Excavations at Eirrenswark. 53 



reason requiring the conclusion that the occupation was not of 

 extended duration. 



The North Camp. 



This carnjj, which lies at the north base of the hill, opposite 

 and out of view of the south one, is partially destroyed, the 

 entrenchments on the north and west sides being almost 

 obliterated. On the south and east, however, they remain in 

 good form, and short returns at the north and west serve to 

 define the lengths of the sides, With the aid of these returns 

 and the marks of the destroyed works remaining, the plan of the 

 camp has been followed (Plate III.). While fairly rectangular, 

 it presents several peculiarities. The line of the north side, 

 starting from the north-east corner, runs westwards nearly half- 

 way, where there is a southward set-off, diminishing the width of 

 the westward area, and giving the appearance of two camps of 

 ordinary proportions but different widths conjoined. The south 

 side also shows a curious inward bend in connection with the 

 west gateway there, which is also peculiar. From the southwest 

 corner the line runs straight but with an inward slant until it 

 reaches the gate, on the opposite side of which there is a 

 corresponding slant, so that the gate recedes rearward, and the 

 divergence is just sufficient to provide for the projection of the 

 traverse, which in this instance is attached to the rampart. 



The site has a slight inclination northwards, and part of the 

 north side follows a natural bank, on which the rampart has been 

 built. 



The dimensions over all are : length, 1000 feet ; width of east 

 portion, 400 feet ; and of west part, 300 feet. 



There are six gateways, one at the east and west respectively, 

 and two at each side. 



The entrenchments unaccountably differ in type, for whereas 

 the single ditch and rampart prevails on the south, east, and Avest 

 sides, the double rampart with intervening ditch is found on the 

 north. 



Generally the works exhibit constructive methods similar to 

 those described as prevailing at the south camp, but they are not 

 always well marked. The layers of finer earth and clay found in 

 the base of the rampart of the south camp were here well marked 

 in one section (Plate VI. fig. 9). Tlie stone pitching of the front, 

 however, is not generally well defined, which may be accounted 



