ornaments of pure gold, five of which were found, only two feet from the surface, at a place in Ireland the name of which we did not gather; they consisted of a ring, set with a stone, armlets, &c. The sixth is a golden collar, lately found at a place, in co. Donegal, which the finder refused to disclose, accompanied with a denarius of Geta, and two other defaced Roman coins.

The remainder was then read of Mr. J. M. Kemble's paper on Anglo-Saxon Runes. After concluding his observations on the Cross at Ruthwell, Mr. Kemble took notice of a short inscription embossed on a brass dish in the possession of Mr. Wetton of Chertsey. This is engraved in the Gentleman's Magazine for Sept. 1804, Pl. II. and more perfectly in Brayley's History of Surrey, 1842, vol. ii. p. 185. It has been long in the possession of Mr. Wetton's family, and there seems no good foundation for the statement in the work last-mentioned, that it was found in the ruins of Chertsey abbey. The Society adjourned to the 12th of January.

NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

Dec. 22. The President, Professor H. H. Wilson, in the chair. Lord Albert Conyngham exhibited some sceattas found in excavating tumuli on the Barham Downs, in Kent. Mr. Akerman remarked, that, although these coins present no novelty of type, they are, nevertheless, of great interest, in going far to determine the date of the formation of the Kentish barrows; which, from the researches of himself and Lord Conyngham, as well as from the previous labours of Douglas, appear to be very late Roman or early Saxon. The letters TICA appear on some, which Mr. Akerman conjectures to relate to the same person whose name TICA is appended to a charter of Egbert, King of Kent.

Mr. Alfred Beesley, of Banbury, exhibited a gold British coin, found near that town. Obv. an ear of corn. Rev. a horse, wheel, &c. with the letters

QVANTEO.

The Rev. E. G. Walford exhibited a quantity of Roman brass and silver coins, from Vespasian to Theodosius, found in the Black Grounds, Chipping Warden, the asserted site of Brinavis.

Mr. Young, of Leamington, exhibited an antique engraved stone in red jasper, of a globular shape, with an incuse head somewhat resembling that of Pius, on one side, and the wolf and twins, the shepherd, the fig-tree and raven, and a helmeted head of Rome in a galley, with

the word coмVNIS on the other. Around the stone is an inscription apparently modern.

Read.-1. A note from Mr. Nightingale, in reference to some facts relating to Simon the Medal Engraver, communicated at the previous meeting, by Mr. C. T. Smythe.

2. A note from Dr. Lee, descriptive of his donation to the Society of specimens of the silver coins of Edward VI., Philip and Mary, Elizabeth, James I. and Charles I., found a few years since on his estate at Hartwell.

3. A note from Sir Henry Ellis, communicating copies of some proclamations relating to the coinage.

4. A letter from Mr. S. Birch, on the type of Aegiale and Epidaurus, in which the author offers some important explanations to the account of the inedited

coins of " Aegialus in Amorgo," or, correctly speaking, Aegialé (Aiуiaλý). An instrument on one of these coins, which Mr. Borrell did not explain, is stated to be a utensil of the sudorific bath, used for regulating the heat, termed by Vitruvius æneus clypeus, and by Timarchus, the χαλχούς ομφαλός, “the brazen omphalos," or "navel."

5. Continuation of Mr. Borrell's paper on inedited autonomous and imperial Greek coins.

The next meeting of the Society is on January 26.

Ancient Coin Forgers.-We have once more to caution antiquaries, silversmiths, and dealers in ancient coins, against the continued practices of the makers of counterfeit coins; who, having hitherto escaped legal conviction and punishment, carry on their nefarious trade most successfully for themselves, and fatally for all but experienced numismatists. A person not far from Hastings, a few months since, employed an artist to cut dies for the rare coins of Edward VI., Philip and Mary, &c. from which coins were struck and sold. Either this person, or the notorious Singleton, it is supposed, has counterfeited the Anglo-Saxon coins found at Cuerdale, and is now selling them in various parts of the kingdom by means of agents. Under the names of Carpenter and Hunt, this fellow lately visited Colchester, Ipswich, &c. and is now supposed to be making a tour of the southern counties, while others of the firm are travelling in the north of England. A late law makes this species of swindling transportation, and any person who has been duped, can take out a magistrate's warrant to detain the criminal party for a full examination.

