among men engaged in the same noble pursuit. We are convinced of the truth of the observation made by one of your contributors, that as antiquaries, we need some centre of communication, some kind of organization, so that we may act the more efficaciously by combining our common efforts, and by imparting to each other quickly and surely our mutual discoveries and opinions. Until the apppearance of the Archeologia Cambrensis we could hardly be said to have had any general antiquarian periodical, unless the Transactions of the Cymmrodorion Society be considered as such. Your Work, however, by coming out at short and regular intervals, and by treating the subject in a spirited manner, has excited the attention of most of the antiquaries of Wales, and, we are sure, has been approved of by a considerable majority of them.

While discussing subjects of this kind, and in pursuing a similar course of reasoning, we antiquaries have said amongst ourselves, why not carry out the principle of the Archeologia Cambrensis still further? If it really is useful to us as an organ of communication, and as "a bond of union," (I think you called it so in the prospectus which you circulated, before it appeared,) why not take steps for making this co-operation of Welsh antiquaries still more effective? We do not doubt, Gentlemen, your full anxiety and determination to labour in the cause of national archæology, but we feel inclined to lend you a helping hand, and we wish to propose to do so in a manner that we think you will be the first to approve of.

Since so much good has been effected throughout England, generally, by the existence of Societies for "the Encouragement and Promotion of researches into the Arts and Monuments of the Early and Middle Ages," and since the enthusiasm excited by these societies is still on the increase, why should we not establish a similar Society or Association for Wales, and form ourselves into a body of Archæologists for the Study and Preservation of Welsh National Antiquities?

We are aware that some will urge against the idea, what they are pleased to call, our national apathy and slowness. They will say that other Welsh societies have been formed with not very dissimilar objects, and have become extinct, or else proceed so slowly that their existence is scarcely known to the generality of our fellow countrymen. But we would reply, that Archæology is not now the dry and dusty, because speculative and theoretical, study which it once was. It is like Geology, it has taken firm hold of the national mind, and has numerous votaries in all parts, not of these islands only, but of the whole civilized world. The same objection, too, might have been urged against the formation of any new association in England; for was not the old Society of Antiquaries already in existence when the others were formed? and yet, by which is the real work now principally doing, by the society at Somerset House, or by the others? But we have another and a better argument than these; just as on the appearance of the Archaeological Journal, published by the Archæological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Journal of the British Archaeological Association, which is the organ of the other Society, these publications caused the existence of a body of readers more than three thousand in number,-nearly all of whom are also members of one or other of those two societies, so, the purchasers of the Archeologia Cambrensis are of themselves quite numerous enough to form a very efficient Antiquarian Society, or, at least, to constitute the nucleus of one for North and South Wales.

On the advantage of forming such a body we need not dwell, since your

pages have already borne testimony to it; but we would only hint at two perils to be avoided. First, the danger of inactivity and desuetude, which creep fatally upon all associations at one time or other of their existence; and next, the danger of quarrels and rivalries springing up amongst the members, as we see to have been the case amongst our friends in England. However, Dr. Johnson, some where or other, has remarked, that Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible difficulties must first be overcome;" and, as this seems to be a good practical aphorism, we have

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drive a level into, turning out to be so much richer in archæological ore than some could be brought to believe. Our sole object in publishing this Work, at a very considerable sacrifice of time and money, has been to awakey a love of antiquities among our fellow countrymen; and we are quite readn to do any thing within the compass of our limited abilities for the furtherance of the common good. We have given the proposal of our correspondent our best consideration, and have taken the opinion of some judicious friends upon it. The idea coincides with our own wishes; and we therefore venture to offer to our readers the following plan for ascertaining the general feeling of Welsh antiquaries upon this matter.

We request all those, into whose hands these pages may fall, to have the

among men engaged in the same noble pursuit. We are convinced of the truth of the observation made by one of your contributors, that as antiquaries, we need some centre of communication, some kind of organization, so that we may act the more efficaciously by combining our common efforts, and by imparting to each other quickly and surely our mutual discoveries and opinions. Until the apppearance of the Archeologia Cambrensis we could hardly be said to have had any general antiquarian periodical, unless the Transactions of the Cymmrodorion Society be considered as such. Your

The Undersigned

Name

Address

approve of the formation of a Society for the Study and
Preservation of Welsh National Antiquities.

Cut this slip out, fill it up, and forward it, post paid, to the Editors of the Archæologia Cambrensis, care of Mr. PICKERING, 177, Piccadilly, London.

others?

བལ་

But we have another and a better argument than these; just as on the appearance of the Archaeological Journal, published by the Archæological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Journal of the British Archaeological Association, which is the organ of the other Society, these publications caused the existence of a body of readers more than three thousand in number,-nearly all of whom are also members of one or other of those two societies, so, the purchasers of the Archæologia Cambrensis are of themselves quite numerous enough to form a very efficient Antiquarian Society, or, at least, to constitute the nucleus of one for North and South Wales.

