Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/558

 388 ON THE USE OF BRONZE CELTS cise and clear account given by Mr. Du Noyer renders any further detail superfluous. Respecting these moulds, it may be observed in general, that, besides being admirably fitted for casting, they are remarkably compact, and thus well adapted to be carried from place to place, and that their style of ornament, though simple, appears suited to the military taste of the Romans. When, in connection with the shape, excellent workman- ship, and ornament of these moulds, we consider that they are found with the celts made from them, with lumps of metal and with cinders, we may safely conclude that those who used the celts often made them as they were wanted. They did with the celts themselves as with their handles. Instead of always encumbering themselves with a load to be carried on distant expeditions, they trusted to find sup- plies of metal wherever they might require it, and they cast it into the requisite shape according to the occasion. IX. — One of the authors whom I have had occasion to quote (Mr.. Harford), calls this instrument the " icpms fatiius of antiquaries." The name appears very appropriate. For, not to mention that celts sometimes occur in bogs, and resemble a flame in their various shapes, they have certainly led the unfortunate antiquary many a dance, and plunged him into many a quagmire. But although I have so long occupied the attention of the Society, I will now venture to exhibit this changeful implement under another form, before I bring my discourse to a conclusion. Tacitus, in the passage above quoted, refers to other instruments besides hatchets (secures) and chisels {dolahras), which were used in taking cities. His " et cetera " was no doubt intended by him to include the drill (terehra, Vitruv. X., 12), and this instrument is also included under the term celt by modern antiquaries. The use of it is explained by the Greek writers on the art of taking cities, viz., Athehceus, Apollodorus, and Pliilo.' They inform us that the soldiers used this engine (rpviravov), as well as the ram, under the shelter of a testmlo, and Apollodorus not only gives a minute account of its construction, but accompanies his description by two drawings for the sake of explanation. One of these is here copied (see wood-cut) as we find it in a M8. in the ' Vdtixs MalheiiuUici, ed. Therciiot. Far. lO.O.'J, jip. ^, .'>, li], 19, V2, OH. See also ^lincas Tact. c. o2, Polysen. vi. 3.