Thus the "find" of 1870 added merely two fresh names to the 

 list, and therefore, although a marvellous find in itself, its value as 

 an aid to determining the name of the station is not eleven, but 

 two merel)^ over and above what the older antiquarians possessed. 

 Besides, when so many names have been decided "on the Wall" 

 merely on the testimony of one altar, surely the testimony of the 

 four names on the four altars found previous to 1870 ought to have 

 been more decisive, if indeed they could have decided it. Evidently 

 the antiquarians of that date thought differently, and as evidently 

 many antiquarians of the present day think with them. We migh 

 very appropriately ask if there is any absolute necessity that there 

 should be any Spanish altars at the real Axelodunum at all ? 

 Surely there must be great uncertainty in this matter, unless indeed 

 it was a necessary part of their duty to commemorate their presence 

 at a station in this manner. 



That the Spanish Cohorts were at Axelodunum, wherever it was, 

 the Notitia places beyond doubt ; but it by no means follows that 

 they therefore left their altars at that place. If this be so, it will 

 be clear that the evidence of altars, even under circumstances 

 already mentioned, is but a very uncertain guide. 



Dr. Bruce, speaking of this state of affairs says, " In this state of 

 uncertainty it will be better for us to forbear attempting to give to 

 the Camps we meet with their ancient designation. In due time 

 the key may be found, which, without the application of force, will 

 send back the bolt, and make all plain, till then we must be care- 

 ful to confess our ignorance."* 



To my mind the key will be found in the following plan, which 

 will, at any rate disprove a name, if it does not prove it. Where it 

 can be proved by altars or otherwise, that the cohorts were 

 stationary in any camp for a long succession of years, especially 

 during the last two hundred years of the occupation, we have a 

 certain degree of presumptive evidence that they were present at 

 that station in or near Notitia times, and hence we might fairly 

 assume the name in connection with the Notitia. 



Failing this method, let the various lists of stations extant be 

 * Lapidarium Septentrionale. 



