ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

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M.C

GENEALOGY COLLECTION

DORSET DaTQML HISTOKY

MTirdflKIM FIELD gLQB.

m\m^ M. PJCHAEDSON, B.A, F.E.S.

Hon. Secretan/.

VOLU M E XV.

©orcbCBter :

PRINTED AT THE "DORSET COUNTY CHRONICLE'" OFFICE.

1413064

CONTENTS.

Index to Plates and Engravings iv.

Notice to Members ^'•

^ List of Officers and Honorary Members vi.

«J List of Members ^'i'i-

'List of New Members elected.since the publication of Vol. XIV xviii.

"^ The Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club

.. .^ during the Season 1893-4, by Nelson M. Richardson, Esq., B. A., F.E.S. .. xx.
> Hon. Treasurer's Statement of Receipts and Expenditure from May otli, 1893, to

V* May 22nd, 1894 bx.

-^^ Hon. Secretary's Accounts to April 30th, 1894 Ix.

\ Anniversary Address of the President, May 23rd, 1894 Ixi.

t

An Old Hampsliire ^Nlanor House on a Byeroad to History, by Fre<leric

Fane, Esq 1

EUingham Church, by Frederic Fane, Esq. 13

On the Desirability of a Photographic Survey of the County, by Rev. T.

Perkins Is

A Sketch of the History of Old Wardour Castle, l>y Re\-. T. Perkins 2(i

Shaftesbury, by Rev. C. H. Mayo, M.A 30

The Helstone on Ridge Hill, Portesham, by B. Cunnington, Esi( 'rl

Plush.by Rev. CanonRavenhill, M.A., R.D n.-s

Dorset Lepidoptera in 1892-3, with Description of the Larva of JEpisclmia

bankesiella, Richardson, by Nelson M. Richardson, Esq., B.A., F.E.S. M

Warehani : Its Origin and History, by E. Cunnington, Esq. To

Same Additions to the Dorset Flora, by Rev. E. F. Linton 74

Briti.sh Species of Utricularia (illustrated by Dorset specimens), by Re\'. K. F.

Linton ^]

Reptiles of Dorset, by Rev. O. P. Cambridge, M.A., F.R.S., &c iin

On New and Rare British Spiders found in 1893 ; with Rectification oi Synonyms,

by Rev. O. P. Cambridge, M.A., F.R.S., &c lo:!

Dorset and King John ; Notes on the Pipe Rolls (Dorset) of that Reign,

Supplemented and Illustrated by References to the Patent and Close Rolls

of the same Period, by Rev. W. Miles Barnes . . . . 117
Notes on a Minute Book (C. 12) belonging to the Mayor and Corporation of

Dorchester (with a few passages from C. 9), by H. J. Moule, Esq., M.A. . . 142

The Ancient Free Chapel of Corton, by Rev. W. Miles Barnes 164

Some Local Stone Marks, by Thos. B. (j^ves, Esq., F.C.S liJT

Kimmeridge Shale, by J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, Esq., F.G.S., F.L.S 172

On Some of the Rarer Trees in the Gardens of Abbotsbury Castle, by J. C.

Mansel-Pleydell, Esq., F.G.S., F.L.S l>4

Report on Observations on the Appearances of Birds, Insects, itc, and tlie

Flowering of Plants and Returns of Rainfall in Dorset during 1893, by

Nelson M. Richardson, Esq., B. A., F.E.S lOr-

PLATES, ENGRAVINGS, &c.

PAGE

Miniature Effigy oi- CiirsADEU IX M.vppowDER Church xxxix.

Old Wardour Castle— •

1. llie Main Entrance .' "|

2. Entrance to Central Court . . J- 2(1

3. Staircase to the Banqueting Hall . . J

.Shaftesbury Seal "SiGiLLUM CoMMUNiTATis BuRGl Shaston" 47
Dorset Lepidoptera, Lita sucedella, L. occUatella, L. plantagitiella, with

Larv/e and Food Plants 59

Utrieularia neglecta 81

JVaMa; torr/wata; Ring Snake Variety 95

List OF Dorset Reptiles 102

New AND Rare Spiders 103

List of Spiders Recorded or Described in Accompanying Paper lis

List of Places in Dorset Visited by King John 119

Ancient Altar, Corton Chapel 164

Local Stone Marks 167

Lists of Local Stone Marks 168, 169

Kimmeridge Bay, Clavell's Tower, Coastguard Station 172

Sections in the Kimmeridge Clay from Gad Cliff (West) to Kimmerid(;e

Bay (East) 172

List of Kimmeridge Shale Beds with Economic Value 174

Comparative Table of the Value of the Illuminating Matters con-
tained IN SOME of the Gas Coals and Cannels Usually Employed

for Gas Manufacture in England 183

Table of First Appearances of Birds in Dorset in 1893- 198

Table of Earliest Dorset Records of Plants in Flower in 1893 199

Table of First Appearances of Insects, &c., in Dorset in 1893 .. 2ii(i

Table shewing Distribution of Rain over 36 Rainfall Stations.. 202

Table shewing Differences in the Records of Neighbouring Stations 2(i2

Table SHEWING Distribution OF Rainfall on July 1.5th, 1893 iiu
Tables shewing Distribution of Rainfall on Oct. 7th and Dec. ioth,

1893 205

Tables of Temperature at Winteubourne Steepleton and Parkstone

for 1893 208

Table OK Rainfall Returns FOR Dorset IN 1893 210.211

JVOTICE.

Meinl)ers are reniiiuled tliat payment of the cuneiit yeai.".s
subscription (10s.) entitles them to the immediate receipt of the
Vol. of " Proceedings " or other publications for the year ; also
that jDayment of arrears entitles to previous volumes, issued in
those years for Avhich the arrears are due.

All volumes are issued, and subscriptions received, by the
Treasurer, Rev. 0. P. Cambridge, Bloxworth Eectory, Wareham.

Surplus Copies of former " Proceedings " (Vols. i. — xiv.) at the
rate of 7s. 6d. to 10s. a volume, "Spiders of Dorset" (2 vols.,
25s.), and copies of " Monograph of the British Phalangidea or
Harvest Men " at 5s. each, are in the Treasurer's liands for
disposal for the benefit of the Club's funds ; also copies of the
" British Chernetidea or False-Scorpions " at 3s. each.

Any Member joining the Club and paying his subscription in a
year for which no volume may be issued is entitled to a copy of
the last previously issued.

Members are requested to give notice to the Treasurer of any
change in their address.

Members desiring to withdraw from the Club are requested to
give notice to the Treasurer, in order to avoid the trouble and
expense incurred in sending them Notices of Meetings, &c. ; but
until such notice is given they are liable to pay the Annual
Subscription, due to the Club on and after January 1st oacli year.

.^^■^i(4mi=L. ..

\i: Ijovsct jjaiuiinl listorjr

AND

lnfiqiuii|iau fidrl |^lulr.

IjYAUGUBATEI) march 26th, 1875.

president :

J. C. ^lANSEL-rLKYDELL, Esq., J.R, F.Cx.S., F.L.S.

DlccsprcsiDcnts :

Rev. Sir TALDOT EAKER, Baut.

General PITT RIVERS, F.R.S.

Rev. 0. r. CAMBRIDGE, ^I.A., F.R.S., C.M.Z.S., &c.( Treasurer).

I\IORTON G. STUART, Esq., F.G.S.

NELSON II. RICHARDSON, Esq. (Ilcn. Serrefnr;,).

1f3onoi'arv> /Iftcmbcv!? :

W. CAnKUTHERS, Esq., F.lt.S., F.Ci.S., F.L.S;., r.iilish Mnsouni. S.
Kensinj^ton.

R. Etheridge, Esq., F.Ii.S., F.G.S., British ]\riiseuiu, S. Kensington.

Alfred Newton, Esq., M.A., F.H.S., Professor of Zool()^■y and Com-
parative Anatomy, INIagdalea College, tJaiubridge.

J. Prestwich, Esq., F.Pi.S, , F.G.S., Shorehain, Seven Oaks, Kent.

G. li. WOLLASTON, Esq., Chiselhurst.

Rev. Osmond Fisher, M.A., F.G.H., &c., Harlton Rectory, Cambridge.

Mr. A. M. Wallis, 29, Mallams, Portland.

e_!=^lfgk^=i3,,.

LIST OF MEMBERS

Jiclb (Elub.

Tlie liiglit Reveienil the Lord

Bisho]) of .Salisbury
The Right Reverend tlie

Bishop of Soathwark

Tlie Right Hon. the Lord

Eustace Cecil
The Right Hon. Lord Digby
The Right Hon. Viscount

Fortnian
The Lord Stalbriilge
Acland, Captain John
Acton, Rev. Edward
Acton, Rev. J.
Adams, A. T., Esq.
Aldridge, Reginald, Esq.
Allen, George, Esq.
A II man, G. J., Esq., LL.D.,

F.R.S., ike, &c.
Allhusen, Wilton, Esq.
Andrews, T. C. W., Esq.
Awdry, Rev. E. S.
Baker, Dr. J. B.
Baker, Rev. Sir Talbot, Bart.

( Vice-President)
Baker, E. AVhitley, Esq.
Bankes, Albert, Esq.
Bankes, Rev. Eldon S.

The Palace, Salisbury

Dartmouth House, Blackheath Hill,
London, S.E.

Lytchett Heath, Poole
M interne, Dorchester

Bryanston, Blandford

12, Upper Brook Street, London
Godmanstone Manor, Dorchester
Hinton St. Mary Vicarage, Blandford
Iwerne Minster, Blandford

Bellair, Charniouth

Poole

Strangways, Marnhull, Blandford

Ardmore, Parkstone

Clevelands, Lyme Regis

I, Buxton Villas, Rodwell, "Weymouth

Portishani, Dorchester.

13, Cornwall Road, Dorchester

Ranston House, Blandford
Glencairn, Wimborne
Wolfeton House, Dorchester
Coife Castle Rectoiy, VVarehani

Bankes, Enstaca Ralph, Esq.
Bankes, W. Ralph, Esq.
Barnes, Mrs. John lies
Barnes, Rev. W. ^l.
Barrett, W. Bowles, Esq.,

F.L.S.
Baskett, Rev. C. R.
Baskett, S. R., Esq.
Bassett, Rev. T.
Baker, A. H., Esq.
Batten, John, Esq.
Batten, Colonel Mount
Batten, Blount, Miss
Batten, H. B., Esq.
Beckford, F. J., Esq.
Bennett, H. R., Esq.
Bennett, Chas. W., Esq.
Bishop, Rev. H. E., Esq.
Blanchard, E. ^Y., Esq.
Bodington, Rev. E. C.
Bond, N., Esq.
Bond, Rev. John
Bonsor, Geo., Esq.
Bousfield, Rev. E. H.
Bowden, Miss Mary
Bowen, J. H., Esq.
Bower, H. Syndevconibe, Esq.

Biennand, W. E., Esq.
Bright, Percy M., Esq.
Brown, Rev. W. C.
Browne, A. J. Jukes, Esq.,
F.G.S.

Browning, Benjamin, Esq.
Budden, Alfred, Esq,
Burt, Miss Emma
]}urt, F. A., Esq.
Butler, C. Mc Arthur, Esq.,
M.S. A.

Corfe Castle Rectory, Wareham
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
Summer Hayes, Blandford
Monckton Rectory, Dorchester

Weymouth

Birstwith Vicarage, Ripley, Leeds
Evershot

Houghton Rectory, Blandford
Wilts and Dorset Bank, Blandford
Aldon, Yeovil
Upcerne, Dorchester
Upcerne, Dorchester
Aldon, V'eovil
Witley, Parkstone
Markham House, Wyke Regis
33, Gladstone Road, Bournemouth
Hampreston Rectory, Wimborne
Fernside, Parkstone
Osmington Rectory, Dorchester
Creech Grange, Wareham
Tyneham, Wareham
Seaborough Court, Crewkerne
Vicarage, Milton Abbas, Dorchester
We3t Walks, Dorchester
Bank Buildings, Weymouth
Fontmell Parva, Shillingstone, Bland-
ford
Blandford
Bourn smoutli
Vicarage, Nether Avon, Wilts

Geological Survey Office, 28, Jermyn

Street, London
Weymouth
Wimborne

Purbeck House, Swanage
S^\■anage

Salisbury Chambers, Boscombe, Bourne-
mouth

a.

Butt, Capt.

Caniliridge, Rev. O. P. (Vice-
President ct Ho)!. Treasurer)
Cainbritlge, Colonel J. P.
Cambridge, I\li-s. Pickaul
Cane, Rev. Arthur A.
Carter, William, Esq.
Cattle, Rev. William
Chadwick, Mrs
Chaftey, R. C, Esq.
Chaffey, Roberts. C, E.sq.
Charlton, Rev. Underhill
Childs, C, Esq., M.D.
Chudleigh, Rev. Augustine
Church, Col. Arthur
Clarence, Lovell Burchell, Esq.
Climenson, Rev. John
Clinton, Rev. C. H. Fynes
Clinton, E. Fynes, Esq.
Col fox, T. A., Esq.
Col fox. Miss A. L.
Colfox, W., Esq.
Colfox, Mrs. Thos.
Coote, Rev. H. C.
Cope, Rev. J. Staines
Cother, Rev. V. S.
Cotton, Lieut. -Colonel
Craig, Rev. Dr.
Crespi, Dr.

Crickmay, G. R., Esq.
Cross, Rev. J.

Cull, James, Esq.

Cunnington, Edward, Esq.
Curme, Decimus, Esq.
D'Aeth, C. C. Hughes, Esq.
Dale, C. W., Esq.
Damon, Robert, Esq.
Dansey, Miss S. J. T.
Dashwood. Miss

The Salterns, Parkstone, Dorset

Bloxworth Rectory, Wareham

Bloxwoith House, "Wareham

Warm well Rectory, Dorchester

14, St. John's Teirace, Weymouth

The Heritage, Parkstone

Charlton, Blandfoid

Chotnole, Sherborne

Stoke-under-Hambden, Somerset

Stoke-under-Hambden, Son)erset

Came Rectory, Dorchester

Weymouth

"West Parley Rectory, "Wimborne

St. Albans, Rodvvell, "Weymouth

Coaxdon, Axminster

Shiplake Vicarage, Henley-on-Thames

Rectory, Blandford

Wimborne

Coneygar, Bridport

Westmead, Biidport

Westmead, Bridport

Rax House, Bridport

St. John's, "\\ eymouth

Chaldon Vicarage, Dorchester

Rectoiy, Bradford Peverell, Dorchester

Ing Ravan, Carlton Road, Weymouth

Charminster, Dorchester

Wimborne

AVey mouth

Baillie House, Sturminster Marshall,

Wimborne
6, Pembroke Gardens, Kensington,

London, W.
Alma House, Weymouth
CJiilde Okeford
Buckhorn Weston, Bath
Glanvillcs Wootton, Sherborne
Weymouth
Faiilicld, Weymouth
Hill House, Tcniplocombe, Bath

Bavis, Geo., Esq.
Dij-by, J. K. D. W., Esq., M.P.
Diax, W. S £., Esq.
Dnicker, Adolfe, Esq.
Diuitt, Rev. Cliarles

Dugniore, H. Radcliffe, Esq.
Eaton, H. S., Esq.

Eilo-cumbe, Sir Robert
Elford, H. B., Esq.
Elwes, Captain
Enibleton, D. C, Esq., F. R.
Met. Soc.

Evans, Rev. Canon
Evans, W. H., Esq.
Everett, Mrs.
Falkner, C. G., Esq.
Fane, Frederick, Esq.
Farley, Rev. H.
Farquliarson, H.R.,Esq., M.P.
Farrer, Rev. W.
Farrer, Oliver, Esq.
Fetherstonliaugli-Franipton,

R., Esq.

Ffooks, T., Esq.

FiUeul, Rev. S. E. V.

Fiiliter, Freeland, Esq.

Filliter, George, Esq.

Fletcher, W. H. B., Esq.

Fletcher, W. J., Esq.

Floyer, G., Esq.

Fogerty, F. G., Esq.

Forbes, Major L.

Forrester, Mis.

Forrester, Hngli Carl, Esq.

Freanie, R., Esq.

Freeman, Riev. H. R. Williams

FrL'u.-h, Alfred, E>q.

Furlong. ■, Rev. A. M.

Dorchester

Sherborne Castle

Holnest, Sherborne

Milton Abbey

Vicarage, "NVhitehurcIi Canonicurum,

Charmouth
The ]\[onnt, Parkst.nie, Poole
The National Club, Whitehall,

London, S.W.
Dorchester

72, Market Street, Poole
Bossington, Bournenioutii

St. Wilfrid's, St. Michaers R.ad,

Bournemouth
St. Alphege, Parkstonp, Dorset
Forde Abbey, Chard
Dorchester

The C(dlege, Weymouth
INIoyles Court, Fordingbridge
Lytchett Minster, Poole
Tarrant Gnnville, Blandford
Vicarage, Bere Regis
Binnegar Hall, Wareham

Moreton House, Di)vcliester

Totnel, Sherliorne

All Saints" Rectory, Dorchester

Waieham

Wareham

Fairlawn, Worthing, Sussf.x

Winiborne

Stafford, Dorchester

2, St. Peter's Terrace, Bournemouth

Shillingstone, Blandford

Bryanston, Blandford

Shaftesbury

(Jillingliam

AlVpuddlo \'icaiagc, Dorchester

\\uu\,nvnr

SI. .\udM.-vV \\\\:\, lliidroii

Fyler, J. W., Esq.
Gallwey, Captain E. Payne
Gal pin, G., Esq.

Gillett, Richard Win., Esq.
Glyn, SiiR., Bart
Glyn, Carr Stuart, Esq.
Goddard, Rev. Cecil Vincent
Goodden, J. R. P., Esq.
Good ridge, John, Esq.
Goodridge,W.P.B.,Esq., M.D.
Good ridge, Miss
Gorringe, Rev. T. R.
Gregory, G. J. G., Esq.
Greves, Hayla, Esq., M.D,
Griffin, F. C. G., Esq., M.B.
Grove, Walter, Esq.
Groves, T. B., Esq.
Groves, W. E., Esq.
Hadow, Rev. J. L. G.
Hall, Captain Marshall, J. P.,

F.G.S., F.C.S.
Hall, Chas. Lillington, Esq.

Hanibro, Mrs.
Han key. Rev. Montagu
Hansford, Charles, Esq.
Hardcastle, J. A., Esq.
Harrison, Rev. F. T.
Harrison, G., Esq.
Harrison, Henry Leeds, Esq.,

B.A., M.B.
Hart, Edward, Esq., F.Z.S.
Hawkins, W., Esq.
Hayne, R., Esq., Jun.
Head, J. Merrick, Esq.
Henning, Lieut. -General, C.B.
Hildjs, Geo., Esq.
Highton, Rev. E.
Hill, llev. C. R.
Hogg, B. A., Es(i.

