254 Site of the Monastery of Dumfries. 



corresponding structures; (6) on the other hand, mediaeval 

 pottery and other objects of like character found very sparingly 

 on similar sites constitute the special and most interesting 

 feature which differentiates the Lake-Dwelling of Lochrutton. 



It must be evident that the civilisation represented is not 

 Avithout marks of culture and refinement. Domestic animals 

 were reared for food, such as the ox, sheep, and pig. These 

 were supplemented with red deer, roe deer, and fish ; and the 

 pony, perhaps, in stress of circumstances, was not rejected for 

 the table. Then the high-class pottery is a marvel to be found 

 in use in such a place, and seems to show the urgency of circum- 

 stances compelling the retreat. Men with broad feet were 

 there, who might handle the axe and spear, and the lady of 

 the slender foot, wearing a little Greek cross inscribed with 

 the sacred monogram, and supported probably by a string of 

 sixteen-sided beads. Nor were the ladies idle. Five spindle 

 whorls at last found their way to the refuse bed. The presence 

 of ladies and their peaceful occupation predominates. A 

 single spear is the only evidence suggestive of war. 



III. — Excavations on the Site of the Monastery of 



Dumfries. (Summer, 1901.) 



By Mr James Lennox, F.S.A. (Scot.). 



Owing to building alterations in 9, 11, 13, and 15 Castle 

 Street, it became necessary to take down eight buildings and to 

 excavate the ground to the extent of nine feet deep for the 

 formation of a cellar and warehouses above same. 



The back portion was known to cover part of the site of 

 the monastery buildings, so that on taking down the old buildings 

 it was discovered that these had been built out of the remains of 

 the still older building, the monastery, many of these were 

 wrought stones. Some of these are described further on. 



The excavations revealed a great number of human bones, 

 some of which had been disturbed when the buildings, now 

 removed, had been erected, as in one part these lay heaped 

 together. The majority were as they had been deposited in 

 mother earth, and in no case was there remains of wood, except 

 one, in which was the body of a child, and this was much more 

 recent than anv of the other interments. 



