222 On a Sepulchral Vessel found near Marlborough. 
coombes” of the chalk which exist in the southern district of England. 
They are in several instances so steep that it is difficult to stand on 
their slopes; sometimes they are scooped out of the sides of the 
hills in narrow gorges, as if by the action of torrents; in other 
cases they converge in a very remarkable and picturesque manner. 
Geologists differ as to the cause of these coombes, and on the 23rd 
of February, 1887, a paper on the subject was read at a meeting of 
the Geological Society of London, by Mr. Clement Reid, F.G.S. 
The general feeling of the meeting was in favour of the opinion 
that the phenomena are due to the action of rain, frost, &c., during 
the great glacial period. There was, however, so much doubt ex- 
pressed by some of the geologists present that it would be premature 
to advance any positive view on the subject; we would advise all 
who are not familiar with the spot to go and see for themselves. 
The downs of Wiltshire, and their associations, are dear to Wilt- 
shiremen; and there are some of us to whom these associations, 
connected as they are with many a happy day in the past, and with 
the memories of dear friends long departed, have a charm deeply 
felt, but not easily expressed; by such this record will be valued. 
On x Sepulchral Gessel found near Barlborough. 
By Mr. Cunninaton, F.G.S. 
™ZHE following extract from Hoare’s “ Ancient Wiltshire,” 
II., 34, gives all the information hitherto published on 
this subject :— “I must not omit to mention a very curious relic of 
antiquity, which by the zeal of the Rev. Mr. Francis, of Mildenhall, 
was rescued from destruction. It is so unlike any other article we 
have hitherto discovered that I have thought it worthy of an en- 
graving. Fortunately, Mr. Francis had an exact drawing made of 
it, before it fell to pieces, otherwise I should not have been able to 
