size of the palm of my hand, were found near the junction of the gangway with the crannog.

4. _Beads._--Two fragments of beads, one fluted, the other smooth, and shaped like dumb-bells (Figs. 153 and 154).

5. _Rings._--A small bone (?) ring 3/4 inch in diameter, and portion of another similar to the former, but a little larger.

6. _Pottery._--(1.) The bottom of a dish made of reddish pottery, said to be Samian ware, was found in a drain close to the crannog. Its diameter is 3-1/2 inches. (2.) Five small portions of a whitish unglazed ware, with circular striæ, as if made on the wheel, have been picked up in the débris after it had been wheeled out and lain exposed to the weather for some time, but the original situation of a single bit has not been determined. These fragments might all belong to the same vessel, and two of them, though found at different parts and at different times, fit each other exactly.

7. _Crucible._--A fragment of a small crucible coarsely made, and not unlike that found at Dowalton (Fig. 15), was for a long time mistaken for a bit of unglazed pottery. It was found in the débris after it was wheeled out and had lain exposed for a while.

Portions of Jet Armlets (1/2).]

8. _Lignite, Jet, etc._--(1.) A small bit of a black substance like a jet button. (2.) Two portions of armlets made of lignite or jet, each about 2 inches long, were found near the wooden platform at the north-east corner. One is a little thicker and coarser than the other, and forms part of a circle, which, if completed, would measure exactly 3 inches across (internal diameter). The other is polished and of a jet black colour, internal diameter 2-3/4 inches. A third fragment of a similar ornament was found in the débris when closing up the crannog. It is more slender and has a smaller diameter than either of the others. The portion of ring made of shale found at the bottom of the deep shaft below the log pavement is smaller than either of these, its internal diameter being only 2 inches, and its external 3-1/4 (Figs. 156 and 157).

9. _Tusks._--The large number of boars' tusks met with, quite unconnected with the bones of the animal, especially in the relic-bed around the fireplaces, suggests the idea that they may have been used as implements. One only, however, was found to have decided marks of having been formed into a tool. It is 3-1/2 inches long, and very sharply pointed (Fig. 158).

10. _Pigments._--Several soft lumps of what appeared to be a blue and a red pigment were found, but they were not subjected to analysis. A specimen of the latter, which has been kept in a bottle, is now turning blue like the former.

11. _Insect Cases._--Large quantities of the horny coverings of insects like beetles were found in patches here and there, together with one or two brilliant-coloured _elytra_.

12. _Shell._--One solitary shell was found near the fireplace, which I believe to be _Littorina littorea_.

THE FAUNA OF THE CRANNOG.

The following is the report of Professor Rolleston, M.D., F.R.S., F.S.A., on the fauna of the crannog:--

"Among the bones submitted to me by Robert Munro, M.D., Kilmarnock, and reported as having been procured from a crannog at Lochlee, the following animals have their skeletons represented:--

"The Ox, _Bos longifrons_: no proof of the presence of the wild variety.

"The Pig, _Sus scrofa_, variety _domestica_. I am not clear that the wild variety is represented here any more than in the specimens of the preceding species. (One fragment might have belonged to a wild individual, the molar No. 3 in it having all the pinnacles and eminences which have given to the teeth of the _Suidæ_, as to the whole division of non-ruminant Artiodactyles, the name Bunodont, worn away, and having its grinding surface consequently reduced to one single, however sinuous, continent of dentine bounded by enamel.) As is well known,[28] the bones of an ill-tended and ill-fed self-providing, so-called domestic pig, come to be very like the bones of a thoroughly wild pig; whilst, on the other hand, it is also well known that very great variations exist as to size within the limits even of the wild varieties of _Sus scrofa_. But in the series now before me there is only one fragment, consisting of the part of the lower jaw which carries the last molar, and a part of the ascending ramus, and of that last molar itself, which could, I think, by any possibility be referred to the wild variety. And even here such a reference could only be justified on the ground of the great degradation which the cusps of the tooth have suffered, it being usually the case that domestic pigs are not allowed to live sufficiently long to get their teeth so worn down. I have however to say that, both from this country and from India, skulls of undoubtedly domestic animals of this species have come into my hands, in which the teeth are worn down far below the limits to which the molars of pigs are allowed to be worn down by modern model-farm managers.

"The texture of the bone furnishes us with no indications, its gloss and tenacity, if such it ever possessed, having been entirely removed by its long maceration in water.

