Diameter, about 2¼ in; thickness about half an inch. At the top there is a small aperture, closed by a moveable piece, and serving apparently for the insertion of a relic, which probably was a piece of the true cross. The figures and ornaments are chased out of the solid metal, and are in very low relief. This reliquary was formerly in the museum of the late Dean of St. Patrick's, sold in London in 1842, when it came into the possession of Mr. Nightingale. Reliquaries of this kind were properly designated in the middle ages by the name encolpium, or phylacterium, and the usage of wearing them may be traced back to a very early period.
It is with satisfaction that we advert to the increase of interest in archæological enquiry, and preservation of ancient remains, shewn in the formation of local societies and museums. In East Anglia much has already been effected by the zealous efforts of the Norwich Archaiological Society, under the auspices of its president, the bishop of the diocese. Sir John Boileau, Bart., and Mr. Dawson Turner. This good example, we are gratified to hear, has been followed in an adjoining county, by the formation of the "Bury and West Suffolk Archæological Institute," through the exertions of an antiquary of that place, Mr. Samuel Tymms, whose labours are already known to many of our readers. The first quarterly meeting took place on June 15, ult., and was very successful: the commencement of a collection of local antiquities was made, and we hope to see it deposited in the fine old gateway of Bury, to the preservation of which the indefatigable exertions of Mr. Tymms have long been devoted.
We may take this occasion to remind our readers, especially those who reside in the southern counties, that a very interesting locality has been chosen for the annual assembly of the Sussex Archaeological Society, which wall take place at Lewes, in August. The Cambrian archæologists hold their second congress at Caernarvon, commencing on August 12th, and closing on the 15th.
In South Wales also a fresh stimulus has been given by the formation of the "Caerleon Antiquarian Association," under whose auspices excavations have already brought much to light in and around the ancient Isca. We are gratified to be assured that the results of these researches will not be dispersed or lost. Encouraged by the liberality of the president, Sir Digby Mackworth, who has presented a site for a museum, the Society propose to erect a simple and appropriate building, for which Mr. Lockwood of Hull has furnished designs gratuitously. The cost is estimated at about four hundred pounds only, but the resources of the Association can with difficulty meet the charge of the first establishment of such a place of secure deposit, even on the moderate scale proposed. Any contributions towards this desirable object will be thankfully received by Mr. John Edward Lee, already known to archæologists through his interesting publication on the Roman remains at Caerleon, and we doubt not that lovers of antiquity, sensible of the value and interest that antiquities possess, when preserved in the locality which they illustrate, will be ready to offer on this occasion their encouragement and assistance. Mr. Lee will readily supply further information.
