His materials are ample, and embrace much curious and original matter relating to an ancient Royal Vill and Manor; as well as to the life, times, and literature of John Aubrey, and to other interesting subjects. An accurate and beautiful map of the parish, also exterior and interior views of the Church, and a portrait of Aubrey, now ready, will embellish the volume. This will be followed by a History of Castle Combe, already in a very advanced state, by Mr. Poulett Scrope, who is in possession of several original manuscripts and memorials relating to that ancient Barony, under which nearly thirty manors of Wiltshire were held of the De Dunstanviles and Scropes.

In conclusion, the Council re-call the attention of the Society to the importance of soliciting their friends to join its ranks, and to the continuance of their co-operation in advancing its interests and utility. The Balance Sheet for the year shews that the Society has 1161. 28. 3d. in hand.

NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

May 23. Dr. Lee in the Chair.

The Rev. Lowrie Guthrie was elected a Member. Mr. Pfister exhibited an unedited soldo d'oro of Benevent, struck in 787, on which the name of Charlemagne is in the Lombard or Teutonic idiom, CVAR. for Carlus. It was found at Liano, a village near Salerno, on the mountain pass towards Benevent. Mr. Pfister also exhibited a coin of Isabella de Vilhardouin, Princess of Achaie, 12971301; and one of Mahaut de Hainaut, Princess of Achaie and Duchess of Athens, 1311-1313, both very rare.

Mr. Alfred Stubbs, of Boulogne, forwarded a drawing of a Billon-piece of the Anglo-French series, which, he believes, will prove an unedited addition to the many varieties already known of the money of Edward III.

Mr. C. R. Smith read a communication from Mr. J. H. Burn, containing unpublished notes of the late Mr. G. H. Pettingal on the legend upon the coins of Cunobelin, which formed the subject of Mr. Birch's interesting paper read at the preceding meeting of the Society. Mr. G. H. Pettingal was related to John Pettingal, D.D. author of a Dissertation on the Tascia, or Legend on the British Coins of Cunobelin; but the interpretations of these two writers are laboured and unfounded on any numismatic example, while Mr. Birch's is simple and based upon the Roman formula of the period. A further portion was then read of Mr. Borrell's paper on unedited Greek imperial and autonomous coins.

June 20. The annual meeting was held, the President, Lord Albert Conyngham, in the chair.

The Report of Council was read. It appears that the funds of the society have increased during the last year, and the retirements, chiefly of members alluded to in a former report as non-contributors, has been more than counterbalanced by elections. The Council alluded to the increased correspondence of the Society with foreign bodies, and the flattering tributes paid to its exertions by numismatists on the continent, as well as at home; and enumerated the exertions of particular individuals, as well as some of the more distinguished recent publications on numismatics. The British Archæological Association was alluded to, and recommended to the notice of the Society, not merely on the specific ground that the objects it has in view must embrace and encourage numismatic pursuits, but also, on the wider principle, that the grand object of the Association is one which ought to be dear to every lover of the history and institutions of his country. In speaking of the dispersion by public auction of the collections of the Duke of Devonshire, and of the late Mr. Thomas, (now under the hammer of Messrs. Sotheby and Co.) it was suggested that great service might be rendered to numismatic science by the publication of descriptive catalogues of private collections, which is the only mode of making them adequately known and estimated, and a hope was expressed that the trustees of public collections, such as those of Glasgow, of Oxford, and of the British Museum, and the directors of the Bank of England, would be induced to order the compilation of catalogues, to be printed for the use of numismatists, without which these valuable collections are comparatively useless. The collection of the British Museum is the only public cabinet in this country that is as accessible as a good collection ought to be; but at the Bank of England, at the Bodleian at Oxford, and at the Hunterian Museum at Glasgow, there are cabinets of the greatest value, access to which is fettered by many restrictions and conditions more vexatious to the curator than even to the visitor. Such a state of things, the Council remarks, ought not to continue, for, if no plan could be devised by the trustees of these treasures to render them more easily accessible, their dispersion, rather than their conservation, would be a public benefit.

