For the escape of steam during the process of boiling, a simple provision is observable in several of these earthen pots. In the neck of the vessel, just below the point where the lid would be supported, is a small circular hole (see figs. 72 and 73). The aperture occurs in numerous fragments, but it is not now possible to determine whether this class of vessel, when entire, was invariably perforated.[117] [Illustration: Fig. 72.--Portion of a Perforated Vessel from Lough Eyes. One-half the real size.] [Illustration: Fig. 73.--Portion of a Perforated Vessel from Lough Eyes. One-third the real size.] [Illustration: Fig. 74.--Portion of Fictile Vessel found on Ballydoolough Crannog. One-half the real size.] About 140 fragments of earthen vessels were discovered in the Ballydoolough crannog--none, however, in an entire state; but several pieces of the same article being found to fit together, a restoration giving a correct idea of the perfect vessel was easily attained. Fig. 67 (see _ante_, page 92), has been thus reconstructed. The next engraving (fig. 74) represents a fragment of what must have been a very large vessel, ornamented on the side with a chevron, and on the rim with an oblique pattern; it is composed of very hard-baked clay, dark in colour. [Illustration: Fig. 75.--Portion of Fictile Vessel found on Ballydoolough Crannog. One-half the real size.] [Illustration: Fig. 76.--Portion of unornamented Vessel.] A third fragment (fig. 75) partakes of the character of the last described. The decoration is more elaborate and the punctured design or chevron slightly different. Many of the indentations are of semicircular form, and not angular or semiangular, as in most of the other crocks. The material is very hard, like fig. 74, and of a dark colour. Fig. 76 is portion of a large, straight-lipped vessel, that measured originally over three feet in circumference round the rim; it is unornamented, and formed of hard, well-baked, darkish-coloured clay. [Illustration: Fig. 77.--Rim Ornament of Fictile Ware.] Fig. 77 is the only pattern of its kind found at Ballydoolough. It is drawn half-size. Whether this specimen and fig. 76 were originally furnished with ears it is now impossible to say. Figs. 78 and 79, drawn one-half the real size, represent portions of vessels. The larger fragment bears upon its ear, or handle, two figures somewhat like a St. Andrew’s cross; on the smaller there is only one. [Illustration: Fig. 78. Cross inscribed Pottery. Fig. 79. Cross inscribed Pottery.] Fig. 80, drawn half-size, exhibits a bold but rude chevron pattern. [Illustration: Fig. 80.--Portion of Fictile Vessel found at Ballydoolough Crannog.]