Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 1.djvu/18

4 is to collect and to impart such information; it is therefore desirable to organize a system of local correspondence throughout the country; and in order that, if possible, corresponding associates may be obtained in every town and parish of the realm, no onerous annual contribution is required, the observation of such facts as may present themselves, and the contribution of them towards the common stock of knowledge, being all that is expected. The immediate wants of the Committee have been supplied, sufficiently for the present purpose, by voluntary annual contributions, and as the occasions of rendering such funds available for purposes of general interest may quickly increase, contributions of small amount will be thankfully received from any persons, whose means or inclination dispose them to aid the Committee in this manner, without encroaching upon domestic, parochial, or other more imperative claims. The Committee have indeed in view means of obtaining from other sources funds sufficient for their purposes; and it is obvious that some such resources will be essential to give full effect to their preservative efforts; but it is distinctly to be understood that there is no intention at any future time of exacting any annual subscription. Until adequate supplies may be at disposal, it is not unreasonable to believe that in any sudden emergency, when the existence of a monument of public interest may depend on the advance of a small pecuniary aid, it would be only requisite to submit the case properly to public consideration, either through the agency of correspondents, or in the quarterly publication of the Committee, to secure, without any direct solicitation, the desired assistance. That publication, edited by a sub-committee, is intended to serve as a medium of exciting interest and imparting information, of recording all facts and discoveries, brought under the notice of the Committee, even of a kind which at first sight may be deemed trifling, and of calling attention to cases when public monuments may be exposed to injury or desecration. On such occasions it is proposed, by courteous representation or remonstrance on the part of the Committee, to seek to excite a more just value for ancient objects of public interest; and to offer pecuniary aid in some cases, as far as the available funds of the Association may permit, not however with the intention of intruding on the proper department of those whose position should render them the guardians of