the coin engraved Ruding, pl. i., fig. 9. All these examples were of gold, but that represented in the Numismatic Chronicle, (vol. i. p. 209, pl. i. of British coins, fig. 9,) is of silver. The coins of this class are usually found in the southern parts of the kingdom, and it would appear that these types were struck in gold, silver and bronze; those in the two last metals seem the rarest. One of the bronze specimens of these types is engraved in Stukeley's plates, pl. i. fig. 2, but it varies from that found at Silchester. An account of several coins of this class, found in Dorset and Wilts, including some of silver and copper, was communicated to the British Archæological Association and may be found in their Journal, vol. ii. p. 336."
Mr. Bartlett sent also an impression from a Chinese seal of white porcelain, a cube with a monkey seated upon it, being precisely of the same form as the seals frequently found in Ireland; it was found many years since in turning the soil in his garden at Great Bedwyn, Wilts. One other example only has been recorded of the discovery of such a porcelain seal in England, namely, at a ruined mansion near Padstow, in Cornwall. That seal is in the possession of Mr. Kent, of that place.
By Mr. Robert Fitch.—A little relic of the Roman period, found not far from the Rectory at Caister, near Norwich, a few months since. It is a miniature bronze bust laureated and draped over the left shoulder. The features are full of expression, and it is supposed by Mr. Akerman to represent the Emperor Geta. It measures about 112 inch in height. At the back there is part of a pin by which it was attached to some flat surface. An account of this object has been recently published by the Norfolk Archæological Society in their Transactions, vol. iv. p. 232, accompanied by accurate representations of both sides; these woodcuts were given by Mr. Fitch's obliging permission in the last volume of this Journal.[1]
By Mr. Franks.—A singular stone ball, found at Ballymena, co. Antrim, in 1850. The material is the hornblende schist of Geologists. This object presents six circular faces, which have a considerable projection, and are placed at uniform distances. Diam. 234 inches. A similar relic of stone, found in Dumfriesshire, is figured in Dr. Wilson's "Prehistoric Annals," p. 139. The projecting discs on its surface are less strongly cut than on the Irish example, but the two objects appear identical in purpose.—A flint knife, found in co. Antrim; length 212 inches. An oval bronze brooch, of the "tortoise" form, one of a pair found in the Phœnix Park; the other was obtained by Mr. Worsaae, and is now at Copenhagen. Dimensions, 414 in. by 212 in. These brooches are very similar in their form, size and general design, to that found near Bedale, now in the Duke of Northumberland's collection at Alnwick Castle, and another example found near Claughton Hall, Lancashire, both figured in this Journal.[2]—A bronze bow-shaped fibula, found at Clogher, co. Tyrone.—Four specimens of Irish penannular "ring-money," two of them of solid gold, the others of copper cased in gold plate. The whole of those antiquities from Ireland have since been added to the collections in the British Museum.
- ↑ Arch. Journ., vol. x. p. 373.
- ↑ Arch. Journ., vols. v. p. 220, vi. p. 74. See also examples figured in Vetusta Monumenta, vol. ii. pl. 20; Journ. Arch. Assoc., vol. ii. p. 331; Prehist. Annals, p. 553; and Worsaae's Primeval Antiquities of Denmark, translated by Mr. Thoms, p. 53, where the adjustment of the acus is well shewn.