"It is however worth mentioning that this fragment from a Scottish crannog exactly reproduces the contour of a fragment from the Starnberger See. (See Memoir on this "find" in the _Archiv für Anthropologie_, viii. 1875.) In both, the angle of the jaw has been knocked away, for the sake, doubtless, of the soft and succulent, and I may add sensitive, substances it protected during life, and in both the posterior molar has been left _in situ_, though much worn down. The posterior molar, however, of the foreign specimen has that superior development of its third molar, which, if Nathusius (_Schweineschädel_, p. 49) had not taught us better, might have been referred to domestication instead of to better food or sexual (male) character. I owe this specimen to the kindness of J. E. Lee, Esq., F.G.S., and though I hesitate in the case of the Scottish specimen, I have no hesitation in referring this one to the wild variety, as indeed it is referred under the title of _Sus scrofa ferox_ on the label it carried when it came into my hands.

"The specimens of pigs' bones and of pigs' teeth are numerous, but none other either of the bones or of the teeth are of the size, strength, or proportions which would have enabled their owners to hold their own as wild animals in a country in which the wolf may still have existed.[29]

"The sheep, old dun-faced breed, _Ovis aries_, variety _brachyura_. One nearly perfect skull of a sheep of the variety which is known as _brachyura_,[30] from having a short tail, but which also has the horns of the goat, set on, it is true, with their long axis at a different angle from that which they have in the true goat, but still in themselves of very much the same shape. One lower jaw in this series has the concave posterior boundary, and the sinuosity anterior to its angle, which goats usually and sheep only sometimes, possess. It belonged, however, to an immature individual, the posterior molar not having been evolved, and it cannot be considered to positively prove the presence here of _Capra hircus_.

"The Red Deer (_Cervus elaphus_) is very abundantly represented in this series, especially by fragments of horns, some of which bear marks of having themselves been cut and sawn by other implements, whilst one or two may possibly have been used, as the tines of red deer so often were by the early British flint miners, as borers.

"The Roe Deer (_Cervus capreolus_) is only scantily, though unambiguously, represented in the collection from Lochlee.

"The Horse (_Equus caballus_) is represented by but a single shoulder-blade; it is of small dimensions relatively to most or all domestic breeds with which I am acquainted; this applies, however, to all the domestic animal remains found here.

"Reindeer (_Cervus tarandus_).--There are two more or less fragmentary portions of horns, which, after a good deal of comparison with other reindeer horns, and with fragments of red deer horns, I incline to set down as indicating the presence of the former animal in this collection. It is easy to separate reindeer horns from red deer horns when you have the entire antler before you, or even when you have the brow antler only, in most cases; and it is usually easy to separate even a fragment if the fragment is fresh, because the surfaces of the horns in these two horns are different. But here the two fragmentary horns in question have no brow antler left, and their surfaces have been macerated so long as to have desquamated, or, to change from a medical to a geological metaphor, have been denuded a good deal. Still one fragment is, I think, too tabular, and the other is too tabular also, and that just below the origin of what in the red deer is known as the sur-royal antler, to be anything but a reindeer's.

"Writing for Scottish readers, I need not refer to Dr. J. A. Smith's paper 'On Remains of the Reindeer in Scotland,' read before the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, June 14, 1869, vol. viii. pt. i. pp. 186-223, nor to his references in that exhaustive memoir to preceding writers. But I may mention an additional reference which Dr. J. A. Smith, not being gifted with as much second sight as he is with insight, could not have then referred to, as it is contained in a book of more recent date than is his paper. This reference will be found in Mr. Joseph Anderson's edition of the _Orkneyinga Saga_, chap. vi. p. 182."

* * * * *

Regarding a subsequent consignment of bones and horns sent to Professor Rolleston, he writes as follows:--

"The only remark which I feel called upon to make relates to the bones and the teeth of the pig; the marrow cavity in the lower jaw of one of the pigs, a young specimen, containing a large quantity of crystals, and the teeth of the older pigs showing a great deal of wear for the teeth of what were, I think, domesticated swine. The crystals were analysed by W. W. Fisher, Esq., of the Chemical Department in the Oxford Museum, and found to be vivianite as supposed. It is not uncommon to have bones from prehistoric 'finds,' which have been much acted on either by fire or water, thus coloured by double decomposition of the bone phosphate with some iron salt furnished either from the bone and flesh or otherwise.

"The horns" (all the worked ones in the collection) "received a few days ago are all of Red Deer (_Cervus elaphus_), except one, which is of _Cervus capreolus_. With this consignment came one bone, or rather the ulna and radius of a _Bos longifrons_, more or less fused into one bone. The horn of the Roe is rather a large one."

THE FLORA OF THE CRANNOG.

