their characteristic island dwellings, the remains of which have only been recently discovered. The starting-point of the investigations now about to be recorded was the following letter:-- "INLAND REVENUE OFFICE, CAMPBELTON, _8th October 1879_. "To the Right Honourable Sir JAMES FERGUSSON, Bart. "SIR,--Would you permit me, a perfect stranger, to bring under your notice the circumstance that at Lochspoots, on your estate, there are the remains of an ancient lake-dwelling, which do not appear to have been ever examined. "Lochspoots was formerly of some depth, but within the lifetime of old people the lip of rock which forms its lower rim was cut with the view of utilising the water of the lake for the purposes of a walk-mill. This operation probably reduced the level about 10 feet, and must have brought the bottom of the shallower parts to the surface. "When on a visit a few years ago to my brother, who is tenant of this farm, I noticed a mound which I suspected to be the site of an old lake-dwelling, and on digging into it my suspicion was confirmed. My exploration was of the most limited kind; still I found a bronze armlet--the metal almost all oxidised--two sling-stones, and two pieces of colouring matter, the one red and the other black. I also ascertained that in cutting a drain a canoe had been dug out of the moss and clay; and on making further inquiry I found it in possession of the previous tenant. I did not measure it, but it appeared small, and to agree with the published accounts of the ruder forms of the canoes found in the Clyde beds. "As the mound rises above the level of the water, it could be partially examined without much labour or expense; but as the lake water soon finds its way into holes of any depth, no proper or systematic examination could be made without cutting deeper into the ledge of rock that forms the embankment. The rock has already been cut to a depth of 12 or 15 feet, and a few feet more would probably reduce the level below the upper surface of the virgin clay. Fortunately none of the streams that drain into the lake are near the spot, and consequently only a thin covering of lacustrine clay has been deposited over the débris.--I most respectfully remain, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, JAMES MACFADZEAN."