Hethfelton, Wareham

1, Clearmount, Rodwell, Weymouth
Clarendon Court, Clarendon Road,

Bournemouth

2, Gloucester Row, Weymouth
Gaunts House, Wimborne
Woodleaze, AVimborne
Cliideock Vicarage, Bri<lport
Compton House, Sherborne
102, Kent Road, Southampton
Childe Okeford, Blandford
Childe Okeford, Blandford
]\Ianston Rectory, Blandford
Eglesfeld House, Dorchester
Rodney House, Bournemouth
Royal Terrace, Weymouth
Fern House, Salisbury
Belmont, Seldown, Poole
Dorchester

18, Royal Terrace, Weymouth

Easterton, Parkstone, R.S.O.
Osmington Lodge, Osmington, Wey-
mouth
Milton Abbey, Blandford
Maiden Newton Rectory, Dorchester
Dorchester
Beaminster

]\Iilton Abbas School, Blandford
20, Lander Terrace, Wood Green, London

Parkstone

Christchurch

Abbotsbury, Dorchester

Fordington House, Dorchester

Pennsylvania Castle, Portland

Frome, Dorchester

Bere Regis, Wareham

Tarrant Keynston Rectory, Blandford

West Fordington Vicarage, Dorchester

Dorchester

Honeywell, F., Esq.

Hope, Chas. F., Esq.,

M.K.A.C, F.C.S.
House, Edwanl, Esq.
House, Hany Hamniond, Esq.
Howard, Sir R. N.
Howell, Rev. F. B.
Hudson, Dr. Horace
Huntley, H. E., Esq.
Hurdle, H. A., Esq.
Hussey, Rev. J.
Kelly, Alex., Esq.
Kerr, Dr. E.

Lamb, Captain Stephen E.
liangford. Rev. J. F.
Lawton, H. A., Esq., M.D.
Leach, J. Comyns, Esq., M.D.

Leonard, Rev. A.
Lewis, Rev. G. Brid<i;es
Linlvlater, Rev. Robert

Linton, Rev. E. F.

Lister, Arthur, Esq.
Lister, Miss Guilelnia
Llewhellin, G. W., Esq.
Lock, A. H., Esq.
Lock, B. F., Esq.
Lock, Miss Mary C.
Lonsdale, Rev. J, H.
Luff, Montague, Esq.
Macdonald, P. W., Esq., M.D.
Malan, E. C, Esq.
Manger, A. T., Esq.
Mansel-Pleydell, J. C, Esq.

(President)
Mansel-Pleydell, Mrs.
Mansel, Colonel
Mansel, Rev. Owen L.

The Elms, Surbiton Road, Kini,'ston-on-
Thames

Lindisfarne, Weymouth

Tomson, Blandford

]\Ialvern College, Malvern

Weymouth

Upwey Rectory, Dorchester

Sturminster Newton

Charlton House, Blandford

7, Gloucester Terrace, Weymouth

Pimperne Rectory, Blandford

Mayfield, Parkstone

South Street, Dorchestei

29, Great Cumberland Place, London

Nice

High Street, Poole

The Lindens, Sturminster Newton,

Blandford
Vicarage, Beaminster

4, Church Street, Broadstone, Wimborne
Holy Trinity Rectory, Stroud Green,

London, N.
Crymlyn, Branksome Wood Road,

Bournemouth
High Cliflfe, Lyme Regis
High Cliffe, Lyme Regis
Brookfield, Blandford
Dorchester

5, New Square, Lincoln's Inn, London
42, High East Street, Dorchester
Shroton Rectory, Blandford
Blandford

County^ Asylum, Dorchester
Blackdown House, Crewkerne
Stock Hill, Gillingham

Whatcom be, Blandford
Whatcombe, Blandford
Smedmoie, Wareham
Cliurch Knowle, Wareham

Marriott, Sir W. Sniitli, Bart.
Marshall, Rev. Clias. J.
Mason, He v. H. J.
Mason, Philip B., Esq., F.L.S.
Mate, "William, Esq.
IMaunsell, Rev. F. W.
Mayo, George, Esq.
Mayo, Rev. C. H.
Meade, ]\Iiss
McLean, Dr. Allan
Medlycott, SirEdwd. B., Bart.
Middleton, H. B., Esq.
Middleton, H. N., Esq.
INIilledge, Zilhvood, Esq.
Miller, Rev. J. A., B.D.
ISIilne, Rev. Percy
Moorhead, J., Esq., M.D.
Morford, Rev. A.
Moule, H. J., Esq.
Murray, Rev. R. P., F.L.S.
Okeden, Colonel Parry
Parker, H. W., Esq.
Patey, Russell, Esq.
Patey, Miss
Payne, Miss
Payne, Miss Eleanor
Payne, Miss Florence
Pearce, Miss
Penney, W., Esq., A.L.S.
Penny, Rev. J.
Perkins, Rev. T.
Peto, Sir Henry, Bart.
Phillijis, James Henry, Esq.
Philpot, J. E. D., Esq.
Philpots, John R., Esq.,
L.C.R.P. and S., Ed., J.P.
Pike, Laurence, Esq.
Pike, T. M., Esq.
Pinder, Reginald, Esq.
Pinney, C. F., Esq.
Punting, Chas. E., Esq., F.S. A.

Down House, Blandford
Shillingstone Rectoiy, Blandford
Wigston Magna Vicarage, Leicester
Trent House, Burton-on-Trent
62, Commercial Road, Bournemouth
Symondsbury Rectory, Bridport
Rocklands, Rod well, Weymouth
Longburtcni Vicarage, Sherborne
Brunsv ick Buildings, Weymouth
St. Martin's, Weymouth
Ven, Milborne Port, Sherborne
Bradford Peverell, Dorchester
Bradford Peverell, Dorchester
Weymouth

The College, Weymouth
Evershot Rectory, Dorchester

1, Pvoyal Terrace, Weymouth
Poole

The County Museum, Dorchester
Shapwick Rectory, Blandford
Turn worth, Blandford
Blandford
Farrs, Winiborne
Farrs, Winiborne

2, Westerhall Villas, Weymouth
2, Westerhall Villas, Weymouth
Rydal, Wimboine
Somerleigh Gate, Dorchester
Poole

Tarrant Rushton Rectory, Blandfoiil
Turnworth Rectory, Blandford
Fleet House, near Weynioutli
Poole
Lyme Regis

Moorcroft, Parkstone
Furzebrook, Corfe Castle, Warehain
c/o Miss Pike, Elim, Shorthands, Kent
Heronhurst, Bournemouth
Brooklands, Beaminster, Dorset
Lockeridgo, Mailboruugh

XV.

Pope, A., Esq.
Portnian, Hon. Miss
Pye, William, Esq.
Pailcliffe, Eustace, Esq.
Ravenhill, Pev. Canon H.,

R.D.
Ilej-nolds, Alfred, Esq.
lleynolds, Mrs. Artliur
Reynolds, R., Esq.
Richardson, N. M., Esq.

(Vice-President and Hon.

Secretary)
Eicketts, Geo. H. INI., Esq.

Ridley, Rev. O. M,
Ridley, Rev. Stewait
Rivers, General Pitt (Vice-
President)
Rixon, W. A., Esq.

Robinson, Sir Cliarles, F.S.A.
Robinson, Mrs. Octavius
Rodd, Edward Stanhope, Esq.
Rooper, T. G., Esq.
Ruegg, L. H., Esq.
Russell, Colonel
Russell, Godfrey F., Esq.
Russell-Wright, Rev. T.
Schuster, Rev. W. P.
Scoror, A. P., Esq.
Searle, Allan, Esq.

Serrell, ]). H., Esq.

Shephard, Major C. S.

Sherren, J. A., Esq.

Smart, Rev. D. C.

Smith, Edmund Hanson, Esq.

Snotdc, S. P., Esq.

Sully, Rev. H. &.,

Dorchester

Littleton House, Rlandford

Sunnysiile, Rodwell, WeyiuouMi

Hyde, Wareham

Buckland Newton ^'icarage, Dorciiester

Mill)orne Port, Slierliorne

Bridport

Hazelbury, Cre-\vkerne

Montevideo, Chickerell, Weymoutli
Nash Court, Marnhull, Sturminster

Newton
East Hill, Charminster
Wareham

Rushmore, Salisbury

The INlanor House, Corfe Castle,
Wareham

Ne\\ton Manor, Swanage

The Cottage, Bridpoit

Chardstock House, Chaid

Pen Sehvood, Bournemouth

Sherboine

Weymouth

Kinson House, Wim borne

Purbeck College, Swanage

Vicarage, West Luhvorth

Canfoid, Wimborne

Wilts and Dorset Banking Company,
Southampton

Haddon Lodge, Stourton Caundle,
Blandford

The Manor House, MartinstoMU, Dor-
chester

Weymouth

Milborne St. Andrew, Blandford

Charlton, Blandford

'20, Trinity-road, AVcymoutli

Britli)ort

Sparks, W., Esq.

Stephens, J. Tlionipson, Esq.

Stephens, R. Darrell, Esq.,
F.G.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

Stewart, Jas. S., Esq.

Stilwell, Mrs.

Stone, Walter Boswell, Esq.

Stroud, Rev. J.

Stuart, Morton G., Esq. ( Vice-
President)

Stuart, Colonel
Styring, F., Esq.
Suttill, J. T., Esq,
Sykes, R. Ernest, Esq.
Synies, G. P., Esq.
Symonds, Henry, Esq.
Sydenham, David, Esq.
Tanner, Rev. R, E.
Templer, Rev. J. L.
Tennant, Major-General
Thomas, Rev. S. Vosper
Thompson, J. Roberts, Esq.,

M.D.
Thompson, Rev. G.
Todd, Colonel
Trew, Rev. C. O.
Turner, W., Esq.
Tweed, Rev. Canon H. E.
Udal, J. S., The Hon.

Usherwood, Rev. Canon T. E.
Walker, Rev. S. A.
Ward, Rev. J. H.

Warne, C. H., Esq.
Wane, Rev, F.
Watkins, Rev. H, G,
Watson, Rev. William
Watts, Rev. Canon R. R.,R.D.
Watts, Colonel

Crewkerne

Wanderwell House, Bridport

Trewornan, Wadebridge
Deesa, Parkstone
Steepleton Manor, Dorchester
Sliute Haze, Walditch, Bridport
South Feirott, Crewkerne

New University Club, St. James Stieet,

London
Manor House, St. ISfary's, Blandford
The Yarrells, Poole
Bridport

9, Belvedere, Weymouth
11, Victoria Terrace, A\"ey mouth
Oakdale, Farquliar Road, Edgbaston
Bournemouth

11, Frederick Place, Weymouth
Burton Bradstock
8, Belvedere, Weymouth
Moxley, Wednesbury, Staffordshire

]\Ionkchester, Bournemonth

Highbury, Bournemouth

Keynston Lodge, Blandford

Alvediston Vicarage, Salisbury

High Street, Poole

St. John's Villa, Weymouth

c/o Lovell, Son, and Pitfield, 3, Gray's

Inn Square, London
Rossmore, Parkstone
Spetisbury Rectory, Blandford
Silverton Rectory, near CuUompton, "

Devon
45, Brunswick Road, Brighton
Bemerton, Wilts
Parkstone

County School, Dorchester
Stourpaine Rectory, Blandford
34a, South Audley Street, London

Weaver, Rev. F. W.
Wcia-Blunaell, 11., Esq.
Werninck, Rev. Wynn
West, Rev. G. H., D.D.
White, Dr. Gregoiy
Wliiteheatl, C. S., Esq.
Whitting, Rev. W.
AVillianis, Rev. C.
Williams, Miss E. BlacUstone
Williams, Robert, Esq.
Williams, Mrs.
Williams, E. W., Esq.
Wilton, E. H., Esq.

Wilton, Dr. John Pleydell
Wix, Rev. J. Augustus
Wordsworth, Rev. Canon
, Wright, H. E., Esq.
Wynne, Rev. G. H.
Young, E. W., Esq.

Milton Vicarage, Eveicrcech, Somerset
Luhvorth, ^Vareham
Walditch Vicarage, Bridport
Ascham House, Bournemouth
West Knoll, Bournemouth
Sherborne

Stour Provost, Dorset
Strangeways Prison, INIanchester
South Walks, Dorchester
Bridehead, Dorchester
Bridehead, Dorchester
Herringstone, Dorset
Antwerp Villa, Dorchester Road, Wey-
mouth
Pulteney Buildings, Weymouth
Ibberton Rectory, Blandford
Tyneham Rectory, Wareham
Southend House, Wickwar, Glo'ster
Whitchurch Vicarage, Blandford
Dorchester

The above list includes the New Membeis elected in 1894.

Hcta JKcmbcrs (Elected since the ^publication
of 19ol. xib.

March Iotii, 1894, Dorchester Meeting.

Church, Colouel Arthur
Gillett, Richard Wm., Esq.
Hawkins, W., Esq.
Lewis, Rev. G. Bridges
Lock, A. H., Esq.
McLean, Dr. Allan
Payne, Miss Florence
Feaice, Miss
Peto, Sir Henry, Bart.
Ponting, Chas. E., Esq.,

F.S.A.
Rixon, AV. A., Esq.
Snook, S. P., Esq.
^Yillialns, MissE. Blackstone
Wilton, E. H., Esq.

St. Albans, Rodwell, Weymouth

2, Gloucester Row, Weymouth

Abbotsliuiy, Dorchester

4, Church Street, Broadstone, Winiboine

Dorchester

St. Martin's, Weymouth

Rydal, Wimborne

Somerleigh Gate, Dorchester

Fleet House, near Weymouth

Lockeridge, Marlborough
The Manor House, Corfe Castle, Wareham
20, Trinity Road, Weymouth
South Walks, Dorchester
Antwerp Villa, Dorchester Road,
Weymouth

June 21st, 1894, Bournemouth Meeting.

Barnes, Mrs. J. Hes Sumirer Hayes, Blandford

Bassett, Rev. T. Houghton Rectory, Blandford

Bodington, Rev. E. C. Osmington Rectory, Dorchester
Butler, C. McArthur, Esq.,

M.S. A. Salisbury Chambers, Boscomle, Bourne-
mouth

Pike, Laurence, Esq. Furzebrook, Corfe Castle, Wareham

July 18th, 1894, Wrackleford Meeting.

Burt, Miss Emma
Hudson, Dr. Horace
Linklater, Rev. Robert

Watson, Rev, William

Purbeck House, Swanage

Sturnunster Newton

Holy Trinity Rectory, Stroud Green,

London, N.
County School, Dorchester

August Iotii, 1894, IIrideiieap Meeting.

I.onsdale, Rev. J. H. Sluoton Rectory, Rlandfoxl

Me.ade, Miss Biunswick Buildiui^s, Weyianuth

Russell, Godfrey F., Esq. Kinson House, Wiuiborne

Wordsuortli, Rev. C'auou Tyneliam Itectory, Warfliani

SePTEMREI! OTH, 1894, RiAN.STON MEETING.

Coote, Rev. H. C. St. John's, ^Yeynloutll

Ilanibro, Mrs. Milton Abbey, Blandford

Hussey, Rev. J. Piniperne Rectory, Blandford

Mansel-Pleydell, Mrs. ^Yllatcolube, Blandfonl

Rooper, T. G., Esq. Pen Selwood, BourneuKMitli

December IOth, 1894, Dorchester Meeting.

Bonser, Geo., Esq. Seaborough Court, Crewkerne

Evans, Rev. Canon St. Alpliege, Paukstone, Dorset

Stewart, James S., Esq Deesa, Parkstone, Dorset

Ilcta |Hcmbcr5 ©Icctcb since the |Jublicatton
of DoL xib.

March Iotii, 1894, Dorchester Meeting.

Cluucli, Colouel Arthur
Gillett, liichard Wm., Esq.
Hawkins, W., Esq.
Lewis, Rev. G. Bridges
Lock, A. H., Esq.
McLean, Dr. AHan
Payne, Miss Florence
Pearce, Miss
_1Mq. SiilHeiiry, Bart.

St. Albans, liodwell, Weymouth

2, Gloucester Row, Weymouth

Abbotsbury, Dorchester

4, Church Street, Broadstone, Wimborne

Dorchester

St. Martin's, Weymouth

Rydal, Wimborne

Somerleigli Gate, Dorchester

Fleet House, near Weymouth

M.S.X. '"
Pike, Laurence, Esq.

Salisbury Cliambei's, Boscombe, Bourne-
mouth
Furzebrook, Corfe Castle, Warehani

July 18th, 1894, Wrackleford Meeting.

Burt, Miss Emma Purbeck House, Swanage

Hudson, Dr. Horace Sturnunster Newton

Linklater, Rev. Robert Holy Trinity Rectory, Stroud Green,

London, N.
Watson, Rev, William County School, Dorchester

August Ioth, 1894, Bridehead Meeting.

Lons.lalo, Rev. J. II.
Meade, Miss

Itussell, Godfrey F., E^q.
Wunlswoith, Rev. Cauuii

Sliioton Rectory, Bland ford
Brunswick Buildini;s, Weyniontli
Kinson House, Winiborne
Tynehaui Rectory, Wareliaui

Septkmoei; 6th, 1894, Raxston Meeting.

Coote, Rev. H. C.
Ilambro, Mr.s.
Hussey, Rev. J.
Mansel-Pleydell, Mrs.
Rooper, T. G., Esq.

St. John's, Weymouth
Milton Abbey, Blandford
Fiinperne Rectory, Blandford
Whatconibe, Blandfortl
Pen Selwood, Bournemouth

-S^oo'^^^

^hc |3rocccliings

OF THE

Sorbet Itvitural gistoii) m\b ^ntiquariiiit
Jiclb €hib

During the Season 1893-4.

By NELSON M. RICHARDSON, B.A., F.E.S.

The work of the Club during the season 1893-4 has conii>rised the
annual business meeting at the County Museum, Dorchester, on Thurs-
day, May 18th, 1893 ; a meeting in the neighbourhood of Ringwood, in
the New Forest, on Tuesday, June •20th ; a two-days' meeting in the
neighbourhood of Shaftesbury on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 11th
and 12th ; a meeting at Abbotsbury on Wednesday, August 9th ; and
one in Central Dorset on Wednesday, August 30th ; also two in-door
meetings at tlie County ISIuseum, Dorchester, on Friday, December 8th,
1893, and Thursday, March 15th, 1894.

Volume XIV. of the " Proceedings " was issued in the winter.

The Annual Meeting, which was held in the Museum on Thursday,
May 18th, w as attended by about 35 members, the President being in the
chair.

