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corners and the ornamental details being of the graceful decorative patterns afterwards so generally used; the figures also, though partaking of the earlier Gothic style, stand in the conventional arcade so familiar to those who have visited and examined the monuments and buildings of Italy. The bishop's figure, in his full pontifical robes, with mitre and pastoral staff, lies somewhat on his right side, his head on a highly ornate cushion, his feet resting on the lion couchant. His robes are most elaborately adorned with embroidery. His

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features are well modelled, every detail is carefully elaborated, and little injured by time. The seven figures in the arcade above appear to represent various arts, of which they carry symbols in their hands. Below the bishop are ten female figures, apparently of the religious orders, who seem to be mourning, and support a scroll bearing the words which record the birth and death of the bishop. I am glad to be able to exhibit a drawing of this beautiful monument, which is here reproduced. I have now spent so much space on only two examples in French cities that I must hasten on, and leave

some others that I intended citing for future discussion. There are some minor works of art, however, representative of the mediaval period, which are noticeable in many French and continental towns. I allude to the fine ironwork decorations which are so general and so characteristic of the prevailing taste. Beautiful iron gates of elaborate design are to be met with in most places. Balconies, more for ornament than use, screens and doors in churches, these are scattered with the profuse generosity of the citizens and their benefactors. Even such trivial and common articles as doorknockers were designed and manufactured as works of art. I append a sketch of two of these ancient curiosities from the doors of houses in the streets of Valence, of which there are numerous even more elaborate examples.

The Grande Rue at Valence is historically interesting, as it was in this street that the great Napoleon lived in his early youth, when still a sub-lieutenant of artillery; and the house, No. 4, was some years ago still pointed out as his lodgings. There are many other remains of great interest in this old town, the cathedral in particular having some peculiarities which would attract architects and antiquaries; but it is earlier and belongs to the Romanesque period, consequently I will not here remark upon it; indeed, having already taken up so much time and space in treating of so small a portion of the subject before me, I must now conclude for the present, and postpone further researches to a future occasion.

CONGRESS AT PETERBOROUGH,

JULY 14th to 20th, 1898.

PRESIDENT:

THE RIGHT REV. THE LORD BISHOP OF PETERBOROUGH.

PRELIMINARY NOTICE.

HE Council have the pleasure to inform the Members that

THE

the Congress of 1898 will be held in the ancient Cathedral City of Peterborough, under the Presidency of the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. From the negotiations which have already been entered upon, the Council have every reason to believe that a very hearty welcome will be accorded to the Association.

The following brief notes of places which may be visited during the Congress is appended, that Members may have some information with regard to the Archæological and Ecclesiological interest of the locality.

The Cathedral, with considerable remains of Saxon work, Norman Nave and fine Early English West Front. The Saxon Churches at Barnack and Wittering. The Mounds of the Roman Roads by Peterborough. Woodstone Church; Norman Church at Castor; Upton Church; Northborough, in connection with Cromwell and the Claypoles; Connington Church and Monuments of the Cotton family; Market Deeping Church; Yaxley Church. Crosses at Fletton, Helpstone, and Baynton. Rippingale Church. Ramsey Church, and remains of Abbey. Sawtry

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