As there appears to be some difference of opinion among botanists as to whether certain trees, now common in our forests, such as elm and beech, are indigenous to Scotland, my attention was directed at an early stage of the investigations at Lochlee to the importance of determining the different kinds of wood used in the structure of the crannog. Accordingly, I collected specimens of the wood and other vegetal remains encountered during the excavations, and in due time forwarded them to Professor Balfour, Edinburgh, who had kindly agreed to examine and report upon them, but unfortunately, owing to ill-health, he was unable to do so, and the box containing the specimens, after lying in Edinburgh for some weeks, was returned unopened. Ultimately, however, Dr. Bayley Balfour, Professor of Botany in the University of Glasgow, undertook this task, and it is to him I am therefore indebted for the following report:--

"I shall send by train to-morrow the box of Lochlee vegetable remains. I have examined them carefully, and you will find each specimen numbered, the numbers corresponding with those in the appended list. There is not so much variety in the wood as I anticipated, and I am surprised to find neither oak nor fir. The tissue of the wood is in most cases considerably decomposed, the wood cells, as might be expected, being most affected. Betwixt alder (_Alnus glutinosa_, L.) and poplar (_Populus tremula_, L.), the only indigenous species, there is really very little difference in wood structure, and indeed birch (_Betula alba_, L.) and hazel (_Corylus Avellana_, L.) are not far removed, so that that when the texture of the wood is much compressed, and decomposition has progressed, an identification is somewhat hazardous, and I have therefore queried my determination in some cases. No beech occurs amongst the specimens you sent me."

The following is a summary of the detailed list:--

I. _Brushwood, etc._--The various specimens of wood which were selected from below the log pavement have been classified as belonging to one or other of the following trees, viz., birch (_Betula alba_), hazel (_Corylus Avellana_), alder (_Alnus glutinosa_), and willow (_Salix_, sp.).

II. _Wooden Relics._--One of the implements (Fig. 118), which appeared to be made of a different kind of wood from any of the rest, has been identified by Dr. Balfour as elm (_Ulmus montana_, Sm.); and the piece of board with the carved diagrams (see pages 134, 135) is found to be ash (_Fraxinus excelsior_, L.). The rest of the relics were not submitted to Dr. Balfour, as they had so crumbled into dust (except those made of oak, all of which were easily recognised) that their identification appeared impossible.

III. Among the remaining vegetal remains collected from the débris above the log pavement, Dr. Balfour has identified the following species:--

"(1.) _Hypnum_ (_Hylocomium_) _splendens_, Dill. This specimen I submitted for confirmation to Mr. Hobkirk of Huddersfield, and after the most careful examination he refers it to the above.

"(2.) _Dædalea quercina_, P. This I submitted to Dr. M. C. Cooke for confirmation, and he remarks, 'Must be a thin form of that species; but of course it is very much discoloured, and hence difficult to determine.'

"(3.) _Bovista nigrescens_, P.

"(4.) _Polyporus igniarius_, Fr. This and the preceding are Dr. M. C. Cooke's identification.

"(5.) _Polytrichum commune_, L. (Portions from the fringe-like girdles (Fig. 151) and the pigtail-like object described at page 95 were thus labelled.)

"(6.) _Pteris aquilina_, L.

"(7.) Several masses containing roots and root leaves of a monocotyledonous plant with equitant leaves, heather stems, and rhizomes of fern.

"(8.) Portions of birch bark in stripes rolled together like a ball of thread.

"(9.) Hazel nuts. One gnawed by a _squirrel_? If, as I conjecture, it has been done by a squirrel, it is interesting, as affording evidence of their occurrence in this locality.

"I am sorry I am unable to be more definite in many cases. The masses made up of monocotyledonous plants would not repay a more extended examination."

GENERAL REMARKS.

To extract from the above investigations, however suggestive the results may appear, a life history, as it were, of the crannog, or indeed much reliable information regarding the habits of the Celtic races who flourished in the neighbourhood during the period of its existence, would be presumptuous on my part, if not beyond the scope of legitimate inference, especially in face of the meagre results hitherto obtained from Scottish crannogs. The completeness with which the operations have been executed, together with the great variety of relics found, cannot fail to make the Lochlee crannog a standard of comparison for future discoveries of a similar character, at least for some time to come, and hence it was essential to have the present report free from all speculative opinions. I have therefore up to this point entirely confined myself to matters of fact which have come under my own direct cognisance; and as for the relics, I have simply endeavoured to describe them accurately, leaving it to experienced archæologists to determine their historical value. There are however a few points, bearing on the antiquity and duration of the crannog, which, though undoubtedly included in the category of the speculative, I wish to state, as they could only be made by one conversant with all the phases of the excavations; but which, after this caution, must be taken _cum grano salis_.