Election of New Members.— Tliree new members were elected.

Financial Report of the Treasurer.— The Hon. Treasurer (Rev.
O. P. Cambridge) read the following statement :—

" The financial statement I have to make to you to-day is in some
respects less favourable than that of last year. Still, on the whole,
there is not, I think, much reason for anxiety. We have published a
volume during the past year, of just short of 300 pages, exceeding in
length the volume of the preceding year by over 30 pages, and exceeding
that of Vol. XL (the longest before published) by about 40 pages. The
plates of the past year's volume have also been many and well executed,
costing our Field Club a heavy sum in spite of those plates that our
excellent President paid for himself. In order to clear off our debts,
therefore, and to keep within our probable income, we shall have to
curtail Vol. XV. now in press and stint ourselves a little in the matter
of illustrations. The arrears due to us are larger than last year (£66, as

against £53 10s.). Our receipts on account of subscriptions and arrears
are, however, greater by about £5 ; but on account of sale of Proceedings
Ave have only received £6 odd, as against £12 in the previous year. By
my general statement you will see that if all our arrears and subscriptions
for the present year were duly paid we should have an income for the
year's expenses. This, with those subscriptions for the next year,
usually received early in the year, would have given us ample for the
defraying of the cost of a volume equal to any we have yet prDduced. As
it is, I fear it is hopeless to expect all these arrears to come in, and so we
must cut our coat a little more scanty to meet the diminished breadth of
cloth. The influx of new members last year was considerable, but we
also lost many by resignation and death. The total of members now on
oar list is 291, as against 277 last year." (Applause.)

The balance sheet showed that the receipts for the year ending May
5th, 1893, amounted to £149 15s. 7d. and the payments to £148 17s. 3d.,
leaving a balance in hand of 18s, 4d. Arrears due to the Club for the
yea'- 1892 amounted to £15, and for more than a year to £51, while the sub-
scriptions still due for 1893 reached the sum of £113 10s. If these assets
were taken into account and set off against the liabilities it would show
a balance in favour of the Club of £143 3s. 7d.

President's Address.— The President then delivered his annivensary
address, which will be found following this article in V'ol. XIV. of
the Club's "Proceedings." After a graceful tribute to the memory of
the late Mr. Thomas Bond, he proceeded to give a long and learned
discourse on "The Genealogy of Plants duiing the Past yEons of the
World's History," ending with an account of antiquarian discoveries at
Rushmore, of the finding of some bones of a hesiver (Castor fber) nea,r
Blandford by Mr. Galpin, of certain geological discoveries by Mr. A. J.
Jukes Browne, of the Dover borings for coal and some of the fossil plants
found in them, of the occurrence of five birds, believed to be Bustards,
at Whatcombe, of the addition of six plants to the Dorset Flora, and of
the occurrence of several rare birds in Dorset.

General Tennant proposed and Kev. Canon Ravenhill seconded a vote
of thanks to the President for his able and interesting address, after
Avhich the Club adjourned for three-quarters of an hour for luncheon, it
being about two o'clock.

Keport of the Curator of the Museum.— After luncheon Mr.
H. J. Moule read the following account of the progress of the Museum
collections : —

" In beginning a report on the Dorset Museum for the last twelvomontli
we will hrst take up the less essential sections of the institution, linishing

with that of most importance. Of course, in this last clause, I mean
specimens of any kind belonging to Dorset. In the library we have some
few valuable additions to record. In the forefront must be mentioned
the third volume of General Pitt-Rivers' Excavations, a gift from the
author. This volume treats partly of Bokerley Dyke, proving once for
all, after endless conjectural discussions, that at least a portion of it is
not earlier than the close of tlie Roman domination here. In short, tiie
General's researches supply a new point in support of the opinion of Dr.
Guest and others— that that part of Dorset was the scene of the great
overthrow of the Teutons at the hands of the Romano- Britons, duce
Arturo, Nay, it is lawful to think that Arthur may have been ' at the
biggin o't.' Another valuable acquisition, also partly bearing on Dorset
antiquities, is Stukeley's Itinefarium Curiosum. Our want of this book
was much felt, but is now supplied through the kindness of Dr. Smart.
He has also presented some interesting MS. memoranda of ancient
graves found on Portland in 1851. Mr. Whitaker has given a copy of an
important paper by Professor Piestwich on the raised beaches of Portland
and otlier places. We have received from Mr. Hansford and Mr. Stone
28 volumes of local newspapers of the early part of this century,
including several of the Dorset County Chronicle, not before in our series.
Again, to close the library gifts connected with Dorset, our Club has
presented Vol. XIV. of the ' Proceedings ; ' and the Rev. W. M. Barnes
has given us a transcript by himself of many passages in the Pipe Rolls,
relating to the county. The Rev. H. C. Reichardt has given a parchment
roll of the book of Esther, in Hebrew, and has lent a most interesting
MS. Virgil, of the twelfth or thirteenth century. Lastly, but unwillingly
passing over other books received, I have the great pleasure of recording
a new gift from our former benefactor, Mr. T. D. Galpin. He has given
five valuable books, including the ' The Carrier of Columbus,' a most
interesting woik, and 'Our Own Country,' in six volumes. We now
hasten to notice the Museum itself. In the non-Dorset department the
President presented a specimen of a New Zealand caterpillar, Hepialus
virescens, killed (as is not infrequently the case with this species)
by a fungus several inches long [Sphmria Rohertiana), which grows
out of its body. The executors of the late Colonel Hambro have
lately sent several Thibetan curiosities, including two Buddhist
cylinders, or praying machines. These things were only recently
discovered to be noted by the Colonel as intended for the Museum.
The Rev. J. G. Barnsdale has presented a ' Samian ' patera from
Whitstable. In the course of the year several loans have been placed
in the Museum, particularly some fine French and Japanese works of

XXIU.

art, belonging to Mr. K. Cornish and Mr. Knapp. And, quite recently,
we have had for a short time the first muster roll of the Dorsei
Itegiment of Yeomanry, and two maps relating to preparations for the
expected defence of the county in 1794, all lent by Mr. Fetherstonhaugh
Frampton. We are brought by this loan to the Dorset department of
the Museum, in -which we have had another also — namely, that
of a small bronze bull found near Bridport by Mr. Kails, and
lent by him through the good offices of Mr. W. B. Stone. We
now come to gifts to the Dorset Museum proper. In the natural
history department there are few acquisitions to record, but
some of them are very good. The Rev. Sir T. H. B. Baker
has presented several valuable specimens of fossil wood from
Portland, especially an extremely fine root-end of a tree. Mr. White
at the same time gave a choice polished specimen of silicified Isastnca
oblonga. This, strangely enough, wPS found to be part and parcel of a
specimen in the Damon collection. The two portions are now cemented
together. We have received an inconspicuous, but rare, fossil foraminifer,
Wchbina irregularis, adhering to a Gryphcca dilatata, from the Jordan
Hill Oxford Clay. This specimen was found and given by a total strangei-,
Mr. Formby, of Batii, who was on a passing visit at Weymouth. The
President has presented a rare fossil fish, Pholidophorus brevis ; and Mr.
Fetherstonhaugh Frampton and the Hon. Ivan Campbell good specimens
of Lignite. The Council have bought, through the interest of Mr.
Andrews, of Swanage, a very fine fossil fish, Lepidotus minor. But
probably the most interesting addition to the collections of fossils
or quasi fossils consists of the jaw and other bones of a
beaver found in a cavity in the chalk close to the Stour, near
Blandford. These were presented by our friend, Mr. Galpin. The
Dorset Natural History recent collections have been enriched by
the gifts of a Solitary Snipe (Scolopax major) from Mr. Crane and a
9|lb. trout fiom Major Clapcott. We come now to notice Dorset
antiquities lately given. Let me say, as I fear that I always have to say
on these occasions, that the list of such gifts is vastly shorter than it
should be, considering the claims of the County Museum to be the home
ot county finds. But, on the other hand, our twelvemonth's acquisitions,
if few, include some very good things. Taking these roughly in order of
their reception, I first record a flint-scraper from Buzbury given by Mv.
Hogg. At first sight it looks like an ordinary hollow scraper. But, in
fact, it is a curiosity, from its hollow edge being ground. A smooth flint,
on which it seems to fit, was found near it. Just possil)ly it may have
been used tor grinding by the hel]) of sand. Another worked Hint— viz.,

a capital liarbetl aiTowliead from near Wool— was presented by the Eev.
J. Bond. Tlie Rev. G. W. Butler sent us a rude stone basin from
Broadmayne and Mr. J. Burden, of Blandford, another from an unspecified
Dorset locality. Both probably are corn-mortars. Next comes a group
of relics of apparently Roman date found in Mr. Paine's garden at
Wareham House, Fordington. They are partly given by him, partly
lent by Mr. Montagu Guest, and all found through the zeal of my
helper, Mr. H. Voss, in my absence from home. There are four beads,
two pairs of ear-rings of thin silver wire, and remains of a comb much like
one found by General Fitt-Rivers near Rushmore. But the most curious
thing is a little fragment of the base of a pot of some kind of ' Upchurch '
ware. It has on it two eyelets which, close to the base, form a very
uncommon feature. Perhaps the vessel was a lamp and the eyelets were
to carry wires for suspension. A sediment in the vessel may be the remains
of oil. In the early part of the twelvemonth Mr. Pearce Edgcumbe
presented more than a hundred Roman coins, a bronze unguent spoon,
and other things found in his garden at Somerleigh Court. But he
has added to this gift several articles, from an 18th century foil to Roman
coins, just found in three graves close to Maumbury Rings. The most
noteworthy is an ' Upchurch ' cup of uncommon type. It is straight-
sided, about three inches each way, and has two handles. In its rare
shape and perfect preservation this little vessel is a most valuable
acquisition. This is as good a general selection as I can achieve, looking
through the twelvemonth's gains. Many interesting things are, however,
omitted, such as most extraordinary seed vessels oi Martynia prohoscidea,
given by Mr. Fetherstonhaugh Frampton. Still, I have registered
enough to show that in the Dorset Museum we are not standing still. Yet
I must repeat that the Museum seems to be too often overlooked when
antiquities are unearthed in the county. I need not go into a report of
the work done in the Museum. My task at the present moment is the
pressing one of spreading out the crowded collection of Dorset birds.
This has lately been made possible by the purchase of a new Avail case.
Museum work does not diminish. But this is said in no tone of complaint.
With the growth of work my interest in it grows too, not in an equal,
but in a much greater degree."

Election of Officers.— The three officers of the Club were unani-
mously re-elected, Mr. Mansel Pleydell being proposed by Canon
Ravenhill and seconded by Mr. Phillips. The President, in acknowledging
his re-election, spoke of the progress made by the Club in the last few-
years and alluded to the fact that the " Proceedings " of the Club were
appreciated not only in the county, but in the scientific world. Dorset

XXV.

afforded a tplendid field for scientific research and much that was inter-
esting to the geologist.

The Rev. 0. P. Cambridge was re-elected Hon. Treasurer on the
motion of Mr. Cunnington, seconded by Mr. G. Mayo, and Mr. N. M.
Richardson Hon. Secretary on the motion of Mr, Phillips, seconded by
Mr. Moule. Mr. Richardson, in replying, thanked his antiquarian and
other friends who had helped him in various ways in connection with the
meetings, and hoped that they would continue to give him their aid
during the coming season.

Programme for the Summer Meetings.— The following meetings
were proposed, the first four being accepted : —

(1.) Ringwood, including an invitation to tea at Moyles Court from Mr.
F. Fane (23 votes). (2.) Shaftesbury, a two days' meeting (2,3 votes).
(3.) Central Dorset, including an invitation to tea from Col. and Mrs.
Bingham, at Bingham's Melcombe (17 votes). (4.) Abbotsbury (14 votes).
(5.) Melbury. (6.) Toller Fratrum. (7.) Salisbury.

Exhibition of Objects of Interest.— These included (1) a
photograph of a British camp in Rushmore, which was being excavated
by Gen. Pitt Rivers, shown by the President ; (2) a bronze hatchet
found by the President at Milborne St. Andrew ; (3) some bones of a
beaver found by M'-. Galpin near Tarrant Keynston on the banks of the
Stour, including jawbones, four vertebra^, some limb bones, and four ribs ;
(4) a portion of the base of a pottery vessel found at Wareham House,
Dorchester, w ith eyelet holes for suspension placed unusually low down
near the bottom ; (5) a Cranborne trade token bearing the inscription of
Henry Castell,1666 ; (6) a duckbill [Ornithorhynchus paradoxus) presented
to the Museum by Mr. W. G. Boswell Stone ; (7) a seed vessel of Marty nia
2^rohoscidca presented by Mr. R. P. Fetherstonhaugh Frampton ; and (S)
a line specimen of the Camberwell Beauty {Vanessa Antiopa) caught at
Blandford, shown by Mrs. Forrester.

Paper Read.— A paper, " On Local Stone Markings," which was read
by Mr. T. B. Groves and illustrated on the blackboard, will be found
given at length in the present volume. This terminated the meeting.

Moyles Court, Ringwood, Meeting.— The first summer meeting
of 1893 was held under favourable auspices as to weather, &c., on
Tuesday, June 20th. Meeting at Ringwood Station at 10.11 a.m., the
party, which numbered about 100, drove through beautiful parts of the
Forest by Picket Post and Bratley wood to Broomy Lodge, where they
dismounted and walked some distance to Sloden enclosure, where were
situated some ancient Roman ])Otteries. What now remained of tliese

XXVI.

consisted of several small black-looking- monmls, whicli, on being opened
with tlie spade, •were seen to consist of large quantities of bi oken pieces
of black pottery, some showing considerable artistic shape and ornamen-
tation. Mr. Fane spoke on the subject as follows :—

" It is very unfortunate that we have no one here to-day who is able to
give any assistance in finding any of the objects of interest wdiich lie
all about us. The barrows and Romano-British kilns which exist in
many parts of the Forest were examined in many cases about forty years
ago by the Rev. J. Pemberton Bartlett, and as far as I can make out,
by Mr. Wise, who has made an exhaustive monograph on the Forest,
about ten years later, or thirty odd years ago.

Unfortunately, since then the character of the ground surface has
greatly changed, and many of the spots of interest have been taken in to
the Crown enclosure. Trees, branches, and thorns have grown up to hide
all previous excavations, and even the persons who then assisted in these
excavations have now lost all knowledge of their whereabouts.

Mr. Wise opened many of the barrows and shows that these were
universally of the most ancient Celtic character, containing a few rough
cinerary urns, with no traces of body burial, the urns being so decayed
as to be in scarcely any case brought out whole. With the exception of
a solitary stonehammer, some doubtful slinging pebbles, and flakes of
flint, no tools were found — no iron, bronze, or bonework of any sort,
no teeth, bones, or horn cores of animals occur, as they so often do in
Celtic barrows. The mounds which contained mortuary urns are, as a
rule, more elevated than the others. The primitive rudeness of these
burials all point to a people whose living was gained rather by hunting
than by commerce or agriculture.

The Romano-British Potteries exist in various parts of the Forest, but
mostly in very inaccessible spots. They are all of the same character.and
the mounds contain vast quantities of broken pottery and clay ready for
using. Tlie only clue to their dates are coins of Victorinus and Claudius
Gothicus, A.D. 268, of which 1,700 were found in one of the thumb pots."

Mr. Fane called the attention of the party to the abundance
of nettles over the pottery mounds, and said that it Avas stated by Mr.
Wise that nettles and chick weed grew on the sites of any ancient buildings
in the Forest. Mr. E. Cunnington said that the pottery there was not
equal to some found in the New Forest at Crockhill, nearer to Fording-
bridge, where there was a large pottery for many years, pieces fiom
which were marked with flutings made for grasping with the fingers. The
black Roman ware was made by the same method as a piece of his own
manufacture, viz., by stifle-burning by fires of couch or other vegetable

matter, -which gcave the black colour. The pottery varied considerably
in appearance in different parts of the country, according to the clay
which happened to be used and the mixtures which were made. Some of
the fragments in the present pottery mounds were of vessels which would
hold one or two gallons. Of finer pottery there was of course the Samian,
made at Samos ; but the Romans imitated it and made it all over their
dominions. Mr. Cunnington exhibited an excellent specimen which was
found at Bath, and observed that all Samian ware was imported.

After luncheon, which was eaten amongst the pottery-mounds, the party
returned to the breaks and drove to INIoyles Court, where a paper was
read by Mr. Fane " On Moyles Court," chiefly dealing with the sad and
romantic history of Alice Lisle, This paper will be found in the present
volume. The President, having expressed the thanks of the Club to Mr.
and Mrs. Fane, tea was partaken of at their kind invita-
tion, and the house, which contained many objects of interest, oak
carvings, tapestry, »S:c., inspected. At 4.15 the party drove to Ellingham
Church, about a mile distant, the burial place of Alice Lisle, where a
short paper was read by Mr. Fane, which will be found at length in this
volume ; thence, at 4.45, to Somerley, where Lord Normanton had kindly
allowed the Club to see his fine collection of pictures. Having spent some
time in examining tliese and the many articles of virtu, as well as some
of the contents of the library, the party left to catch the 6.34 down train
at Ringwood.

New Members.— Eight were elected at this meeting.

Shaftesbury Meeting (Two Days).— A meeting Avas" held at
Shaftesbury on Tuesday, July 11th, 1893, and on July 12th in the
neighbourhood.

The Hon. Sec. Avas assisted in the arrangement by the Revs. T. Perkins
and R. Thurlow, who acted as a local committee at Shaftesbury.
About 35 members met on July 11th, at midday, at Semley Station and
drove to Shaftesbury, about 2i miles distant, which is situated on the
top of a hill, more than 700ft. above the sea level, and commands very
extensive views of the surrounding country. At 3 p.m. a
meeting was held in the Town Hall, the President being in the chair.
Amongst numerous articles of municipal and local interest exhibited by
the Mayor and Corporation and others were the following :— The Ciiarter
of Incorporation of the borough granted by Charles IL in 1666, a lease
(lent by Lord Arundell of Wardour) dated Feb. 5th, 1538, from Elizabeth
Zouclie, Abbess of Shaftesbury, to Sir Thomas Arundell willi tlie Luge
seal of the Abbey appended, the two boiougli maces of silver, one dating

XXVIll.

back to UEdwanl IV., the other having the date 1604 inscribed, together
with the Koyal Arms and initials of James I. This is also the date of
the original Charter of Incorporation, Avhicli was replaced by the one
mentioned above. The Communion plate of Holy Trinity Church, dated
1670, was lent by Eev. F. Ehlvers, the Rector. On the chalice is
engraved " This chalice belongeth to the Holy Trinity of Shaston, 1670."
A pewter flagon from St. Peter's Church dated 1770 was also exhibited,
as well as many other relics of the past history of the town.

