UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM.

March 15. At a convocation, regulations were made for a purely classical scholarship, of the annual value of 211., founded in the university by the pupils of the late Rev. George Newby, M.A. Master of Witton School. It is to be open to all undergraduates not yet qualified for the final examination for the degree of B.A., and to all persons not yet admitted students, and will be tenable until the scholar is of standing to present himself for the final examination for the degree of B.A., provided he keep his terms, and pursue his studies, in the university. The first Newby scholar will be elected in Oct. 1849.

ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY.

Feb. 17. Sir G. T. Staunton, Bart., M.P. in the chair. This meeting was made special, for the purpose of electing a President in the place of the Earl of Auckland; and, after an address by the chairman, stating the grounds on which the council had resolved to propose the Earl of Ellesmere, that noble lord was unanimously elected President. The meeting then proceeded to consider certain proposed alterations in the rules of the society; when it was finally resolved, by a majority of votes, that, instead of the President being elected annually, the office should be held for three years.

MINIATURES, &C. FROM STOWE. March 15. On this and the following day several miniatures by Petitot, Zincke, B. Lens, and others, belonging to the Stowe property, were sold by Messrs. Christie and Manson. Queen Elizabeth, from Strawberry Hill, 81. 18s. 6d. ; Charles I. 81. 88.; William III. 91.; Mary Queen of Scots, by Lens, 157. 108.; Lord Darnley, 54. 10s,; Catharine Empress of Russia, 7. 15s.; Madame Elizabeth of France, 81.; Protector Somerset, 81.; Lord Hunsdon, from Strawberry Hill, 14. 38. 6d; George Villiers Duke of Buckingham, 71. 7s.; Algernon Duke of Somerset, by Zincke, 107. 10s.; Lucy Harington Countess of Bedford, by P. Oliver, 117.; another of same, by N. Hilliard, 317. 10s.; Sarah Duchess of Marlborough, 221. 11s. 6d.; Earl Nugent, 91.19s. 6d. Marquess of Carnarvon, 127. ; Mary Marchioness of Buckingham, 107.; Duchess of Nemours, 101. 10s.; Sir C. Hatton, 87. 5s.; James Craggs, 61. 6s. ; Mrs. Craggs, 131. 2s. 6d.; Hon. James Craggs, 61. 6s.; Anne Craggs, wife of Lord Newsham, 167. 5s. 6d. ; N. Hilliard, painter, from Strawberry Hill, 5l. 12s. 6d. ; Alexander Pope, 87, 15s.; Prior, by Lens, 54.; Ben Jonson, by Oliver, 51. 5s.; J. Nicoll, esq. of Minchendon House, 7. 78. Margaret, his daughter, Marchioness of Carnarvon, 127. 1s. 6d.; J. Knight, esq. by Zincke, 31. 5s.; Mrs. Knight, 64. 16s. 6d.; the same, by Zincke, 61. 12s. 6d.; J. Knight, Mrs. Knight, and Mr. Newsham, by Prewett, 201.; J. Knight,

M.P. by Zincke, 61.; Mrs. Knight, afterwards Nugent, 71. 158.; Charles Buonaparte, father ofthe Emperor, 157.158.; Madame de Maintenon, by Petitot, 127. 58. A general officer, a beautiful enamel [Marquess of Buckingham] by Thomasat, after the original by Girardot, 21.68. One of the Chandos family, 147. 158. painting of Lord Grenville, by Hoppner, R.A. presented by Duke of Wellington to the Stowe Collection, 27. Six lots of antiquities from a barrow at Thornborough, Bucks, produced 347. 11s.; and two lots from the Roman Villa at Foxcote, Bucks, 67. 138.

PANORAMA OF SWITZERLAND.

A

This

Mr. Burford has recently opened to the public a Panorama of the beautiful and romantic scenery of Switzerland, as seen from the summit of Mount Righi. picture, which is painted with great care, embraces a circumference of at least 300 miles of lake and mountain, and is calculated to give to those who have not had the advantage of visiting the region itself an idea of its character and beauties which no painting on a smaller scale could convey; while it cannot fail to recal to the gratification of the traveller scenes unparalleled in beauty and fruitful in interest. The atmospheric effects are not inferior to pictures of minuter finish and greater pretensions.-The other paintings now on view are-Paris from the Place de la Concorde, and Pompeii, both highly interesting subjects.