On a ballot being taken, it was found that

The Lord Albert Denison Conyngham, F.S.A. was re-elected President; C. F. Barnwell, esq., F.R.S., F.S.A., and H, H. Wilson, esq., F.R.S.,

Vice-Presidents; J. B. Bergne, esq., F.S.A., Treasurer; John Yonge Akerman, esq., F.S.A., one of the Secretaries and Foreign Secretary; the Rev. Henry Christmas, M.A., F.R.Ś, F.S.A. was elected Secretary in the place of Mr. C. R. Smith, retiring; Hugh Welch Diamond, esq., F.S.A., Librarian; and as Members of the Council, Samuel Birch, esq., F.S.A., John Brumell. esq., J. D. Cuff, esq., F.S.A., John Field, esq., W. D. Haggard, esq., F.S.A., William Hardy, esq., Edward Hawkins, esq., F.R.S., &c., John Lee, esq., LL.D., F.R.S., &c., John Gough Nichols, esq., F.S.A., W. D. Saull, esq., F.S.A., F.G.S., Charles Roach Smith, esq., F.S.A., and H. L. Tovey, esq. [The names of new Members are in Italics.]

The following resolution was passed upon Mr. Smith's retiring from the office of Honorary Secretary: "6 'Resolved,

That the thanks of the Society be given to Charles Roach Smith, esq. F.S.A. for the untiring zeal and ability with which, during a period of four years, he has discharged the office of Secretary, and has by his exertions greatly contributed both to the advancement of numismatic science in general, and to the welfare of this Society in particular."

ETHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

May 25. The first anniversary of this society took place, Mr. G. B. Greenough in the chair. The council reported that the society now consisted of 157 members, that the donations had been very numerous, that a Journal had been established, and that suitable apartments would at once be provided for the use of its members. Appended to the report was a list of the donations, with their respective donors, and an estimate for the year 1844, leaving a balance in hand of 2281. Owing to the severe indisposition of the President, RearAdmiral Sir C. Malcolm, the anniversary address emanated from the Secretary. It commenced with an historical account of the remains of nations long since extinct, and of those since the historic age commenced; a description of the origin, design, incipient labours, and prospective efforts of the society then followed; and, lastly, was given the progress of ethnology during the past year in the respective countries of Asia, Africa, America, West Indies, Aus

tralia, and the islands of the Pacific and Indian Archipelagos, &c. The officers elected by ballot were-l'resident: RearAdmiral Sir C. Malcolm. Vice-Presidents: The Archbishop of Dublin; Hon. M. Elphinstone; Mr. G. B. Greenough; J. C. Pritchard, M.D. Treasurer: Mr. S. Duckworth. Secretary: R. King, M.D., and a long list of councillors.

SOCIETY OF ARTS.

June 10. The annual distribution of the rewards, by Prince Albert, was the most

interesting witnessed for some years, and encourages the sanguine hope that this society, phoenix-like, is rising from its

ashes. No better sign can be offered than that it has added nearly 200 members to its list within the last year and a half, since Mr. Whishaw (who stated the fact in his report) has been Secretary. The report having been read by that gentleman, highly to the satisfaction of the densely crowded room, His Royal Highness proceeded to deliver the medals, &c. ; first to the successful candidates, fourteen in number, in mechanics and other practical arts; and then to fourteen equally fortunate with their productions in the fine arts. To Mr. P. Lucas was given the silver medal for a very ingenious selfadjusting step-ladder for wharfs; it rises with the tide, and, according to circumstances, consists either of ascending steps, a plane, or descending steps, so that the transit of goods from the vessel to the wharf is always most convenient and easy. A beautiful lever microscope by Mr. C. Varley would require a very long description to render intelligible; and improved house-tiles, carpenters' cramps, ships' scupper-mouths, ruling machine for engraving (they are too much used), anatomical modelling, expanding centre-bits, &c. &c. were duly honoured. gratifying to observe, that some of the persons so distinguished were working mechanics; and the deep attention which the prince bestowed upon the explanations of their clever inventions must have been very pleasant to them.