After the election of new members it was decided that Mr. Morton
Stuart be asked to again represent the Club at the British Association
meeting at Nottingham, but that should he be unable to do so Mr.
Hansford be elected its representative. A paper was then read by Rev.
C. Mayo " On Shaftesbury," which will be found in the present volume,
together with an illustration of the ancient seal of Shaftesbury.

After a few remarks by the Mayor upon the maces, and from Mr. Powell
on the growing perception of the public of the advantages of Shaftesbury
as a health and pleasure resort, the party adjourned to the next room,
where arrangements had been made for tea.

The Rev. F. Ehlvers then acted as cicerone in a walk to the chief
points of antiquarian interest in the town, beginning at St. Peter's Church,
an ancient biiilding. Over the door are seen amongst other armorial
bearings the Arms of the See of Winchester, a sword between two keys,
and inside is a brass plate supposed to have been brought from the Abbey,
Avith an inscription to Stephen Payne, Esq., seneschal to the Abbey, who
died Dec. 4th, 1508. On Gold Hill, close by, the party were detained a
short time by a heavy storm of rain and had the opportunity of inspecting
a portion of the old wall of the town (or perhaps of the Abbey) of massive
construction, with large buttresses. A blocked-up door in the wall is
supposed to lead into an underground passage, and some time before
a bricked -in passage had been discovered under the Abbey House near,
but does not appear to have been investigated. Mr. Ehlvers next led the
way to some gardens where were the ruins of the Abbey, of which very
little remains, and pointed out where atesselated pavement was discovered.
It was hoped that further excavations might be made. The remains of
Edward the Martyr and Edward the Confessor were interred at Shaftes-
bury ; and the names of Gold Hill and Copper Hill were derived from the
old mints granted to Shaftesbury by Athelstan. The party also inspected
the modern church of Holy Trinity and the house of Miss Franks, which
contained many things of interest ; amongst others a stone cross with
representations of the Crucifixion and Nativity inserted in it.
About 60 members of the Club and visitors sat down to dinner at the

XXIX.

Giosvenor Arms at 7.0 p.m., when, after the usual loyal toast and tlie
healths of the Mayor and the President, the curfew hell, which is
still nightly rung at Shaftesbury, sounded at S o'clock, and a move was
made to the Town Hall, where an evening meeting Avas to he held.

A paper was read by Rev. T. Perkins " On the desii-ability of a Photo-
graphic Survey of the County," which will be found in this volume.
Considerable discussion ensued, in which the I'resident, Secretary, Rev.
F. Weaver, Mr. T. A. Colfox, and others took part, and it was finally
decided to appoint a committee, consisting of Rev. W. Perkins (-who Avas
afterwards elected Director of the committee), Captain Acland, Mr. C.
C. H. D'Aeth, Rev. ^V. Miles Barnes, Mr. T. A. Colfox, and the Hon.
Secretary cx-officio. Details were to be settled by the committee, but
the outline was that members of the Club and others ready to help should
photograph all subjects of a suitable nature Avithin their allotted portion
of the county, Avhicli Avas to be divided up according to convenience of
Avorking, ind that these photographs should be mounted in albums and kept
at the Dorset County Museum. The meeting broke up at about 10 p.m.

Second Day.— On the morning of Wednesday, July 12th, the number
taking jmrt in the meeting Avas increased to about 85, including 15 of the
inhabitants of Shaftesbury, Avho Avere invited by the Club to take part
in the excursion. Leaving the Grosvenor Arms at about 10 a.m., the
party d'-ove through pretty Avooded scenery to old Wardour Castle, a Avell
preserved ruin, Avhere a paper Avas read by Rev. T. Perkins " On Old
Wardour," Avhich Avill be found, illustrated by three vieAvs of the old
castle, in this volume. After an inspection of the ruins, in which the
large banqueting hall Avas a striking feature, the party made their Avay to
the new castle, the residence of Lord Arundell, Avho courteously conducted
the Club through some of the rooms containing family portraits and other
pictures by Rubens, Vandyke, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Thomas LaAvrence,
&c., and provided refreshments for them. An irouAVood tree groAving near
the ruins Avas a source of much interest. It Avas of very large size and
split up almost from the base into numerous trunks. It had been brought
from S. America, and certainly flourished Avell in its adopted soil.

Whilst at the neAv castle the party Avere admitted in detachments into
the adjoining chapel, erected in 1776 after a design by Quarenghi, a
Venetian. The altar is composed of agate, alabaster, and rare marbles ;
the sarcophagus of verd-antique. In the vestry are several beautiful
vestments richly embroidered. The altar piece is by Guisepe Cadiz, an
eminent Spanish artist of the last century, and there are several other
good paintings.

A drive of ih miles through Tisbury brought the party to
Fonthill House, belonging to Mr. A. Morrison, who, though away
from home, had most kindly allowed the Club to see the whole of his
house and its contents, among which were specially noticeable some large
vases, 4ft. or more high, of very fine cloisonne work, and other vases
and ornaments of a similar elaborate and costly character. One long
room contained a number of large tables, the tops of which were made of
differently coloured agates, Labrador spar, malachite, and other beautiful
stones ; also massive vases composed of similar materials, A heavy
shower of rain overtook the party on their way back lo the carriages,
which had been left at the Beckford Arms, close to the entrance to the
drive, but the trees in the park afforded excellent shelter.

Fonthill Abbey was next visited by kind permission of Sir Michael
Shaw Stewart, Bart., whose son, Mr. W. Shaw Stewart, led the Avay to
the old oratory and read the following paper on Fonthill, with some
account of Mr. Beckford's tower-building and other schemes : —

" The Manor of Fonthill, so called probably from the abundant springs
that gush from the sides of its hills, derived its additional name of
Gifford from the ancient family of that name, who held it with fourteen
other manors in Wilts shortly after the Norman Conquest. ' Fontel ' is
described in Domesday Book as part of the possessions of Berenger
Gifford, in whose family it continued until King John's time, Avhen
Kobert Gifford sold it to Sir Piobert Mauduit, Knt. In the reign of
Edward III. his descendant, John Mauduit, obtained a charter from the
king of free Avarren in all his lands at ' Funtell ' and other manors in
Wilts.

The family of the Lords Moleyns were the next possessors and were
succeeded by Sir Robert Hungerford, whose attainder in 1461 caused the
whole of his estates to be seized by the Crown. They were then granted to
Lord Weulock, slain in rebellion at Tewkesbury, and as he left no issue the
estate again reverted to the Crown. The Mervyns next held the manor,
and it remained in their family until 1631, the year of the attainder of
Mervyn Lord Audley, when it again became forfeited to the Crown. It
was then granted to Sir Francis, afterwards Lord Cottington, a distin-
guished Courtier and Minister of James I. and Charles L His son. Sir
Thomas Cottington, who appears to have offended Parliament
by assisting the Earl of Marlborough in his attempts to relieve
Wardour Castle, had the whole of his estates confiscated,
and Fonthill was given to President Bradshaw, upon whose death
Lord Cottington returned to his house with a large party of friends and
followers, and, driving out Bradshaw "s heir, maintained himself against

any further attacks until the restoration, which confirmed him in quiet
possession. It continued with his family during the succeeding reigns,
and until sold to Alderman Beckford, about the niiildle of the last
century, and it is now that the modern history of Fonthill interests us.
The earliest account of a family house at Fontliill is derived from an old
painting dated 1566, which represents an important residence of the
Elizabethan type, enclosed within walls and approached by a turreted
gatehouse. Tliis was probably built or greatl;y enlarged during the long
occupation of the Mervyn family. Another house followed, built by
Lord Cottington, and said to have been designed by Inigo Jones, who
designed the archway leading into the park (and this archway still
remains). This second house came into Alderman Beckford's possession
A\ith the Fonthill Estate, and, after he had lai-gely improved and
furnished it, it was burnt down in 1755,

The new house (one of the wings of which is now the centre of Mr.
Morrison's house) was a handsome building with the centre and two wings,
connected by corridors and splendidly furnished ; the entrance hall
measured 90ft. by 40ft., and it was reputed to be one of the finest houses in
the West of England.

The Alderman died in 1770 ; his father, Peter Beckford, had been
Speaker of the House of Assembly in Jamaica, and his grandfather, of
the same name, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of that island.
Alderman Beckford married the daughter and co-heiressof the Hon. George
Hamilton, M.P. for the city of Wells, by whom he had an only son,
William, the builder of Fonthill Abbey, a minor at the time of his father's
death, and reported to be the richest Commoner of his day. He represented
Wells in Parliament and afterwards sat for Hindon, and married I-ady
]\Iargaret Gordon, only daughter of the 4th Earl of Aboyne. By her he
had two daughters, one becoming Mrs. Ord and the other Duchess of
Hamilton. He increased the Fonthill Estate by the addition of several
thousand acres and soon began to rear a temporary buikling about a mile
from the old house. This was the nucleus of the afterwards magnificent
Fonthill Abbey, the whole of the old house, except the one pavilion or
Aving (already mentioned) being demolished, and a public sale held.
What is said to have cost £250,000 Avas sold for £9,000 ! In 1796
Beckford, assisted by the architect, James AVyatt, began to erect on this
spot the building known as the Abbey.

The ground plan was a cross of four limbs of nearly equal length, with
an octagonal tower of nearly 300 feet in height at the intersection.

The doors at the entrance were 30 feet high, opening in to a vast
Gothic hall leading by steps to the central octagon, a groined room, of

great height ; this led to King Edward's Gallery, terminating in the
oratory (in which we stand). On the other side were St. Michael's Gallery
and the Yellow Danish Chamber, with many other rooms filled with rare
books, rare Oriental china, and pictures of well known reputation.

The Abbey was evidently never intended as a permanent dwelling,
timber and cement being the principal articles used in its construction,
which was pushed on Avithout a single delay, fresh bands of workmen
relieving at night those Avho worked by day. The first tower, 300 feet
high, was consequently overturned by a sudden storm, and Mr. Beckford is
said to have regretted that he did not personally witness the crash. A
new one was afterwards built and also fell some 20 years later. About
this time, 1800, before the old house was demolished, Lord Nelson, having
passed through Salisbury, where he received the freedom of the city at
the hands of the Mayor and Corporation, was a guest, with other
distinguished persons, of Mr. Beckford. Seven years later Mr. Beck-
ford made the Abbey his residence and spent some 13 years in solitary
splendour, seldom visiting the outside world. A wall, 12 teet high,
topped by a chevaux-de-frise, surrounded the grounds, which contained
walks and rides planned by himself and extending to twenty miles. Many
attempts were made by strangers to obtain admittance to the grounds
and gardens, but few were successful. Mr. Beckford sold the contents of
the Abbey (probably owing to a depreciation in his West Indian
property) in 1822, 7,200 catalogues at a guinea each being sold, Mr.
John Farquhar, a retired East Indian merchant, paying £330,000 for the
Abbey (as it stood) and land. Other sales of the library and china and
pictures ensued, the last one continuing for 57 days.

On 21st Dec, 1825, the principal towei fell across Fountain Court, and
destroyed the hall, the octagon, and the greater part of the galleries.
This was not unexpected, Mr. Beckford having informed Mr. Farquhar of
the vibration and insecurity of its foundations. Only one person was hurt.

The estate was again sold by auction and divided into two. Lord
Westminster buying the site of the Abbey and woods and Mr. Morrison
the remaining wing of the old house of Alderman Beckford, now the
residence of Mr. Alfred Morrison.

Mr. Beckford died at Bath, Avhere he built a high tower (150ft.), on
Lansdown, in May, 1844, and is buried in the cemetery at Lansdown.
Many of the family are buried at Fonthill Gifford, the church having
been built by Lord Westminster in 1866 on the site of the old one erected
by the late Alderman Beckford."

After hearing the paper, which was illustrated by an excellent model of
the original Abbey,of which a small part only now remains, including one

XXXlll.

of the lei5sei- towers, -which some of the pcarty ascended, anl after a
[ileasaiit walk through the woods surrounding the liouse (in which were
many fine trees, including a small group of the deciduous cypress, three
in number), do\\n to the edge of a picturesque lake, the party once more
joined the breaks and drove to Tisbury Church, where the chief architec-
tural features were pointed out by the Vicar, Rev. F. Hutchinson, who
also gave a short account of the church as follows :—

" The oldest part of the church, the north porch and tower arches,
date from the 13th century. The first church, of which there are traces,
had a nave with low arcading, and very low lean-to aisles, of which the
south-west window still remains. Early in the 15th century the nave
was raised, the aisles widened, and at a still later date probably Perjjen-
dicular windows were inserted and a clerestory added. The cuttings in
the wall of the south aisle are believed to belong to the hammer beams
of an older waggon roof. The beautiful ceiling of the south aisle has
been restored, under Messrs. Slater and Carpenter. The north aisle,
which has been partly destroyed by the fall of the sjiire, has this inscrip-
tion— 'In the year of our Lord 1560 this hele was set up,' Hele being Saxon
for 'to cover,' hence Hell, Hcllier, roofer, d-c. The north transept was
dedicated as a chapel to St. John Baptist, the patron saint of the church.
Its floor was formerly raised, and a crypt was under it, with round holes
in the wall, which have been preserved, for rolling down sculls into the
ossuary. The crypt has been filled up, the floor lowered to the level of
the church, and debased windoMS replaced by one of better style and
an eastern arch leading into a new organ chamber, which with two
vestries was added by Mr. Chi istian, as well as a new roof. The ancient
tower too narrow for the present proportions, has a second stage added in
the 14th century, and a superstructure 170 years ago. At the entrance to
the chancel a second arch was added, in vain, to sup])ort the tower, and a
larger chancel was built either at the end of the 15th century or possibly
later. The Vicar hazarded the opinion that the grotesque qualrefoils in
the side windows Avere of the 17th century, iu which alone similar forms
are to be found. The east window is said to have been built by Sir C.
Wren, in place of a much larger one, the joints of which still remain.
The roof is a new one copied by Mr. Evan Christian from the ancient
one, which was decayed and hidden by a round ceiling of lath and
plaster. The reredos is enriched by a bas-relief by Mr. Tinwoith,
representing the appearance of the risen Lord to Mary Magdalene, y\hh
the words ' Touch me not, &c.' The tomb is copied from dia wings in
Palestine by General Chesney. An interesting description was given
by the Vicar of the Avhole design, including the stone which was in the

shape of a flat millstone rolling in a chiselled trough, explaining the
words — ' Who shall roll us away the stone,' ' for it was great.' Also he
explained the mode of hurial, the sealing, &c. This was also illustrated
by a model exhibition at the Vicarage.

After visiting the church tea was provided in the church room, and some
of the party visited the Vicarage to see sundry heirlooms and curiosities,
including a first folio Shakespeare, title deeds, temp. Edw. III., &c.
Cabinets and manuscripts of Mrs, Lucy Hutchinson, authoress of
the memoirs, a silver gilt cup given hj Queen Elizabeth to her cousin.
Sir Francis Boteler, salvers and other plate belonging to James Brydges,
Duke of Cliandos, a court suit, temp. George II., a Piayer Book belonging
to Fairfax, a portrait by Janet of Grey, Earl of Dorset, father of Lady
Jane Grey, and others by Vandyke, Lely, Kneller, Romney, Lawrence,
&c., a large china bowl with portraits of the Emperors of the Ming
dynasty of China, 400 years old, and greatly desired by the Chinese
Government, Punic tessera3 from Carthage, &c., &c."

The majority of those present left Tisbury by the 5.33 down train.

New Member.?.— Five were elected at this meeting.

Abbotsbury Meeting.— The third out-door meeting of the season
was held in the neighbourhood of Abbotsbury on Wednesday, August 9th,
1893, the number present being about 80. Breaks started from Dorches-
ter at 10.6 a.m. and diove through Upwey to Corton, where they were joined
by tlie Weymouth contingent, who had driven vid Chickerell and
Langton Herring Cross. By the kind permission of Mrs. Mayo the little
chapel of Corton was inspected, as well as the adjoining old house. The
latter contained some old mullioned windows and four-centered arches,
indicating a bnilding of the 16th century. The little chapel, containing
a pre-Reformation altar, was next visited and its history and description
given in a paper by Rev. W. M. Barnes, who said that he proposed to
raise a fund for repairing the edifice, so that it might be used for public
worship. The paper will be found later on in this volume. Tlie Rev. F.
W. Weaver drew attention to what were apparently traces of frescoes on
the walls.

Leaving Corton, the party drove down the valley, past West Waddon
House, to Portesham Churchyard, where a paper, which is printed in this
volume, was lead by Mr. E. Cunnington " On Hell Stone." It had been
intended to visit the stone, but time being short tliis was omitted from
the programme. ]\Ir. Cunnington exhibited in illustration of his paper
somebeautifully polished neolithic Celts from Brittany.also a large painted
diagram of a section of one of the barrows on Mr. John Mayo's ground,

XXXV.

and read an account of the find. The barrow Avas 114 feet in diameter.
There was a dolmen 3 feet under the original surface covered over with
a cairn of very large rough stones, the top one weighing no less than a
ton.

The party then entered Portisham Church, where Eev. \Y. ]M. Barnes
pointed out the chief features of interest, stating that the church was
originally a transition Norman structure. Of this building the north wall
remained, Avith the original arches built up. One of them was pierced
with a 15th century window. The outer arch of the porch was of the
same date, and the font showed 13th century influence. Of 13th century
work the priest's doorway was a good example, and the tower ai-ch was
of the same date. The window to the west of the priest's doorway with
plate tracery might be late 13th or very early lith century work. A
window on the north side of the nave was markworthy. It showed that
the movement which resulted on the Continent in the adoption of the
style known as Flamboyant was not Avithout its influence here, though here
the transition from the 14th century Gothic resulted in the Perpendicular
style. The Norman aisle Avas divided from the nave by the before-
mentioned arches, and Avas in all probability taken doAvn late in the i4th
century, Avhen that Avindow was put in. In the loth century the greater
part of the church Avas rebuilt, the nave, the south aisle, the arches, the
roofs, and other details being of this date. The rood-screen, Avith a loft
over it, Avas also erected in the 15th century, but the loft Avas removed in
the following century. The arrangement of hagioscopes on the north side
Avas peculiar. It afforded evidence that there Avas an altar beneath the
screen as Avell as an altar at the east end of the north aisle. The pulpit
Avas Jacobean or Caroline. The parish register goes back to 1567.

