The regular pile-buildings are far more numerous than the fascine-dwellings, but, notwithstanding the simplicity of structure of the latter, they do not appear to be older than the former, and it is a matter of observation that the civilisation of the fascine-dwellers corresponds with that of the inhabitants of other settlements of the stone age--in fact no difference has been observed between the earliest and the latest dwellings, except that the latter, as the result of improved tools, were found in deeper water. The structural resemblance between the fascine-dwellings on the Continent, the Irish crannogs, and (as it will be afterwards seen) the Scottish lake-dwellings, is so striking, that the following, taken from Keller's book (2d edition, p. 597), is worth recording:-- "As the Lake of Fuschl is so near the Mondsee (Austria), it may be included in this notice; and it is somewhat singular, that here are found decided proofs of a 'fascine' lake-dwelling, in many respects similar to several found in Switzerland. This little lake and its banks are rich in fish and game. On the west side of the hill, where the former archiepiscopal hunting-lodge stood, there is a small bay with an island evidently made by human hands. It is nearly circular, about fifty paces in diameter, and is separated from the mainland by a narrow ditch or canal, now nearly filled up with moss and marsh plants. The island is covered first with a thick layer of peat moss and heather, beneath which lies a mass of branches, chiefly of the mountain pine and the dwarf birch. The island is very little raised above the water, and must have been very liable to be overflowed. The foundation appears to consist of boughs of pine-trees with their branches turned inwards. Small piles are driven in to keep them together, and, on the side of the lake, a number of stronger piles, or the remains of them, may be seen, amongst which lies a quantity of woody débris."