OXFORD ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

Feb. 28. The Report of the Committee announced the election of Mr. F. Meyrick, B.A., Fellow of Trinity college, as Secretary, in the room of Mr. Lechmere, who retires with the appointment of Corresponding Secretary.

Mr. Cox read a paper "On the Historical Progress of Artistic Meaning in Ecclesiology. He commenced by noticing the modifications of laws and principles which are often found necessary in endeavouring to recover a position which has been lost; then, beginning from the earliest times, he proceeded to give a short sketch of the different degrees of meaning impressed upon Christian churches; that at first it was brought out by circumstance and used unconsciously; that in the earlier stages symbolism was rather of facts, and that so it continued throughout all the stages of the Romanesque style. He then noticed various theories respecting the introduction of the pointed arch, some of which were liable to the charge of fancifulness; the distinction between ritual symbolism and that of construction; and that, if some interpretations of symbolism cannot fully be substantiated, it does not at all derogate from what manifestly conveys a real meaning.-The Rev. the President returned thanks to Mr. Cox for his very excellent paper, and in corroboration of his views drew an analogy between the symbolism of Architecture and the symbolisms of Scripture and Nature. He thought that the same laws ran through them all. Scripture was full of symbolisms, and yet we were not to run wild in symbolical interpretation, but certain definite rules were always to be observed. We should constantly bear in mind the difference between those symbolical meanings which were originally intended, and those which might be gathered by others; which might be true indeed, but of which the authors were unconscious.-The Rev. W. B. Jones thought that there were three kinds of symbolisms, for that symbolism of thought and symbolism of thing differed in kind. There was symbolism of great ideas; one church for example might symbolize the idea of infinity, another that of strife or harmony. There was symbolism of facts exemplified in the cruciform shape of a church; and, thirdly, there was a symbolism between the other two, partaking of the nature of both, as being the exponent of ideas as

manifested in the medium of facts, and of facts as falling under the same great ideas. To this kind, the symbolism of members of architecture might be referred.

The Rev. J. L. Patterson read á paper on Nomenclature. He thought it most desirable that the Society should adhere to one terminology or the other, to that of Mr. Rickman or that of the Ecclesio

logical Society. Without undervaluing Mr. Rickman's great services, he objected to his terminology as unphilosophical, and calculated to mislead. He thought that that of the Ecclesiological Society avoided these evils, and hoped that this Society would adopt it.-The President agreed with Mr. Patterson's view, and recommended the abandonment of Mr. Rickman's nomenclature. Mr. Jones wished for a terminology different either from Mr. Rickman's or that of the Ecclesiological Society.-The President believed, that in time a third terminology would arise, but at present it would be better to make use of one known.

ST. NICHOLAS' CHURCH, GREAT

YARMOUTH.

Scarcely a week passes without some fresh object of interest presenting itself in the course of the restoration of this noble fabric. One, not merely of local but of general interest, has been brought to light since the discovery by the churchwardens of the Prior's Tomb, mentioned in our last number. On clearing away the accumulated coat of whitening from the corbel-heads which terminate the hood-moulding of the east window of the north aisle of the chancel, one of them has proved to be a portrait of Edward I. executed with great boldness and spirit, and at the same time with perfect finish: the other a portrait of Bishop Middleton, who consecrated the enlarged church in 1286, the period denoted by the architectural details. The royal head is singularly expressive of the character of the great warrior and statesman. The grace and beauty of the well-proportioned features are combined with dignity and firmness: the compressed lip and lined forehead indicate something approaching to sternness; and every person who has had nerve to climb the ladder is struck with the great majesty of expression. This is unlike the beardless portraits of the King in the "Glossary of Architec

ture" and Sandford's Genealogical

'History," but it strikingly corresponds

with an illustration in Strutt's "Antiquities of England," taken from a French MS. of the time of Edward I. The monarch is there represented seated on his throne, and, in answer to Pope Boniface, asserting the independence of England, and denying the right of the Pope, or of any foreign power whatever, to interfere in the internal affairs of this country. The bishop's head is sur

mounted by a mitre, and the portrait is that of a determined and strong-minded man. Both heads were tinted the colour of life. The casts which have been taken, and which it is proposed to sell for the benefit of the Restoration Fund, will convey to the public a more just conception of these fine heads than any verbal description.

ARCHEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE.

Jan. 5. The Dean of Westminster, V.P. in the chair.

A variety of examples of ancient art and antiquities were exhibited,-and considerable additions to the library and museum announced. Amongst these were a collection of remarkable antique vases, presented by T. Blayds, esq.

The Hon. R. Neville communicated plans of the extensive Roman remains excavated under his directions at Chesterford in Essex, during the last autumn, accompanied by a memoir, and numerous antiquities discovered in the villas, and site of a structure supposed to have been a basilica, there brought to light. (See Dec. p. 633.) These buildings appear to have been of considerable importance, and the remains indicate a lengthened period of Roman occupation in that part of Britain. Few remains of tesselated pavements had been found; but the rooms were decorated with fresco painting, the colours of which are still well preserved.

A memoir of much interest in relation to the early Anglo-Saxon period was contributed by Dr. Thurnam of York; describing a large tumulus near that city, which presents the unusual feature of being the site, not of a single interment, as in the majority of instances, but of an extensive assemblage of sepultures of a very curious description. This singular cemetery is known as "Lamel Hill," and was chosen in the civil wars as an advantageous position for the erection of a battery during the long siege of York, in 1644. Dr. Thurnam called attention to the value of comparative anatomy as an aid to archæological and ethnographical researches, and complained that too little attention had been paid by antiquaries in England to the important results which might be derived from a scientific examination of the vestiges of the primeval tribes by which Britain was occupied.

Mr. Pratt submitted to the meeting a bronze mining implement of unusual form,

found in Andalusia; and stated that certain ancient objects had been found in the old workings in Spain, bearing Phoenician inscriptions, and that they were to be seen at Madrid, but were hitherto unpublished. The Dean of Westminster, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Birch, and Mr. Newton stated several curious particulars relating to the ancient mining operations of the Romans.

Col. Macdonald produced several fine illuminated manuscripts, which he had procured in the East, and a portion of a curious hoard of silver coins and ornaments discovered by him in the Isle of Inchkenneth, near Iona, comprising chains of delicate workmanship, bracelets, and a number of Irish and foreign coins of early date.

A number of ancient skates, formed of the bones of horses, and found at a considerable depth at Lincoln, were exhibited by Mr. Trollope. They resemble some found in the neighbourhood of London, preserved in the British Museum. Some Italian works in niello were exhibited, from the collection of Mr. Dennistoun, with enamels of early date, from Sienna and Limoges, belonging to Mr. Hailstone. A notice of recent discoveries of Roman remains in Sussex was received from Mr. Blaauw; and antiquities of almost every period were exhibited by Mr. Collings, Mr. Giles of Taunton, the Rev. E. Jarvis, Mr. Allies, &c. It was announced that a full report of these meetings of the society would henceforth be given in the Quarterly Journal, distributed gratuitously to the subscribers in lieu of the annual volume to which they had been entitled.

Feb. 2. J. Talbot, esq. in the chair. Amongst the antiquities communicated, a collection of ornaments found at Largo, in Fifeshire, attracted especial attention. They were found in a tumulus on the estates of the late Col. Durham, and were exhibited by Mr. Dundas, of Arniston, who gave an account of the discovery. It supplies a remarkable instance of the value of popular tradition; the common

