AxTiQUA ExPLonATA, being the result of excavations made by the Hon. R. C. Neville, in and about the Roman station at Chesterford, &;c. 1847. Skpuxchra Exposita, or an account of the opening of barrows, with re- marks upon antiquities discovered near Audley End, Essex. By the Hon. R. C. Neville, F.S.A. Saffron Walden, G. Youngman. 1848. 8vo. The pursuit of archceological investigation must receive a considerable impulse from exertions such as are recorded by the noble author of the volumes to which we would invite the attention of our readers. Having adopted the study of antiquity as a means of alleviating the pains and tedium of severe illness, Mr. Neville has brought to its aid the accomplish- ments of a cultivated mind, and with returning health and strength has pursued his interesting labours in the field of archaeology', plying the spade and mattock with most laudable zeal and good success. We heartily wish that more of our young nobility, who have ample leisure and means at their command, would follow in the steps of Mr. Neville, and by giving some of their attention to the history of their estates and neighbourhood, either topographically or archseologically, add their contribution to the great story of their country. The cases, however, in which the taste for the study, with ample means to pursue it, are united, occur but seldom, and we are there- fore disposed to speak strongly in praise of such instances, when they fall under our notice. The locale of Audley End is one well calculated to incite an enquiring mind to the study of antiquity, being surrounded, almost on all sides, by sites of no ordinary interest to the archaeologist, and vestiges of the succes- sive occupants from primeval to Norman times. The " Antiqua Explorata" treats of these in a most agreeable manner, and although the author modestly insinuates in the preface to his " Sepul- chra Exposita" that the dryness of the subject had rendered him doubtful of the success of his first volume, we are glad to find that his experience has taught him otherwise, and that he has been induced to produce his second series of antiquarian memorials. It is by the careful noting down of every fact connected with excavations and disinterments, such as are there described, by the cautious examination of the several remains dis- covered, and their comparison with those brought to light by similar re- searches in this and other countries, that we are enabled by degrees to form just conclusions as to the manners, habits of life, manufictures, and occupa- tions during the remote periods of our history, to which they relate. We cannot applaud too highly the careful tone of both these volumes, the anxiety not to assume any point without sufficient evidence, and the desire to describe each discovery with minute correctness. We are enabled, by Mr. Neville's kindness, to lay before our readers a few of the interesting subjects represented in these volumes, engraved, as we believe, from faithful drawings by Mr. J. M. Youngman. Amongst the curious vestiges of Roman occupation found at Chesterford,