CAMBRIDGE ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. The terminal meeting of this Society was held Dec. 1st.

A list of drawings and other presents was read, including impressions of several valuable seals from the Rev. J. Goodwin, C.C.C. and the Rev. E. Ventris; the latter of whom laid before the Society a copy of an agreement between the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln and the Abbot of Derley, A.D. 1276.

Part VI. of the Society's publications, being a descriptive Catalogue of the MSS. and rare Books in St. John's college library, by the Rev. Morgan Cowie, Fellow of St. John's, was announced to be ready.

The Rev. J. Goodwin, C.C.C. then proceeded to read two transcripts from a volume of MS. Collectanea, by Bp. Cox, of Ely, among Abp. Parker's MSS. 1. A copy of six unpublished and highly curious Ballads; 2. A specimen of the metrical version of the Psalms in use in the Bishop's family.

The Rev. J. Clack, of Litlington, gave a detailed account of certain Roman remains discovered by him in his parish, in continuation of the description with which he favoured the Society at its terminal meeting, Dec. 6, 1841. He also exhibited specimens of pottery and coins, and a drawing of a pavement. At the conclusion of his account, Mr. Clack introduced to the meeting Mr. Inskipp, of Shefford, Beds, who had brought up for the inspection of the Society some select articles from the interesting and valuable Roman remains, which he has long since been engaged in collecting, including several unique examples of Roman glass, found in his neighbourhood. He also exhibited several well-executed drawings of the most important articles, upon which a suggestion was made by the Rev. the Master of Clarehall that the Society should take upon itself the publication of a selection from these drawings, executed in lithography, the use of which, for this object, was kindly offered by Mr. Inskipp, who likewise promised to communicate notices of the several specimens.

Adjourned to the ordinary meeting in the Lent term, when communications are expected from the Rev. Professor Willis, on an ancient conventual building at Ely, lately taken down; from the Very Rev. the Dean of Ely, in illustration of several rolls in possession of the Chapter; and from the Rev. J. Goodwin, C.C.C. who promises a tabular arrangement of the metrical psalms mentioned above, together with a version by Abp. Parker, and that by Sternhold and Hopkins.

THE LYCIAN MARBLES. The marbles discovered at Xanthus, in Lycia, by Mr. Fellows, have reached the British Museum in safety, and are a valuable acquisition to our national collection of art; compensating, in some degree, for our loss of the Egina marbles, with which many of the Lycian sculptures correspond in style, though of an earlier age. They include, probably, some of the earliest efforts of Greek art which have come down to our times. Foremost in the collection, in point of antiquity, stands the tomb, bearing reliefs of the Harpies carrying off the daughters of Pandarus, figured in Mr. Fellows's work on Lycia, and probably older than the time of Cyrus. Independently of the mythological interest of the subjects represented on it, it is important as an example of the Arabic style of art, which in Italy is called Pelasgic; the drapery lying in pleats rather than folds, clinging to the body like wet cloths. The eyes have a vacant stare, the faces are without expression, and the hair is like rolls of maccaroni. There is a Persian character about the arrangement of the hair, the pointed beards, and other accessories, which gives a value to this monument in relation to the history and origin of art. Besides this, there are six or eight friezes, or fragments of friezes, in relief, consisting of a great variety of subjects, illustrating ancient manners, dresses, &c. One represents the siege of a walled town, which is delineated with its towers and battlements thronged with soldiery, who are issuing out on a sortie, armed with stones, to attack the enemy, while in the background appear the female inhabitants. On another part the walls are being scaled by the enemies, who are mounting the ladders, protected by their broad shields. The combatants in this, and other instances, are represented with great vigour. A hunting scene occupies another frieze, the game being the lion. Then comes a bas-relief of combats, in one section of which, singularly well preserved, the marble being pure white, a wounded warrior is pourtrayed with great truth of expression, leaning on the arm of a female, who leads him off the field. A procession of prisoners, with arms tied behind their backs, resembling in costume and character of countenance some of those on the Persepolitan sculptures, are led, in another frieze, before a king, or chief, seated under an umbrella. A long line of figures, carrying offerings of game, poultry, &c. to an altar, where the priest is preparing the sacrifice, forms a subject by itself; and there are fragments of a large frieze of equestrian combats. The riders sit their horses in a different style

