CALLERNISH, a district on the w. coast of the island of Lewis, about 16 m. from Stornoway, remarkable for its circles of standing stones (q.v.). There are four circles, at no great distance from one another, but without any visible relation. The principal one, is of a more than usually elaborate design. "A double line of upright stones run parallel to each other in a northerly direction, while a single line of similar stones is projected from the s., e., and w. points, thus giving a cruciform figure to the structure. A stone of larger dimensions than any of the others occupies the center of the circle, and completes the whole That the position was chosen and laid down from' astronomical observation, can easily be demonstrated by visiting the spot on a clear night, when it will be found that by bringing the upper part of the single line of stones extending to the south to hear upon the top of the large stone in the center of the circle, the apex of that stone coincides exactly with the pole-star. . . . . The stones themselves' arc not columnar, or shaped into any form; they are simply broad, that blocks of gneiss—the all-prevailing rock from the Butt of the Lewis to Barra Head. The following are their dimensions: diameter of circle, about 40 ft.; length
of west line, 43 ft.; length of east line, 38 ft. ; length of south line, 69 ft. ; length of avenue, 270 ft.; breadth of avenue, 27 ft.; average height of stones, 6 to 8 ft. ; height of center stone, 12 feet. There are 13 stones in the circle, including the center one, 19 in the avenue, 5 in each of the east and west, and 6 in the south arm. The measure ments of height are taken from the present level; but it must be borne in mind that there is a bed of 4 or 5 ft. thick, through which the stones rise from the clay beneath; this gives a height of 16 to 17 ft. to the center stone, and from 10 to 13 ft. to the others, exclusive of the foundation."—Notice of the Stone Circle at Callernish, communi cated to the society of antiquaries of Scotland, by Mr. Henry Callender, Mar., 1857.