Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 1.djvu/16

2 in place of the exclusive admiration of objects of more remote antiquity, and more pure and classical taste, but of foreign origin, has now attained a great degree of popular favour. The collectors of fossils, termed by them "figured stones," in the last and previous centuries, have been succeeded by geologists, who have found the ground-work of a Science in facts, formerly incomprehensible, and objects of mere curious admiration. Thus also are the students of Antiquity now no more compelled to have recourse to vague terms in describing objects which present themselves, attributing to a Druidic, a Roman, or a Danish period, remains which formerly might have perplexed them by their antique aspect: the characteristic distinctions of every period are now in great measure understood, and Archæology, even as regards medieval relics, assumes the position of a defined science. Some effort then, in extension of the operations of an Institution, such as the Society of Antiquaries, which, although of a national and distinguished character, no longer fully supplies the exigencies of the occasion, as it did most amply at the period of its foundation, may now appear not only desirable, but almost indispensable. As the number of persons who take a lively interest in ancient National Monuments increases, the monuments themselves gradually disappear, either by decay of time, wanton destruction, or injuries inflicted, without ill intention, by those who are ignorant of their value. To preserve from demolition or decay works of ancient times which still exist, is an object that should merit the attention of Government, not merely on account of their interest as specimens of art, but because respect for the great Institutions of the country, sacred and secular, and a lively interest in their maintenance, must, as it is apprehended, be increased in proportion to the advance of an intelligent appreciation of monuments, which are the tangible evidences of the gradual establishment of those Institutions. No preservative control, however, which could be exerted by any legislative measure, could, as it is believed, prove so efficient in protecting public monuments from injury, as the more general extension of such a feeling throughout all classes of the community. The charter of the Society of Antiquaries of London makes no allusion to the preservation of national monuments by influence, or direct interference, when menaced with destruction. From peculiarities of its constitution, it may be doubtful