On leaving the church the party drove to the Ilchester Arms, Abbots-
bury, Avhere luncheon Avas provided, after Avhich an adjournment Avas
made to the gardens belonging to Lord Ilchester, Avhich he had kindly
allowed the Club to visit. Here the President read a paper " On some
of the Rarer Trees in the Gardens of Abbotsbury Castle," illustrating
it by some of the trees and shrubs groAving in the gardens, Avhich
contain a great variety of interesting forms from many parts of
the globe. He shoAved hoAv these lecent forms Avere allied to those of
Avhich the remains Avere found fossil in the rocks and traced out tiieir
geological history, also dAvelling upon their geographical distribution at
different periods. His paper Avill be found later in the present volume. Lord
E. Cecil, having expressed the thanks of the Club to the President, and
acknowledgment havintr been made of Lord Ilchester's kindness, the party
divided, the greater part ascending the hill to St. Catherine's Chapel. Here

Mr. Moule read again the paper wliicli heliad prepared on the chapel on the
occasion of the last meeting of the Club at Abbotsbury, in 1886. This
paper will be found in Vol. VIII. of the Club's "Proceedings." After
INIr. Moule had read his paper and pointed out the beauties of the stone
roof and other parts of the building the party -walked down to the hotel,
where tea was awaiting them. Those who were able to remain a little
longer paid a short visit of inspection, under the guidance of Dr.
Hawkins, to the church and ruins of the old Monastery, and the meeting
finally broke up at about half-past six o'clock.
New Members. — Nine were elected at this meeting.

Central Dorset Meeting.— The fourth and last of the summer
meetings of the Club was held in Central Dorset on Wednesday, August
30th, 1893, and comprised visits to Plush, Nettlecombe Tout, Mappowder,
Hazelbury Bryan, and Bingham's Melcombe. The weather was all that
could be desired, and the party numbered between 80 and 90. A start
was made from Dorchester at 9.25 a.m., a break also leaving Blandford
at 9.0 a.m. to convey the members from that neighbourhood. The
rendezvous was fixed at Plush Church at 11.0 a.m., where the Rev. Canon
Ravenhill read a paper " On the Parish Church of Hazelbury Bryan,"
which will be found in the present volume.

Leaving Plush, the party drove on to the Fox and Hounds Inn, whence
they walked up the hill opposite and along a ridge, from which
descended on the further side a splendidly-shaped combe like a huge
amphitheatre. The highest point attained was 860 feet above the sea-
level, and fine views could be seen for many miles. After a Avalk of
some distance along the top of the hill, the earthwork, which was not
of any striking dimensions, was reached, and Rev. Sir Talbot Baker
read some notes on the subject. He said that when he was asked to
prepare some remarks about the Tout he felt sonie diffidence about
complying, because till then he had not even seen the hill, and even
the best aichtieologists co\ild say very little about those camps. For the
most part there were no remains to afibrd a clue to those who constructed
the camps ; no coins, for example : Hutchins told them that no coin had
ever been found on the Tout. Again, there were no inscriptions, and
without inscriptions and coins dates could not be fixed. Celts and arrow
heads and fiint implements could only give them an idea of distant periods,
and even bronze implements would tell tlieni only of far distant dates.
He tliought, theiefore, that he would rather speak of those who in all
probability built those camps and give a kind of conjecture as to wliat the
camps were built for. He supposed that there could be no doubt that

that was one of the camps o£ the Durotiiges, the people who inhahited
the hill country of ancient Dorset. The word " Durotriges " meant
" dwellers by the sea.'' Ciwsar told them that the Veneti, a Gallic
tribe who occupied what they now called Brittany, were accustomed to
navi(,^ate backwards and forwards between Britain and Gaul. Mr. Warne
conjectured, and he believed that his opinion was sound, that the Durot-
riges were a branch of the Veneti who came over to Dorset. Sir Talljot
proceeded minutely to define the boundaries of the territory supposed to
have been occupied by the Durotriges in the littoral district between the
mouths of the Hampshire Avon and the Axe in Devon. The camps of
the Durotriges were some of the finest in England, but of course Maiden
Castle was the queen of all these camps. In Dorset there were 24 or 28
of these camps, counting both oppida and castra, for he failed to perceive
the distinction which Mr. Warne drew between them. Those were the
Durotriges who inhabited Dorset when Vespasian came over. They were
described as living on milk and flesh, and it might be supposed that they
covered in the tops of their pits with wattled roofs and there passed their
time. They worked the country down below their camps, but used these
places in times of war as camps of refuge for their cattle, cattle being in
those days the staple wealth, the " money " of the people, as indeed the
Latin word for money signified, pecnnia being derived from peciis, cattle.
All that country round was then one vast, uninterrupted forest, of which
traces still remained in the numerous trees visible in the surrounding
landscape. There, probably, dwelt an earlier race than the Durotriges,
about whom nothing was known save that they had no knowledge
of metals whatever, and no coins" such as the Durotriges had.
They had long heads and little bodies, and Avere of a very low
type of mankind. The long-headed men buried their dead in
long barrows, and the round-headed Durotriges in round barrows.
Possibly these long-headed men were conquered by the Durotriges and
lived in the swamps below those camps, which were perhaps made in
order to keep them down. When tlie Roman Conqueror came circum-
stances compelled him to subdue those of the Durotriges who would not
submit to his yoke, and he occupied some of those camps. Athough the
Tout was not one of the first-class camps, yet it stood in a magnificent
commanding position at the convergence of three ridges, with three
combes between. On the other side, on a fine day, he believed one
could see the Isle of Wight. He did not see any sign of wheie the
occui)ants of the camp could have got water. General Pitt Rivers
suggested that they used skins to bring water up from the marshy places
below. Of course it should be borne in mind that the whole country w as

much moister in those days before tlie bulk of the trees was cleared away.
Sir Talbot deplored the fact that the rabbits were doing a great deal of
havoc on the Tout. The rabbit was a useful little animal and cost
nothing ; but it was doing considerable damage there, and as an
archfeologist he was bound to " put his foot on it." Canon Ravenhill
proceeded, after thanking Sir Talbot, to speak of the origin of the word
" Tout," which he said some derived from " Tiw," the name of the old
Celtic god, Avhich was represented by the Greek Hermes and the Roman
Mercury, or from the Teutonic god Tuiscu. Tout meant any height of
free and extensive observations and was used in this sense by Sir John
Maundeville in his " Voyages and Travels." There exist near this spot
the site of an ancient British village and a small Roman camp of obser-
vation, but it was not possible to bring these into the programme.
Luncheon was partaken of in a lield just below the Tout by permission of
Mr. Cross, of Armswell Farm. Armswell— Armingeswell, Ermingeswell,
or Hermingeswell— was formerly a manor in conjunction with Nether-
broke, and belonged to the Abbey of Glastonbuiy. On the dissolution of
the monasteries it was granted to Si'* John Horsey, of Clifton Maybank,
who had Melcombe as well as Armswell. Richard Arnold, who died in
1595, married Mary, his eldest daughter. From the Arnolds it passed to
the Framptons, of Moreton. James Frampton sold it to Mr. Farquharson,
of Langton, one of the principal founders of Plush Church. Monkwood
is a little north-west of Armswell.

After luncheon the breaks Avere rejoined, and the party drove by
Monkwood Hill to Mappowder Church, where they were received
by the Rev. Alfred Roberts, the Rector. He said the church was
dedicated to St. Peter and Sb. Paul; but it A\as restored twenty-
five years ago, the chancel being entirely new. The lavacrum for holy
Avater, preserved in tlie south-east side of the porch, proved that the
church was of pre-Reformation date. Mr. Roberts pointed out that the
arch of the tower was Norman, whereas the arches of the nave were Per-
pendicular. He said that the font was very handsome, square, of Purbeck
marble, with pillars at each corner, and standing on a large stone column.
There is a hagioscope in the south aisle, and there are a few steps leading
to what was the rood loft. In this aisle is the tomb of the young Crusader.
It is unknown who he was, whether a boy, or a full-grown Crusader, in
a diminutive effigy, or how he was connected with Mappowder.
In the old chancel were monuments to the Coker family, who for many
generations owned the manor. The two large windows inserted on the
north and south side of tlie new chancel left no space for these tablets,
of great beauty and elaborate workmanship, which were removed to the

MINIATURE EFFIGY of CRUSADER,
Mappowder Church.

lower walls of the tower. The stone top of the holy table was fonnd
in the churchyard at the restoration of the church. It has five crosses,
typifying the number of wounds on our Blessed Lord's body. The
curfew is rung during the winter months. Canon Ravenhill added the
following remarks :— He said the church consisted of a nave, south aisle,
tower with belfry, chancel, and a south porch with diagonal buttresses.
The late INIr. Carpenter (wiio, with Mr. Slater, restored and paitially
rebuilt the church in 1868) had given him a copy of his interesting report
on the church. He said that in July, 1866, John Legg, .Ttat. 80, told him
that the chancel had been pulled down seventy years ago, that there had
been a window on each side of the chancel of two long single lights ;
and that the east window was like these. Mr. Carpenter, he
said, inferred that there was a 13th century chancel, with a more
lately inserted east window. This chancel having been replaced by
a building with no character whatever, the architects in 1868 rebuilt the
new chancel in harmony with the nave and richly-panelled chancel arch.
The arch was necessarily rebuilt and a flying buttress added to the north.
The nave, aisle, tower,and porch much resemble the coeval work of Abbot
Bradford, of Sherborne, The arcade, save the west respond, was
rebuilt in 1868 stone by stone. The hagioscope was then re-opened
and repaired. In the eastern respond is a richly-carved corbel
(as at Yetminster) to carry the rood-loft beam. Some of the old oak
seats still existed. They were repaired and re-used at the restoration.
The north parapet of the nave was then reset, repaired, and the
pinnacles replaced. Another tower parapet was also then treated.
Portions of the ancient nave roof remained and were followed in the new
design. The aisle roof was not ancient, but its old corbels existed and
were used for the new trusses. TliC recess in the south aisle was repaired
in 1868 and the effigy of the Crusader replaced on a new marble shelf.
The west window of the aisle is of an ea'ly decorated date. We may
infer that the original nave was of the IStli century with an aisle added
to it. In 1868 the then existing roof was of a lower pitch tlian the water
tabling on the tower ; fifteen inches below it. The towei-, therefore, had
very probably been added to the then existing earlier nave. At the
restoration a new roof Avas erected on the tower. Canon Ravenhill
then spoke of the young Crusader. He said the figure was
scarcely two feet long, dressed in complete mail, close round
helmet, with shield and sword. The hands were elevated, holding the
heart. The head rests on a cushion. A lion supports the feet. There
are no arms or inscription. The right leg is crossed over tiie left. There
is a similar figure in Tenbury Church, Worcestershire. Local

xl.

tradition says this figure is of some boy who accompanied his
father to the Holy Land and died in the Crusade. The 3rd edition of
Hutchins states that these little monuments were erected over the hearts
of persons whose bodies were buried elsewhere. William de Albini, 3rd
Lord of Belvoir and Uffington, near Stamford, who founded Newstead
Priory, lias his body buried at Newstead and his heart uader the high
altar at Belvoir, with this inscription :—

" Hie jacet cor D'ni Willielmi Albiniaci,
Cujus corpus sepelitur apud novum
Locum juxta Stanfordam."

Canon Ravenhill mentioned that his attention had been drawn to the
fact that the lion couchant at Mappowder betokened that the Crusader
was with Coeur de Lion. With regard to the curfew he said the local
tradition was that a lady once lost her way in the neighbourhood and
was helped to find it by the curfew bell. Out of gratitude she left
a small endowment to enable the ancient custom to be continued.
Mr. H. J. Moule regretted the effigy of the Crusader had been so
lamentably scraped at the restoration, so much so that all the old surface
was gone. Rev. W. M. Barnes inferred from the armour that the date
was about 1210 A.D.— very early in the 13th century.

The next stopping place was Hazelbury Bryan Church, where the Club
was received by Rev. Canon Wheeler, who explained the architecture,
&c., of the church and read some notes upon it, which will be found
embodied in a paper read by Canon Ravenhill in the previous winter
before the membeis of the Club, and published in Vol. XIV. of the
" Proceedings " at page 95.

A drive of about five miles brought the Club to their last destination,
Bingham's Melcombe, where they had been kindly invited to tea by
Colonel and Mrs. Bingham. After tea, which was served on the old
bowling green, Colonel Bingham read the following paper in the Court-
yard :—

" This ancient mansion was formerly in the possession of the Turber-
villes, but came into the Bingham family by the marriage of Robert,
second son of Sir William de Bingham, of Sutton Bingham, Somersetshire,
with the daughter and heiress of Robert Tuiberville, about the time of
Henry III. or Edward I. The present house is supposed to have been built
in the reign of Mary, daughter ot Henry VIII., although some part of it
must have been of an earlier date. The main entrance is through an
ancient gatehouse, the windows of which, as well as those of the east
portion, have been modernised. The courtyard consists of three sides ; the
kitchen and offices on the west side, the gatehouse on the south side, and

the main portion of the house on the north. The latter contains the hall
and oriel in a terrace. The gable over the oriel bears the arms of the
Binghanis, and the vane at the top bears the date 1677. Entering the
hall, the walls of Avhich were panelled at one time Avith oak, but have
been painted (but not by me), in the windows on the oriel to the south
are the arms of Russell, Earl Bedford, those of England and France, the
arms of Spain, and arms and quarterings of Herbert, Earl Pembroke.
These are supposed to have been placed to commemorate the occasion on
which Philip and Mary visited the mansion. In taking down some of
the panelling in the oriel, Avhicli had decayed, two carved arches were
found, one of Avhicli must have led up into the sleeping apartments.
The other, having a door (as found), led down to the kitchen, as behind
the door are a flight of steps. The corridor, Avhich stands in the court-
yard, is of recent building, as it takes in some of the same moulding as
the gable of the oriel and other carving. In the hall are portraits of
Charles I., Archbishop Laud, the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Stafford, Colonel
and Mrs. Penruddock ; and among the family portraits are Sir R.
Bingham, Mr. Pollinger, Colonel R. Bingham, Sir J. Bingham,
K.C.B., by Pickersgill, Colonel R. H. Bingham, and others.
All these portraits were in such a state that they were, some of
them, almost blank, but they have lately been well restored.
In the dining-room is an ancient carved chimney-piece, in which
is inserted a picture of a rural fete, probably Dutch. In the
present servants' hall, which was the brew-house, is a table taken
out of one of the ships of the Spanish Armada, and presented to the
family by an ancestor of the Honourable Mrs. Brassey, who was a Miss
Bingham of the Clanmorris branch, and in the old servants' hall was an
interesting carving, which is being made into a cupboard. It is the arms
of Bingham and Coker, of Mappowder. Thei e are also some carved panels
in one of the bedrooms in the house. In the garden is an ancient
bowling-green in perfect condition, the length of which is 72 yards, and
also a very fine yew hedge, which is 12ft. tliick, and is considered a very
good specimen. There is likewise, in the garden, a very old gaiden
settle, one of the few remaining in the country, and a dove-cot in tlie
form of a round tower, which is considered unique. In the lower gardens
there are some trees, which are considered to be the finest in the county,
especially a silver fir, which is very tall and is 16ft. round at four feet
from the ground. The house has lately undergone restoration, as some
of the walls and the roof were unsafe ; but care has been taken that
nothing should be modernised, so mucli so that tlie stone slabs of tlie
roof, which had to be taken off, have been replaced, and everything kcjit

xlii'.

as much as possible in the former state, lb may interest some people
to hear that one Avail in the kitchen is 8ft. thick, and that most of the
vails, both inside and out, are on an average 34ft. thick ; also that some
of the old oak was left to me by the late Charles Bingham, whom, I am
sure, most of you have known, or heard of."

Colonel Bingham then conducted the party through the house and
pointed out the chief objects of interest mentioned in his paper, including
the poitraits and some of the carved oak Avhich had been rescued from
the panelling, and also the table which was said to have come
out of one of the ships of the Spanish Armada. Kev. Sir Talbot Bakei-,
in the absence of the President, having offered the thanks of the Club to
Colonel and Mrs. Bingham for their hospitality, and to the former for
his interesting paper, the return drive of ten miles to Dorchester was
commenced through Dewlish and Fuddletown at 5.15. p.m.

No ncAV members were elected at this meeting.

First Winter Meeting.— A meeting was held at noon on Friday,
December 8th, 1893, in the Reading-room of the County Museum,
Dorchester, with the President in the chair, about 35 members being
present. As there had always been a little difficulty about the arrange-
ments at these winter meetings, owing to the fact that the attendance
in the afternoon was generally much smaller than in the morning, the
Secretary invited suggestions as to any different plan. Several were
made by various members, but it appeared that if the meetings were
held earlier than noon it would be inconvenient for those who came
from a distance, and that if they did not begin until noon a break for
luncheon could not well be dispensed with. On the other hand if they
were held entirely in the afternoon it would be inconvenient to many to
be kept to a later hour than at present. The present arrangement,
therefore, seemed to be on the whole as satisfactory as any other, and
has been adhered to on the occasions of the other meeting of the Club in
the present winter session and the annual meeting in May, 1894.

British Association.— Mr. Hansford, at the request of the Secretary,
gave some account of the last meeting of the British Association, at
which he had represented the Club. He had been requested to suggest
to the Club that steps should be taken somewhat in the direction of what
was proposed to be done by the Photographic Survey which had been
instituted at the Shaftesbury meeting, which would however take some
years to carry out to any extent. He had also been asked as to the
existence of erratic blocks in Dorset. The President thereupon stated
that Dorset not having been an ice county there were none.

xliii.

General Business.— Mr. Moule remarked upon the inaccuracies of
the new ordnance maps as regarded ancient earthworks. The Secretary
stated that a Rainfall observer was much needed at Dorchester or near it,
as though, being the county town, it ought to be the centre of science as
well as everything else in Dorset, there were no rain gauges so far as he
knew within some miles of it.

jMr. Bankes said that he understood that there existed a local Field
Club at Poole and thought that it was a pity that it should not be
amalgamated with the Dorset Field Club, and similarly that it would be
better to have one Central Museum in the county, to which all objects of
interest should be sent, rather than a local museum in each town. The
Rev. Sir Talbot Baker said that there had existed a small Field Club at
AVeymouth which, he believed, was not carried on. Dr. Philpots stated
that the Poole Natural History Society had been in existence for about
six years, that the subscription was small and no Proceedings were
published, and that he did not think that it clashed with the Dorset
Field Club.

Mr. Bankes also drew attention to the occasional flooding of
Charminster Church and the dampness of the churchyard, and
asked for suggestions from the Club, which were not however forth-
coming.

Exhibition of Objects of Interest.— The President exhibited a
specimen of Verbascum Chaixii found at Abbotsbury in June last by
Miss Hawkins and new to Dorset.

