DAVIS : EXCURSION TO HOLDERNESS. 
275 
the borders of the lake did so for protection against the wild 
animals which existed in the country at that time and for long 
afterwards, rather than for defence against human foes. That they 
followed agricultural pursuits is proved by the bone implements, 
which are admirably adapted for working in the light warpy soil on 
the higher ground bordering the lake. Mr. Boynton suggests that 
the lake dwellers, if alarmed, could easily retire to Skipsea, which 
was probably an intrenched and fortified place at the time the 
dwellings were erected, and that, under ordinary circumstances, 
they were peaceable and industrious agriculturists. 
Having carefully examined the site and structure, so far as it 
remains, of the old dwelling, those present were conducted by Mr. 
Boynton to his residence, Ulrome Grange, where he entertained the 
company to dinner. At its conclusion the Hon. Secretary expressed 
the indebtedness of the society to their host, and also stated that the 
thanks of the scientific world were due to Mr. Boynton for the 
energy and skill he had displayed, and the expense he had incurred 
in excavating so large an area of the old pile dwellings. This was 
the first recorded instance of a similar structure having been found 
in England. Dwellings of a similar character have been found and 
investigated in Scotland and Ireland with great scientific advantage, 
and he (Mr. Davis) hoped, and had no doubt, that Mr. Boynton 
would be amply repaid for the trouble he had taken, by the exten- 
sion of the knowledge of the people and their habits, whose other- 
wise unrecorded history he was so ably assisting to elucidate. Mr. 
Boynton replied that the visit of the society had afforded him 
considerable pleasure, and he wished to state his opinion that the 
dwelling which had been examined was not an isolated instance, but 
that in all probability the country was studded with them. He 
already knew the sites of five such dwellings, or clusters of dwell- 
ings, for he did not think that they were inhabited by single families 
only. Each of those would no doubt well repay examination, so 
that the knowledge of them might yet be very much extended. 
After an examination of Mr. Boynton's rich collection of objects 
obtained from the excavations, the party left to return to their 
several destinations, having spent an extremely pleasant and 
instructive holiday in Holderness. 
