A R G O S. 403 
and why, in certain instances, the number has CHAP. 
been increased to forty, of the most costly 
workmanship, containing representations of 'fruit 
and herbs. It should be observed, that Lecti- 
sternium, or the custom of giving a supper in a 
temple to the Gods, may have originated in the 
funeral feast at tombs, from what has been 
already said of the origin of temples*. This 
practice of feasting at funerals has existed from 
the days of Homer 6 ; and still exists among 
the descendants of the antient Celts, both in 
Ireland and Scotland ; and it was once common 
in England 7 . An author has indeed observed, 
that Lectisternium began about A. u. c. 356 8 ; 
that is to say, it was then adopted by the 
Romans ; but it was a much older ceremony in 
Greece : and the occasion of its introduction 
among the Romans shews that it was connected 
(5) See Vol. II. of these Trav. Cb. II. p. 75. Octavo Edition. 
(C) a el TKrioa. xXwra* ixrit, 
"Hmi o T?f KTiitas "&O.HU ralfot ' A^ytitufif 
Micros; rt ffTvyifif < XjwSsf Aiyifffait. 
Horn. OJyss. lib. iii. 
(7) " the funeral lahed meats 
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables." 
Sltalispeare's Hamlet, Act. I. sc. 2. 
(8) O. FTalkei- on Coins and Medals, ch. vi. p. 89. Lod. 1C97- 
