Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/586

 410 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF By Mr. Edward Hoare, of Cork. — A representation of a remarkable bronze celt, formerly in the collection of the late Mr. Anthony, and recently added to the series in the British Museum. It Avas found in the County Tipperary; in 1843. Dimensions, length, about 7 f in. ; breadth of cutting end, 4f in. ; of the smaller extremity, l-y*^ in. The surface is cu- riously engraved, or rather scored, with zig-zag lines and punctures, and the edges of the sides are slightly serrated. In reference to the much controverted question, whether the celt were an im- plement exclusively of hostile use, or occasionally served for peaceful and domestic purposes, Mr. Hoare alluded to the supposition, gi'ounded upon pas- sages in ancient Irish Uiiiuuo engraved celt, formerly iu the riltoMi Museum. writcrS, that t'l6 Celtic Irish some- times used poisoned weapons, and suggested that, possibly, these indented scorings might have served to retain the poison. He had recently examined several spear-heads and celts, on which are to be noticed curious incised marks, and in these he is inclined to trace an evidence of the hostile inten- tion, with which such objects were formed. Engraved celts are not of frequent occurrence. There exist, however, a few examples in the British Museum, and other collections in England, although the scorings are less elaborate than on the specimen, for which wc are indebted to Mr. Hoare. See an engraved celt of analogous type, found near Clare, in Suftblk, figured in the Archaeologia, vol. xxxi. p. 497. By Mr. Buckman, and Mr, Charles Newmarch, of Cirencester. — Several bronze armillse, of elegant workmanship, and in remarkable pre- servation, found during the recent investigations of Eoman remains at Cirencester. Kcprcsentations will be given in the " Illustrations of Eeraains of Iioman Art," now preparing for publication. Several coloured tracings from compartments of the tessellated pavement, lately brought to light, were also exhibited, giving a striking notion of the grandeur of character