Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 1.djvu/186

168 engineer had given the contractors directions to recommence on the following morning.

In the face of the parish-meeting to be holden the same day, this was at least unseemly haste; and the works were carried forward with such earnestness that by this evening the greater number of the twenty-six barrows marked for destruction have been levelled. In some three or four of them excavations were made somewhat below the level of the surrounding surface, but the keen eye of a Douglas left nothing for subsequent delvers. The others have been merely cut down to the level of the soil, so as effectually to obliterate their site, and embarrass any watching on subsequent excavations.

At the meeting a deputation was appointed to wait on the Government authorities, and a petition was agreed to, for presentation to the House of Commons on Monday, but the active obedience of the engineers and contractors has superseded these measures so far as they affect the barrows. I am, my dear Sir, yours very truly, JOHN SYDENHAM. Greenwich, June 15, 1844.

The Committee has fixed the second week in September for the Antiquarian Meeting at Canterbury. Circulars will be immediately addressed to the Members of the Association, stating the plan of the meeting, and the preparations which are making for it.