It was

BRITISH SCULPTORS AT ROME. We can now boast of several distinguished men at Rome, who, in grace, conception, and execution, may be compared with the artists of any country. The studio of Gibson displays his intimate knowledge and appreciation of classic

beauty, great delicacy of conception, and if he did but throw a little more expression into his figures, they would be unrivalled. An "Aurora" which he is now executing is the very soul of poetry ;her sweet and graceful figure, the right foot advanced, whilst the left lightly treads

on clouds, seems to be in motion; the very drapery confirms the illusion, clinging closely as it does around her, and floating loose behind, as if she were cleaving the morning air. Her beautiful countenance, however, is directed earthward, and has rather a triste expressionbut still very sweet. A full-length figure of the Hon. Mrs. Murray, also in course of execution, is remarkable for its easy grace -the drapery is perfect, but again the face wants expression. A group in clay for a bas-relief, is happily conceived: Minerva, fully armed, is pursuing and threatening Cupid with her spear, whilst he runs for protection behind his mother. A cartoon, for a bas-relief, is characterized by the simple majesty which the subject demands, "Christ blessing little children," in which the different dispositions of mankind are admirably typified. One child, with the elasticity and ardour of youth, is running to the Saviour-another, sensible alone to benevolence of disposition, with infantine simplicity and confidence, is clasping his knees and looking up smiling in his face. Another is being dragged, unwilling, by his mother, to our Lord. In front stands an older lad, whose mind may be supposed to be more awakened to the higher attributes of our Saviour-reverent and attentive. Unlike most of the figures of our Lord, this unites much sweetness with dignity of expression. If this chaste drawing is well executed in marble, it will form an invaluable addition to the treasures of Art.

The most beautiful piece, and that possessing the most character, which Wyatt is at present executing, is a figure of Penelope. She is represented at the moment when, to baffle her rival suitors (at the suggestion of Ulysses in disguise), she is about to offer to each of them by turns a bow to bend. This beautiful and classic production is intended for Windsor Castle. A Flower-girl, carrying in her left hand a garland, in her right a basket, is an extremely pretty and elegant statue. Bacchante, crowned with a garland of flowers, and holding in her right hand a patera, is an admirable personification of thoughtless gaiety. "Musidora " from Thomson's Seasons, is a beautiful figure, happily conceived and executed.

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Hogan is much employed in executing bas reliefs and altar-pieces, and in these branches is unrivalled. Several convents and chapels in England and Ireland have been enriched by his chisel. His busts and statues form a motley group. First and foremost is Daniel O'Connell. toga is thrown over his shoulders-an arrangement left to the taste of the artisthis wig has received its right twitch-and

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his eye is lifted with that undefinable expression so difficult to catch. It is a strong likeness, and admirably executed. Hogan has received an order from the "Association," for a statue of the Liberator ten feet high. Tom Steele, Dr. Doyle, and Dr. Murray, all bear him goodly company. A colossal statue of Crawford, for the Cork Savings Bank, is finely executed, but its beauty is impaired by its modern costume.

Father Mathew, in his mild placid expression of countenance, strongly contrasts with the powerful humerous expression of O'Connell. Another unfinished group is Ireland,' represented by a female form, with the bust of Lord Cloncurry on a pedestal: intended for the Dublin Library.

Macdonald, who represents the Scotch, as Hogan does the Irish, Sculptors, devotes most of his time to busts, in which he excels. His Andromeda, however, is a powerful delineation of the fable: her struggles to liberate herself are manifest, and one sympathizes with, as one regards with astonishment, the agony which is expressed in her eloquent face.

Cardwell, a younger man, who has just arrived at Rome, in his group of greyhounds playing, shews a keen observation of Nature, and great power. He has executed but few groups, one of which Mrs. Beaumont, of Yorkshire, ordered. (Abridged from the Athenæum.)

46

SIR R. K. PORTER'S DRAWINGS.

