which every intelligent person examines even a few rare and curious specimens, we may imagine the intense delight which would be afforded by an enlarged museum, containing every variety of the antiquarian remains which our island discloses. By the success which may attend our own exertions, by gifts from patriotic individuals in possession of similar treasures, and by the exchange of duplicates and liberality towards others, there cannot be a question but that within the space of a very limited period, the British Archæological Association would be enabled to exhibit a rich, instructive, and most interesting Institution of this kind.
Settled in the metropolis, it would be a focus of meeting and intercourse for members; and out of it ought to grow opportunities for cultivating both individual benefits and general good. In due season and attached to it, an Archæological Club might be formed, and literature and science be found no unfit allies to the union of social gratification in the interchange of mind directed to the elucidation of points in common with all. Co-operation, instead of insulation, would become our order of the day; and the result would soon appear in the most satisfactory way that an English antiquary could wish.
And let it be remembered that science and literature are the only true republics impervious to "class" doubt or censure. The equality is a noble one, and such a Club as I have alluded to would need no canvassing for the admission of members, no ballot boxes to guard against the ingress of the unworthy. Being enrolled in the British Archæological Association would be title enough; for the simple fact of being devoted to pursuits of this description, ought to be admitted as proof of intellectual ability and respectability, which should make the candidate, lowest perhaps in the gifts of station and fortune, an eligible associate, fully as far as such institutions require, for the most exalted in rank and the most powerful in wealth. For how graceful are the contentions in these republics! The highest ambition of the humblest jostles no superior, creates no fear, excites no envy. The utmost efforts of the loftiest, only endear them to their fellow-workers in the same emulative line, and as a touch of nature makes all men kin, so may we truly say of literary cultivation, it disposes all men to friendliness and mutual assistance. In our Club, then, peers would have no dislike to meeting with the well-
