Kane— 77^6 BlaeJc Picfs Dyke. 303 



There is generally a slight outer rampart of about 2 ft. high on both sides 

 (see PI. XVI., fig. 1). The extreme height of the central vallum or rampart it is 

 difl&cult to ascertain ; but, roughly speaking, it seems to have had a base of 

 about 30 ft., and originally a height of about 20 ft. from the bottom of the 

 fosses. The total width from out to out seems to have been from 50 to 65 ft. 

 Where there occurs a steep slope in the natural lie of the ground, as is shown 

 on the rough section (PI. XA^L, fig. 2) of the dyke near Mr. Molloy's, the central 

 embankment is of the same level as the field on the higher side, with one 

 fosse 10 ft. deep, the other side of the embankment falling steeply to the lower 

 level, with an 18-ft. slope. Since it is evident that this was a defensive 

 fortification, it is important to observe such peculiarities in its structure as 

 may serve to indicate whether the aggression was apprehended from the north 

 or Monaghan side, or from the south — that is, from Cavan or Meath. We have 

 two indications which show that the work was put up to defend the northern 

 territory against southern incursions. First, that the southern side of the 

 rounded hills and heights is always chosen, so that the steepest slope of the 

 central embankment would be against the southern tribes (see last section) ; 

 and, secondly, that the remains of two wooden lean-to sheds were discovered in 

 the fosse on the northern or Alouaghan side of the embankment, in the 

 townland of Corinary, on Kettle's farm. Elsewhere also wooden posts and 

 cross-pieces were found lining the fosse on the Monaghan side, as hereafter 

 described, which would suggest that the defenders were provided with hut- 

 shelters and other structures at suitable parts of the line of entrenchment, 

 no trace of which has been discovered on the southern side. 



I am indebted to Mr. Hugh Jordan, of Aughareagh, and to Mr. Patrick 

 MacDonnell, of Lettercrossan, for the following particulars : — The demolition 

 of the Worm Ditch in Corinary was commenced about 1820 by a farmer 

 named Kettle; and about 1860 his son made further excavations. In clearing 

 out the fosse on the northern side the remains of two sheds were found. Six 

 rafters, unsquared, about 1 ft. thick, and about 17 ft. long, pointed at both 

 ends, and superficially charred throughout, composed the roof of each shed. 

 They sloped from the central embankment across the fosse to the ditch ; and 

 beneath this roof were short timbers in the bottom from 4 ft. to 8 ft. long, 

 laid so as to form a rough fioor. The wood was still fairly solid, and appeared 

 to be oak. These sheds were Ijoth in the townland of Corinary, but widely 

 separated. A portion of the Dyke was measured by Hugh Jordan during the 

 course of excavation and demolition (PL XVI., fig. 4). The base of the central 

 vallum was 30 ft wide, its height was 12 ft., and width on top 17 ft. It, 

 however, would have been oiiginally of a greater height, and much narrower 

 at top doubtless. The two fosses were 14 ft. deep and 14 ft. wide on each 



