party of more than fifty visited Stourhead, where they were entertained with great hospitality by Sir Hugh C. Hoare, Bart.; and on TUESDAY THE 1ST OF AUGUST the final excursion was made to Silbury Hill and Avebury.

Upon reaching the enormous mound or tumulus (if such it be) of Silbury Hill, the party found the tunnel had been carried to the very centre of the mound, but that the excavators had failed to discover any cist or other evidence of interment. The centre was clearly indicated by several layers of earth placed in a domeshaped form on the surface of the natural soil. These are the rudiments of the gigantic hill above. The tunnel was commenced wholly in the natural ground forming the base of the hill; but, the Committee having expressed a wish that the surface of the natural ground on which the hill is constructed should be examined, as affording a chance of finding something of interest in its course to the centre, the engineer altered the cutting rather upwards, till it reached the artificial part of the hill; and afterwards it was continued throughout so as to include a portion of the artificial work; but by far the greater part of the gallery is in the natural soil. The walls of the tunnel present several features deserving particular notice. The floor is cut in the solid chalk rock, which evidently had never been disturbed; this extends a few feet up each side or wall, till it reaches a rubbly brown substance, exactly similar to the arable fields around the hill. Over this is a quantity of vegetable mould formed by decayed roots of grass; the latter, having been buried when in a growing state, is distinctly marked by a dark streak of earth. This mould, which perhaps occupied a space of twelve or eighteen inches, is now compressed into a small compass by a superincumbent weight equal to six tons to the square foot. Closely connected with this and strongly contrasted with it, is the rubbly chalk of the artificial part of the hill. These features are traceable to within thirty or forty feet of the centre. Here the natural surface and dark streak before mentioned are still distinguishable as in other parts of the cutting, but, instead of the rubbly chalk lying on it, there is a quantity of turf, as if large sods had been placed there irregularly. This has also been much compressed, but is not so dense as the natural turf below. In this, many fine specimens of moss are found, still retaining their original texture and colour, and the small shells entangled in the moss are as perfect as when they were covered up two or three thousand years ago. It is GENT. MAG. VOL. XXXII.

88 yards to the centre, but the opening of the tunnel being in the slope of the hill and not at the base, this distance does not show the semi-diameter of the base. The circumference of the hill on a level with the meadow in which it stands is 1550 feet. Pending these excavations, a barrow was opened in the neighbourhood of Avebury, under the directions of the Dean of Hereford, when the burnt bones of a child, some fragments of the cloth in which they had been wrapped, a bone pin, and the bones of a dog or stag, were exhumed. The party then visited the temple of Avebury, and the parish church which it incloses, and finally repaired for refreshment to the old Beckhampton Inn, from which they finally dispersed.

It remains for us to give some account of the temporary museum which was arranged in the King's House in the Close, and which, it was generally observed, surpassed all previous collections, formed during the meetings of the Institute in other counties; not only in early British remains, of which a large display might well be anticipated in a district so rich in tumuli, camps, and remains of primeval occupation, but likewise in works of art of a high class and very instructive character. Of the former class of antiquities, -the vestiges of the Celtic tribes or the Belgic settlers in Wiltshire, a rich collection was exhibited from the stores of the Rev. Edward Duke, Mr. Hayward, Mr. Cunnington, and other Wiltshire antiquaries. The scattered traces of warlike or domestic customs during the most obscure part of English history were here classed in a very instructive manner: the primitive age of stone, with its rude weapons or implements of flint or bone, by the side of which were placed rare and very curious examples from America, was properly distinguished from the succeeding period, when the working in bronze was practised with much skill; and this again was followed by the prevalent use of iron, in a more advanced stage of civilization. The deficiency, so frequent a cause of complaint, of an adequate series of British antiquities in the national collection, renders such a museum as was formed in Salisbury by the efforts of the Institute, an object not merely of gratification to the curious visitor, but replete with valuable information to the student, who seeks in vain for similar advantages in the British Museum. The comparison of objects from more remote parts of England with those of this county, was especially interesting with British or Anglo-Roman antiquities from Amesbury, or the surpris

