2 
by Macpherson into Darthula is that given to the great 
beauty of the western Celts* the Ulster Lady , called in Ireland 
Deirdre. She was the “ Helen ” of the race, and her history 
and its indirect consequences brought out the Iliad of 
Ireland, but I am one of the many who cannot give an 
opinion of the work. The similarity of name and the fact 
that Deirdre came over to Loch Etive may have caused 
people to connect these forts with her, but the fact of their 
being places of security requiring also vigilance is a reason 
for connecting them with the “ shining eye,” a name, too, 
that may be easily supposed applicable to Deirdre. She 
was vigilant and beautiful. They were vigilant, but not 
beautiful. The work of the forts is rough ; shapeless and 
small stones are melted together by a rude glaze. All 
known to me are walled enclosures. The only one with 
any very distinct connection with history or legend con- 
tained a dwelling with apartments; it is described in 
“ Loch Etive and the Sons of Uisnach.” The glazing or 
cementing is done systematically, and instead of using 
mortar. I have published elsewhere the analysis of one 
piece from Loch Etive, and my youngest assistant, Mr. Frank 
Scudder, has analysed the fused part of this from Glen 
Nevis with the following results : — 
Silica 
_ 
Per cent. 
- 68*88. 
Alumina- 
- 
- 
- 16T7. 
Iron 
- 
- 
5-33. 
Lime 
- 
- 
3-73. 
Magnesia 
- 
3-39. 
Potash - 
- 
1-83. 
Soda 
- 
- 
0-26. 
Loss on ignition 
- 
092. 
100-51. 
The walls of some show enormous masses of vitrified matter. 
One, the “ Tap o’ Noath,” in Aberdeenshire, is a remarkable 
