ORNAMENT ON THE EARLY CROSSES OF CORNWALL. 95 



order to enable any person interested in the crosses to form a 

 correct idea of their ornamentation, without actually having seen 

 them. For example, by consulting the analysis of Celtic orna- 

 ment the whole of the work on the S. Neot shaft is at once 

 apparent, as well as the position in which the ornament is found 

 upon the stone itself. 



Further, that the nomenclature of the different forms of 

 monuments, is given here according to their shape, and not accor- 

 ding to the kind of cross upon them. It is for example, very 

 misleading, (at least I have found it so) to call a ' round-headed 

 cross" a "Latin cross," simply because there happens to be a 

 Latin cross upon it (a system adopted by one author). I 

 maintain that the architectural features of the stone itself, should 

 decide its class, and not the kind of cross with which it is orna- 

 mented. Thus the term "wheel cross" is simply a name, 

 suggested by the architectural shape of a particular kind of 

 monument, locally known as a "round-headed cross," which 

 consists of a rectangular shaft surmounted by a round head. 

 The name is therefore quite independent of any ornament which 

 may exist on either the shaft or the head. 



In a case of this kind where there is practically no historical 

 or documentary evidence, we must be content (for the present at 

 least) to deal with the facts before us, and avoid dangerous and 

 unfounded speculations. On this account I have felt the 

 necessity for my remarks on Symbolism, and on the dates of the 

 stones, chiefly in the latter case were they necessary, because I 

 know that one gentlemen at least (who shall be nameless), is 

 given to a playful way of dating all the crosses from about the 

 second to the thirteenth century, according to his own sweet will, 

 hut without the slightest foundation. 



I have throughout, been most careful to avoid fanciful 

 theories, and in every case have quoted the authority for my his- 

 torical information, strictly confining myself to those authors, 

 who, by their special study of the matter relating to Celtic 

 ornament, have made themselves most capable of dealing with 

 the subject, and whose opinions are therefore most valuable. 



In conclusion, I have only to add, that my great object has 

 been to make this paper one which will be convenient for 



