Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/561

 IN M1MTA1;Y ol'EltATloXS. .•^!)1 > the W(jO(-leii sliaft. It is 1:3 centimetres (= a inches) lon,i>-. The eight cutting edges are apparently of equal dimensions and jirojection, and adapted to act with equal force ujion the mateiials opposed to them. Indeed, in this interesting relic of ancient warfare, we see a remarkable union of symmetry wnth force, the workmanship being both fine and massive. The other exanqile is that of an insti'ument which is also pointed and of a quadrate form. It belonged to the Italian virtuoso and anti(iuary, Moscardo. In the account of his nuiseum ho has represented together two massive articles of bronze, one of which is a palstave with its lateral ridges bent inwards in the mannei* described in v^ VI. ; the other is the instrument, which I here exhibit with its dimensions greatly reduced.'^ It is formed to be fastened to a wooden shaft by means of lateral ridges beaten down by the hammer as in the palstave ; Moscai'do inferred from the w^eight of these two im])lements, that they were intended to be thi'own as great arrows from a catapult. But neither of them seems to me suited to this purpose, whereas that terminating in a point would have served very well as a drill to perforate walls, I have introduced the subject of the drill l)oth because oui- collections of bronze celts contain some articles which seem applicable to this purpose, and because in destroying walls the use of the drill was no doubt often subsidiar}' to the use of palstaves and. hollow celts. When the wall was so close and compact that the celts could not be pushed between the coui'ses, holes were drilled so as to make space for leverage, and the chisel was then wedged in and employed as a crow-bar to loosen and displace the stones. I have thus endeavoured to contribute my share towards the removal of what has been called the " opprnhritnu anfi- ^ Note I' fiipirc (III .s'ffo Musto, railoa, Lort, ArrlKteolor/ia, vdI. .), p. 11;?, Plnte lfi5, p. W.'i : both fitjures are copied bv VI 11., If!.