xiv INTRODUCTION 



weights, which opens up some new points in the relation of 

 the Koman and Keltic systems. The literary study at the 

 close is not without historical interest. 



These pages have also a value as showing what classical 

 study really means. It is not chiefly concerned with books 

 but with humanity — with the doings and feelings of man. 

 The spade as well as the pen must be called into play, if we 

 would reproduce the history of the past and fill up some of 

 the huge gaps left by the literary evidence. 



It will also be seen that researches like these are an 

 important instrument of education. Much of our know- 

 ledge we are obliged to receive almost passively upon the 

 authority of others. But it is essential that on some points 

 we should sift the evidence to the bottom, and base our 

 beliefs upon foundations we have built for ourselves. One 

 genuine experience, however small, of really original 

 enquiry makes all the difference between progressive and 

 unprogressive study. Discovery is the test of the scholar 

 in whatever field he may be working. Est aliqtdd, 

 quocumque loco quocumque recessu, to have made one's 

 self proprietor of a single fact. The exploration ot a small 

 Roman fort, which has apparently been spoiled in ancient 

 times of most of its relics, can be made a precious object- 

 lesson of Classical method. It has already been so employed 

 with marked effect by Professor Conway and his friends. 



What the Manchester Branch of the Classical Association 

 has been endeavouring at Melandra, it may perhaps repeat 

 on other and more fruitful soil. Considerable discoveries 

 may await its efforts ; for one great charm of archaeology is 

 the emergence of the unexpected. In the meantime this 

 little volume affords a pleasing foretaste of better things to 

 come, and will sensibly enliven our historical imagination. 

 It carries us back at once to Roman, and even pre-Roman 



