THE HILL-FORTRESS CALLED EGGARDUN. 39 



the Durotriges, against hostile raids. The sheep or cattle, which 

 were the people's wealth, together with women and children, 

 were gathered, on occasion, into this great fortress, where they 

 remained in security until the driving storm had passed. 



All the finds, as well as a sample of silt, are now shown, and, 

 subject to the approval of the council, are presented to the 

 Dorset County Museum. 



A magic pebble that Bateman found in a barrow is also on the 

 table. 



It is due to the Society to add a note on totems or magic 

 stones, and I do so apart from my colleague, though with his full 



sympathy. 



H. C. M. 



APPENDIX. 



No conviction is more widely spread among the existing Irish 

 peasantry than a belief in pebbles as charms against diseases of 

 man and beast. The use of crystal [quartz] pebbles for similar 

 purposes still continues in the South of Ireland.* 



There is a blue stone on an island near Skye, which when 

 " washed all round with water" causes a favourable wind. This 

 stone is held in such regard that decisive, oaths are sworn on it. 

 It is likewise applied to the sides of persons with " stitches," 

 and it cures them. Such ailments are often caused by flatulence. 



In the Isle of Arran is, or was, a green stone, about the size 

 of a goose egg, called Baul Muluy, or Moling's Ball, which 

 cures diseases, sanctions oaths, and gives victory in battle. The 

 custody of it was in the family of Macintosh, or Claim Chattan, 

 of the parish of Kilbride. 



Adamnan speaks of a white pebble which was used as a charm 

 by the Picts [Celts]. This had been taken, by St. Columba, 

 from the River Nesa [Ness, Ireland]. " Venit ad Nesam, de 

 quo fluvio lapidem attollens candidum," &c. With this he 



* G. T. Stokes, Ireland and the Celtic Church, p. 124; Frazer, Proc. R.I. A., 

 1885. 



