been defeated in battle came a time of peace and progress, and wellto-do Romans and Romanized British lived in and around the Fens in safety. The Professor traced their distribution and that of the succeeding people by their remains, and indicated upon several large-scale maps the various districts colonised by them; and he concluded by noticing some of the characteristics of the Fenland and the dwellers therein at the present day. Many objects of great interest found in the Fens illustrated the lecture, consisting of pre-historic flint and bone implements. A Neolithic flint implement was found embedded in the skull of a urus, but no Palæolithic implement had been met with in any animal. The skull of a man of the early Bronze Age, in good preservation, and several horse-shoes (large and very broad, for the purpose of giving a firmer footing on the yielding soil), were amongst the exhibits.

In the discussion following the paper, Dr. Birch, Mr. Blashill, Mr. Rayson, Mr. Dack, Mr. Cecil Davis, Mr. Park Harrison, and others took part.

MARCH 1ST, 1899.

C. H. COMPTON, Esq., V.P., IN THE CHAIR.

The Spalding Gentlemen's Society (Martin Perry, M.D., President) was duly elected a member of the Association.

Dr. Perry, President of the Spalding Gentlemen's Society, exhibited a so-called hand-brick about 4 ins. in length, tapering from 2 ins. wide at one end to 1 ins. at the other end, which was considered to have been used in the formation of a pavement, as similar hand-bricks were discovered in the foundation of an old church at Waynfleet, in situ, as a pavement. In this case they were rudely shaped cylinders of baked clay. Mr. I. C. Gould remarked that the most probable theory as to the use of these so-called "hand-bricks," judging from similar specimens found in Essex, is that they were stands employed in the baking of pottery.

Mrs. Day exhibited some fine drawings and engravings of St. Magnus Cathedral, Orkney; and Mrs. Collier some engravings of brasses from Brundish Church, Suffolk.

The Rev. W. S. Lach-Szyrma read a paper on "Ancient British Costume "—or, rather, the costume of the early inhabitants of this island prior to the Aryan immigration here of the Celts and Cymri. He said there was little to lead to any satisfactory conclusion as to the probable ancient costume of the inhabitants of early Britain from the study of the habits and customs of the savage races of Australia

and Africa, because the climate of those countries is more or less warm all the year round, but the climate in Britain in winter, since man settled in the island, must always have been severe, and we can hardly imagine an English winter in which the people had no need for fairly warm clothing. The early pre-Aryan, or Neolithic, inhabitants of Cornwall, which, with the adjacent Scilly Islands, was known to the Phoenician traders as the Cassiterides, or Tin Islands, in the tenth century, B.C., wore long black tunics, like the tragic Furies of the Greek drama, and it is curious that the labouring class both of Cornwall and Wales to this day have still a liking for black clothing for their men in holiday attire. The women's plaids in South Wales are black and red, which, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, perhaps may be taken as a tradition from early British times. The weaving of the two textures was remarked by Roman writers as a characteristic of the Celts. The most striking survival of this is in the varied tartans of the Scottish clans. But there must have been a time anterior to weaving when mankind must have needed clothing in Britain, and the most handy material for men and women in cold climates must in early days have been the skins of animals. Perhaps the most striking survival of this kind of dress is that of the Russian peasant. The author thought that the traditional costume of early Britain may be best traced in Wales and the Scotch Highlands.

In the discussion following the paper, Dr. Birch remarked that primæval man would seem to have worn no clothing, and that clothing was afterwards used as a mark of distinction. In early Welsh seals in the British Museum the men are represented without clothing and with only a kilt and cap; in the Roman period also no clothing is represented. Dr. Birch quoted Virgil's Georgics "Nudus ara, sere nudus,” etc., Bk. I, 228, to prove that the Italian husbandman per formed his agricultural duties without clothing.

Mr. Gould, Mr. Rayson, and others also spoke on the paper.

British Archaeological Association.

THE BRITISH ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION was founded in 1843, to investigate, preserve, and illustrate all ancient monuments of the history, manners, customs, and arts of our forefathers, in furtherance of the principles on which the Society of Antiquaries of London was established; and to aid the objects of that Institution by rendering available resources which had not been drawn upon, and which, indeed, did not come within the scope of any antiquarian or literary society.

The means by which the Association proposed to effect this object are: 1. By holding communication with Correspondents throughout the kingdom, and with provincial Antiquarian Societies, as well as by intercourse with similar Associations in foreign countries.

2. By holding frequent and regular Meetings for the consideration and discussion of communications made by the Associates, or received from Correspondents.

3. By promoting careful observation and preservation of antiquities discovered in the progress of public works, such as railways, sewers, foundations of buildings, etc.

4. By encouraging individuals or associations in making researches and excavations, and affording them suggestions and co-operation.

5. By opposing and preventing, as far as may be practicable, all injuries with which Ancient National Monuments of every description may from time to time be threatened.

6. By using every endeavour to spread abroad a correct taste for Archæology, and a just appreciation of Monuments of Ancient Art, so as ultimately to secure a general interest in their preservation.

7. By collecting accurate drawings, plans, and descriptions of Ancient National Monuments, and, by means of Correspondents, preserving authentic memorials of all antiquities not later than 1750, which may from time to time be brought to light.