belief having always been that some great chieftain lay there interred with a large amount of treasure. There is every reason to suppose that an enormous quantity of precious metal was found: but the onerous nature of the Scotish law regarding treasure trove is a fatal hindrance to the preservation of objects of intrinsic value. For a long time portions of this deposit had been at intervals brought to the silversmiths and melted: the few ornaments which Col. Durham had succeeded in preserving are of the most curious character, and bear characters hitherto known almost exclusively in illuminations of the ninth century. Mr. Dundas produced, also, some beautiful gold bracelets, found on the coast of Fifeshire. A discussion ensued on the expediency of some more lenient enactment on treasure trove in North Britain; and on the example which had been set by the Government of Denmark in modifying the rights of the lords of the soil, which doubtless had greatly facilitated the formation of the invaluable collection of national antiquities in that country.-Mr. Hawkins complained of the loss of a large collection of silver coins recently found under Glasgow Cathedral, and which would have furnished a valuable addition to our knowledge of the Scotish coinage.

Mr. Talbot read a memoir on the discovery of a large collection of weapons, implements, and ornaments at Lagore, in co. Meath, one of the most remarkable deposits of ancient Irish antiquities hitherto disinterred. A selection from these remains was exhibited; and some chased and enamelled objects, found with bronze swords and weapons sometimes considered to be of the primeval age, attracted much notice. Mr. Talbot stated that they were found in a tumulus surrounded by a frame of oak, forming a sort of stockade or paling around the place of deposit; which was divided into several compartments or chambers in a very singular manner, and within these was deposited a great quantity of remains of animals, chiefly oxen, with the bones of deer, goats, large greyhounds, and foxes. Each species, however, was generally found placed in a separate compartment. The heads of the oxen were broken on the forehead, as if by some blunt sacrificial instrument. No Christian emblem appeared on any of the ornaments;-amongst which is said to have been a crown.

The Dean of Westminster brought several Roman urns, found in railway cuttings at Old Ford, Bow.

Mr. Wyatt gave a report of the state of the ancient wooden church at Greenstead, Essex, which has lately undergone restora

tion under his care,-and which had been erroneously reported to have suffered by injudicious renovation. This singular building, formed entirely of logs of wood supposed to be chesnut, will be preserved with the utmost care. The timber was still in a state of extraordinary preservation; having suffered only where it had been constantly exposed to moisture. (See our Feb. number, p. 194.)

Mr. Kemble presented several striking drawings of sculptured remains in the north of England, inscribed with Runes.

Various other communications were read, relating to recent discoveries, architectural and other antiquities of interest; and a large assemblage of specimens of ancient art, drawings, and fac-similes of inscriptions was exhibited.

March 2. Sir J. P. Boileau, Bart. V.P.. Amongst objects exhibited not the least interesting were some full-size tracings of the remarkable mural paintings recently laid bare in Broughton Church, near Newport Pagnell. These frescoes appear to have been originally executed about the reign of Henry the Sixth. One of them was supposed to represent the body of the Saviour greatly lacerated and dismembered; but, as no such extravagant and heretical story is known even among mediæval legends, the picture may be supposed to relate to some martyred saint.

Mr. Hawkins exhibited a curiously formed bell,-one of a set which is used in the parish of Congleton, in Cheshire, in ringing what are called the "chains" on the eve of the day of the annual wake or fair. This custom is stated to be connected with a dedication similar to that of "St. Peter in Vinculis" in Rome; but the local tradition is somewhat vague.

A paper was read from Mr. Faulkner, endeavouring to account for the tradi tionary appellation acquired by the village in which he resided, of "Drunken Deddington, where the people sold the bells to buy gin," by the production of two proclamations of Charles the First calling upon the parson and inhabitants to deliver up their church bells to his commissioners of artillery to be converted into munitions of war. Mr. Faulkner, however, insinuated that the well-known thirsty propensities of the Cavaliers of the King's army caused a different appropriation to be made of the metal: and that hence arose the opprobrious epithet invariably bestowed upon this village by the surrounding hamlets.

Mr. Yates communicated the discovery of a Roman sepulchre at Gelston; and in an elaborate paper detailed the circumstances under which this ancient relic was brought to light.

