98 Transactions of the 



There is a small central tumulus of stones in the middle of the 

 enclosure, twelve feet in diameter, the presence of which is no un- 

 frequent indication of a ScandinaA'ian temple." 



But in a field close by are some stones standing in a circular 

 direction, the highest being three feet, and three and a half feet 

 broad. They are surrounded by other large stones, most of which are 

 prostrate, and in the centre of all is a mound of stones. These 

 remains, however, bear ro resemblance to tlie concentric circles. 

 There is anotlier small standing stone, half a mile south of Baliasta, 

 three feet high and unshaped. Around here and Balta are many 

 foundations of walls, built and demolished in modern times. 



The mineralogist should here examine Swenee Ness and Keen Hill, 

 both situated to the north of Balta, and which furnish most of the 

 minerals I have before enumerated. Balta Island is also worthy of a 

 visit. It is only a mile and a quarter long, but contains many remains 

 of a bygone age, besides being rich in minerals. Its highest point is 

 at its southern extremity, and here it is half a mile broad, but in one 

 part its breadth diminishes to only a few yards. It is entirely com- 

 posed of diallage, and on the eastern shore it is high and ])recipitous, 

 and displays some magnificent rock scenery ; the many isolated rocks 

 and holms shew its foi'mer extent, while the long and narrow voes, 

 running into the land, oifer a fine instance of the wasting action of a 

 stormy sea. The surge runs up them with great violence, and in 

 winter often washes over the island to a height of many feet, drifting 

 large rock fragments up the steep inclines. One of these masses, 

 which stands at the head of a narrow passage forced through the 

 rock, measures fully four feet by two and a half: the height it was 

 raised is about 25 feet. 



The western, or inner side of the island, takes a gradual slope to 

 the sea, and has a narrow beach of white sand. 



The turf at the top is furrowed by many rabbit holes, and is 

 strewed with the shelly remains of crabs, fished out by sea birds, and 

 carried on land to devour. Fine specimens of actinozoa and heroes 

 may be obtained in the sheltered pools along the coast. The "North 

 Channel." which separates the island, is a rapid tideway, flowing over 

 a shallow rocky ground, and forbids all but rowing boats to enter 

 Balta Sound from the north. In vralking over this islet, the founda- 

 tions of old walls are passed, which mostly run across from east to 

 west. Near the centre of the island is the ruin of what appears to 

 have been an old burgh, of oblong shape, built of double walls. The 

 enclosure inside measui'es fifteen feet long and six broad. Each wall 

 is about four feet thick, and stands three feet high, and the distance 

 between the outer and inner walls is three feet. Other ranges of 

 circular stones are seen, and near a small bay towards the southern 

 end there stands a cairn of stones, apparently undisturbed, and its 

 eastern side is joined to a circular enclosure of loose stones. 



On the hill at the southern extremity there are the foundations of 

 many small enclosures, which appear to have been huts for public 

 security, of the same kind as those at Wick. They are ellijjtic and 

 oblong in shape, and only nine feet in length. I counted at least a 



