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A N T 1 QJJ I T I E S 
■of 1 740 there was little rain ; and the following fummer alfo, 1 74 r, 
was fo uncommonly dry, that many fprings and ponds failed, and 
this lake in particular, whofe'bed became as dufty as the furround- 
ing heaths and waftes. This favourable juncture induced fome 
of the forcft-cottagers to begin a fcarch, which was attended with 
fuch fuccefs, 'that all the labourers in the neighbourhood flocked 
to the fpot, and with fpades and hoes turned up great part of that 
large area. Jnftead of pots of coins, as they expelled, they found 
great heaps, the one lying on the other, as if fhot out of a bag; 
many of v/hich were in good prefcrvation. Silver and gold thefe 
inquirers expe<5ted to find ; but their difcoveries confided folely of 
many hundreds of Roman copper-coins, and fome medallions, all 
of the lower empire. There was not much virth flirring at that 
time in this neighbourhood ; however, fome of the gentry and 
clergy around bought what pleafed them beft ; and fome dozens 
fell to the (hare of the author. 
The owners at firft held their commodity at an high price ; but, 
finding that they were not likely to meet with dealers at fuch a 
rate, they foon lowered their terms, and fold the faireft as they 
could. The coins that were rejefled became current, and paffed 
for farthings at the petty fliops. Of thofe that we faw, the greater 
part were of Marcus AureUus, and the Emprefs FauJIina, his wife, 
the father and mother of Commodus. Some of FauJIina were in high 
relief, and exhibited a very agreeable fet of features, which pro- 
bably refembled that lady^ who v/as more celebrated for her 
beauty than for her virtues. The .medallions in general were of a 
paler colour than the coins.. To pretend to account for the means 
of their coming to this place would be fpending time in conjefture. 
The fpot, I think, could not be a Roman camp, becaufe it is 
.commanded by hills on two fides ; nor does it fliew the leaft traces 
of 
