146 
ANIMAL LIFE ON THE 
of considerable size, and, from its architecture, we would 
suppose it to be coeval with Carrick Castle on Lochgoil. 
The surrounding grounds, however, which are still plainly 
traceable, were much larger than those of the former ; and 
a spot is still pointed out where, it is said, stood the 
ramparted barrack for the reception of troops. From the 
altitude of the place a good view of the loch in front is 
obtained, and this is sometimes taken advantage of by the 
fishermen when on the outlook for the arrival and presence 
of the herring shoals, which they can tell from the working 
of the sea-birds, and other signs with which they are 
familiar. The information of the fisherman is not always 
accurate and reliable; nevertheless, in our sea-side rambles, 
our favourite expedient is to engage his conversation when- 
ever it can be found, and, fortunately for our present 
purpose, we stumble upon two of these men, who are 
quietly contemplating the scene before them from the 
castle's rocky height. 
"You have an extensive view of mountains and sea 
here, friends," is our introductory remark. 
''Oh, yes," is the quiet reply of the elder of the two, a 
burly, middle-aged Highlander, with his head capped in the 
familiar Tam o' Shanter, and his body clothed in the warm, 
heavy, blue favourite fabric of his class. 
" What is the depth of the loch out yonder ? " is our 
first question. 
"From sixty to a hundred fathoms," said the same man; 
"but," continued he, "there is a place out there on the 
left where there's a hole that has no bottom at all." 
The secret, however, of this startling information seems 
to lie in the fact that one may try for a whole week to find 
the fearful pit, and even then be disappointed in finding it. 
Our desire, we frankly confess, is not to find the bottomless 
