90 ORNAMENT ON THE EARLY CROSSES OF CORNWALL. 



The attempt to discover symbolism where none was meant, 

 seems to be an innovation of comparatively modern times. It 

 has indeed been carried to such an extent, that I was seriously 

 told on one occasion, that the four holes of a cross represented 

 the four Evangelists ! This, I think it will be admitted is going a 

 little too far. On the whole then, I am inclined to think, that 

 a system of Symbolism has been developed out of the ornament, 

 and not that the ornament was originally founded on Symbolism. 



THE DIFFERENT PURPOSES FOR WHICH SOME OF THE 

 GROSSES, dhc. HAVE BEEN— OR ARE-UTILISED. 



I cannot lose this opportunity of publicly calling attention, 

 by a few remarks, to the desecration of some of our ancient 

 monuments. It may at first appear that this is a digression, but 

 I feel sure that the preservation of our priceless relics, demands 

 serious consideration. 



Everybody knows, that one of the chief characteristics of 

 Cornwall is its crosses, scattered about as they are all over the 

 county, and therefore of general interest to all. A glance how- 

 ever at the subjoined list, which I know falls very far short of 

 the total numbers, will best illustrate the very utilitarian purposes 

 to which the crosses, &c, are applied, and will shew, that alas ! 

 there is but too much ground for these few lines of appeal. 

 Can nothing be done to rescue these relics while there is yet 

 time? or are they to "perish miserably" where they stand? If 

 some of the influential landowners would only take the matter 

 up much good might be done, and the expenses attached would 

 not be very considerable. Col. S. Gr. Bake of Camelford, has 

 set a good example in restoring the Water Pit Down Cross at 

 his own expense, and if others will follow his example, and 

 continue the work of rescue, they will find ample material at 

 their service as the number of stones still "on duty" will shew, 

 most of the instances named having come under my own notice. 



Mr. J. E. Allen, whom I have already quoted, makes 

 the following observations on the way in which we allow our 

 monuments to be treated. He says "It may be worth while 

 remarking, that no other nation possesses such a wonderful 

 series of monuments, illustrating the history of Christian art, 

 at one of its most obscure periods, and probably no other nation 