from those of the Parthenon, with their heels down, and legs well forward. There are also several single statues, headless and mutilated, but distinguished by fine parts, and by an easy, graceful flow of complicated drapery. In many instances, the colours with which the backgroundsperhaps also the figures in the bas-reliefs —were covered, still remain visible in the angles and grooves formed by the outline. Portions of the metal clamps remain in one instance, the leaden reins of a cha rioteer were found, by Mr. Fellows, still adhering to his grasp, and attached to the horse's bit. The chariot, it may be remarked, is drawn by the collar, and not by the yoke, as was the practice of the Greeks; a distinction which, together with the tufts and top-knots on the horses' heads, has a Persian air about it. No European museum has received so remarkable and important an accession for many years, as these marbles. Fellows, the gentleman who first called the attention of the Government to them, with no prospect of reward, beyond the gratitude of all lovers of the arts, volunteered a third journey into Asia Minor, solely for the purpose of superintending their removal.-(Athenæum.)

Mr.

ROMAN ANTIQUITIES IN FRANCE. In the Loges Wood, near Château Gaillard, has been discovered a Roman dwelling, apparently belonging to a family in the middle ranks of life. It is composed of four compartments, three of which are sitting rooms. The first the hypocaust or stove-room-is in an excellent state of preservation. About a score of brick pillars are still standing, generally about four-fifths of a yard in height. On these pillars the flooring was placed, composed of flat freestone flags, and a considerable portion of it still remains. The walls, which are formed of roughly cut stones, are, in some places, nine feet high. They are covered over with a thick layer of cement, perforated, in a number of places, to allow the hot air to pass into the room, from channels which ran round, in various directions, from the stove. The ceiling is ornamented with fruits and flowers, roughly painted on rough mortar. The second room is also flagged with freestone, and has, in one corner, a pipe to let off the water. This pipe was found stopped with a large cork, when the discovery was made. The third room was unpaved, and in it M. Cochet found fifteen bronze medals of the time of Trajan, Faustinus, and Antoninus. At Bielle, a fine piece of mosaic having been discovered by a peasant, when digging his land, further researches were

made, and an entire house has been laid bare, the walls still standing to the height of three feet. This residence also consists of four chambers, but with the addition of a circular piece, which was, at first, thought to be a bath room, from the fact of two large pipes for water being made to communicate with it. On removing the floor, however, a tomb of white polished marble was discovered below, containing a skeleton, in good preservation. The floors of the chambers were paved with handsome mosaics. Some pieces of pottery, burnt earth, and two columns, about nine feet high, one of white, and the other of coloured marble, have been found, as well as a finely sculptured capital.-Excavations and discoveries have also been lately made near Tulle, on the road to Limoges, among which may be mentioned a stone mill, for grinding corn; a small figure, in copper, of an armed warrior; and some medals, one of which sepresents a chained crocodile.

ANCIENT CITY OF ROXBURGH.

Mr. Robertson, the tenant of Friars, by causing the ploughshare to be driven further than ordinary below the surface of the earth, has exposed to view the remains of the ancient city of Roxburgh. These extended in various directions from their apparent centre, the chapel of St. James, situated upon a knoll immediately opposite to Floors Castle. The line of streets and the site of public buildings are distinctly marked.

ANCIENT DANISH SHIP.