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3 X

ing works surrounding Silbury and Devizes, were here to be examined specimens from Cornwall, sent by the Duke of Northumberland, unique ornaments from Scotland, contributed by Mr. Dundas and Mr. Talbot, a profusion of examples from Norfolk and the eastern counties, sent from the Cambridge Antiquarian Society, from Mr. Neville's valuable museum at Audley End, from the collections of Mr. Fitch, Mr. Hailstone, Mr. Whincopp, of Woodbridge, Mr. Harwood, and other well-known archaeologists. In one part of the picturesque old saloon of the King's House, might be seen an unrivalled series of examples of the art of enamelling, from the Roman and Anglo-Saxon age to the choicest productions of Limoges, in the times of Francis I. Here the contributions of the Hon. Robert Curzon, rich in works from the Levant, and rare sacred ornaments from the monasteries of Greece, were unrivalled: some enamels of the choicest description were brought by Mr. Farrer, whose specimens of ivory carving, with other works of art of a most valuable description, attracted much notice. His beautiful Manual of Prayers, encased in gold, enamelled as it is believed, by George Heriot, as a new year's gift, long worn by Queen Elizabeth, appended to her girdle, is a relic well worthy to be preserved in the cabinet of Her Gracious Majesty. Mr. Curzon displayed also some precious rarities from Egypt and the East. The Marquess of Northampton produced many choice specimens of antique glass and antique Roman art, the fruits of researches conducted by him in Italy. Numerous paintings of great interest, works of Holbein, Cranach, and various masters of the Italian and German schools, graced the walls of the chamber. Here were also rich embroideries and arras hangings, adding very much to the picturesque effect of the ensemble; drawings of great beauty by Mr. Henry Shaw, views of the Wiltshire churches and architectural remains by Mr. John Britton and Mr. Owen Carter; a splendid collection of drawings of Italian monuments, sent by the Earl of Shrewsbury; numerous illuminated manuscripts, among which was one of the most precious specimens of English art extant, the Life of St. Cuthbert, from the library of Sir W. Lawson, Bart. The Hon. Board of Ordnance contributed several specimens of armour, especially a remarkable tilting helm, lately purchased at Stowe for the Tower armory. The Marquess of Ailesbury sent for the gratification of the Society the precious relics

preserved at Tottenham Park, the sword once wielded by the Bruce, by Wallace, and by Hotspur; with the invaluable relic of feudal usages, traditionally associated with the rangership of Savernake Forest, the Bruce horn, richly mounted in enamelled silver. With these relics, replete with historical interest, we noticed one of more simple aspect, the pen-case of stamped leather, which hung at the girdle of Henry VII., an undoubted memento of that sovereign, preserved in Mr. Curzon's Museum, at Parham also the betrothal ring of Darnley, a relic of the ill-fated Mary of Scotland, of most touching interest; it was found at Fotheringhay, and bears the united initials, bound by a true-love knot, with the arms and name of "Henri L. Darnley, 1565," the date of his alliance with the Queen of Scots. Another royal relic of the same age was regarded with much curiosity, a lock of hair, of bright auburn colour, presented by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Philip Sidney, by her own fair hand, in 1573. It was preserved in a copy of the Arcadia, preserved in the library at Wilton House, and was at length brought to light by a fortunate accident; a copy of verses by Sidney being found with the hair. The rhymes evince his loyal attachment to his royal mistress, rather than his poetical fervour. This highly curious object was produced by the Right Hon. President of the Institute, as one of the choicest relics preserved at Wilton. The graceful effect of the arrangement of the museum was greatly enhanced by the display of a very rich collection of Chinese embroideries and costume, most kindly entrusted for exhibition by the Hon. Mrs. Sidney Herbert. They comprised a unique assemblage of the attire of a mandarin of highest class and his lady, and had been brought from China by Admiral Hardwick. Several embroideries of a more archæological character, but less attractive in richness of colour, excited the curiosity of the visitors, especially some remarkable specimens of early needlework from Compton Verney, sent by Lord Willoughby de Broke.

