26 Excavations at Raeburnfoot. 



been lost by breaking up and disintegration. Charcoal in small 

 pieces is widely distributed, and some pieces of glass and iron 

 were found. I should not omit to mention that part of a socket- 

 stone lay near the south gateway of the fort. 



Having stated the facts appearing on the surface, and dis- 

 covered in the course of the excavations, I will, in conclusion, 

 briefly notice their significance. 



The Camp presents several points of resemblance to the Roman 

 Station of Birrens. Like Birrens, it occupies a bluff rising in a 

 hollow part of the country, and skirted on two of its sides by 

 running streams. The interior dimensions correspond — it may 

 be accidentally, but more likely of design. The given number of 

 men to be encamped would doubtless govern the space to be 

 embraced within the fortifications, and its form would be deter- 

 mined by the manner in which it was customary they should be 

 disposed. The structural details have much in common also ; 

 and, although probably only a coincidence, it is yet worth 

 mention that this Camp and Birrens ii^cline to the same point of 

 the compass, N.N.W., and conform to the Vitruvian rule for 

 guarding against noxious winds. 



The plan is geometrical and symmetrical, suggestive of strict 

 discipline and adherence to established rule. In this way the 

 small tongue of land at the south end, which is high and defensible 

 and level with the Camp, is, for the purpose of regularity, cut ofi" 

 by ditch and rampart ; and for the same reason the east ditch 

 and rampart, instead of following the higher ground, have been 

 carried across a low marshy place in a straight line. The 

 roundino' ofi" of the corners is a characteristic common to all 

 works of the kind. 



From what has been said the Camp will be readily recognised 

 as of Roman origin ; and the proofs of occupation, although not 

 numerous, are yet, the conditions being taken into account, 

 sufficient. 



It is not a station like Birrens, but a Camp of inferior im- 

 portance — another interesting memento, nevertheless, of the foot- 

 steps of the Romans in the county of Dumfries. 



I should add that the thanks of the Society are due to the 

 proprietor of Raeburnfoot for the ready permission granted for 

 the examination of the Camp, and particularly to Mr Cartner, 

 the tenant, who gave freely every facility and assistance in his 

 power. The Rev. Mr Dick and Mrs Dick also gave active help. 



