The Catrail, or Picts-Work-Ditch, by James Smail. 121 



other places. They have puzzled several antiquaries ; and I, of 

 course, admit freely that my idea as to their use, and the Catrail 

 having been made and used chiefly for protecting from marauders 

 the flocks and herds of residenters when driven from place to 

 place, may be just as incorrect as the theories of others. I am 

 also aware, too, that several of the writers with whose ideas 

 I do not agree were much better acquainted with archaeology 

 than I am. At the same time it may be considered in favour of 

 my remarks that I have actually spent many days tracing the 

 Catrail from end to end, and before doing so I had made myself 

 conversant with all the writings I could get on the subject. I 

 had also a supply of excellent maps, government and others ; 

 and had, besides, the aid of my friends, Messrs Craig-Brown 

 and Elliot, over nearly all its course ; and we had the pleasure 

 also of receiving kindly aid from many intelligent and hospitable 

 farmers, and from many shepherds both in Selkirkshire and 

 Eoxburghshire. On the whole, E have endeavoured to collect 

 all the information I could on the subject of the Catrail ; 

 and I regret that my work has really brought out nothing very 

 new or definite about it. I have written from what I saw, which 

 was an advantage. 



I must state that over and above the gentlemen already re- 

 ferred to, I have been greatly indebted to my friend, Mr Hardy, 

 for data ; and for the many letters he has written first and last 

 on the subject, I beg to thank him heartily. 



I may close by stating that any one interested in the Catrail, 

 and fond of rough upland walking, would, in the summer 

 months, find enjoyment in tracing its lines through the fine 

 hills of both counties. I am certain that the delightful 

 wanderings over hill and valley, that my friends, Messrs 

 Craig-Brown and Elliot and I had, in trying to trace that 

 wonderful and mysterious ditch-way, will ever be pleasantly 

 remembered by us all. 



LIDDESDALE '' KILN POTS." 



In Upper Liddesdale, on the estate of Peel and on Myredykes 

 farm, which is divided from the former by the Peel Burn, there 

 are a large number of peculiar holes or hollows locally called 

 " Kiln Pots." They are very often found singly ; but in some 

 places they form a sort of chain, and give the ground a very 

 peculiar appearance. The hollows are many of them of the size 



P 