The

The remarkable collections of ancient watches, brought by Octavius Morgan, esq. M.P., and Sir Charles Fellowes, attracted universal interest. rapidity with which this rare assemblage of varied remains of the olden time was brought together rendered the preparation of a printed catalogue impracticable, but one will be given, with illustrations, in the volume of Transactions of the Meeting.

The National Assembly has re-assembled. M. de Tocqueville read a project of law demanding 140,000 francs as a supplementary credit to defray the expenses incurred by sending the expedition to Rome. This sum would enable the government to liquidate the charges made on it down to the 31st of December, as far as could be foreseen; for the ministers did not anticipate the period when the French troops would be withdrawn from Rome, although they hoped, from the present state of the negociations, that the occupation of that city would be speedily terminated. The Minister of War then demanded a supplementary credit for 6,607,900f., and the Minister of Marine 1,945,200. All these demands were referred to one committee. The Government highly approve of the conduct exhibited by their ambassador at Constantinople, and are determined to act most cordially with England in resisting the unjust and tyrannical claims made by Russia upon the Porte. On the Bill relating to the jointure of the Duchess of Orleans the Assembly divided on the first article, which authorises the payment of the jointure, when the majority in its favour was 239, the numbers being 423 to 184. M. Mauguin's amendment to have the jointure paid out of the private fortunes of Louis Phillippe was then rejected without a division, and the Bill was adopted in its ensemble by a majority of 246.

ITALY.

On the 20th Sept. the Pope issued his long-expected proclamation to his subjects, together with another paper from the three Cardinals relative to the amnesty. His Holiness, professing to have the true and permanent prosperity of the Romans at heart, decrees,-a council of state, which shall give its advice on bills before they are submitted to the sovereign sanction; a state committee for the finances; provincial councils confirmed; the municipalities to receive an extension of the franchise; reforms and ameliorations in the civil, criminal, and administrative legislation; and, finally, an amnesty is accorded. These concessions were considered by the people of Rome to be so niggardly, that the greatest discontent was manifested as soon as they be

came generally known. The proclamations were torn down from the walls, and the populace vented forth their denunciations in the strongest terms of ridicule and disgust.

HUNGARY.

The capitulation of Comorn having been effected, the Imperial troops took · possession of the fortress on the 2d October. The following are the chief points in the conditions of surrender :-1. The soldiers of the garrison are deprived of their arms, but receive permission to depart freely; the officers being allowed to retain their swords. Those officers who once belonged to the Austrian army will be provided with passports for a foreign country, or, if they desire it, no obstacles will be raised to their return home. This does not include those who volunteer their services. The privates in the Imperial regiments are amnestied. 2. Passports will be given to those who apply for them within thirty days. 3. The officers will receive pay for a month, and the men for ten days, the money to be paid in Austrian bank-notes, according to the usages of war. 4. An equivalent to the amount of 500,000 florins will be substituted for the military assignats which were used by the garrison to meet their different engagements. 5. Provision will be made for the crippled and wounded soldiers lying in the Comorn hospitals. 6. Moveable and immoveable property appertaining to private individuals to be kept. There are three other articles of minor import. The capitulation was signed by Haynau and a number of Hungarian officers. Some of the Hungarian insurgents who have taken refuge in Turkey have embraced the religion of Mahomet. The English Consul at Belgrade has published a list of Magyars who recently adopted Islamism at Widdin. It includes a large number of notables, Deputies, Commissioners, &c. The fear of being delivered up to Austria induced this change of creed. Count Casimir Batthyany and his wife are among the fugitives now at Widdin, and are said to be in high favour with the Pasha, who daily rides out with them. The cruelties practised on the Hungarian Generals, &c. by the Austrians are truly infamous. General Haynau arrived at Ruseberg,

