Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 29.djvu/327

Proceedings at Meetings of the Royal Archaeological Institute.

April 5, 1872.

The Lord TALBOT DE MALAHIDE, President of the Institute, in the Chair.

The Hon. SECRETARY, in the absence of the author from town, read "Notes on the Recently-discovered Portions of the Mazarin Bible in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth," by Mr. S. W. Kershaw, librarian. The Rev. W. J. Loftie added some supplemental "Notes," and drew attention to the various early printed books exhibited by Sir W. Tite and others, in illustration of the subject. [These "Notes" are printed at length at page 242 of this volume.] The Rev. J. Fuller Russell contributed some observations on the same subject; and in expressing the thanks of the meeting to the writers of the "Notes," the noble Chairman added some remarks. In the absence of Mr. G. G. Scott, Mr. MICKLETHWAITE gave some "Particulars of the discovery of the remains of the sub-structure of the Shrine of St. Alban," which he illustrated with sketches and photographs. [Printed at page 201 of this volume.] Mr. Talbot Bury drew attention to several interesting points in the arrangements of such objects, and made suggestions as to the actual position and form of the foretrum. He had no doubt whatever that the remains lately found had appertained to the actual Shrine of St. Alban. The SECRETARY then read the following letter, received by him from Sir John Lubbock, Bart., M.P., in reference to his recent acquisition of part of the site of the temple at Abury "I fear it will be impossible for me to come to the Archæological Institute on Friday, and have really very little to tell about Abury. Last year a property there was sold, com- prising the smaller section of the circle; which, if you remember, is cut into four parts by the cross-roads which pass through it. This portion was sold in cottage allotments, and would no doubt have ere now been built over, thus endangering the standing stones, and destroying one of . the best views of the vallum. Fortunately, Mr. King, the Rector of Abury, knowing the interest I felt in the place, wrote to me on the subject, and I at once asked him, if possible, to arrange with the several purchasers to surrender their plots and take corresponding pieces else- where; offering, if this could be arranged, to purchase the land in question at the price they had given, so as to preserve the place intact. With the assistance of Mr. Kemm, and some few small concessions, this was happily effected; and I am sure that the thanks of all archæcologists are due to Mr. King and Mr. Kemm for their timely interference in the matter." The noble Chairman, in conveying the thanks of the meeting