In order to get at the relics, one has to dig through 5 or 6 feet of peat, in which no relics are found, with the exception of the piles, the tops of which nearly reach to the surface. Such pits are soon filled with water, as all the relic-beds are below the level of the lake. As the excavations progressed, Messikommer made the important observation that the piles could be distinguished into three sets, corresponding with so many relic-beds. The first set of piles penetrated into the shell marl some 10 or 11 feet below the present surface; and immediately over this marl there was a bed of greasy peat only 4 or 5 inches thick containing a few relics. Then followed a bed of charcoal with carbonised wheat, barley, cloth, etc., the result, according to our investigator, of a general conflagration which destroyed the entire settlement. After this catastrophe a new superstructure was reared, the piles of which were so closely set that, on an average three or four could be counted in each square foot. This new village appears to have flourished for a long time, as its duration is represented by a peaty deposit nearly 3 feet thick containing a variety of relics, as bones, pottery, portions of clay flooring, etc. Then followed a second bed of burnt materials, as corn, fruits, bread, and the usual industrial implements of stone--all of which point to a second conflagration. But, apparently undiscouraged, the lake-dwellers again undertook the task of reconstructing their peculiar dwellings, and Messikommer distinguishes this third series of piles by their not penetrating so deeply as those of the previous habitations. While the piles of the earlier dwellings penetrated into the shell marl, those of the third structure fell short of the former by 2½ feet and terminated in the intervening accumulated _débris_. On the other hand, however, their tops reached higher in the peat, coming nearly to the present surface. Further, he observed that it was only in the third settlement that the piles were split, those of the two former being round and much more decayed. Also, corresponding to its duration, there was a deposit of peat 3 feet in depth containing various relics, but no evidence of a conflagration, and above this point the peat was entirely destitute of the remains of human industry. It would thus appear that the lake-dwellers voluntarily abandoned their village, either on account of the accumulation of peat or because, in the exigencies of civilisation, they found more congenial conditions of habitation elsewhere. During the excavations in the Aabach canal the above facts were amply demonstrated, as, indeed, they can be at the present time by any one who chooses to make the necessary excavations, permission for which the proprietor freely gives.