WHIRLY PITS. 381 



pits." In some instances the bottoms of them are 

 not visible, owing to the tortuous irregularity of 

 the passages ; in other cases they are only deep 

 hollows covered with turf. These sinkings are 

 evidently occasioned by the lowering of the surface 

 in consequence of the removal of the support be- 

 neath. Where the under parts have been entirely 

 displaced, the upper have fallen in, and formed a 

 chasm ; where only partially removed, deep, turfy 

 hollows are formed. These removals have been 

 occasioned, probably, by a stream of water running 

 far beneath, and washing away 'the support ; and 

 in part by the superfluous water from the ditches 

 and watercourses above draining into the fissures of 

 the rock, and so gradually mining or wearing away 

 a passage ; for they are now frequently the re- 

 ceivers of all the running water from the land, 

 which seems naturally to drain into them, and ap- 

 parently has been so conducted for a long course of 

 years. Some of them present dark and frightful 

 chasms, and bushes and brambles are encouraged 

 to grow about them, to prevent cattle from falling 

 into the pits. Many a fox, when hard pressed, 

 has been known to make for these " whirly pits," 

 as his last resource; and, secreting himself in some 

 of the under cavities, has escaped from the pursuit 

 of his 'enemies above. I once saw one of these 

 animals dead at the bottom. Whether he perished 

 from being unable to return up the crags after one 

 of these retreats, or by any other means, I know 

 not. 



