No one in the area has seen another ditch like it, and I can only conclude that this stone-paved conduit was originally designed to take the run-off of rainwater from the cowshed and barn roofs. 
Perhaps if we can direct the sewage to a satisfactory destination of its own it will do so again; and if it does I shall be delighted, for huge satisfaction always <tag "515648">derives</> from bringing some long-defunct artefact back to life and use.   

