108 REPORT — 1856. 



Notes on some Antiques found at Cirencester as Evidence of the Domestic 

 Manners of the Romans. By Professor Buckman. 



la this communication the evidence derived from the position of most of the 

 Roman stations went to show that this people was guided by a careful survey of 

 the district, as they fixed some important stations, and Corinium amongst others, 

 at a distance from the direct road, making an abrupt turn in accordance with the 

 geological facts which presented themselves; and as for some miles round the 

 country does not offer water supply for a large community, but this is ensured at 

 Cirencester by a curious concatenation of geological conditions. The esteem in 

 which this people held a good water supply, is attested by the remains of most care- 

 fully executed wells still remaining, and indeed some of those now in use, all lined 

 with fine ashlared stone, the rubbish which has been cleared from the bottom of 

 some of them presenting traces of the well-moulded coping stones by which they 

 were surmounted. 



In metallurgy it was pointed out that they greatly excelled ; and two most inter- 

 esting crucibles were exhibited, in order to show that the chemical apparatus so 

 named is of very ancient date. 



In metallic work some beautiful bronze personal ornaments were exhibited, espe- 

 cially some armillse or bracelets, six of which were staled as having been taken 

 from a single arm ; and as these possessed rivets, it was suggested that they were 

 never removed from the person ; if, therefore, these were lovers' gifts, it showed 

 either that the lover was very lavish or that a gift was not returnable. 



An oyster-knife was shown, as also some fictilia for domestic use, as a funnel, 

 colander, infants' feeding-bottle, their form and application so much like our own as 

 to lead to the inference that comfort and convenience were sought in furniture which 

 we have very exactly copied. Amongst other articles, bone-spoons, like those used 

 in country places, were shown to be so perfect, as to lead to the inference that they 

 could scarcely be antique ; however, on comparing them with our present forms, it 

 was observed that the handles were pointed, a custom with all spoons of Roman 

 work, whether in bone or metal ; it is stated that this was for the piercing of egg- 

 shells, so that they should not swim, the legend that uncanny visitors niay swim in 

 egg-shells, being, like many articles of modern use, not a modern invention. 



In concluding his remarks upon the various relics which he had collected at 

 Cirencester, the Professor remarked that these were not sought often by the anti- 

 quary merely as curious property, but because their study was so well calculated to 

 fill up those blanks in history which acquaint us with the inner life of the people, 

 instead of confining it to a mere account of the battles, murders and sudden death 

 of potentates and rulers. 



On the Site of Echatana. By the Archdeacon of Cardigan. 



On a more positive Knowledge of the Changes, both Physical and Mental, in Man, 

 with a view to ascertain their Causes. By R. Cull, F.S.A. 



On the Varanger Fiord. By Dr. L. K. Daa. 



On the Torenic System of the Ugrians (Finns), Albanians, and other Populations. 

 By Dr. L. K. Daa. 



On the Relation of the Siberian and Armenian Languages. By Dr. L. K. Daa. 



On the Forms of the Crania of the Anglo-Saxons. 



By J. Barnard Davis, F.S.A., F.E.S. 



The typical form of the Anglo-Saxon skull is distinguished for its great size, the 



horizontal development of the brain-case being somewhat expanded in all directions 



at its periphery, without being deficient in height ; by which means is produced a -weW- 



maiked plaiy-cephalic skull. The calvarium, when viewed vertically, does not impress 



