The Kjohhen-Moddinger' of Elginshire. 91 
this day. In the local archaeological case of the Elgin Mu- 
seum there are a bronze pin, similar to what is frequently 
found in Ireland, and two small bits of rude but perforated 
pottery, which have been picked up from the shells at 
Brigzes, and which so far indicate a more recent period 
than that of the Stone Age. It is known that far within the 
historical period the Bishops of Moray had a seaport near 
their castle, and that disputes then existed about their fish- 
ings at Spynie. Thus, it can only be by a comprehensive 
collection, and a careful record of such adjuncts as may turn 
up of bone, stone, bronze, iron, &c., that some idea can be 
got of the era and continuance of that mode of living which 
these shell mounds on our shores so strikingly reveal. 
About a gunshot to the east of this large mound of shells 
there is a trench, with its inner corresponding rampart. It 
looks like one of those ancient earthworks reckoned to have 
been British forts, such as are not uncommon in this county. 
Had it ever any other tie or connection with the mound of 
shells than that of juxtaposition ? It is of an oval shape, 
and measures about seventy by fifty-three yards. There is a 
current idea that this excavation is of modern date, at least 
within the historical period ; but, notwithstanding all that 
is said on this point, it is worthy of the inspection of the 
archaeologist, as there is little chance of his digging from it 
an " A.D.L.L.," or of his meeting near it an Edie Ochiltree 
to give his mortifying interpretation. 
Smaller collections of shells, but of the same sort, are to be 
seen at different places along the road leading from Brigzes 
to Lossiemouth— as on the north side of Oakenhead Farm, 
and also high up on the east side of the canal, where it enters 
the shingly beach, and is crossed by the bridge. 
Another of these ancient shell-heaps on our shores claims 
special attention, as it contains, along with the usual species 
of edible shells, a number of bones of animals. It is on the 
west side of the Burghead Kailway, perhaps not a mile from 
the terminus, as it cuts through the Bennet* hill. Here, 
as in Denmark, the larger bones have been broken up longi- 
tudinally, to get at the marrow ; or, as Mr Lubbock says — 
Bonnet, from its shape. — Ep. 