and enraged, apparently, at the escape of Bem and Guyon, vented his fury on those who had treated them with kindness and courtesy. He actually ordered the lady of the house to be flogged, and she was afterwards dragged barefoot by his soldiers as far as Hatseg. Her unfortunate husband, maddened by this outrage, blew out his own brains with a pistol. Their son, aged 18, was forced into the Austrian ranks. At Arad, eight Hungarian chiefs have been hanged and four shot, and many other persons, including several priests, have been executed. In the list of persons condemned was Count Ludwig Batthyany, the ex-Premier of Hungary; the order originally issued was that he should be hanged on the 6th Oct. This, however, was not carried out, for the Count attempted to commit suicide on the morn. ing of that day, by stabbing himself in the neck with a small dagger, and hanging being deemed impracticable, he was ordered to be shot on the evening of that day, which decree was duly complied with. Notwithstanding his exhaustion from loss of blood, he walked to the place of execution with calmness and resignation, not once shrinking from the fate which awaited him. After he had passed a few seconds in prayer, and his eyes had been bound with a handkerchief, a signal was given with the drum, three riflemen advanced close up to him, fired, and the unfortunate man fell dead without either groan or struggle. In addition, the late Minister Csanyi and Baron Clessenak have been hanged at Pesth. The whole of the property of the sufferers falls to the crown. The state of feeling in Hungary in consequence of these unexpected acts of venge. ance is described as one of gloomy despondency. Even in Vienna the news of these events have produced an universal sentiment of regret. The subscriptions to a new Austrian loan have exceeded the amount (60,000,000 to 72,000,000 florins) fixed by the Minister of Finance. closing on the 4th they amounted to 62,000,000 florins, without counting those made abroad, which are calculated at about 30,000,000 florins; Amsterdam alone has subscribed from 10,000,000 florins to 15,000,000 florins. The amounts taken by the houses of Rothschild and Sinna are stated to be 5,000,000 florins each. In consequence, however, of the over-speculation of the Austrian brokers, the stock has since fallen to discount, and it is probable that it may yet become more depreciated.

TURKEY.

On the

of France and England, and strengthened by the promises of armed assistance from the two powers in the event of a war with Russia, the Sultan has communicated to the diplomatist charged with that special mission his determination not to give up the Hungarian refugees at the insolent demand of the Czar, whose representative plainly intimated his royal master's intention of causing them to be hung. plomatic relations have been consequently suspended between Russia and the Porte. Nor does the Turkish Government appear to be wanting in the "sinews of war. The last despatches state that Russia will not insist on the extradition of the refugees, unless other powers attempt intimidation.

CIRCASSIA.

Di

The Circassian fortress of Achulga, the residence of Schamyl, after a desperate and protracted resistance, has at length fallen. On the 29th of August the assault was renewed, after three days' useless negociation, every inch of ground being fiercely contested by the besieged, who fought with obstinate bravery. The defences were covered with heaps of dead bodies. The loss of the Circassians was estimated by the Russians at 1,000 men killed, exclusive of those wounded, and 900 made prisoners. Schamyl was not to be found; he had contrived to escape with one of his sons and one of his mistresses. Another of his sons and his lawful wife were slain, and a third son was taken prisoner. Schamyl himself was wounded in the arm by a musket-ball. The siege of Achulga, thus successfully terminated, had lasted eleven months, during which period the Russians lost 22 officers and 422 men, exclusive of those wounded.

CANADA.

A desperate rencontre has taken place between the Tory and Reform parties in Bytown, near Montreal. The Reformers called a public meeting for the purpose of adopting a congratulatory address to his Excellency the Governor General. The Tories went to the meeting in full force, and finally succeeded in completely breaking it up, and forcing the president to vacate the chair. Both parties were armed, and in the course of the fight seven or eight persons were severely wounded, two of them so badly that they are not expected to survive. The Tories having taken possession of the room, passed a resolution condemning Lord Elgin and the ministry, which gave a renewed impetus to the disturbance. The military were called out, and after considerable difficulty succeeded

LONDON AND ITS VICINITY.

