56 The Museum. 
by the liberality of those who have patronized the undertaking 
from its commencement, by actually presenting many articles of 
value, and of special reference to the antiquities of Wiltshire. 
The fossil productions of the county were represented by exqui- 
site specimens from the rich cabinet of our respected townsman, 
Mr. Cunnington, to whose ability and untiring effort the Society 
owes a debt of deepest obligation, and who, like his worthy ances- 
tor, rejoices in the success of services for which his modest worth 
will scarcely endure to receive its due meed of praise. The exhibi- 
tion also of Roman and Saxon remains was unusually fine, and the 
several private collections of the neighbourhood—so far as their 
contents have come under our personal observation—were made to 
contribute whatever could add to the extent and interest of the 
Museum, with a liberal-readiness most gratifying to the Committee, 
and encouraging the confident hope that the Archeological Society 
will not fail for want of support. Very numerous and inter- 
esting were the spoils of barrows, and other carefully hoarded 
memorials of early days, placed in juxta-position on this occasion. 
Roman pottery and coins in large number—Anglo-Saxon fibule, 
and instruments in great variety—conventual and ecclesiastical 
seals, (presented to the Society by the Reverend John Ward, Rector 
of Wath, Yorkshire)—ancient documents of considerable importance 
—warlike weapons of early date—urns of beautiful form, and frag- 
ments of British pottery ;—in short, ample materials for a philo- 
sophic comparison of all that was with all that now is, were 
supplied to a contemplative mind in passing from case to case through 
this pleasing exhibition. Small in extent and hastily collected 
together, still it was of no common character either as regarded the 
value of the articles themselves, or the care with which they had 
been preserved. By their ascertained existence within a few miles 
of the proposed Museum, a pledge seemed to be afforded that, as 
years pass on, and their possessors drop off, Wiltshire may not be 
deprived of these memorials of her ancient inhabitants ; but that 
the Archeological Society may afford a safe repository for many 
a trifle, little valued till its worth becomes apparent when filling 
an appropriate place in the cabinets of such an Institution as this. 