Mr. Cunnington exhibited two fossils— (i.) a specimen of Tercbclla
Lewcsiensis, which is according to INIr. "William Davies, F.G.S. (Geol.
Mag., Ap., 1879), the remains of membranous tubes of large soft-bodied
annelides of solitary habits that collected and agglutinated, either for
protection or disguise, the scales and the bones of fishes to the exterior
surface of their tubes, which were sometimes 2ft. in length. Dr. Mantell
in 1822 looked upon these as fishes, and the quarrymen call them
" petrified eels." All that can be seen is an agglomeration of the scales,
kc, of different fish which are now generally considereil to have formed
the cases of worms. This specimen is from the chalk near Dorchester,
(ii.), a specimen of Cliona cretacea, a pretty and delicate sponge, from the
flint quarries two miles south of Evershot.

The first paper by the President, " The Kimmeridgc Shale in Its
Economic Bearings " will be found, as well as the others read at this
meeting, printed in full later on in this volume. This paper was illus-
trated by six large diagrams, illustrating the faults in the strata and their
general arrrangement.

xiiv.

The second paper was by the Rev. W. Miles Barnes on " Dorset and
King John, Notes on the Pipe Rolls of that Reign, supplemented and
illustrated by References to the Patent and Close Rolls of John's Reign."

The third paper was by the Secretary, "Notes on Dorset Lepidoptera,
1892-3," at the end of -which he mentioned the progress -which had been
made in the arrangement of the two insect cabinets of 20 drawers each
lately purchased by the Museum, and expressed a hope that before long
there would be something like a collection of Lepidoptera (butterflies and
moths), and also other orders of insects to be seen in them.

A discussion ensued on the abundance of wasps which had been general
in the past year, which had been alluded to in the paper. The Rev, O. P.
Cambridge said that in some places they were not numerous, but at
Bloxworth they were in abundance. About the beginning of September,
however, the wasps suddenly disappeared, and when the apple-picking
time came there was hardly a Avasp about, though a week or ten days
before they had had to fight with the wasps in order to gather a peach.
Why they ceased so suddenly he could not tell, as the weather continued
dry. The Rev. R. P. Murray said that at Shapwick the plague of wasps
lasted until well into October ; perhaps October 6th or 10th. The Rev.
O. M. Ridley said that at Charminster wasps were very scarce, whereas a
few miles away they swarmed.

At this point the Rev. Sir Talbot Baker took the chair, the President
being obliged to leave the meeting.

The next paper, on " Wareham, its Origin, and History,"
read by Mr. E. Cunnington, called forth a good deal of discussion
as to what evidence existed of the presence of the Romans in
Wareham, Mr. Cunnington asserting that there was none. Sir Talbot
Baker thought that traces of Roman origin existed there, independently
of the finding of Roman remains, in the square form of the circumvallation
and the position of the two principal streets, at right angles to each other.
The Rev. O. P. Cambridge stated that he believed that little or no
investigation for Roman or other remains had been made there by
digging. Mr. Cunnington mentioned the absence of any building stone
in the neighbourhood as a difficulty and did not consider that any
conclusion could be drawn from the position of the streets, as Wareham
had been destroyed by fire three or four times, and the modern streets
might probably run quite diflferently from the original ones. This was
often the case in towns, and in Dorchester, for instance, he believed that
no one but himself knew where the Roman east gate was. It was not in
Durngate-street, in the middle of which had been found the remains of a
Roman villa. Mr. Moule suggested that as in the Roman town of

xlv.

Dorchester Roman remains were being found every week it was strange
that if Wareham was also a Eoman town such remains shoukl be so rare.
In reply to Mr. Cunnington's remark that there was a tendency to call
everything Roman Sir Talbot Baker said that before that everything was
said to be Danish !

Two papers were then read by the Rev. E. Linton on "Some new
Dorset species of plants " and " British species of Utricularia,
illustrated by Dorset specimens," Before his departure the President
stated that he had found one of the species of Utricularia in the river
Stour and Utricnlaria negleda in Morden Lake. The Rev. O. P.
Cambridge welcomed the appearance of a botanical paper as they did
not often appear in the Proceedings of the Club, and thanks having
been given to the authors of the various papers the meeting terminated
at about 4.30 p.m.

New Member.s. — Three were elected at this meeting.

Second Winter INIeeting.— The second winter meeting was held
rather later in the year than usual, on Thursday, March 15th, 1894, in
the Reading-room of the County Museum, Dorchester, at noon. The
chair was taken by the Rev. Sir Talbot Baker in the absence of the
President, about 40 members being present.

New Members.— Fourteen were elected and Mr. A. Bankes remarked
that he thought it was thelaigest number ever elected at one meeting,
and showed a flourishing condition of the Club.

General Business.— The Treasurer laid on the table the report of
the National Footpath Preservation Society to which the Club subscribed.
He also mentioned a publication by E. A. and G. F. Fry entitled
" Dorset Records " which would be of interest to antiquarians.

The Secretary read the following communication from Mr. C. W.
Dale :— "On January 2oth at 9.30 p.m. asl was on my way to the Sherborne
Ball, about half way between the Leweston Cross and West Hill Gate, a
brilliant meteor, looking like the full moon, suddenly came through the
clouds and slowly came to ground in a Held on the right hand side of
the road, then burst asunder and disappeared. Accounts have laiely
appeared in the papers of detonating meteors falling in Ireland and
England at about the same time ; one in full daylight. Some years ago
a barn at Pulham was burnt down by a meteor falling upon it."

The Secretary read a letter from Rev. T. Perkins addressed to the
members of the Club who were willing to take part in the proposed
photographic survey of Doiset. He reminded them that the season for
photographic work was at hand and requested all willing to help to

xlvi,

communicate with him as soon as possible. He urged that the survey to
be of any use must be thorougli as far as it went and that desultory work
was of little value. Each member should do thoroughly one quarter sheet
(price Is.) of the 6in. ordnance map before going on to another, and would
provide for himself the materials required for making the negatives. Mr.
Barnes said that the cost of printing from the negatives was compara-
tively trifling and should, he thought, be also borne by the member.

ExHiBiTri.— The Treasurer exhibited a shoot of furze of abnormal
growth, flattened out and unusually Lliick and strong. Other similar
shoots occurred on the same bush. Similar flattened malformations of
thht\es (Cardtitts lanceolatus and Carlina vulgaris) h&A been exhibited
on a former occasion by the Secretary and Rev. W. M. Barnes. The
Secretary exhibited an unusually laige and well-formed crystal of selenite
from the Oxford clay, Chickerell, near Weymouth. Selenite was common
in some parts of the clay in that neighbourhood but usually took the
form of small and broken pieces and perfect crystals were rare.

Mr. Moule exhibited a large ornamental vase, made of lead, one of
five similar ones which had been brought from Osmington (possibly
Osmington House) and sold as old lead to Mr. Durden, of Dorchester.
It was considered that they might be 150 or 200 years old, and they had
apparently been at one time gilt.

The Rev. J. Bridges Lewis showed photographs of the font in Great
Toller Church. The boAvl of the font was of red sandstone and was
supported on a block of white Portland stone, which block he considered
to be a Roman altar. The block was circular with a sheep's head at one
corner.

Mr. Cunnington exhi jited four Pal.Tolithic flints found at Coneygar,
Melbury Park, Portesham, and Maiden Castle. He stated that Mr.
Grant Allen believed that these flints were used with the hand for break-
ing ice, &c., and when lance-shaped he could not help thinking that they
were used as lances.

Mr. Moule showed a diorite stone implement about 9 inches long found
near Mr. Middleton's Lodge and presented to the Museum by Major
Shephard.

Papers,— The Treasurer read a paper on " The Reptiles of Dorset,"
illustrating it by a specimen in spirits of Coronella laevis, the smooth
snake, a rare harmless species, wliich occurred on heaths in his neigh-
bourhood. This paper will be found in the present volume. Considerable
discussion ensued, the Chairman asking for information as to the reptiles
found in Ireland. The Treasurer said that he had been unable to obtain
satisfactory information on that point, but he believed that some snakes

-xivii.

and frogs occurred there, but not toads. The Secretary, alluding to tl)e
Treasurer's scepticism as to the swallowing of her young by the mother
viper, said that two of his neighbours, William and Eliza Hunt, whom he
had known well for some years, and whose statements were, he considered,
quite to be depended upon, stated that a few years ago, when they were
about S and 12 years of age respectively, they were playing near a certain
bank in Tidmoor Lane, Charleston, Chickerell, when they came upon a
viper Avith several young around her, basking in the sun. The group
being alarmed at their approach the old viper began to open her mouth
and hiss, whereupon the little vipers made for the mouth of their mother
and glided down her throat. ISIrs. Hunt remembers her children running
in, rather alarmed, and saying that tliey had seen a viper swallow its
young ones. The Secretary desired to place this upon record, as he,
like the Treasurer, had never before met with anyone Avho had seen
such an occurrence, although it was a general popular belief. He said
he thought it was a rare thing to see a viper ivith its young, to which
the Treasurer assented, saying that he had never seen such a sight.
Mr. A. Bankes and others reconmiended Condy's fluid, ammonia, wash-
ing soda, or indeed any alkali, as good in cases of snake bite. The
Secretary mentioned that toads sometimes suffered from the attacks of
leeches at some little distance from water, as Mrs. Eichardson had found
one with several small leeches adhering to it, some little way from a
pond. Also that at a reservoir in Carmarthenshire, the natterjack toads
were in immense swarms, and such large quantities of them died annually
in the late spring that they had to be carted away to prevent the tainting
of the water caused by their dead bodies.

A jiaper on " Charminster Church and its Restoration " was then read
by the Rev. Sir Talbot Baker as follows : —

"I have been asked to read a paper on Charminster Church with a
view to raising a discussion on the very serious question of its removal,
owing to its dampness and liability to floods, to a higher situation, which
could be provided for it on the top of a hill not far off". Should this
extreme measure be negatived then discussion is invited on the best
)uanner of counteracting the damp and on one or two points connected
with its restoration where it stands of presumed interest to antiquarians.
I am aware that this church has been briefly, yet ably, treated with the
other churches of the Rural Deanery of Dorchester by Mr. Barnes,
(Pro. D.N.H. and A.F.C., vol. xii. p. 47 plate iv.), but the tempta-
tion to examine it from under the roof of a house that had shelteretl
Philip of Burgundy and Joan of Castile was too strong to make
me resist the invitation to offer some remarks on the subject, even at tlic

xtviii,

risk of being thought a plagiarist. The suffix Minster suggests a church
of antiquity and dignity ; both qualities are united to a considerable
extent in the church of Charniinster, or the minster on the Char, a stream
•which, rising up the Cerne Valley, passes close to the graveyard of the
church in question and falls into the Frome above Dorchester. The
position of the church is pleasing. It is surrounded by a number of
small hills, on the slopes of which the houses of the village are placed.
The tower is said to date from 1500, and was built by Sir Tliomas
Treuchard, of Wolfeton ; it is excellent in proportion and uf beautiful
colour. The material employed in its construction is Ham Hill stone.
It has angle buttresses up to the battlements, and the effect of the three
finials by which each angle buttress on the corners is surmounted,
together with an intermediate finial from the wall space on three
sides, is very fine. The turret staircase is on the north-west corner and
surmounted by six small finials, three of which have disappeared.
This seems to be the only part of the tower needing much external
repair, for the coigns preserve their pristine sharpness, and very little in
the way of pointing requires to be done. The Louvre windows are very
noticeable ; they occupy the whole of the upper storey on each side.
They are of pierced stone, and are divided into three parts by two tran-
soms ; they are slightly recessed in each wall. The initials of the
founder (T.T.), which appear in several places on the western buttresses,
preserve his name, and Avorthy it is to be held in remembrance by all
ecclesiologists. The appearance of the body of the church, as seen from
the south, is less satisfactory. A Avater table on the east wall of the
tower points to the nave roof having been at some time lowered, while
a similar relic on the east wall of the nave defines the pitch of the original
chancel roof. The battlement of the nave roof is singularly plain. The
clerestory is low. Its windows are much cut about, so as to render it
difficult to determine what date to assign its construction to. But the
corbels under the flat ceiling inside point to its not having been part of
the original plan. The porch is entered by an arch of such clumsy con-
struction that one is led at once to conclude that it is not of original
Norman work, though nearly approaching the round. The piesent perch
roof, too, appears from its poverty to be a modern addition. There are
two corbels above the entrance door which suggest the possibility of the
porches having had a stone-groined roof, though they might have
supported figures. There is a curious set-off along the east wall— half-
way up — apparently of the same date as the wall, of which I am unable
to conjecture the purpose. There are two gurgoyles on either side
above you as you enter the iwrch, the south-east one renjarkable,

xlix.

and the base of a cross on the apex of the roof. The archway
leadinf,' into the church appears to be part of the first design. It is of
early-pointed style, and the jambs are cut from stones of larfi;e
dimensions. The general impression on entering the church is the want
of lieight, but this will be partly remedied when the ceiling of the nave
is removed and the roof restored to its original pitch. The nave consists
of four bays. They are distinctly of the Anglo-Norman period. The
cushion caps of the round columns are variously and prettily, though not
very deeply, incised. The pointed arches which they support are
surrounded by the nail-head mouldings ; this angle is shallow. The
south aisle has a panelled roof of Perpendicular period. One corbel
remains on the south side, representing a knight's head. This bears a
rude strut that carries one of the beams. The south evidently was the
Trenchard aisle. There are two canopied tombs, one along the south
wall and one at right angles to it ; this latter has manifestly been moved
from its original place to let in a more modern window. They are of
Purbeck marble, but all records of the persons to whom they were erected
have been removed. Eastward of these on the same Avail there is a
touching tablet to a lady of the family, of which the following is the
inscription, translated from Latin : — ' Sacred to the pious and honoured
memory of the esteemed second daughter of Thomas Trenchard, Knight,
and lately the deceased wife of William Pole, Knight, the eldest son of
John Pole, Baronet, whose bones rest beneath this marble, Avhile her
sainted soul triumphs in heaven and her loved memory smells sweet on
earth. She died, without leaving surviving issue, on the 9th
day of February, a.d. 1636. Two infants, John and William,
prematurely snatched away, are buried at Colyton, in the county
of Devon." Above this inscription is the monument, on whicii
is sculptured a lady in flowing gown and tippet kneeling before a desk
on which is an open book. On the opposite wall to this tablet are some
faint traces of mural paintings. Care should be taken in moving the
whitewash close by them, but I fear that nothing worth preserving would
be found. There are the remains of a squint or hagioscope leading from
this aisle ; proofs exist that tlie east and south window of tliis aisle were
filled with painted glass ; some round panes still remaining in the top
tracery of each show the old Tudor rose. The north aisle was built in
1838. It was enlarged to probably double its original size. The Avails
seem in good preservation, but the roof requires immediate attention.
A gallery, dating from the last century, blocks up a fine-pointed arch
into the tower. If removed there avouUI be disclosed an unusual feature
of village church towers— namelv, tAvo side arches opening into recesses

1.

north and sontli, the soffits or spaces between the jambs of all these
arches being ornamented Avith Tudor mouldings. One of these recesses
serves as a small vestry ; the other is unappropriated. It might be used
for a choir vestry or a baptistry. The west windoAV is at present half
blocked up. This, of course, would be remedied. We now come to the
chancel, which was erected about 56 years ago and occupies but a small
portion of the space of the orginal chancel that was pulled down during
the Commonwealth. The chancel arch is Norman, and has also the nail-
head mouldings of the same shallow cliaracter as the pointed nave arches.
Complaints are made that from its smallness it obstructs the sound of
the voice from a diminished chancel. How much more would it do so
from the chancel restored to its original size ? It is this objection
that has led to the suggestion of the arches being removed to
the new north chancel wall to form the entrance to the organ-
chamber, which it is proposed to build on the north side of the chancel.
It would be replaced by a pointed arch, resembling that into the tower.
This brings me to the second division of my paper, to which the previous
sketch of what I could see of the church in an hour or two's inspection on
two mornings lately is intended to lead up. It is on the question of how
is this interesting church to be restored, nay, of its being restored at all
where it stands, for I have been asked to offer an opinion, as I stated at
the outset, on the advisability of its removal altogether to the summit
of a hill on the south, just in front of the new vicarage. What, you will
enquire, could justify such a question being even mooted ? The answer
is the lowness of the present site, subjecting it to being flooded when the
little river is overfull, and, as I am informed on reliable authority,
rendering the floor of the church very damp whenever the water meailows
are flooded. The subsoil of the whole area is stated to be gravel, and
when the water of the meadows percolates the top soil it finds its level
beneath the bed of the stream (for the meadows are on the farther side
of the stream from the church and graveyard) into the gravel stratum
below and comes up into the graveyard ; to the floating of the coffins
occasionally in the newly-dug graves, and filling the vaults which
exist underneath the floor of the church with water ; also to the
rendering of any system of heating the church from a furnace
chamber below exceedingly difficult, though, I think, not impractic-
able. This condition of things is, no doubt, serious. The
confining of the water of the little river within its bound-
might be effected by a concrete or cemented dam and by widens
ing the arches of the bridge which spans it at the soutli-east
corner of the churchyard : which arches are obviously too small to carry

li.

the water in a wet season ; but the prevention of the soakage of tlie
irrigated meadows above into the gravel substratum under the bed of the
river into the church and its surroundings presents a problem Avhich
might be hard for an engineer to overcome, and which I certainly shall
not attempt to solve. I can only speak of what I saw ; and I can safely
say that though my attention had been directed to the presence of damp
within or without the church I did not observe many traces of its
existence either on the surface of the graveyard or in the foundations of
the walls outside or inside or on the floors. Compared with some other
churches I have seen tliis church was dryness itself, on the days of my
visits. The turf around it was not soppy and the foundations of tlie
walls did not seem to be afi'ected by wet. Inside there was no striking
appearance of green mould at the bottom of the walls, nor, as far as I
could see, any rottenness in the floor boards. Kelatively to the river-
bed the church is sufficiently protected, so that with its vaults concreted
to the floor level and the foundations of the walls outsiile cemented, with
a stone gutter to carry ott' the roof water sloping outwards from them, I
cannot but think that it would be perfectly dry and healthy in the
ordinaiy way. Against extraordinary high water such measures as
forming a groined cemented bank and a widening of the arches of the
bridge would be sufficient safeguards. I believe, moreover, that the gang-
ways Hoor of the inside might be raised four inches (to the level of the
wood boarding below the pews) so as to do away with the step down at
the outer porch -without cutting off the view of the round bases of the
colunms. If the irrigation soakage evil is of frequent occurrence, so as
often to interfere with the decent interment of the dead, it might well be
an inducement to shut up the churchyard and form a cemetery on higher
ground, but not to move the church and tower — and tower — why, the
taking down ami rebuilding of such a massive structure — and no man of
education and taste could counsel its demolition — on another site, would
cost more than its careful restoration with nave and south aisle, and I
was going to say than the rebuilding the new chancel on the old lines a-ul
organ-chamber to boot. Nor does the state of the walls of the body of
the church justify such a step. I could not perceive any deflection of old
Availing from the perpendicular, nor more than two sliglit cracks in it ;
these were in the west walls of tlie aisles where they join the tower.
There is nothing in the way of an ordinary restoration that I could see.
The taking down the organ gallery and opening out the towei', tlie
stripping the roofs : raising the nave, and restoring the south aisle, roofs,
and the removing the old pews and benches (I do not recollect that any
of the latter are \\'orth preserving), and replacing them with open seats.

