REPORTS OF MEETINGS FOR 1910 157 



after crossing the Teviot, proceeded along the road which leads 

 Eastward by Cavers and Kirkton to Hobkirk and Southdean. 

 Before descending into Rulewater this road attains an elevation 

 of nearly 800 feet, and from its summit an extensive prospect, 

 including the hills round Jedburgh, the Western portion of the 

 Cheviot range, and the prominent peaks of Liddisdale, opened 



out to view, bathed in the subdued light of early 

 Bonchester autumn. Immediately to the East lay Bonchester 

 Hill. Hill, crossed at its middle by a stone wall 



dividing the lands of Nether Bonchester and 

 Gatehouse-cote, the dressed stones of former dwellings having 

 been made use of for copes and bands in its construction. 

 The hill is a rounded eminence rising to about 1,030 feet 

 above sea-level, and has two large forts upon it, one on the 

 summit, and the other about 100 feet lower down. The latter 

 is a simple oval with an annex. The fort on the summit is 

 of much more complicated construction, the central enclosure, 

 measuring 317 feet by 280 feet, being surrounded by an earthen 

 rampart now greatly reduced in height. The exterior defences 

 include three more ramparts and ditches, not continuous, but 

 suited to the natural features of the ground, and with con- 

 siderable spaces between. A noteworthy feature is the presence 

 of many hut-circles in the central enclosure, and also in the 

 interspaces between the ramparts, some even being partly in 

 the rampart itself. There are three entrances, and near the 

 Southern one a square chamber has been excavated, revealing 

 in the centre a fireplace, rudely constructed with boulders, 

 and a hearth in the North corner. Charcoal and chipped 

 flints have been found on the floor. At the base of the hill lie 

 Bonchester and the road leading by Wolflee and Wauchope to 

 Note o' the Gate, and across the Rule to the South the village 

 and church of Hobkirk. 



A conspicuous object to the North of the road selected for 

 the excursion was the rugged ridge of Rubers Law (1,392 feet), 

 cultivated to a considerable height on its Eastern and steepest 

 side, and bounded in that direction by the Water of Rule, 

 which is formed by the union of the Wauchope, Harwood, 

 and Catlee burns, and flows through a valley rich in traditions 

 of Border forays and family feuds. No sound of alarm or 



