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PREFACE
In examining memorials of
the races that occupied Caledonia from the earliest ages to the end of
the sixth century of the Christian era, one purpose of the Author was,
if possible, to discover the general design of the Caledonian
hieroglyphics, as well as the special object, actual or emblematical,
which each symbol was intended to represent. In this undertaking, from
the absence of all positive data, success, even in the most limited
degree, could only be hoped for by accumulating facts regarding the
first inhabitants, the most ancient monuments and superstitions of
Caledonia, and by comparing them with similar remains in other lands. In
attempting to accomplish this design, primitive monuments in India,
Brittany, England, Ireland, and Scotland have been examined. Yet,
regarding subjects so obscure as those treated of in these pages, it is
with extreme diffidence that the following suggestions as to the
separate symbols, and the general design of the Caledonian hieroglyphics
and monuments, are submitted to the public. With more confidence it may
be anticipated that the arguments employed, and the inferences drawn
from them, cannot be refuted, and different explanations substituted,
without advancing the objects aimed at in these essays—the elucidation
of the ethnology, monuments, hieroglyphics, and heathenism of the
ancient inhabitants of Caledonia, or that part of Britain which lies to
the north of the Firths of Clyde and Forth.
The monuments reared and the objects worshipped in the days of
heathenism in Ireland—even in Gaul and South Britain—were originally,
there is reason to believe, not materially different from those of North
Britain. But the hieroglyphics are confined to the latter country; and
as it never fell under Roman or Anglo-Saxon dominion, and as there is no
proof in that e^rly period of any important intrusion on its Celtic
population, the arguments regarding the races who reared or occupied its
monuments, and adhered to its forms of paganism, are greatly simplified.
In different divisions of these volumes a few repetitions will be found.
This arises from the same facts or observations being required in
explanation of different subjects treated of in separate chapters, and
it is hoped that the arangement will, without materially increasing the
size of the work, be found more convenient to the reader than the
alternative of numerous references.
I have now only to acknowledge the obligations I am under to Joseph
Robertson, LL.D., for his help in the revision of these pages, as well
as for much of that valuable information which he is alike able and
ready to impart, and of which, in common with many others who have
written regarding Scotland, I have gladly availed myself.
Rothienorman, January 1866
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