A paper was read, from Mr. Moore, illustrative of the singular tenure of the manor of Broughton in Lincolnshire :which was held in consideration of the owner thereof causing a whip to be shaken over the officiating clergyman during the performance of divine service in the parish church on Palm Sunday. This curious custom has only lately been discontinued; and the last of these "Gad whips," with the purse and rods attached, has been presented to the Institute.

Mr. Nesbitt presented casts from an ancient Norman font of lead in the parish church of Brookland in Romney Marsh, on the sides of which are stamped the twelve signs of the zodiac, and the occupations followed in the different months which they represent.

Sir J. Boileau called attention to a small but beautiful piece of Roman sculpture recently found by him in Norfolk, representing the head of Diana or Apollo: and the sword of Bayard, le chevalier preux, sans peur et sans reproche, of which sir John is the possessor, was also exhibited by him, together with several other curiosities.

Mr. Westwood exhibited some rubbings and an inscription on an ancient cross found near Valle Crucis Abbey in Wales: and various drawings of other sepulchral crosses, having symbols sculptured on them, were shown by Mr. C. E. Long from Graystoke, Mr. Fairless from Hexham, and Mr. Chantrell from Leeds.

Communications were read from the Rev. J. Stacye, with sketches of some singular windows in the chancel of the church of Barnby in the Willows; and from Mr. Kent relative to some antiquities in Cornwall. Mr. Webb exhibited a figure of St. Cecilia, of gilt bronze, of the latter part of the twelfth or beginning of the thirteenth century. It was placed under a canopy of similar material, but the work of a later period; the design bearing a strong resemblance to the architecture of the Baptistery at Piacenza. Numerous other antiquities were submitted by the Cambridge Antiquarian Society, Mr. Chichester, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Way, Mr. Pollard, Mr. Lane, &c.

SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF NEW-
CASTLE-UPON-TYNE.

This Society, which is now located in the keep of the ancient castle (see our Magazine for April 1847, p. 405), held its annual meeting on the 5th Feb. Robert Ormston, esq. in the chair. John Adamson, the senior secretary, read the report of the Council, which reviewed the interesting occurrences of the past year. The castle is occupied by the Society at a nominal annual rent to the Corporation of

28. 6d. and the Corporation had voted from their funds 250l. towards the restoration of the principal entrance doorway, the chapel, and a small apartment which is known by the name of the oratory. With respect to the expenses incident to the removal of the Society's collection of Antiquities, and the necessary fitting up of the Castle, it was deemed advisable to invite the public to assist the members in raising a fund to meet that expenditure. His Grace the Duke of Northumberland and Sir J. E. Swinburne, to whom, as patron and president, the project was submitted, were no sooner apprised of this step than they most liberally became subscribers, the former of 1007. and the latter of 50%. The report acknowledges various other donations, and gives a list of several new members elected during the last year. From the treasurer's account it appeared that the receipts and expenditure during the past year were nearly equal, the former being 1047. 7s. 5d. and the latter 1021. 13s. 1d.; but the Society were indebted for printing and rent of room to the amount of nearly 1007.

A vote of thanks having been passed to Mr. Dobson for his services in restoring the castle as far as had been effected, that gentleman said, the work he had performed had been a source of pleasure to himself, and the Society could not gratify him more than by calling upon him at any time when they thought his services would be useful. He was at present making drawings of those parts of the castle which they had restored; but he did not mean to stop there. He intended also to make drawings of those parts which yet remained to be restored. These drawings would be made with great accuracy, and when completed, which would be in the course of three weeks or a month, he would lay them before the Society, and if it was thought proper to publish them, it might draw attention to the subject.

A resolution was then passed that the library should be open at least six hours every day (it has hitherto been open only two hours a week), and that it should be placed in charge of the present curator, Mr. John Muras, the librarian of the Farmers' Club, and who had acted as sublibrarian to the Literary and Philosophical Society whilst the catalogue was preparing. This arrangement, otherwise so desirable, was unfortunately attended with the retirement of Mr. John Bell of Gateshead, now the oldest member of the Society, who has acted as librarian for many years, and has always zealously promoted the objects of the institution.

The annual election of officers and council then took place.