810 Notes, ArchcBological and Hisforical. 



resembling lime, which covered the floor of the coffin to the depth of ^in. 

 it was absolutely empty. This white material— as was proved by analysis by 

 Mr. R. Clark — contained 9"49 per cent, of bone earth, traces probably of the 

 skeleton, the remainder heivg fine sand, with some carbonate of lead. The 

 coffin was formed of one sheet of lead bent up into a rectangular shape, and 

 the four corners were held together by metal (lead — not solder) run into the 

 folds by a process resembling what is known in the present day as autogenous- 

 soldering. The length of the coffin was 5ft. 8in.; the breadth, 1ft. Sin. ; 

 depth, 1ft. 2in. The weight, in its partially decayed condition, was 1401bs. 

 There were no coins or trinkets to show the date of the interment, but from 

 the fact that the coffin was placed nearly north and south, the north end 

 about 12° towards the east, we may conclude that it was of very remote date 

 — probably Roman and ante-Christian. 



[From notes made at the time by the late Mr. Richard Falfcner, of Devizes, 

 one of the originators of the Wilts Arch, and Nat. Hi.st, Society.] 



P.S. — Is it not remarkable that this interment should occur in such a- 

 solitary spot? No other remains, so far as the writer knows, have been found 

 in the immediate neighbourhood — though Roman antiquities are abundant on 

 the south side of Devizes. The person here buried must have been of some 

 social standing, as is shown bj' the costly coffin, for lead must have been ex- 

 pensive in those days. It is remarkable that the skeleton, in spite of the 

 care bestowed in providing a leaden coffin, was in this case so entirely de- 

 composed ; whilst within a mile of the same spot — on the edge of Roundway 

 Hill— a skeleton buried in the chalk was found with every bone perfect, though 

 the interment must have been older by at least a thousand years. And this 

 is the usual condition of bones found in the chalk. It is possible that the 

 somewhat sandy soil in which the coffin was found may have had a direct 

 action in promoting the decomposition of the animal remains. It is considered 

 that such soils are of a " hungry " nature, as the good effects of manures are 

 speedily dissipated. Information on this point would be very acceptable. 



W. CUNKINGTOK. 



The Malmesburt Standard Yard. 



" Wilts County Council. 



" Weights and Measures Office, Swindon, 

 " May 29th, 1893. 

 "Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen. — Through your kindness I have been allowed 

 to examine and compare with the modern standard yard of the County of 

 Wilts, the interesting and ancient standard of length of the Borough of 

 Malmesbury. I have taken the liberty of enclosing the standard in a 

 mahogany case, which may assist in protecting from damage so interesting 

 and valuable a relic of ancient times, and I beg to bring to your notice the 

 following particulars, which may be of interest : — The standard yard and ell 

 of the borough of Malmesbury is dated 1654, being the time of the pro- 

 tectorate of Oliver Cromwell. The original and official verification which 

 appears to have been made of this standard was made in the City of 