Hi.

Whether the north aisle is to remain depends upon the state of the funds.
There would be no great harm done to Wie general appearance of the
church if it were to remain, the roof of course being made weathertight.
It never could be made to look old, and the accommodation its additional
width affords may forbid its being reduced to the narrower proportions of
the south aisle, which were, no doubt, its proportions when first built.
The enlargement of the chancel would give dignity to the whole edifice,
and the organ chamber on the noith side of the chancel would be
the proper place for that instrument. I now appproach the last, but
most delicate, part of my task— the moot point of the pulling down
the chancel arch and its removal to the north chancel wall, where
it would form the entrance to the organ chamber. I have already stated
the cause why this change is suggested. It is owing to the small size
and comparative lowness of this Norman arch preventing the sound of a
strong-voiced hale incumbent from being well heard in the body of the
church that a measure is proposed that would meet with fierce opposi-
tion from all sound archfeologists. And, indeed, it should be only a stern
necessity that would justify such a step being taken. It is true that a
church exists for the purpose of a congregation's orderly worship of
Almighty God according to the ceremonies of the Church of England.
Whatever tends to the promotion of such worship should be cherished and,
as far as can be, adopted. Any hindrances to it, even to the removal of
an ancient monument, should in my judgment be taken a,way. Thus,
sorry as I should be to see it on archivological grounds, were a large
tomb to interfere with the sight of the altar by any considerable number
of worshippers and a suitable nook be found for it in some other position
in the church I would not, as far as my voice would go, oppose its
removal, ^•5'., I should have been in favour of the transference of the
Denzil Hollis monument in St, Peter's Chuch, Dorchester. But in the
case before us no such necessity as far as I can judge exists. Tiie old
arch is not so small, relatively to the size of the wall in which it is placed,
as others I have seen. To go no further off than Powerstock, there you
certainly have a far more enriched Norman arch, but so disproportion-
ately small to the dividing wall between nave and chancel as even to
offend the eye as you enter the church, left in its integrity, though the
chancel was entirely rebuilt at the restoration in 1858, and, no doubt,
another place could have been found for it. I was frequently at Power-
stock when the County School was being started, yet T never heard of
the diminutive size of the chancel arch interrupting the sound of the
voice. It should be borne in mind, too, that the openings into the
proposed new organ-chamber from the chancel and from the north aisle,

liii.

anfl also in the opening ont of the hagioscope to the south aisle, will
operate materially in spreading the voice of the officiating minister at tlie
altar. Possibly, too, the cause of the difficulty in hearing a strong voice
at present may arise from the very sliortness of the existing chancel,
and a chancel of its original and greater length might act as a better
conductor of the sound. So that, as I cannot recommend the remo\'al of
the church, I can neither advise the taking down of the chancel arch from
the position it has stood in for near about 700 years."

A great deal of discussion followed the reading of this paper. The Rev.
W. M. Barnes said that he felt sure that the church could be made dry by
cementing the floor and lower part of the walls with Portland cement as
had been done in his own church at Monkton. The foundations of the
nave of, he believed, 15th century work had been discovered in digging
graves. The Kev. J. C. Prior (Vicar of Charminster) said the foundations
of the chancel which was swept away in the time of the Commonwealth
had been traced and that it was 26 feet long. The present chancel
was 16 feet in lengtb. The Rev. J. Bridges Lewis said that drainage had
had an excellent effect at Salisbury as regarded the dryness of the
Cathedral, and suggested a similar expedient for Charminster. He also
said that perhaps the ancient Norman chancel was in the form of an
elongated apse, which might remove the difficulty about the sound.
He thought it would be well if all people wishing to restore an ancient
church would first consult a body like the Field Club and hear their
views and that no one had a right to destroy or pull to pieces such
ancient monuments without some such consideration. The Rev. O. M.
Ridley said that after hearing Sir T. Baker's paper he quite receded fiom
the idea of moving the church to higher ground. It would be much better
to try some other expedient to prevent damage by floods. The Rev. J.
C. Prior said that the churchyard suffered very much from water rising
in opened graves, on several occasions to such an extent that the coffin
had to be held down with poles, and generally baling had to be resorted
to. He also spoke of the great difficulty which the narrowness of the
chancel arch caused in regard to sound. It was most difficult to hear
anything in the chancel of what went on in the church or vice versft, and
in sjute of the strong feeling which had been expressed by the antiquarians
against moving the arch he should be most glad for it to be done, as he
thought the convenience of the congregation should be the chief point
aimed at. Mr. Barnes suggested the moving the choir stalls out of the
chancel, but Mr. A. Bankes said that he thought there was not sufficient
room, as the church was a small one and the congregation often large.
The Rev. O. P. Cambridge said that in his churchyard at Bloxworth baling

liv.

had often to be resorted to, tliongh it was 200 feet above the sea and not
near a river. He mentioned the great advantage to the dryness of a field
of keeping ditches and outlets clean and open. Having offered the thanks
of the Club to Sir Talbot for his paper an adjournment of three-quarters
of an hour Avas made tor luncheon, it being about two o'clock.

After luncheon Mr. Chas. F. Hope gave the Club some information
about Lathyrus sylvestris, on which he had been unable to write a paper
as set forth in the programme through Avant of time. Professor Wagner
had succeeded in producing a variety of this plant (Wagner's flat pea or
Lathyrus sylvestris Wagneri), which was of great value in agriculture. It
is maintained that the plant will yield on an average 17 tons of green
food (equal to about 4 tons of hay if dried) to the acre per annum in 3 or
4 cuttings which should be made just as it comes into bud, the plant then
being about 15 inches high. It is stated that the plants will continue in
bearing for 40 or 50 years with no manure, and will grow on waste stony
ground, where nothing else will flourish, and resist the most unusual
drought.

Mr. Hope has analyzed a sample Avith the folloAving result :—

Lathy) us Average Composition of

sylvestris. Green Plants for comparison.

Green. Dry. Lucerne. Vetch. Clover.

Moistur 58-63 0-00 75-3 82-0 TS'O

Fat, Chlorophyll, Wax, &c. . . 2-05 4-95 07 0-6 OS

Albuminoids (\. X ti. 33) .. 7-54 18'22 4-5 3-7 3-7

Digestible Cellulose, &c. .. 10-48 39-85 8-4 6-1 8-6

Indigestible Fibre .. .. 12-21 29-52 9-3 6-0 7-2

Mineral Matter 309 7-46 1-8 1-6 1-7

100-00 10000 100-0 100-0 100-0

Containing Nitrogen . . .. 1-11 2-S5

Equal to Ammonia .. .. 1-41 3-49

Albuminoid Ratio . . . . 1:4-5

Mr. Hope proceeded as follows : —

" About tAvo hundred and fifty plants Avere given to me by Mr. F. E.
Clotten, six of Avhich Avere accepted by the Yorkshire Philosophical
Society, and planted in their gardens in November, 1889, to Avhich lot the
above analysis refers. The plants appeared very dry and much shrivelled,
but in spite of their unpromising appearance, the Avhole of the six plants
lived, but several out of the larger lot, Avhich Avce accepted by a skilled
farmer, died. The six plants did not produce a robust groAvth — possibly
due to the city smoke, and their uncongenial treatment before they Avere
received in York. The average length of the haulm Avas about tAvo feet,
and the maximum three feet, the younger part of Avhich appeared more
robust and better developed than the older. All the floAvers aborted ;
the blooms Avithered in August, Avhen the plants Avere cut and analyzed

Iv.

by myself, yielding the quantities stated above. The roots (vhizonio)
were about as thick as a lead pencil when planted in November, 1889 ;
but when one was dug up in November, 1890, to send to Egypt, they
had attained the thickness of a man's thumb, many new rhizomes had
been produced, reminding me of the characteristic rambling habit of the
wild variety, which has not been observed to produce seed (Wagner) ; *
but under cultivation, seed appears to be produced, a sample of which I
have. Mr. Clotten informs me that the germination is very slow, indee<l :
that he has been unjustly blamed for having doctored the seed, and that
much has been dug up and destroyed before germination could take
place. There appears good reason to hope for a more robust growth next
season. The farmer who accepted the larger parcel reports, ' not much
to eat ; hope for a better crop next year. ' The plants w^ere seedlings, and
like Lucerne, it requires three seasons to arrive at maturity. Lathy nts
si/lvcstris appears to contain fully twice the quantity of actual feeding
material, as compared with any of our cultivated fodder crops, Aveight for
weight, in the natural green condition, the great difference being in the
relatively much smaller quantity of water naturally present in Latlujrus
sylvcstris. It is to be regretted that Professor Wagner's analyses do not
state the percentage of water. Upon comparison it will be seen that the
plants grown in the Museum gardens are distinctly less valuable than
those grown in Germany ; but it being well known that a bad crop is
not only less in quantity, but is also much poorer in quality, there is no
reason to think the virtues of the new plant have been overstated.
Indeed, the general statement that the plant is twice as valuable, weight
for weight, as any fodder crop grown I have already confirmed. It is well
known that the young or early growth of plants has a higher percentage
composition than that of the same plant when mature. It is probable
that the sample analyzed by Professor Wagner refers to the succulent
spring growth ; whereas the analysis I made was of the mature plant,
cut in August. after blooming, which fact may be quite suttieient to
account for the slightly lower quality of the produce. The palatability is
a quality of very great importance which cannot be ascertained satis-
factorily in the laboratory, but I understand from my farmer friend that
it is all that can be desired ; cattle eat it at once.and appear to relish the
same. The ether extract (otherwise called oil or fatty matter) is not as

* The legume and seed of the wild plant are figured and described in Sowerby's
English Botany, Vol. iii., p. lOi), plate 402 ; also in Curtis' " Flora I.ondinensis."
Mr. W. B. Barrett informs me that they are also described in " Babington's Manual,"
"Hooker's Flora," Br(ibisson's " Flore de Normandie,'" and Lloyd's '■ Flore do I'Ouest
de la France." Non.e of these writers eive any intimation that the lUunt does not seed
freely, Wagner's experience seems therefoie to be, to say the least of it, unusual.— Kn.

Ivi.

valuable for feeding pnrposes in any of oui' green crops as the oil in a
cotton or linseed cake, but it is present in nearly three times the usual
quantity in Lathyrus sylvestris. Albuminoids. — The compound nitrogen,
according to Professor Wagner's analyses, appears to be present very
largely in the form of true albuminoids, the quantity of amide nitrogen
being very small. I have not ascertained this quantity, because recent
experiments appear to prove that the amide compounds protect the true
albuminoids from oxidation in the p'-ncess of animal nutrition. Hence
the ordinary commercial method is sufficiently accurate for the farmer's
purposes ; the amount of amide nitrogen in young and in the younger
parts of plants is always in excess of that found in the mature plant.
Cattle appear to prefer and to thrive upon young succulent herbage. The
albuminoid ratio being 1 to 4.5 most nearly resembles the concentration of
bran 1 : 4.2 than any other commonly-used single food. Hence it must
be considered a very concentrated food, which in practice it will be found
desirable to dilute with straw or turnips until the desired ratio is reached.
The most approved ratio for fatting cattle being 1 : 7 at the commence-
ment, which is increased gradually to 1 : 5.5 to finish. The ratio appears
correct for sheep or swine without any alteration. The ratio of oats
being i : 6.5, it appears more than sufficient for a horse without any corn.
AYhen feeding any of our home-grown green fodder, it appears economical
to purchase a more concentrated food in order to get the albuminoid ratio
up to those standards which have been proved by experiment to be the
most economical, but here we have what I trust may become a home-
grown food which can be properly diluted with poorer home-grown pro-
duce. Hence as Lathyms sylvestris becomes commonly grown the farmer
will probably become more and more independent of the cake merchant.
Cake being a bye-product in the production of oil will become more
difficult to sell, and the market price will tend to the advantage of the
farmer. At the same time we must not forget that the plant is yet in
the experimental stage. What is known has not been exaggerated, but a
more intimate acquaintance may cause us to moderate our present
opinion. But lee us hope to the contrary. Cultivation.— T\\q plant more
nearly resembles that of a Lucerne than any other at present in cultiva-
tion, and in the absence of any better information, I am disposed to
advise that it be cultivated upon the same lines, controlled, however,
by common-sense observations. It resembles Lucerne in being a member
of the same natural order, viz., Leguminoscc, in which we find some of
our most useful plants such as clover, beans, peas, vetches, &c. Hence
its near relations are well known and highly valued. Like Lucerne it is
a perennial, and may require the three years to come to maturity.

Ivii.

Lucerne is the most concentrated food among our green crops at present
cultivated, but its excellence ■will be seen not to be very consideral)le
upon referring to the analyses cited for comparison at the beginning of
this report. LatJujrus sijlvcstris will be seen to contain twice the quantity
of food. It is difhcult to understand Avhy Lucerne has not become a
greater favourite, entering more into common husbandry than it has done.
The advantage of its being a perennial, lasting for ten years, does not
appear to have recommended it. Hence, if it were not for the very
superior value of Lathyrus sylvestris, I should fear the new plant would
not meet with any greater favour than Lucerne has done. Like Lucerne,
it seems well adapted for awkwardly-shaped fields near the yards, where
it would be convenient for soiling purposes. For suburban dairymen,
havins very little land at a high rent, it appears a very suitable plant,
and one well worth a trial. Lucerne appears to yield good crops until
the tenth year, when the vigour of the plant declines, and it is found
necessary to plough it out, and after one or two other crops to sow
the seed again ; that is to revert to the sexual generation again.
How long Lathyrus sylvestris may remain profitable without a sexual
generation (that is, without re-sowing) is at present unknown ; but,
like all other plants I suppose it will be found necessary to renew
its vigour by sexual intercourse. A familiar example may be found
in the potato, in which after a greater or less number of non-sexual
generations (those raised from sets), the plant becomes feeble and a prey
to disease, and that particular stock goes out of cultivation to be replaced
by another reared from the seed. That is the true sexual generation,
which, being a general natural law, Avill, no doubt, govern the number
of years an established plant of Lathyrus sylvestris will remain a
profitable plant. But owing to the fact that the wild variety does not
appear to have been observed in pod (see note ante), it is possible that a
particular stock may last more than ten years, which will be counted as
another advantage. But it would not be wise to rely upon this point
until experiment has placed the matter beyond doubt. As to the weight
per acre there do not appear to be any data, excepting that furnished
by ISIr. Clotten, who mentions seventeen tons as the weight grown per
acre. Lucerne appears to yield from three to eight tons per acre, and is
cut three or four times per annum. Hence the figures do not appear to
be exaggerated, as representing a very good crop. But seeing that the yield
of all our crops varies between very wide limits, owing to the ever- varying
conditions of soil, manure, and season, I do not think any safe estimate
can be given, but if only ten tons were gained it would be eciual to
twenty of anytliing else wc can grow. Everytliiug dcpeuds upon the

Iviii

environment of the plant being favourable and the number of times it is
cut. I lay great stress upon the latter point, because I find no error
more common than allowing, say hay, to stand until the seed is nearly
ripe, whereas it should be cut before there is any seed. The damage in
the decreased digestibility of the hay and the decreased quantity of
aftermath is more than the average farmer thinks po3sil)le. In the
proper cultivation of this new plant I suppose the colour of the bloom
should never be seen. ' Cut and come again ' should be the motto.
Manure. — 1 venture to differ entirely from the opinions expressed in Mr.
Clotten's circular, which, in brief, is equal to saying we can by this plant
draw food from the soil for ever -without returning any of it. We have
no proof that a plant can derive all its food from the atmosphere, but we
have very positive evidence to the contrary. We know that by continu-
ally removing crops the soil becomes less and less able to produce a crop;
that when we apply to a soil thus impoverished by the continual
demands made upon its resources, those elements essential to a plant in
a soluble form, the fertility is at once renewed. Hence, sooner or
later, manure will be required, depending upon the quality of plant-food
originally present, and the size of the crops removed (the demands
decrease the supply). By inductive reasoning (unfortunately we have no
experiments), I think nitrate of soda will not be a profitable application,
neither will sulphate of ammonia. Perhaps the most generally beneficial
will be lime well mixed before planting ; but here, again, everything
will depend upon the nature of the soil. Farmyard manure, the best of
all manures when good, may be applied with advantage. Superphosphate,
and bones, and shoddy, and in some cases kainite, will all be found
useful, according to the requirements of the soil. Lathyriis sylvcstris
may be made into hay, treating it carefully, as in the case of clover or
vetch hay, and, of course, into silage. From what I have seen of the plant
I do not think it adapted for feeding on in hurdles, but suppose it will be
less wasteful to soil if in yards. If sheep were folded, I think the plant
would be almost destroyed ; they would get too near the crown ; in a
Avord, the plant may be treated and used in a similar way to Lucerne."

The next paper was read by the Treasurer " On New and Kare British
Spiders," and will be found in the present volume.

The Mayor of Dorchester and some of the Town Council attended the
meeting by invitation of the Club in order to hear the next paper by Mr.
H. J. Moule, " Notes on Two 17th Century Minute Books belonging to
the Mayor and Corporation of Dorchester." This paper will be found
later in the present volume. Thanks having been offered to the readers
of the various papeis the proceedings terminated at about 4 p.m.

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Bead before the Members of the Field Club on May 23rd, ISO4.

T had made no preparation for my usual Anniversary
Address, as I understood, Avhen you did me
the honour last year of electing me your
President, that I should be exempted from
much of the literary work devolving upon the
office, and be let off with an occasional Paper.
I have, however, hastily written a few lines
upon subjects which will, I hope, be interesting
to the members. General Pitt Rivers with
his undiminished industry is prosecuting the examination of the
earth-works on the Rushmore Estate. He is now finishing those
of Worbarrow, in the parish of Hanley, which he finds to be of the
Stone age. The primary interments were found on the old-surface
line, consisting of six skeletons, three were crouched, and all long-
headed men. At the top of the barrow were eight secondary
interments, five were decapitated, their heads missing ; the average
cephalic index of the remaining three was 738, that of the 6 long-
headed men G98. The average height of the former was 5ft. O'-iin.,
that of the latter 5ft. 2-2in. — a diflTerence of more than three inches,
bearing out the idea, in General Pitt Rivers's opinion, that the
primary interments were those of the Stone-age people, the

Ixii. president's address.

secondary interments were of another race which had probably-
crossed with the round-headed large people of the bronze age. The
skeleton of a round-headed man was found buried near the barrow
with a drinking vessel of the usual type at his feet. In the old
surface-line beneath the barrow there was an oblong enclosure,
which included the primary interments, consisting of a trench 2ft.
deep with traces of a line of piles stuck in the trench and wedged
in with flhits. The ditch cf the barrow, which is 13ft. deep,
contained bronze age pottery at the bottom, and Roman pottery at
the top. This corresponds with the relics found in the ditch of a
village close by Worbarrow, and in the ditch of the camp which
General Pitt Rivers examined last year at Rushmore south
lodge. In all these, Roman pottery and relics were found at the
top only. No pottery, not even the smallest fragment, was
found in "Worbarrow, except one small piece, found with the six
primary interments on the surface-line.

