346 xryEDALE EscAitrMENTs ; 



and carbonic acid may have borne upon the bottom and elon- 

 gated them. 



5. A Theory of the Incised markings on Stone. — I have inciden- 

 tally mentioned that symmetrical specimens of these aerial pot- 

 holes are liable to be mistaken for the artificial cups so abundantly 

 incised on the rocks and stones of the Northera part of this county. 

 It would scarcely be possible for a closet antiquaiy to examine 

 these crags without standing puzzled now and then over some 

 neatly turned natural basin ; — and, not to be unfair to the anti- 

 quaries, I have seen at least one sculptured stone that with its 

 confluent artificial cups might almost deceive a hasty geological 

 eye, save for its rough hewn appearance, and the presence of 

 circles on other parts.* 



This resemblance is not merely superficial. On the contrary, 

 I am aware of no essential characteristics of the natural cups 

 that are not shared — though of course in a more or less conven- 

 tional way — by the gi-eat mass of the artificial ones. These 

 characteristics I take to be thi*ee. First ; originally and essentially 

 they are cups, distributed singly or in gi'oups. Secondly ; in a 

 later stage, the lip of the cup becomes grooved by a duct, lead- 

 ing the waste water away : and thirdly ; this duct descends the 

 slope of the stone. 



Before following out the resemblance I must anticipate an 

 objection. I have no intention to assert that all the varieties of 

 circles and enclosures found in the artificial sculptures have theii* 

 counterparts in nature. But there arc suggestive indications, it 

 appears to me, that the cup, as it is the simplest, is also the ori- 

 ginal expression of the symbols. It occurs in greatest abundance, 

 and oftenest alone. Tlie circle is sometimes represented by a 

 mere unsymraetrical enclosure witli cups grouped inside. There 

 are symptoms too that the circle is subordinate also to the channel, 

 for it is constantly to be remarked that, even when regular and 

 concentric, the circles stop short where tlie channel sliould be, 

 08 if tacitly implying and respecting its position even when absent. 



* G A in the Edliilmrgh Aiillq. MuBeum. 



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