The Petroglyphs In Argyllshire.

as might be expected in so much larger a number , there is here a greater diversity of form and dimension . A few on the crown of the rock are rather more than 3 ft . in diameter , and have seven or eight concentric circles ; but their grooves are much shallower and narrower than those of the

smaller circles . I do not remember to have observed here any examples of the horse-shoe shape ; but two or more figures are sometimes combined iu a way not easy to describe without a diagram , by a prolongation of the external concentric groove , or by being included within one and the same

circumscribing curve , so as to assume the form that has been termed "kidney-shaped . " There are also here very many of those characteristic cuplike cavities , sometimes single and isolated ,

sometimes arranged apparently in a sort of pattern . In particular , towards the bottom of the southern face , I observed four such circular cavities , 2 or 3 in . deep , arranged in a straight line ; and immediately above the end one , another similar cup , connected with the radiating channel , or spout , of the lowest

superior circle . So that , certainly , whatever might be the intention of such arrangement , the effect at least would be that any liquid poui-ed on the upper part of the face of this rock would be conducted through the higher circles into this cup ; and , when it was fullwould overflow into the others

, beneath . On the other hand , I must allow that elsewhere , on the eastern side , some , but not many , of the " spouts" are so arranged athwart the rock , that the supposed liquid would not readily so pass .

In addition to these concentric circles and artificial holes , I observed in one place the evident representation of a two-sailed boat , cleanly and sharply , though not deeply incised in the rock , and quite overgrown with grey lichen , so as to be , to all appearance , contemporaneous with the circles .

It is about 4 in . or 5 in . long , and 5 iii . or Gin . high . Also , on the crown of the rock , are two legs of an acute-angled triangle , deeply cut , and about 3 ft . or 4 ft . long , the termination of them not being' very distinct . The apex points to the east ; but I much regret that not having a compass with

me , I was unable to take the exact bearings of the "legs , " or of the several radial " spouts ;" for which I am the more grieved , because I cannot help believing their direction has a certain astronomical signification . The two sides of the imperfect triangle especially point to two quarters

in the heavens , which , from their position , I think may very probably prove to be the places of sunrise on the longest and shortest days . I have , however , reason to believe that a clerical friend in the neighbourhood , who has taken deep interest in these investigationswill shortly supply this

, omission , and clear up this point , by accurate measurements of them all . Near this imperfect triangle , but not quite parallel to either of the sides , are two straight lines of small , but very clear , double indentations , more like the footprints of

birds in snow than anything else I can think of . These must likewise have their significance , whatever it may be . Not far off , I saw a very much smaller , but comparatively deeper , figure of a triangle , much resembling the Queen ' s " ' broad arrow . " And , lastly , on a spot from winch I

myself stripped the covering peat , I found , close to a somewhat imperfect circle of the usual character , some rectangular markings , at which I can make

no guess . Such are the chief remarks I made during one long and careful visit I paid to these very curious records of undoubtedly a very ancient race of men , by whatever name we are to call them .

But I need scarcely say that these rude symbols excite a very different feeling , and tell a very much more impressive tale , when seen and mused over in situ , on their own wild and lonely hill side , than what can be conveyed by even the most accurate and eloquent description . And what is

that tale ? Truly , not a very plain one , it must be confessed ; nor one that is interpreted alike by even competent observers . I see by the Gentleman ' s Magazine for October , p . 475 , that Dr . Collingwood Bruce , to whom has happily been intrustedby the liberality of the Duke of

North-, umberland , the task of drawing and describing all the sculptures of this kind found in that county , thus classifies the chief explanatory theories which have been hitherto brought forward : —

" As to the meaning of these markings , we are yefc scarcely in a position to hazard a guess . Some have thought they are plans of camps . They do not , however , resemble the camps that are near them . Some conceive they are simply indicative of eternity , and shadow forth , the soul ' s longing for immortality . Others think tbey have an astronomical reference ; others that they refer to

sun worship . Although considerable variety exists in them , there is not enough to admit of the supposition that they arc hieroglyphical representations . The channel in which my own mind is running at present leads me to conjecture that they maj' bo found to have a reference to the new state of being on which the soul entered at death , and that the development of that new existence miht be

g supposed to be facilitated by the engraving of these characters upon the stones of the tomb , or of some rock in its vicinity . The time , however , has not yet come for expressing my opinion . Bub I trust that all who take an interest in the investigation will aid me by supplying any information or suggestion they may think useful . "

To these theories may be added the one propounded by Mr . Dove in your own pages , wdiich , if I understand it aright , considers them to symbolise the powers of life as radiating from a central sort of Anima Mundi ; " * while , finally , many eminent menwho see traces of the "Phallic theory "

, almost everywhere , are inclined to connect these mysterious symbols with that primaeval worship . These hypotheses are confessedly ingenious , especially that of Dr . 0 . Bruce . But , it may surely be asked , what collateral evidence have we that