On the advantage of forming such a body we need not dwell, since your

pages have already borne testimony to it; but we would only hint at two perils to be avoided. First, the danger of inactivity and desuetude, which creep fatally upon all associations at one time or other of their existence; and next, the danger of quarrels and rivalries springing up amongst the members, as we see to have been the case amongst our friends in England. However, Dr. Johnson, some where or other, has remarked, that "Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible difficulties must first be overcome;" and, as this seems to be a good practical aphorism, we have adopted it, and, therefore, having consulted together, we beg to propose to you, and through your medium to our friends and brother antiquaries, the following scheme:

That an Antiquarian Association be formed, to be called "The Cambrian Archæological Association for the study and preservation of the National Antiquities of Wales."

That it be a perfectly gratuitous Society, consisting of all persons whose taste and knowledge may induce them to unite for this purpose.

That the most eminent Welsh antiquaries and other personages, the natural friends and protectors of the antiquities of the country, be requested to put themelves at the head of this Society.

That a Council, with a President, Secretary, and other officers be appointed; and that a code of regulations be framed, by common consent, for the guidance and government of the Society.

That whatever incidental expenses may arise, be left to be defrayed by the good feeling of those patrons of antiquarian pursuits who may be generous enough to come forward for that purpose.

And, lastly, that the Archæologia Cambrensis be adopted as the official organ of the Society.

These propositions and hints, which are thrown out for the consideration of your readers and yourselves, we have no hesitation in saying, could be carried into effect quickly, easily, and at a very trifling expense. We request you to turn the subject over in your minds, and to propose it for the consideration of your readers. I remain yours faithfully, A WELSH ANTIQUARY.

London 1st June, 1846.

TO OUR READERS.

We confess that, on reading the above, we feel not a little gratified at witnessing so much enthusiasm as is evinced by this writer in, what_we cannot but style, "the good cause." We beg leave also to return our best thanks to him and to our antiquarian friends, for their very flattering opinion of the merits, if there be any, of our humble endeavours. That such good results have been produced is owing, not to the Editors of the Archæologia Cambrensis, but to the circumstance of the mine which they have ventured to drive a level into, turning out to be so much richer in archæological ore than some could be brought to believe. Our sole object in publishing this Work, at a very considerable sacrifice of time and money, has been to awakey a love of antiquities among our fellow countrymen; and we are quite readn to do any thing within the compass of our limited abilities for the furtherance of the common good. We have given the proposal of our correspondent our best consideration, and have taken the opinion of some judicious friends upon it. The idea coincides with our own wishes; and we therefore venture to offer to our readers the following plan for ascertaining the general feeling of Welsh antiquaries upon this matter.

We request all those, into whose hands these pages may fall, to have the

goodness to discuss the matter with their antiquarian friends; and then to take the trouble to communicate their opinions upon it to us through the medium of the publisher. Letters addressed to the Editors of the Archeologia Cambrensis, to the care of Mr. PICKERING, 177, Piccadilly, will be put into our hands immediately, and will meet with prompt attention. For the convenience, however, of those who may wish simply to declare their approval of the plan in question, or of some such scheme, the particulars of which can be more fully explained when the sense of the Welsh antiquarian public shall be thus ascertained, we append a printed form, which (without pledging themselves to any thing) they have merely to fill up, with the names and addresses of themselves and of their friends, who may think favourably of the idea, and then transmit it to us, directed as above.

We have only to add, that the sooner we are put in possession of the opinions of our friends and supporters on this subject, the greater facility shall we have of communicating with persons of influence, and of obtaining their aid to organize such a Sociey, if its formation be deemed desirable.

THE EDITORS.

EXCAVATIONS AT SEGONTIUM.

To the Editors of the Archeologia Cambrensis.

GENTLEMEN,-The learned correspondent who has supplied such highly interesting and valuable accounts of the late excavations at Segontium, having been incapacitated from following up his Antiquarian pursuits, by a long and severe illness, I am tempted to hold his pen on the present occasion, and to give you a brief record of what has been done since Mr. Mealy's last communication,- trusting to that gentleman for a fuller and more complete account at a future period.

REFERENCES TO THE PLAN.
I.

1. Six square slabs of slate, found in this small room.

2. Room studded with fourteen small stones, each of a cubic foot. The walls of this house are plastered externally.

II.

3. Silver coin of Vespasianus, found on the top of this wall.

4. In this passage part of a human skull was found. Room paved with large boulder stones.

The walls of this house are about three feet high, and are in an excellent state of preservation. They were discovered about three feet below the surface of the ground. The ashlar work is properly tooled, and the walls are built in courses. Each room is rudely paved.

5. A vase found in this room.

6. Floor covered with tiles.

III.

7. Loose tiles lying about, two being always on each other.

8. Two square tiles perforated with a large round hole, in this room.

9. Masses of stone, mortar, and thick walls, with drain pipes.

Portions of the walls of this house are built with tiles.

IV.

10. Eight tiles found here. In the middle of this room a mass of masonry surrounded by flues.

11. Four stones of a cubic foot each found here, buried in wood ashes.

12. A mass of concrete seventeen inches thick, with mouldings at the edges. 13. Entrance of drain.

The floors of this house covered with mortar mixed with bricks, &c.

You will perceive by the annexed plan, that four more buildings have,