Near the village of Pappenbuhl, in Denmark, was lately found at the depth of 15 feet an ancient boat, or ship, formed out of a single oak-tree, and rounded at the bottom. It was much decayed by the moisture of its bed, but it is ascertained to have been 32 feet in length, 2 feet deep, and 2 feet broad at the middle. There were on each side several holes made with a borer, but no trace of nails or any ironwork could be found. On the spot where it lay there ran in ancient days a canal, which united the rivers Eider and Hever. This canal was dedicated to the god Oegis -the Neptune of the Scandinavians, but was filled up, it is said, about the period of the introduction of Christianity. It is therefore probable that this boat had its existence in the eighth, or at latest in the ninth century. It has been purchased by the government, with the intent of placing it among the northern antiquities of the public museum, which contains very few relics of the navigation of the aborigines of Scandinavia.

SPAIN.

The revolt of Barcelona has terminated, as all unsuccessful revolts do, in strengthening the authority which it was intended to destroy. After driving out the garrison, with great slaughter, the people began to squabble amongst themselves. The members of the junta formed, were chiefly young men of Republican principles, by whom it was hoped that the remainder of Catalonia would join in the insurrec, tion. In this, however, they were disappointed, and soon found that they had to do with a more formidable enemy in the city than out of it. This was the mob, which they had called into existence and armed, and who gave way to their natural appetite for plunder. During the evening of the 3rd, and the morning of the 4th Dec., the mob attacked the town-house, where the treasure of the municipality was deposited, and then proceeded to other houses, where a similar booty could be obtained, and it is stated that the amount of money thus plundered by the rabble, is upwards of 200,000 dollars, independently of articles of plate, jewels, &c. which could be easily carried off. The National Guard, finding themselves too weak to make head at the same time against this internal enemy, and the government forces which were now bombarding the town, threw open their gates to Espartero. No great damage was done by the bombardment, and the entry of the Queen's troops into the city was effected in the most peaceable manner.

CHINA.

The Emperor has accepted the treaty made with Great Britain, Aug. 29, and the first instalment of 7,000,000 dollars, is now on the way to England in Her Majesty's ship Blonde. The Emperor declined, as a matter of etiquette, its final

ratification, until it had been ratified by the Queen of Great Britain. This treaty has arrived in England, brought by Major Malcolm, the Secretary of the British Legation, for the Queen's signature, which having obtained, he will imme. diately return to China. On the withdrawal of the forces, the troops to remain in China are to be placed under the command of Lord Saltoun, at Chusan, Koolungsoo, and Hong Kong.

INDIA AND AFFGHANISTAN.

The proceedings of the British armies near Cabool have continued to be emiGENT. MAG. VOL. XIX.

nently successful. The whole of the British prisoners have been liberated from the Affghans. Their number was 31 officers, 9 ladies, and 12 children, with 51 European soldiers, 2 clerks, and 4 women, making in all 109 persons, who had suffered captivity from Jan. 10, to Sept. 27. The meeting between Gen. Sale and his wife and daughter, is described as highly affecting. It appears that, by the direction of Akhbar Khan, the prisoners had been taken to Bameean, 90 miles to the westward, where they arrived on Sept. 3, and that they were destined to be distributed among the Toorkistan chiefs. Some of the officers proposed to the Affghan chief, that if he would send them back to Cabool, they would give him 2,0007. at once, and 1,2001. a year for life. A similar message had been also sent to him from Gen. Pollock. The chief complied, and on the second day they were met by Sir Richmond Shakspear, with 610 Kuzzilbashes, and shortly afterwards by Gen. Sale, with 2,000 cavalry and infantry, when they returned to Cabool. Capt. Bygrave was restored by Akhbar Khan ina week afterwards. 130 Europeans have been liberated, 327 sepoys found at Ghuznee, and 1,200 sick and wounded, who were begging about Cabool. The British interred the skeletons of those who had fallen during the retreat of January last. The number did not exceed 500. Many of the scattered soldiers in this retreat have joined the army. On the arrival of Gen. Nott's division at Cabul, the resolution adopted by the British Government to destroy all the Affghan strongholds was carried into ex4,000 men was sent to demolish the strong ecution. An expeditionary corps of about forts of Istalif and Chareekar. On the 29th of September, Gen. M'Caskill and Brigadiers Tulloch and Stacey, who commanded this force, were met by a strong body of Affghans, led on by Ameen Oola, and sixteen of their most determined Chiefs, who sought to defend Istaliff. This town consisted of masses of houses built on the slope of a mountain, in the rear of which were lofty eminences, shutting in a defile leading to Turkistan. The number of its inhabitants exceeded 15,000, who, from their defences and difficulties of approach, considered their position unassailable. The greater part of the plunder seized last January from the British was placed there; the Chiefs