The Queen left Balmoral early on Thursday, the 27th Sept. and posted to Cupar Angus, where a special train was waiting to convey her, by the Scotish Central Railway, to Edinburgh. She was there received by the Lord Provost, and the Earl of Morton, General Riddell, Sir James Forrest, and Mr. Learmonth were presented to her; but without alighting she proceeded to sleep at Howick, the seat of Earl Grey. The next day she continued her journey, receiving by the way the congratulations of the corporations of Newcastle, Darlington, and York, and rested for the night at the Midland Hotel, at Derby. On Saturday she passed through Warwickshire and Worcestershire, was greeted by the corporations of Bir. mingham and Gloucester, and joined the South-Western Railway at Basingstoke at a quarter past three. She arrived safely at Osborne House before six o'clock. We are informed that a medal is being struck in honour of Her Majesty's passing through Newcastle. On the obverse is a view of the two bridges, on the High Level one of which she received the respective addresses of the corporations of Newcastle and Gateshead; and on the reverse are the names of their Mayors and the date of the Queen's passing. Another medal lately struck commemorates the building of the High Level bridge, stating its height, &c. and the names of the builders.

This

The Cholera.-This disorder may now be said to have nearly ceased in London. In the week ending Oct. 20th the number of deaths registered is 1,028 from all causes. The weekly average of five previous autumns, corrected for increase of population, is 1,162; the decrease on the average, as shewn by the present return, amounts, therefore, to 134 deaths. reduction in the mortality is greatest in the districts on the south side of the river; for the deaths of the week in this division were 276, whereas the average is 324. The mortality from cholera now rapidly approaches the average, the deaths having fallen from 110 in the previous week to 41 in the last. In the west districts they have declined from 15 to 4; in the north, from 7 to 1; in the central, from 10 to 6; in the east, from 32 to 17; and in the south, from 46 to 13. There were five deaths in the week in each of the districts of Shoreditch and Bethnal-green; in all others the number of fatal cases of the epidemic was still less. The deaths from

diarrhoea and dysentery were more numerous, and amounted to 63; in the previous week they were 105. Of the 14,531 persons who have died of cholera in London in 55 weeks, 6,657, or nearly one-half, died after less than one day's illness (exclusive of the duration of premonitory diarrhoea); and of the remainder, 2,466 sank under the disease before it had reached the second day. At present small pox and measles are much less fatal than usual; scarlatina was fatal in 41 cases, the average being 64; typhus in 63 cases, the average being 56.-Registrar General's Return. [This week, the cholera having almost disappeared, no daily return of deaths as regards London and its vicinity, has been made by the Board of Health. In the country also the mortality from cholera has been and is rapidly abating.]

July 27. The Bishop of Winchester consecrated the handsome new edifice named Christ church, Battersea.

This parish now contains a population of 8,000 souls, and, prior to the erection of this church, there was only accommodation for 1,800, the old Church, St. Mary's, and the Chapel of Ease, St. George's, being at nearly the two extremities of the parish. Some four years since the then Hon. and Rev. Mr. Eden, Vicar of the parish, (now Lord Auckland, and Bishop of Sodor and Man,) convinced of the evils arising from the spiritual destitution of his parish, suggested the erection of an additional church. The Misses Champion, of Battersea-common, gave 5001. each; many other large sums were subscribed, and a total sum of 6,000l. was realized. The vicar gave a portion of his glebe, situated in a central spot, and on this ground now stands one of the most handsome churches in the metropolitan suburbs. It is cruciform, in the Decorated style, with a handsome tower and spire at the north-west corner, rising 150ft. high, and the whole is built in Kentish rag and Bath stone. The architects are Messrs. Lee and Bury. The church contains 925 sittings, about a third of which will be free. The roof is an opened stained one; the only galleries are those in the transepts. The pulpit, reading desk, and altar rails, are of carved oak. The chancel is paved with Manton's encaustic tiles. A stained glass window immediately over the altar, is the work of Ballantyne, of Edinburgh; and another, in the chancel chapel, was given by Mr. Lee, the architect. The font of Caen stone is the presentation of Mr. Cazenove, and Miss Champion, who,