298 

 THE ANCIENT MAP IX THE CATHEDRAL LIBRARY. 



Sir William Guise called attention to the very interesting old Mappa 

 Mundi, in the Cathedral Library, and expressed a hope that something might 

 be done by the Club towards the photogi-aphing and publication of this most 

 interesting map. It was probably one of the most ancient in existence, and 

 was so curious and valuable in itself that its publication would be a great 

 service rendered to literature and science. Foreign scholars and foreign 

 governments would, he thought, be glad to possess copies of this valuable map. 

 If it was thought desirable that something should be done by the Club with 

 the view of publishing the map, he should be happy to subscribe £5 towards 

 the expense. 



The Presidext-elect remarked that he concurred in the wish just 

 expressed by Sir 'William Guise, and should be happy to add his name to the 

 subscription list. The map was a most interesting and valuable one, and this 

 was especially apparent to any one who had seen the ancient maps preserved 

 in the Vatican and other collections on the Continent. Now that photography 

 was available for the copying of such valuable documents, he certainly thought 

 it shoiild be used in this case. This valuable map was worthy, however, of 

 being reproduced in a line engraving. Except one in the Vatican, he 

 believed it was the most ancient map in existence. 



Mr. Blashill suggested that the Ordnance Department were constantly 

 making maps, and it would be much better if thej- could undertake the work. 

 He thought that if Sir Henry James were appealed to, and an offer made of a 

 subscription towards the cost, that the Department might be inclined to 

 undertake it. 



Mr. Edmunds remarked that Mr. Bannister, formerly Attorney-General 

 of New South "Wales, when on a visit to Hereford some years ago, had 

 published a description of the map, with an engraving of part of it. 



The President thought that the publication of the map as suggested 

 would be very desirable, especially in the present year, as it would connect 

 the club with archseological pursuits appropriately in the year in which two 

 great Archteological Societies visit the district. In that xnew, he thought the 

 election of Mr. Hoskyns as President was particularly fort\mate from his 

 eminence as an archaeologist. The map, however, was under the control, not 

 of the club, bvit of the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral. He would suggest 

 that the subject be left to a committee, to consult with the Rev. F. T. 

 Havergal, the Cathedral Librarian, as to the practicability of carrying out 

 the object. 



After some fm-ther conversation, this siiggestion was adopted, and the 

 meeting adjourned. 



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