Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 11.djvu/214

184 It was finally suggested and determined that the Central Committee should request the Bishop of London to receive a deputation composed of influential members of the Institute, who should urgently solicit his consideration of the evils apprehended through this threatened sacrifice of so many consecrated sites, and the painful profanation of the resting-places of the dead by which it must be accompanied.

The Rev. Dr. gave an account of the recent discovery of a remarkable hoard of gold ornaments in the county Clare, in the course of railway operations. He produced some of the most curious specimens, which had been acquired for the collection of the Royal Irish Academy, presenting certain unusual features, and valuable as additions to the series of ancient ornaments intended apparently to be worn as collars or gorgets. The precise spot, he remarked, where the discovery had occurred, had not been ascertained, and a small part only of the treasure had been produced. In this, as in too many cases, the apprehension of the claims of "treasure-trove" had rendered it impracticable to preserve the evidence of essential value for the purposes of science. Such discoveries in Ireland, are usually attended with much mystery, and the relics hastily condemned to the crucible; in the present instance, Dr. Todd had reason to believe that the mass of treasure found had been very great; but the greater portion had been sold to a jeweller in Limerick and immediately melted down. The unusual forms presented by the few pieces which he was enabled to lay before the Meeting, must cause great regret that the entire hoard had not been examined by some antiquary competent to make a selection of the novel types. The ornaments consisted chiefly, as it is believed, of massive gold armlets with dilated or cup-shaped terminations; three examples of these were exhibited, as also two remarkable objects of thin gold plate, which may have been worn upon the neck; these are of novel types.

Mr. made some observations on the serious injuries in regard to the advance of science constantly experienced from apprehension on the part of the finders of being compelled to give up the treasure, and he observed that the successful results which had attended the more liberal regulations introduced in Denmark claimed the serious consideration of government.

Mr., of Newcastle, stated certain facts which had occurred in the North, showing the prejudicial results which arise from the existing law; and the Rev. offered some remarks to the same effect, citing, especially, an important discovery of Roman gold coins in Worcestershire, of which the greater portion had been speedily sold at Evesham, he observed that the fact seemed worthy of note, in connection with a question of so much moment to archaeologists, that the gallant career of Richard Cœur de Lion had been brought to an untimely end at Chaluz, through his determination to enforce this feudal claim.

Mr. gave an account of the recent discovery of a mosaic pavement on the site of the Excise Office, Old Broad Street. Bishopsgate. The floor in its perfect state had measured not less than 28 ft. square; the central subject appeared to be Ariadne seated on a panther, and the accompanying designs are of a Bacchanalian character, suggesting the supposition that the pavement had decorated a banqueting chamber. The work is of fine character, and Mr. Hawkins had entertained the hope that this pavement might have been obtained for the British Museum, where a good example of mosaic work would form a valuable accession to the col-