Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 29.djvu/468

390 to have them arranged so that everything referred to by Mr. Allchin could be found at once. On the proposition of the Rev. J. F. Russell, a vote of thanks was passed to Sir Edward for his able address.

The Rev. J. G. Joyce, B.A.. F.S.A., Rector of Stratfieldsaye, then gave an account of "The Excavations at Silchester." Referring to the previous visit of the Institute to Silchester twenty two years ago, at which time no systematic excavations had been attempted, Mr. Joyce spoke in the first instance of the history, position, and extent of this Roman city. He then described the walls and gates, and dwelt particularly upon the very recent discovery of the great East gate. Passing on to buildings within the town, he continued: "Archæology is deeply indebted to the munificence of the present Duke of Wellington, the owner of the estate, for the very important contributions which Silchester is now yielding to our knowledge of the Roman period in Britain." Excavations upon a systematic plan were commenced in 1864, and had been continued to the present time. "Blocks" of dwelling-houses have been laid open, some of which show plainly additions and improvements made to them at various times, and numerous coins and other objects of interest had been found in the course of the operations. The "Forum" also had been entirely opened out, and appeared to have been on a very important scale. The various arrangements of the structure for the administration of the business of this apparent centre of the Roman power in the Southwest of England were clearly discernible, and presented features of singular interest. The discourse was illustrated by copious and beautifully executed drawings and sketches, as well as by specimens of many of the objects referred to. At its close the President of the meeting proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Joyce for his memoir, which will appear as a substantive article in a future number of the Journal.

The President of the meeting then delivered an Address, which the untoward circumstances already noticed had prevented being given at the Inaugural Meeting. He said he was sure all present would sympathize with him in the position of having to deliver an Inaugural Address in the middle of a meeting. They all knew what a stale egg was, and he had to produce before them that day an egg which had evidently been sat upon. He hoped they would not set upon him for doing so, for then his only chance would be a long rope, whereas he had only the shortest possible "yarn" then allowed him. It was evident that what he should have to speak about was the general purpose and idea of these gatherings and meetings, and the good that they and he might be able to deduce from that particular one. Many people, when an antiquary was coming to them, expected something amusing and sometimes rather absurd, but there was a far deeper side of archæology upon which he should like them to rest. Perhaps it was stated almost as beautifully as language could do it by the great Lord Bacon in his book Advancement of Learning. He said: "Antiquities are history defaced, or some remnants of history which have casually escaped the shipwreck of time." A beautiful idea in itself, and then he went on to speak of what constituted the true antiquary; and then he set a deep view of the whole of their pursuits before them. Returning to his old idea of the shipwreck of time, he spoke of antiquarians as persons who, "by an exact and scrupulous diligence and observation, out of monuments, names, words, proverbs, traditions, private records and evidences, fragments of stone, and the like, do save and recover