THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. 339 



In the Royal Institution Reports, plans of the castle have 

 appeared, but they are inaccurate in some important particulars. 

 The whole of the Castle buildings were carefully measured and 

 mapped I in 1877, by the Rev. W. lago, for Sir John Maclean's 

 work, relating to the district. 



The chapel is now roofless. It stands \ipon the top of the 

 Island. There are remains of Norman carving on stones found 

 in it. A grave has been cut in the rock outside the north-east 

 angle of the chancel, almost on the brink of the cliff. There 

 are also other enclosures, and a well, on this peninsula. A 

 cavern passes under the castle, penetrating the Island from sea 

 to sea. " Cornish Diamonds" (quartz crystals) are found in the 

 interstices of the slate rock. 



Acknowledgements were expressed to the vicar, who is also 

 the constable of the castle, for having kindly shewn the church, 

 etc., and also for having, as an officer of the Duchy, caused the 

 steep ascent to the castle on the island to be rendered less 

 dangerous, in time for the visit. 



At Mr, Radcliffe's in Trevena, a bell (about the size of a 

 ship's bell) was shewn embossed with crucifixion and madonna 

 groups, and with the bell-founder's name. 



The excursion was then continued further to the north, passing 

 through the old disfranchised borough of Bossinnj' and crossing 

 the Rocky YaUey. 



Boscastle being duly reached, dinner was provided at the 

 "Wellington" hotel. Whilst dinner was being concluded. 

 Hawker's poetical version of the Porrabury legend of the 

 " Silent Tower of Bottreaux," was read by Rev. W. lago. 



A hurried glance at the harbour followed, and then the 

 company started to catch the homeward trains. 



A stop of a few minutes only was made at Camelford. 



Finally, Bodmin was once more reached. Its parish church 

 (the largest in Cornwall), the tomb of Bishop Vivian, the Prior, 

 and St. Thomas's ruined chantry, were examined. After tea 

 at the "Royal" hotel, Mr. Rogers of Helston, addressed some 

 pleasant remarks to the secretaries, who responded — Major 

 Parkyn specially complimenting the ladies, whose presence had 

 conduced so greatly to the enjoyment of both days. 

 X Trigg Minor III. Plates, LVH— LVIIL ~~ ~ 



