Minor Prehistoric Remains of Britain. 
119 
therefore think it advisable at present to confine myself to a 
few general observations respecting the nature of the work 
which it is desirable that local societies should take in hand. 
It must be understood that these remarks are limited to pre¬ 
historic archaeology, as the remains belonging to the historical 
period are generally dealt with by archaeological societies, and 
do not come within the range of science subjects admitted by 
the British Association. 
Assuming then that all societies have prehistoric remains 
of some kind within their districts, the first and most 
essential thing to be done is to draw up catalogues of these 
relics, giving their position, external form and structure, and 
bibliographical references. If the societies of each county 
would undertake this task, arranging matters so that no relic, 
however apparently insignificant, escaped their vigilance, we 
should thus in time come to possess a complete catalogue of 
the ancient remains of Britain, and at the same time we 
should gradually get together a most valuable collection 
of literary references. The bibliography is essential, because 
so many of our ancient remains have from time to time been 
investigated and the results buried in some obscure archaeo¬ 
logical paper, the disinterment of which is in itself a piece of 
antiquarian research. A catalogue such as the one now 
proposed would thus serve many useful purposes. We should 
have an index-guide indicating precisely where prehistoric 
remains exist at the present time, and further whether they 
had ever been systematically explored, and if so, with 
what results. At the same time attention would be directed 
to many relics which the local society and the Government 
inspector might deem worthy of being scheduled for State 
protection. By this means I am disposed to believe that the 
operation of the Ancient Monuments Bill would be con¬ 
siderably accelerated, and its effectiveness thereby increased. 
It will be as yet premature to suggest any general form in 
which the proposed catalogue should be cast. Each society 
would no doubt at first work upon a plan of its own. But 
whatever form be adopted, it is advisable that publicity should 
be given to the results in the Transactions or Proceedings of 
