Can any of your correspondents inform me if this family be still in existence, and in possession? or if not, how soon it failed? From the notices given by Mason, it seems probable that the eldest son died without issue; but even this is not certain, and beyond this I have no clue.
D. X.
Dumore Castle, or the Petrified Fort.
—Can any of your valued contributors trace the origin of this ancient fortress, which is situated on a peak of the Grampian Hills, seven miles north-east from Crieff, immediately above the romantic glen of Almond, so much spoken of in Wordsworth's poems as the burial-place of Ossian. The fort has the appearance of a large circus ring, around which are scattered the remains of this once remarkable stronghold, and which to every appearance have been burned to an extensive degree. Tradition assigns it to be the spot in which the Caledonians so nobly defended the further progress northward of the Romans; and also that it was the custom in those days, for the purpose of making their places of defence more secure, to build a double wall, in which all manner of combustibles were put, which they kindled, and let burn for the space of a few days. Being peculiarly attached to this romantic spot, and anxious to have any particulars regarding its history, perhaps you would be so kind as give it a corner in your valuable "NOTES AND QUERIES;" whereby it may be the means of gaining an answer to my Query.
JAMES C.
Charles Dodd, the Ecclesiastical Historian.
—The catalogue of the Bodleian Library asserts that this author's real name is Hugh Tootle. I should like to know the authority for this statement?
TYRO.
Dublin.