6 Second General Meeting. 



that an association of this kind teaches us to take a living and 

 practical interest in those monuments which are, as it were, en- 

 trusted to our custody. We have, indeed, some reason to complain 

 of the manner in which they have been mutilated in their trans- 

 mission to us from our forefathers, but at the present time there is 

 a different spirit abroad. (Hear, hear). We may see it in the 

 restoration of our churches, which are now restored with a feeling 

 of veneration, and in a learned and truly architectural spirit. They 

 are now restored — not mutilated. (Hear, hear). We in Salisbury 

 have seen the manner in which our Cathedral has been treated, and 

 have, I hope, learnt a lesson to avoid a repetition of those errors in 

 our own time. (Applause). I see in the restoration of the Poultry 

 Cross here, another instance how carefully we are retracing the steps 

 of those architects who preceded us; and I see throughout the 

 whole length of the country, that the greatest care is being taken 

 of monuments of this kind. I believe that some years ago, a 

 portion of Stonehenge was consumed in the reparation of roads. 

 I recollect the last time the Central Archaeological Society met here, 

 that we had a discussion upon the subject of the two large stones 

 which fell from their position about sixty or seventy years ago. It 

 was proposed that these stones should be restored to their original 

 position, but as in all questions of this kmd, a great difference of 

 opinion existed. Some said that it would be nothing short of desecration 

 to touch a monument of such antiquity; but, it should be re- 

 membered, that it was not proposed to substitute fresh stones, but 

 to replace those lying on the ground in the position in the circle 

 which they were formerly known to occupy. These two stones 

 are of great importance, and there can be no doubt that, ultimately, 

 all the circle will fall and perish in the same manner, unless some 

 means are taken to obviate such a result. My object in referring 

 to the subject is to give expression to the feelings of those who are 

 interested in the matter, that it should again be taken into con- 

 sideration. I do not understand that any difficulty exists in an 

 engineering point of view, and if the stones were replaced it would 

 certainly be with the best effect to the structure. (Hear, hear). I 

 will now conclude the few observations which I have taken the 



