Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/460

 306 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF Salisbury, and the adjacent towns, Old Sarum, Venta Belgarum, &c. Some highly interesting notices of primeval stone monuments in the north of Hol- land, were communicated by a distinguished Dutch archaelogist, Mr. Van Lenness, corresponding member of the Institute, and the importance of these remains, as compared with Stonehenge ; and various early British relics in Wiltshire, and the neighbouring counties, were illustrated by many interesting particulars supplied by Mr. Winter Jones. A memoir was also received, comprising some exceedingly cm-ious details relative to the interment discovery, near Holyhead, communicated by the Honourable William 0. Stanley ; and the urns discovered were exhibited in the Museum, where they attracted much notice, on account of their value for comparison with examples found in Wiltshire. Mr. John Gough Nichols contributed memorials of the Earls of Sahsbuiy, and a few other communica- tions were received. Monday, July 30. The most gratifying invitation having been conveyed to the Institute by Sir Hugh Hoake, through Mr. Makkland, a party, about fifty in number, left Salisbury at eight o'clock, to visit Stourhead. They were welcomed with a most hospitable reception ; the worthy Baronet placed his carriages and horses at the disposal of those who were desirous to enjoy the picturesque scenery of his domain, of the beautiful terrace, Alfred's Tower, the gardens, and the admirable combination of natural beauties enhanced by the judicious appliances of art. The mansion, however, with its noble suite of rooms, the collection of paintings, of which Sir Hugh most kindly presented the cata- logue 7-aisoniiee to each visitor, the interesting collection of drawings of Wilt- shire antiquities by Mr. Buckler, the architectural drawings of Salisbury Cathedral, by Turner ; the unrivalled designs in pen and ink by Canaletti, and the richly stored library, presented the great attraction. The museum, containing the relics discovered by the late Sir Richard Hoare, during his extensive excavations in Wiltshire, was visited with the highest interest. Some of the urns are of a size and preservation rarely seen elsewhere ; there are a few gold ornaments, but nothing of silver ; the ornaments of ruder materials, the celts, weapons, &c., compose a series unequalled by any other collection. The day closed most agreeably by a banquet in the great saloon, graced by the most courteous hospitality. At the close of the repast, the health of Sir Hugh Hoare was proposed by Mr. Talbot, who alluded with much warmth to the labours which had rendered Stourhead a scene of such deep interest to archaelogists, to whom the name of Hoare had been endeared by the liberal encouragement of antiquarian and historical research, 'and the munificent spirit, which still characterised the possessor of that noble domain. Sir llugli briefly, ])ut in emphatic terms, expressed his gi-atiiication at the visit paid to him by the Institute. The party then took their leave, after a visit of the most lively gratification. On the following morning a numerous party of archaeologists proceeded towards Silbury Hill, and the remarkable remains of Abury, distant about thirty-five miles from Salisbury. On reaching the scene of the excavation, still in progress, tlu^y found that the tunnel had reached the centre, without any discovery of sepulchral or other remains being made ; thus tending to