G08 
The silicic acid present in the ore is thus compelled for 
the most part to combine with the protoxide of iron, giving 
rise to the formation of a slag of a highly fusible character, a 
matter of great importance when we take into consideration 
the simple and imperfect appliances at command of the 
operators in those remote regions and early times. It has 
long been remarked that the scoriae found on elevated 
positions generally contained a large amount of oxide of 
iron, whilst those produced from bloomeries situated on less 
elevated districts, more closely resembled the slag run off 
from the blast furnaces of the present day, and had little 
iron in their composition. From this circumstance it has 
been inferred that, prior to the introduction of bellows as a 
means of forcing air into the burning fuel, the bloomeries 
were placed on positions as elevated as possible, where the 
natural currents of air could have more ready access to the 
combustible ; notwithstanding this expedient however, the 
temperature thus attainable must still have been much less 
intense than where artificial methods were had recourse to for 
this purpose. Consequently the employment of lime with 
the view of separating the silicious matter of the ore was 
impracticable, the calcareous silicate thus formed being of 
too infusible a nature to admit of its being readily formed 
and run off from the furnace. Judging from the results of 
my analysis, and from these various considerations, I am led to 
the conclusion that the bloomery at Lochgoilhead was one 
of the most ancient in the kingdom, and although situated at 
no very great height above the sea level, its position would 
still be one well adapted for carrying on with success the 
manufacture of iron by the most primitive method, as through 
the valley, sudden and high winds are, in one direction or 
another, almost constantly sweeping. In concluding this 
notice, I may state that I have as yet been unable to prove 
the existence of deposits of iron ore of any extent, in the 
vicinity of Lochgoil, but I trust ere long to have an oppor- 
tunity of examining the locality more fully. 
