Note 113 — PART III. LOCAL DESCRIPTION OF THE WORKS. (continued 3)

A dilapidated building, near the east end of the town, illustrates some of the peculiarities of this species of border fortress. The lower portion of it was devoted to the reception of cattle—the upper was occupied by the family. The floor of the second story consists of stone flags laid upon massive beams of oak, very roughly dressed. The object of this arrangement has probably been to prevent the enemy, who might get possession of the lower part of the building without being able to take the upper part by storm, from applying, with much success at least, fire to the floor. The stone slates of the roof were generally fastened with the bones of sheeps’ trotters—a most durable fastening—instead of wooden pins; but, in this instance, the original roof has been removed.