128. Excavations of Lochkutton Crannog. 



to attend the celebration of their Jubilee. Professor Scott-Elliot 

 was unanimously appointed. 



The Treasurer stated that he had still £19 on hand for exca- 

 vation work. 



Communication. 



First Accozmt of the Excavations of Lochrjtitoti Crannog. By Mr 

 James Barboue, F.S.A., Scot., Architect. 



The transactions of this Society of 1863 and 1864 give 

 prominence to the class of structures known as Lake Dwellings 

 or Crannogs, and the addresses of the president, Sir William 

 Jardine, contain much of interest regarding them. Several were 

 visited, and in two instances exploratory operations also were 

 instituted. The crannog at Corncockle was cleared by the presi- 

 dent, when quantities of smashed bones, evidencing occupation, 

 were found, and at the Black Loch of Sanquhar, the water having 

 been run off, a section was cut through the crannog down to the 

 bottom of the loch, fully disclosing the design. No relics, how- 

 ever, of chronological import, or bearing on the civilisation of the 

 occupation, were discovered in either case. Another like struc- 

 ture, situated at l^Viars' Carse, examined by Dr Munro, is 

 described in his valuable work, "Ancient Scottish Lake Dwellings 

 or Crannogs." These seem to be the only instances of systematic 

 investigation overtaken in the district in connection with such 

 structures. 



Tabulated in Dr. Muuro's book are the following crannogs in 

 the counties of Dumfries and Kirkcudbright, viz.: — Lochmaben, 

 Black Loch of Sanciuhar, Friars' Carse, Loch Orr, Lochwood, 

 Closeburn, Corncockle, Morton, Lochrutton, Loch Kinder, Car- 

 lingwark, Lotus Loch, Barean, Borgue, and Loch Fergus. 



Last year the Society resolved to institute exploratory opera- 

 tions, selecting Lochrutton crannog for examination. Several 

 circumstances lend themselves to mark it out as one of some 

 importance. The loch is of large area and deep. A peninsula on 

 its east margin is served from the mainland by an artificial ditch 

 and rampart drawn across the neck, and so forms an island about 

 an acre in extent ; and about 300 yards distant from the north 