M

The

kept their wives and families in it; and many also of those who had escaped from Cabul had sought refuge there. British troops soon made themselves masters of the town, driving the enemy before them with considerable slaughter. The loss to the victors consisted of one officer (Lieut. Evans, of her Majesty's 41st Regiment) killed, and four wounded. The demolition of the forts was immediately begun. The expedition, after the destruction of Chareekar, was expected to return immediately to Cabul.

The Governor General has given six months' batta, and conferred honours and medals on the regiments employed in Affghanistan, and also medals, &c. to the Indian soldiers and sailors employed in China. Gen. Nott brings back to India the celebrated sandal-wood gates, which a Mahometan conqueror had taken away from an Indian temple, and which have, during nearly eight centuries, formed the

chief ornament of his tomb at Ghusnee. Akhbar Khan is still a fugitive, for whose apprehension a reward has been offered. The Governor General has ordered public thanksgiving for the seasonable supply of rain, and for the recent successes in Affghanistan.

AFRICA.

Intelligence received from Western Africa to the 2d of August, announces the return to Fernando Po of the Queen's steamer Wilberforce from the ascent of the Niger to the model-farm of the African Civilization Society, and the bringing away of all the people and property left there by the Niger Expedition. The Wilberforce ascended, under command of Lieut. Webb, with some eight or ten Europeans, who volunteered from Fernando Po, the rest of the ship's company being native Africans. With the exception of the commander and one of the volunteers, all the whites were laid up

66

with sickness before the Wilberforce reached the coast; and latterly the engine had been worked by a black boy, who had learned its management on board Mr. Jamieson's steamer Ethiope, the_engineers being sick with the rest. "Such a wreck of property," says a letter from Liverpool, as was landed at Clarence Cove never was seen." The natives had not molested the people at the modelfarm; but Mr. Carr (brother to the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone) to whom its management was entrusted, and who attempted to ascend from the coast in a canoe, had, it was supposed, been murdered in the Nun river.

PERSIA.

A letter from Abbé Vidal, who left France two years since for Persia, furnishes the following statement: "The Schah, by the advice of M. Gustave de Damas, whom he has appointed Field Marshal and Commander-in-Chief of the Persian army, has just founded in his capital a college on the model of the French Lycées, and has appointed me the principal by a firman. M. M. Tollet and Saury are my assistants, and the government provides for our maintenance. The King, a man of courage and judgment, is perfectly convinced of the inferiority under which his subjects labour, in consequence of their ignorance of European information. The King appears to be most zealous for the success of this establishment. He has given us a house near his palace, and has commanded the sons of the nobility to study the French language and the sciences with us. Every week his Majesty sends one of the officers of his household to inquire what progress the pupils have made, and frequently invites them to the palace, to examine them, and reward them with premiums when they have replied to his questions satisfactorily."

or Swiss bridges over some of the streams, which appear to be as strong for the passage of the train as ordinary brick or stone work.

Dec. 14. A fire occurred in a house in Little Prescott street, Minories, which occasioned an extraordinary loss of life. Among the numerous tenants were a mother and her four daughters; of whom the two youngest, with the mother, were burnt, and the two others, jumping from a window, were grievously hurt, one of them dying on the spot. Two other families each lost two children. The fire