THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. 395 the series arranged by Mr. Nesbitt ; he commended the high value of such a collection, not oid}' as illuf^trative of the history of art, but on account of the practical advantage to be derived from such a series of characteristic specimens, if the collection were made available for public instruction in the Schools of Design. Having graciously signified his entire approbation of this attractive part of the arrangements at the Annual Meetings of the Institute, by which treasures of antiquity and art, worthy of a i)lace in a National Museum, were brought to light and classified, his Koyal Highness took his leave and returned to London. In the afternoon Professor Willis accompanied a large party to Jesus College, and pointed out to them the architectural peculiarities to which he had referred in his discourse in the Senate House. The ancient church of the Nunnery of St. Rhadogund, now the College Chapel, contains details well deserving of careful investigation. An evening meeting took place in the Town Hall, Lord Talbot de Malaiiide presiding. A memoir was read by Mr. Norris Deck, upon rebuses, or the singular name-devices extensively used in the middle ages, and occurring amongst architectural decorations, on seals, painted glass, pavement tiles, Inc. A lengthened discussion ensued, in which Sir Charles .-Vnderson, Mr. Westmacott, Lord Alwyne Compton, Professor Ilenslow, Mr. J. Gough Nichols, and other persons took part, describing various remarkable examples of these devices. Mr. Freeman then read a paper on the architecture of Wisbech Church. The thanks of the meeting were proposed by the Rev. Dr. Jones. In the course of the conversation which ensued, the Rev. Joseph Hunter offered some valuable remarks on the preservation of monumental inscriptions, as materials of great utility to the topographer and genealogist. These observations elicited certain extraordinary instances of the spoliation and reckless destruction of sepulchral brasses and tombs. Mr. Falkner and Mr. Alfred Dunkin stated some cases of incredible barbarism ; and Archdeacon Thorp strongly urged the necessity of seeking without delay an effectual and stringent remedy for such wanton desecration. Thursday, July 6th. In the Section of Antiquities, Octavius Morgan, Esq., M.P., presiding. Lord Talbot read an account of the discovery of a large hoard of gold ornaments in a railway cutting between Limerick and Ennis. This treasure consisted of six gorgets, two torques, and 137 armillte, of which the larger portion was laid before the meeting. This large assemblage of annular ornaments tends effectually to disprove the theor}'^ that such objects were made for the purpose of money ; as they are found not to be formed on any graduated scale, and the weights are not multiples of 12 grains, as observed in several examples cited by some writers in substantiation of the theory of " Irish Ring-money." Tiieirdatc, according to the observations which Lord Talbot had received from Dr. Todd, may be assigned to the 11th century, and there is considerable ground for the supposition that the gold was obtained in Ireland, according to the evidence cited by that learned antiquary. A memoir was then read, by Mr. Westmacott, R. A., on the application of colour to sculpture. It will be given in the next volume of this .Journal. vol. XI. 3 F
