1873-1874.] 47 



panying the present number. In conclusion, Mr. Wright stated 

 that, though all the time he could possibly spare for the past two 

 years had been given to working out this subject, yet he believed 

 it would take several years more of patient investigation to com- 

 plete our knowledge of these tiny but exquisitely symmetrical 

 fossils, and also of the Corals and Polyzoa that often occur asso- 

 ciated with them, The lecture was well illustrated with diagrams 

 and specimens ; and, at the close, several of the leading members 

 of the Club expressed themselves highly gratified with the impor- 

 tant results of Mr. Wright's researches. 



On nth March, a paper was read by Mr. W. F. Wakeman, of 

 Enniskillen, entitled " Remarks on Irish Crannogs, and on their 

 contents as usually found," of which the following is an abstract : 



The word Crannog is a formation from the Irish word Crann — 

 a tree — and means a wooden edifice. Up to a period of about 

 thirty-five years ago remains of this interesting class were un- 

 known to modern antiquaries. Since that time a large number 

 have been discovered and carefully examined. The Irish Cran- 

 nog was simply an island, usually circular or oval, altogether 

 or in part artificial, constructed of alternate layers of brush- 

 wood, heath, gravel, &c. The margin of the Crannog was strongly 

 staked with oak, pine, or other suitable round or split timber ; but 

 in some few cases the body of the island was constructed of stone. 

 The whole was encompassed by rows of palisading, of which the bases 

 only remain. Upon these structures were erected the rude buildings 

 which protected the inhabitants from the severity of the weather, while 

 the insular position and the encircling palisade served as a defence 

 against wild animals or more dangerous human enemies. The boats 

 used by these island-dwellers are frequently found near Crannogs, or 

 embedded in bogs or lake margins surrounding their sites. These 

 boats or canoes were usually of great length, and constructed of a 

 single oak tree. The Irish Crannogs are, doubtless, very ancient 

 defensive structures — as such they are frequently referred to in the 

 Irish Annals, some notices dating as far back as the 9th century ; but 



