Two fragments of a large dish were ornamented by a series of little pits regularly grouped together in the form of bands as represented in Figs. 160 and 161. These bands were formed of three parallel rows of pits, which in the larger fragment radiated from the base upwards at a distance of about an inch, but became a little wider at the bulge of the dish. The other fragment (Fig. 161) is too small to indicate the direction of the pitted rows, but the band is decidedly raised above the general surface of the vessel—a feature which is only partially noticeable in the former, just at the upper termination of the rows. The little indentations are irregularly shaped, but, from a repetition of the same peculiarities in their form in each row, it is clear that they were made by a small trident-like implement.
All these fragments of pottery were made of a fine reddish clay, mixed with coarse sand or small quartz pebbles.
The only other relics were a circular stone polisher, 21⁄2 inches in diameter, and an oval-shaped mass of vitreous paste.
Section II.
Notice of the Excavation of a Crannog at Lochspouts, near Kilkerran.
Situation of Crannog.—Lochspouts is situated about three miles to the south-west of Maybole, in the parish of Kirkoswald, and on the property of the Right Honourable Sir James Fergusson, of Kilkerran, Bart., K.C.M.G., LL.D. It is a small lake basin, somewhat oval in shape, and ensconced at the base of hilly ground, which encompasses it, except towards the north, where a narrow trap-dike runs across and cuts it off from the open valley beyond. It is thus a natural dam, formed in the face of a declivity, which, beyond the trap ridge, still continues to slope rapidly downwards for a few hundred yards. No outlet could therefore at any time exist, except along this barrier, and an inspection of its present condition reveals several deep gashes, through which at one time the surplus water made its escape. Indeed, some of the oldest inhabitants state that the name "Lochspouts" was given to it because, in former times, during heavy floods, its waters spouted across this ridge at different points. The truth of this traditional report is not only consistent with the physical and geological features of the locality, but supplies a good illustration of the natural process by which running streams are occasionally known to cut out new channels, and ultimately abandon their former beds altogether. Owing to the large amount of silt washed into this basin, and the gradual lowering of its outlet by the frictional erosion of the surplus water, the area of the lake must also have been gradually diminished, so that it is difficult to estimate its original size. Immediately prior, however, to human interference with the rocky barrier, it would not be more than eight acres. This singular and, when surrounded by primeval forests, secluded little lake, was selected by the ancient crannog-builders as a suitable site for building one of their characteristic island dwellings, the remains of which have only been recently discovered. The starting-point of the investigations now about to be recorded was the following letter:—
"Inland Revenue Office,
Campbelton, 8th October 1879."To the Right Honourable
Sir James Fergusson, Bart."Sir,—Would you permit me, a perfect stranger, to bring under your notice the circumstance that at Lochspoots, on your estate, there are the remains of an ancient lake-dwelling, which do not appear to have been ever examined.
"Lochspoots was formerly of some depth, but within the lifetime of old people the lip of rock which forms its lower rim was cut with the view of utilising the water of the lake for the purposes of a walk-mill. This operation probably reduced the level about 10 feet, and must have brought the bottom of the shallower parts to the surface.
"When on a visit a few years ago to my brother, who is tenant of this farm, I noticed a mound which I suspected to be the site of an old lake-dwelling, and on digging into it my suspicion was confirmed. My exploration was of the most limited kind; still I found a bronze armlet—the metal almost all oxidised—two sling-stones, and two pieces of colouring matter, the one red and the other black. I also ascertained that in cutting a drain a canoe had been dug out of the moss and clay; and on making further inquiry I found it in possession of the previous tenant. I did not measure it, but it appeared small, and to agree with the published accounts of the ruder forms of the canoes found in the Clyde beds.
"As the mound rises above the level of the water, it could be partially examined without much labour or expense; but as the lake water soon finds its way into holes of any depth, no proper or systematic examination could be made without cutting deeper into the ledge of rock that forms the embankment. The rock has already been cut to a depth of 12 or 15 feet, and a few feet more would probably reduce the level below the upper surface of the virgin clay. Fortunately none of the streams that drain into the lake are near the spot, and consequently only a thin covering of lacustrine clay has been deposited over the débris.—I most respectfully remain, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, James MacFadzean."
Sir James Fergusson at once forwarded this interesting letter to R. W. Cochran-Patrick, Esq., LL.D., F.S.A., secretary to the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Archæological Association, with a note requesting him to visit and examine the locality here referred to at his convenience. From letters now before me I find that this preliminary examination of the crannog took place on the 10th of the following November, the result of which was shortly afterwards communicated to me just at the same time that I had received for final revision the proof-sheets of the first article on the Ayrshire crannogs, and so I took the opportunity of recording the discovery by appending a foot-note embracing Mr. Cochran-Patrick's observations. See page 23 of the second volume of the collections of the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Archæological Association.[31]
The time of the year being unsuitable for making an examination of the crannog, owing to the wetness of the locality, it was agreed to postpone further explorations till the following summer.