The late Sir Robert Ker Porter's 'Large Folio," containing the original drawings he made during his well-known travels in the East, illustrated by their attendant notes, and all sketched on the relative spots, has become the property of the British Museum. Sir Robert Ker Porter spent three years, or rather more, in the East, indefatigably pursuing his researches, and carefully recording, by pen and pencil, their results. About twenty-four years ago he published in England two large quartos, entitled "Travels in Persia, Armenia, Babylonia, &c. &c.," given in nobler detail in his (now) Museum Folio. From that work the Rev. Alex. Keith extracted many "Evidences of fulfilled Prophecy," produced in his admirable volumes on that important subject. Knight's "Pictorial Bible" also is enriched in numerous parts with notes and outlines from Sir R. K. Porter's work. The folio opens with a highlyfinished portrait (in bistre) of the late King of Persia, taken at the monarch's personal request. Then succeed the views, sketches of distinguished personages, &c.; and the last portrait in the book will be

that of the lamented author and artist himself, the recently-published full length print of him from a faithful like

ness by Geo. Harlowe, dressed in the light European uniform he wore during part of his travels in the East.

OXFORD ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

June 17. The fifth annual meeting was held at Wyatt's room, High-street. The Rev. the Rector of Exeter college took the chair, and congratulated the Society on the steady progress of the "study of Gothic Architecture," which is daily be coming more general. He rejoiced to observe the formation and successful progress of similar societies in various parts of the kingdom, and mentioned particularly the Cambridge and Exeter Societies, as very flourishing and efficient. The mutilation and destruction of the remains of Gothic Architecture has been checked, although a few instances are still heard of occasionally, as at Newcastle, where an ancient church has been wantonly destroyed within the last few weeks; the general indignation with which such acts are now viewed by all persons who have any pretension to the rank of educated or enlightened men, is a guarantee that they will not be frequent. There is however another just ground of alarm in the mischief which is daily perpetrated under the name of Restoration, which, when conducted without sufficient knowledge, is often productive of more injury than benefit, and should be very closely watched. Irreparable injury is often done by ignorant persons, under the plausible pretext of merely scraping off the whitewash, and still more when the decayed surface of the stone has also to be scraped.

In the university and city of Oxford there have been four instances of restoration within the past year, which are deserving of praise. At St. John's college the chapel has been restored in a very elaborate manner, and with good taste. At Merton, the roof of the ante-chapel, which was in a decayed state, has been renewed, and the floor for the ringers in the tower removed, throwing open a fine groined wooden ceiling, which is a great improvement, but the gallery for the ringers which has been introduced in the place of the old floor would have been better omitted. In St. Aldate's church the general effect of the exterior is pleasing, but there might have been more accuracy in the details, and we cannot but regret the loss of the old library. At Holywell, though the exterior is less striking, all the detail is admirable, and

in the interior the good effect of open seats is fairly seen, and the manner in which this restoration and enlargement have been executed is worthy not only of praise but of imitation. The restoration of St. Peter's in the East is now also in progress, and it is hoped that the most scrupulous care will be taken to preserve entire the character of the building, even in its most minute details, and that no attempts at improvement will be allowed to interfere with the designs of the original architects of this interesting and valuable relic of antiquity.

The publications of the Society during the year have been, The Second Part of the "Guide to the Architectural Antiquities in the Neighbourhood of Oxford,” of which a Third Part is now in preparation; and several sheets of working drawings of ancient pews and pulpits, which are found very generally useful, and are readily purchased. Two new sheets were laid on the table, containing the details of the pulpits of Beaulieu, Hants, of stone, very early in the Decorated style; St. Giles's, Oxford, of wood, also in the Decorated style, but late; and Coombe, Oxfordshire, of stone, in the Perpendicular style. The drawings of Shottesbroke church, a well-known and very perfect specimen of the Decorated style, have been engraved, and will be ready for publication in a few days; for these drawings the Society is indebted to W. Butterfield, esq. The drawings of Minster Lovell church, a good specimen of the Perpendicular style, promised at the two last annual meetings, are still not ready, the architect who undertook to furnish them having failed to fulfil his engagement. The drawings of Wilcote church, presented by C. Buckler, esq. were laid on the table, and will be engraved immediately; this is a small church in the Decorated style. Also those of St. Bartholomew's chapel, presented by C. Cranston, esq.; this is a small but elegant building of the period of transition from Decorated to Perpendicular.

