CHAPTER XVII.--ANCIENT GAIRLOCH IRONWORKS.

Two classes of remains of ironworks--Rev. Donald M'Nicol's statement--Coin found near old Yorkshire ironworks--Iron implements used by ancient inhabitants--Disappearance of them accounted for--Other ancient remains in Sutherlandshire, Ross-shire, and Inverness-shire--Bog iron was the ore used of old in Gairloch--Processes of the ancient ironworkers--Wasteful richness of their slags accounted for--Charcoal was their fuel--The ancient forests of timber--Their disappearance--Water power anciently employed for working hammers 72