8. By establishing a Journal devoted exclusively to the objects of the Association, as a means of spreading antiquarian information and maintaining a constant communication with all persons interested in such pursuits.

9. By holding Annual Congresses in different parts of the country, to examine into their special antiquities, to promote an interest in them, and thereby conduce to their preservation.

Thirteen public Meetings are held from November to June, on the Wednesdays given on the next page, during the session, at eight o'clock in the evening, for the reading and discussion of papers, and for the inspection of all objects of antiquity forwarded to the Council. To these Meetings Associates have the privilege of introducing friends.

Persons desirous of becoming Associates, or of promoting in any way the objects of the Association, are requested to apply either personally or by letter to the Secretaries; or to the Sub-Treasurer, Samuel Rayson, Esq., 32 Sackville Street, W., to whom subscriptions, by Post Office Order or otherwise, crossed "Bank of England, W. Branch" should be transmitted.

1899

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The payment of ONE GUINEA annually is required of the Associates, or FIFTEEN GUINEAS as a Life Subscription, by which the Subscribers are entitled to a copy of the quarterly Journal as published, and permitted to acquire the publications of the Association at a reduced price.

Associates are required to pay an entrance fee of ONE GUINEA, except when the intending Associate is already a member of the Society of Antiquaries, of the Royal Archæological Institute, or of the Society of Biblical Archæology, in which case the entrance-fee is remitted. The annual payments are due in advance.

Papers read before the Association should be transmitted to the Editor of the Association, 32, Sackville Street; if they are accepted by the Council they will be printed in the volumes of the Journal, and they will be considered to be the property of the Association. Every author is responsible for the statements contained in his paper. The published Journals may be had of the Treasurer and other officers of the Association at the following prices:-Vol. I, out of print. The other volumes, £1:1 each to Associates; £1:11:6 to the public, with the exception of certain volumes in excess of stock, which may be had by members at a reduced price on application to the Honorary Secretaries. The special volumes of TRANSACTIONS of the CONGRESSES held at WINCHESTER and at GLOUCESTER are charged to the public, £1:11:6; to the Associates, £1:1.

By a Resolution of the Council, passed on January 18th, 1899, Associates may now procure the Volumes of the First Series (I-L), so far as still in print, at 5s. each, or the single parts at 1s. 3d. each.

In addition to the Journal, published every quarter, it has been found necessary to publish occasionally another work entitled Collectanea Archæologica. It embraces papers whose length is too great for a periodical journal, and such as require more extensive illustration than can be given in an octavo form. It is, therefore, put forth in quarto, uniform with the Archæologia of the Society of Antiquaries, and sold to the public at 7s. 6d. each Part, but may be had by the Associates at 5s. (See coloured wrapper of the quarterly Parts.)

An Index for the first thirty volumes of the Journal has been prepared by Walter de Gray Birch, Esq., F.S.A. Present price to Associates, 5s.; to the public, 7s. 6d. Another Index, to volumes xxxi-xlii, the Collectanea Archæologica, and the two extra vols. for the Winchester and Gloucester Congresses, also now ready (uniform). Price to Associates, 10s. 6d. ; to the public, 15s.

Public Meetings held on Wednesday evenings, at No. 32, Sackville Street, Piccadilly, at 8 o'clock precisely.

The Meetings for Session 1898-99 are as follows:-1898, Nov. 2, 16; Dec. 7. 1899, Jan. 18; Feb. 1, 15; March 1, 15; April 5, 19; May 3 (Annual General Meeting), 17; June 7.

Visitors will be admitted by order from Associates; or by writing their names, and those of the members by whom they are introduced. The Council Meetings are held at Sackville Street on the same day as the Public Meetings, at half-past 4 o'clock precisely.

RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION.

THE BRITISH ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION shall consist of Patrons, Associates, Local Members of Council, Honorary Correspondents, and Honorary Foreign Members.

1. The Patrons,-a class confined to members of the royal family or other illustrious persons.

2. The Associates shall consist of ladies or gentlemen elected by the Council, and who, upon the payment of one guinea entrance fee (except when the intending Associate is already a Member of the Society of Antiquaries of London, of the Royal Archæological Institute, or of the Society of Biblical Archæology), and a sum of not less than one guinea annually, or fifteen guineas as a life-subscription, shall become entitled to receive a copy of the quarterly Journal published by the Association, to attend all meetings, vote in the election of Officers and Council, and admit one visitor to each of the ordinary meetings of the Association. 3. The Local Members of Council shall consist of such of the Associates elected from time to time by the Council, on the nomination of two of its members, who shall promote the views and objects of the Association in their various localities, and report the discovery of antiquarian objects to the Council. There shall be no limit to their number, but in their election the Council shall have regard to the extent and importance of the various localities which they will represent. The Local Members shall be entitled to attend the meetings of the Council, to advise them, and report on matters of archæological interest which have come to their notice; but they shall not take part in the general business of the Council, or be entitled to vote on any subject. 4. The Honorary Correspondents,—a class embracing all interested in the investigation and preservation of antiquities; to be qualified for election on the recommendation of the President or Patron, or of two Members of the Council, or of four Associates.

5. The Honorary Foreign Members shall be confined to illustrious or learned foreigners who may have distinguished themselves in antiquarian pursuits.

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