ORNAMENT ON THE EARLY CROSSES OF CORNWALL. 89 



Again, what is now called the circle of the cross, is not actually 

 a circle at all — though it is a survival of it, — but, is in reality 

 composed of four quadrants. 1 A true circle in that position, and 

 divided by the arms, always looks very flat. This is noticeable 

 in modern monuments. Finally, the addition of these quadrants 

 to a cross, serves to strengthen the arms considerably, and, by 

 keeping them within the extremities, a better effect is produced, 

 and the cross itself, stands out as it should, the main feature. 



(2). The Triquetra knot, an emblem of the Trinity. There 

 are many examples extant, of very unevenly shaped stones, 

 which are covered with beautiful interlaced work. I now refer 

 more particularly to cross bases. On these, the elaborate orna- 

 ment is so arranged, that it fills up the whole of the irregular 

 space, 2 irrespective of geometrical form. In designing the 

 decoration for a cross-head, there were awkwardly shaped spaces 

 left on the arms, which required to be filled in, and it appears 

 to me, that it was very natural, for these competent masters of 

 their art, to design a special knot to fill the special space. 



(3). One boss, the emblem of the Godhead. The middle of 

 the cross is the most important point of the decoration, which 

 centres there. To mark this still more, the boss was most likely 

 introduced, as an effective and easily worked ornament. 



(4). Five bosses, emblematic of the Five Wounds. There 

 are six crosses in Cornwall which have five bosses on the head, 

 but are without any other ornament whatever. Their presence 

 may I think be accounted for thus, that having adopted the 

 central boss, the simplest and most effective way to complete the 

 ornamentation, was to introduce one more into each of the re- 

 maining spaces on the arms, or, in those examples where the 

 crosses are decorated with interlaced work, and have the five 

 bosses in the head, the workmen may not have been competent 

 to execute on the granite the more delicate ornament requisite 

 for so small a space. Lastly, why represent five wounds — which 

 are holes, — by five bosses which are projections? 



1 At Prideaux Place, Padstow, the arias of the cross are connected by straight 

 pieces instead of quadrants, the whole head forming' an octagon. This unique 

 example is well worth notice. 



2 See also N.E. front of Lanherne cross, shewing how the interlaced work 

 fills up the bottom of the bead. 