New editions are preparing of the churches of Stanton Harcourt and Haseley to the series in 8vo. it is proposed to add the papers on Ewelme and Dorchester churches by Mr. Addington, for which the drawings are ready.

At the suggestion of the Bishop of Newfoundland, designs for churches to be constructed entirely of wood, the only material to be obtained in that colony, have been prepared by Mr. Cranston, under the directions of the Committee. Two of these designs were laid on the table.

At the request of the Madras Committee for the erection of a church at Colabah, a design has been prepared by Mr. Derick, under the direction of the Committee, which it is hoped will be found well suited to the climate, while it preserves a strictly Gothic and church-like character. An elevation of this design has been engraved, and copies sent for distribution to any members interested in it.

The Society has in several instances given useful advice to persons engaged in church-building or restoration, and have pleasure in doing so in any case in which they may be applied to.

A Paper was read on Dorchester church, Oxfordshire, by Henry Addington, esq. of Lincoln college, illustrated by a large number of drawings of all parts of the building, including the original drawings by Mackenzie for Skelton's Oxfordshire, which were kindly lent for the occasion by the Rev. H. Wellesley. Mr. A. gave an outline of the early history of Dorchester, with its bishopric and abbey, shewing clearly that there was a Saxon church on this site; but he considers no part of the existing building earlier than the middle of the twelfth century, (unless it is a small portion of the masonry of the tower,) and the greater part is of the time of Edward I. The two semicircular arches, which have been sometimes considered as Saxon, are evidently cut through the Norman walls, and are probably of the time of Charles II., when the church was repaired after the injury it had sustained in the civil wars. This interesting paper is to be published.

ROYAL ACADEMY.

There is a growing improvement in church architecture apparent in this year's exhibition; and it is pleasing to see that the pointed style has been so universally adopted in church architecture that we may fairly hope that the time is not distant when the anomaly of a Grecian design for a church will never be attempted by any architect.

The following churches are the most striking: :

1055. St. Peter's Church, Islington.
Gough and Roumieu.
This structure is a very humble chapel,
GENT. MAG. VOL. XXII.

amply bedecked with cheap and meretricious ornament: a new feature in design is a screen of three open lancets before the western window, for which the style is indebted to the joint talent of the architects. At one corner is a thin spire, springing up from a group of minor pinnacles, like a tall bulrush aspiring above its more humble brethren: these are the main features of the improved de. sign; for we believe that the present architects only claim the merit of adding to the pile, which was originally a very mean chapel, the work of some other architects, or galaxy of architects, perhaps, as joint-stock designs seem now so fashionable with the profession.

1076. The interior of the new Church now building at Notting Hill. Stevens and Alexander.

This design is very pleasing, from the strictly ecclesiastical character which it possesses. It consists of a nave and aisles, transept and chancel. The arches are acutely pointed with bold chamfered mouldings, the columns cylindrical and of good dimensions. There are both nave and chancel arches, and within the latter a rood-screen. The clerestory has lancet windows, and the east window is composed of three lancets. The pulpit, of stone, is affixed to one of the piers of the chancel arch; the roof of the nave and aisles is timber, without any ceiling; the principals of the nave are formed with a pointed arch instead of the usual tiebeam; the chancel has a boarded ceiling; all the principals have inscriptions, and there are paintings in arches in the spandrels of the nave; the chancel ceiling is also enriched with paintings. As far as a judgment can be formed from a drawing this appears to us a very superior design. The columns and arches are marked with a boldness of character not often seen in modern churches.

A similar propriety of character is visible in the following design by the same architects:

1149. New Church building at Surbiton, Surrey.

This is also a correct and pleasing design. It is an interior view of the nave and aisles, transept and chancel; the architecture of the 15th century. The pillars are octagonal, with moulded caps; the nave and chancel arches have a pleasing appearance, and there is great boldness in the architecture. The ceiling of the chancel is pannelled and painted with devices. The font, pulpit, and other appurtenances, in this as well as the last design, are arranged in proper ecclesiastical situations.

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