58 Transactions. 



IV. The Old Cornkilns at Barclosh, Kirhgiinzcon. I'.y Mr 

 Wji. J. Maxwell of Tcrregles Banks. 



On th(> Farm of Barciosli, near Southwick )Station, there are 

 a number of circular pits which have recently attracted notice, and 

 although two of them are marked on the Ordnance Survey map as 

 Old Kilns, it was thought desirable that one should be cleai'ed out 

 so as to ascertain more exactly its construction and purpose. The 

 result of this investigation is to shew that the structures in ques- 

 tion are old kilns, and that they have probably been used for 

 drying grain before grinding it in the hand-mills or querns formerly 

 in use. The one recently cleared out was found to be 6 ft. 6 in. 

 in depth, 13 ft. in diameter at the top, and regularly contracting 

 to a diameter of 4 ft. G in. at the bottom. Like the others on the 

 same farm it is circular, situated on the slope of a hill and firmly 

 built with rough stone, without lime. It has a smooth compact 

 floor of clay. At the bottom is an aperture resembling a pen or 

 drain, 18 in. in width by 15 in. in height. Two stones project 

 from the circular wall towards the inside, apparently to serve as 

 steps in climbing out. At the side on which the ground is highest 

 there remain the foundations of a rectangular building 13| in. by 

 10|- in. inside measurement. This building is not sunk below the 

 surface of the ground, and may have been used for storing the 

 grain before or after the drying process. This kiln is about 90 

 yards to the south-east of Barclosh farm-steading, and about 40 

 yards from the road leading past it. 286 yards further south, and 

 55 yards on the other side of the parish road, there is another kiln 

 of similar construction and dimensions. About 190 yards to the 

 south-west of that last mentioned and close to the parish road, 

 there is a third, and in the copse or young plantation adjoining, a 

 fourth kiln — the last two of somewhat smaller size and without 

 the rectangular building observed in connection with the first two. 



It seems remarkable that so many of these kilns should be 

 found so near together, but the remains of other buildings show 

 that numerous dwellings have at one time existed at this place. 

 Here and there throughout the copse and rough ground adjoining 

 may be noticed curious mounds and cairns, which may perhaps be 

 natural, or thrown u}) in clearing the ground for tillage, but which 

 may, on the other hand, indicate ancient burial-places. In Sir 

 Herbert Maxwell's work, I l)elieve he translates Barclosh as mean- 

 ing the Hill of the Trench, Pit, or Grave, 