Four human skeletons of the neolithic age have been recently
found in a cave or fissure of a limestone cliff on the Italian
frontier, near Mentone, one (the last) in January. I had the
pleasure of visiting the cave last May, which stands
at the base of a grand Eocene cliff washed by the
waves of the Mediterranean. It measures about 80ft. long
and 10ft. broad, its walls converge till they meet about 50ft.
above the present floor. Three of the skeletons were found
on the east side of the cave last year, about 25ft. below
the original floor and near the mouth ; they were lying
close to each other. The outside skeleton was that of a man
advanced in years, lying on its back, the left arm stretched out
along the body, the right hand resting on the femur, and near it a
slightly-curved finely-edged flint implement, or blade, 9in.
long and nearly 2in, broad. The height of the skeleton was not
less than 7ft. The middle skeleton was that of a young woman.
The head rested on the leg bone of an ox, it Avas lying on its left
side with the knees slightly bent; in the left hand was a flint
implement 10|in. long and 2]in. broad. The third or inside

president's address. Ixiii.

skeleton was also lying on its left side, the head resting upon a
flint implement 6|in. long and 2in. broad, similar to the two
others. The man had a collar of 14 deer's teeth, with fine-cut
strisB, fish vertebrae, and pendants similarly striated. On and
around his head were deer's teeth, fish vertebrae, and a number of
little marine shells, Nassa neritia, all pierced ; under the knee of
the left leg were large perforated shells of the Genus Cyprtea. The
skull of the young man was also adorned with fish vertebrre and
shells {Nassa), several bone pendants, and a handsome collar,
which length of time had not displaced. It was composed of a
double row of perforated fish-vertebrje, and one row of Nassa,
Avhieh was separated at equal distances by striated deer's
teeth, and arranged in perfect symmetry. Below the double
row of fish-vertel^rte (four in each row) were three Nassce ;
then a deer's tooth, which divided them from the next series,
and so on. The collar evidenced some considerable artistic
taste on the part of these savages. The skull of the man was too
incomplete through posthumous deformation to permit an accurate
measurement. It was decidedly of long-headed type, with an
index of 63, while that of the young person was less typical with
an index of 76.27. The adult is allied to the Cro Magnon type,
by the pentagonal form of the skull, by the breadth of face, by the
relative narrowness of the nose, by the massive loAver jaw, and the
triangular shape of the chin. The teeth are well worn down, and
the crowns flat, indicating advanced age. On the other hand those
of the young person are little worn, and the last molar had not
come into use, showing that the age was not more than 20 years.
The other skeleton was discovered in the same cave some 10ft.
above the three others, as it has been already said, and farther
within. It Avas lying under a bed of cinders and burnt wood,
mixed Avith ochreous ferruginous red-earth, with debris of broken
bones and remains of animals of various species, some of which
are now extinct. Upon its head and limbs were ornaments similar
to those described above. The skull had well marked frontal
sinuses, it was lying facing the east, and close to the wall on the

Ixiv.

PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.

east side of the cave. The earth and stones around the skeleton,
which appeared to form a kind of sepulchre, as well as several
flint-chips, had traces of fire, which had partly calcined the
lime of the breccia on which it reposed. A conical block
of crystal, the point of which was broken, lay under the right
hand of the skeleton, which might have been a weapon or an
insignia of dignity. It was lying on its left side, the face supported
by the left hand, the lower jaw was displaced from the skull.
The forearm and right hand were lying across the breast, It had
the appearance of peaceful repose, as if death had overtaken the
man in his sleep. This appears to have been the position of
most of these southern prehistoric intei-ments. The skeletons of
the neolithic age in our barrows and earthworks are often in a
crouching position — that is the head and knees are on the same
level, which is the usual sleeping position of the North American
Indians of the present day. It helps to maintain the warmth of
the body better than when extended. The extended position of
these Italian neolithic people indicated that they lived in a less
rigorous climate. The height of this prehistoric savage was
about 6ft. 6in.

An ancient lake-village was discovered last year near Glastonbury
by Mr. Arthur Bulleid. The site had been an ancient shallow-lake
or morass upon which a colony of the former inhabitants of this
district had settled. It consists of a number of low mounds, about
2ft. in height and from 20ft. to 30ft. in diameter. One 3ft. 6in.
deep, was composed of layers of clay, charcoal, ashes, and
timber, resting upon wooden piles laid close together, still retaining
the bark. Each of the dwellings contains a fire-hearth of stone-
slabs laid upon a bed of clay ; occasionally there were two, and
even three, placed one over the other, owing, perhaps, to the
sinking of the floor-bed. Mr. Boyd Dawkins considers the date of
this lake dwelling to be close to the dividing line between the
prehistoric archseology of these islands and history. The
inhabitants of the village were spinners and weavers ; they used
whorls of stone and earthenware, heavy stone loom-weights to keep

president's address. Ixv.

the threads in place, bone-shuttles, weaving-combs, and bone-
needles for sewing. They probably worked with the lathe, as
may he inferred by the numerous chucks of Kimmeridge-shale,
also lathe-turned vessels of earthenware. Crucibles and remains
of smiths' bellows point to smelting. They used rings of
jet, amber, glass, and bronze, bracelets of bronze and Kimmeridge-
shale, glass-beads, bronze-safety-pins, and split-ring-brooches, with
bone-links similar to those found in Victoria Cave in Yorkshire,
There are also bone amulets. Their huts were round and made of
wattle. They grew wheat, and had sheep, cattle, Bos longifrons,
pigs, horses, and dogs. They ground their corn in querns, and
worked their food by putting hot stones into their pots filled with
cold water. They rode or drove their horses with iron snaffle-bits,
their weapons of war were daggers, halberts, billhooks, and
sling-stones, vast numbers of which have been found made of clay,
both burnt and unburnt. Mr, Boyd Dawkins considers that the
fragment of a long human skull, with a low forehead and strong
frontal sinuses, implies that some of the inhabitants belonged to
the long-headed section of the Britons. In his summary he says
the pottery is distinctly of southern derivation and of the late
Celtic type, and belongs to the late period of the Iron age, before
the Roman influence had fully penetrated into Britain. The split-
ring fibula and the bone-links are identical with forms of Romano-
British type. The absence of Roman pottery and of coins implies
that the Roman civilization had not arrived in the Isle of Glaston-
bury. On a comparison with the late Celtic remains found by
General Pitt-Rivers at Mount Caburn, near Lewes, it is found that
the iron-tools and weapons, the earthenware sling-stones, the pottery,
and various other articles, as well as the wattle-work, are practically
the same and belong therefore to the same age.

The extinction of wild animals is becoming daily a question of
the greatest importance, and demands the co-operation and elTorts
of naturalists to prevent their annihilation. Although valuable
both for food and commerce they are relentlessly pursued and
massacred for momentary gain. The most remarkable instance is

Ixvi. president's address.

that of the American bison, which formerly ranged over about one-
third of the North American Continent from the Atlantic shore of
North America, across the Alleghanies to the prairies above the
Mississippi and southward to its delta. It also wandered across
Texas to North-Eastern INIexico, across the Rocky Mountains to
Utah and northward to the Great Slave Lake. In consequence of
the settlement of the country by Europeans the area was gradually
contracted, and about 1840 it occupied the centre only of its former
range. The Union Pacific Railway divided this great central herd
into a southern and northern division, the former consisting of
about four millions, the latter of about one and a-half millions.
Between 1869 and 1880, that is to say in eleven years, the southern
herd practically ceased to exist. In a short time 20 stragglers in
Texas represented the last of them, a similar fate overtook the
northern portion. In 1883 a herd of some 200, derived from the
northern herd, was preserved by the United States Government in
the Yellowstone National Park. In 1886 the taxidermist of the
Smithsonian Museum of Washington was directed to secure a
complete series of fresh skins and skeletons of the Bison, and
finding there were none, excepting those in Yellowstone Park, he
took out an expedition to Texas, where the party found a herd of
50 or 60, which had found shelter there since the destruction of
the great northern herd in 1881-83 and in fancied security, but
the settlement of the country by ranchmen doomed every one of
them to destruction. Three were taken in the expedition and 22
afterwards. Their skins and skeletons are described as being now
of almost " priceless value." The European Bison, which was once
common throughout Central Europe, the Caucasus, and Carpathian
Mountains, is now found only in the forests of Lithuania, where
it is saved from immediate extinction by the protection of the
Russian Emperor. Some jears ago the Lithuanian Bisons num-
bered 1,000, in 1870 they had diminished to 528, and all attempts
to domesticate them have failed. It is a sad certainty that in a
very few years the Elk, or Wapiti, Mountain Sheep, Goat, Deer,
Moose, and other forms will have totally disappeared.

president's address. Ixvii.

At a recent meeting of the Zoological Society African hunters
from various parts of the Continent were present. All told the
same tale — that animals wliich were abundant a few years ago near
the coast must now be sought for a month's journey inland. It is
much to be hoped that those who have authority over the vast
areas which have lately come under their protection will do some-
thing towards the preservation of the fauna of these territories.
Unless some stringent steps are taken to suppress the wholesale
destruction which is now permitted, the highlands of Africa will be
depopulated of the big game, which is diminishing each year in
lamentable proportions.

Aquatic animals, such as Seals, can Avith ease be entirely
exterminated, especially when, like the Fur-seal, they forsake the
water and resort to land for breeding. The Fur-seals of the Pacific
and Antarctic are now nearly gone, except in two groups of islands —
one in Alaska, and the other in Siberia, where they enjoy Govern-
ment protection. Aquatic mammals which never leave the water,
like "Whales and Sirenians, and do not multiply rapidly, especially
when they breed near the shore, are also liable to extermination.
The Arctic Sea-Cow Rhytina delleri is extinct within the present
century, and the Pacific Grey-Wbale Rhackiayiedes gJmicus is
practically so. In the year 1877 a close time for Seals came into
operation, which includes an area between the parallels of G7° and
75° north latitude, and between the meridians of 5° east and 17°
west longitude from the meridian of Greenvfich. Not a Seal is
killed till April 3rd, The northern Seals are now no longer killed
without mercy when they come to suckle their young, and the
latter left in thousands to die of starvation. In the Zoological for
Alarch, 1885, is the following account of the destruction of a colony
of young Seals by sealers on the coast of Greenland: — " After great
exertions had been made to work through the ice, the breeding pack
was discovered covering a space of about eiglit miles in extent from
east to west, and one and a-half broad. Forty-eight men were sent
on to the ice to kill the young seals at one o'clock a,m. About
noon on April 7th the whole brood was killed," As no other

Ixviii. president's address.

breeding Seals were met with, it may fairly be presumed that all the
young broods perished. The Walrus, too, which was met Avith in
the 16th century as low as the southern coast of Nova Scotia, and
in the last century was common in the Gulf of St. Laurence and
on the shores of Labrador, is now confined to a very limited area.

The extirpation of birds is also a subject of great anxiety to the
naturalist. There is no doubt that many of our native birds are
rapidly disappearing, as Lord Lilford warns us in the National
Revieio of April. Not only Owls and Hawks are viewed with
detestation by the average game preserver, but Magpies and Jays,
which are neither so numerous as Rooks and Jackdaws, nor more
destructive to eggs and young birds. The Rook will beat a hedge-
row for eggs as carefully as a pointer for its game. With the
greatest care of my gamekeeper Shave, I am able to save a
few chance broods of Kestrels, Crows, and Magpies, and to
hear the croak of a pair of Ravens which I always fain hope will
breed within our precincts. There is no visible increase from year
to year, for death meets the survivors outside this asylum.

Unless some restraint is imposed upon the destroyers of our sea-
birds our shores and cliffs will be entirely denuded. A correspon-
dent in Nature some little time ago spoke of a dealer having
boasted that 9,000 or 10,000 Gulls and other shore birds had passed
through his hands in one year, and that he had got 800 in one
batch from one person. In 1891 Lord Lilford called attention to
a scheme whereby a Birmingham Company prepared to take from
the Shetland Islands during the spring of that year no less than
20,000 eggs, including many beautiful and rare varieties. His
intervention was, I apprehend, the means of the abandonment of
the proposed expedition.

Mr. Harting's " Handbook of British Birds " with records of our
rare visitants shows that the majority of them, especially those of
gaudy pluniage,as the Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, &c.,
for the most part met their deaths in one of the maritime counties,
killed before they had brought up their broods. A pair of Golden
Orioles bred in the New Forest last year and returned in safety to

president's address. Ixix,

their winter quarters witli their young brood. A pair, probably the
same, appeared again this year in the same locality.

A close season in France has been the means of a large accession
of small birds, which is quite remarkable. The woods and groves
which were silent until recently are now resonant with bird-song.

A memorandum was drawn up by Lord Onslow, late Governor of
New Zealand, for the preservation of native birds in that colony
by setting apart two islands for the purpose. One, Hauturn Island,
which contains an area of about 10,000 acres, rising in the middle
of an elevation of about 2,000 feet, was selected. There are no
egg-destroyers in the island, such as the Wika Rail, nor wild pigs,
which eat the young of the Mutton bird.

Our attention naturally turns to the birds which have been
extirpated in modern times, of which the Dodo is the most
remark^ble They were found in the Mauritius by the Portuguese
in the beginning of the 16tli century. Owing to their inability to
fly and unwieldiness they soon succumbed. A quantity of Dodo's
bones were found in that island in a peat bed and sent to Europe.
They have been described in detail by the late Sir Richard Owen.
These bones showed nearly every part of the osseous structure of the
bird. A bird allied to the Dodo was found in the Island of Bourbon.
The Solitaire is also extinct, and another species from the neighbour-
ing island of Rodriguez, two species of Parrot, a Dove, a large Coot,
and a flightless and long-billed Rail. The Great Auk, allied to the
Razor-bill, whose remains are found in the kitchen midden of
Denmark and in Caithness, seems to have become extinct since
1844, in which year the last tAvo examples known to have lived
were taken off the south-west point of Ireland. Ten years before
one had been taken alive at the entrance of Waterford Harbour,
and in 1841 one was taken near St. Kilda. Far less commonly
known is the Labrador Duck, allied to the Eider Duck, which 50
years ago was found in summer about the mouth of the St. Laurence,
and the coast of Labrador, migrating in the winter to the shores of
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, &c. The last knoAvn to have
been killed was in Halifax Harbour in 1852. The Spoonbill, the

Ixx. president's address.

Crane, the Great Bustard, and the Capercail, once bred in England.
The latter has been lately introduced from Sweden into Scotland
and is doing well. It is worthy of remark that all the four species
were protected by Acts of Parliament with regard to their eggs only,
leaving the parent birds in peril of their lives during the period of
incubation. The Chough, which frequented our cliffs in some
numbers fifty years ago, is now extinct in this country. The Kite
and Hen Harrier, which were boHi denizens here, only visit us
occasionally from the continent.

I must say a few words about our meteorological returns, which
show some cause for suspicion that they are not always taken with
sufficient accuracy, partly owing, perhaps, to the position and
environments of the rain-gauges, which should be perfectly level
and of a sufficient height above the surface to ensure the reception
of every drop of rain. Of course two gauges near each other will
show a slight discrepancy in the annual fall, as a thunderstorm
will pass over one while the other will escape. General Pitt Rivers'
accurate observations at Rushmore and Larmer show this, but the
difference only amounts to a very small decimal fraction during
the year. Some of the discrepancies, ho^'ever, in the meteorologi-
cal sheet of the new volume of the Proceedings of the Club cannot
be accounted for in this way.

Jin dDlb |)am]jshivc |Hiinor f)ousc mi vi
f pcraab to Dbton).

By FREDERIC FANE. Esq.

0 any one descending from the West side of the
plateau of the J^ew Forest into tlie valley of the
river Avon, by a cait track from Bratley Wood, to
the parish of EUingham, Moyle's Court is seen at
the end of a vista, through the woods. A dark
coloured brick mansion, its colour mellowed by
more tlian three hundred years' exposure — the
very high pitched roof is more that of an old
French Chateau, than of the houses to which we are accustomed
in this district.

jNIr. Shore, who has ably written upon the antiquities of
Hampshire, states tliat the word " court " as applied to many of the
old manor houses in this country, refers Avithout doubt to the
former owners of the estate and the courts held to record the
manoiial rights attached to its possession. William de Solariis,
the founder of the Priory near here, must have been Lord of the
j\Ianor about a century after the time of the Conqueror. The next
possessor was Robert de Punchardon, whose family from the
time of Richard I., for several centuries, held this manor. In
the reign of Edward 11. {i-irca 1310), John de jNloellcs held

2 AN OLD IIAMrSHIKE MANOR HOtTSE.

Ellingliani, and another of the same name in 2 Edward III.
Tlie next oAvner recorded is Florencia de Punchardon, in
19 Edward IIT., and several of tliat name held the manor in quick
succession till 1392, Avhen we iirst nicct with the name of Moyle's
Court, and " Ellingham ]Manor vocat. Meoles," was held hy
AVm. de Botreaux. There appears to have been an intermarriage
between the Punchardons and Botreaux families, and the manor
passed from one to the other of these names. To the before-named
William de Solariis probably belongs the ancient altar-tomb in
Ellingham churchyard, M'hich is, no doubt, of the same date as the
chancel of the church, probably built towards the end of the
twelfth century. The name Moyle is still very common among
the humbler denizens of this district, and is the same as Meoles
(probably pronounced Moyles), who held the manor early in the
14th century.*

In the 16th century Moyle's Court, with the parish of Ellingham,
was in the possession of a family of the name of White. A
daughter, Alice, of that family, having married William, a son of
William BeconsaAv, took the estate into that family. Of that
marriage there were three children, of whom one was kirighted in
1627 and became Sir White Beconsaw. At his death the Moyle's
Court Estate was divided between his daughters, Elizabeth, wife of
Sir Thomas Tipping, and Alicia, wife of John Lisle.

Having thus traced the early history of the estate attached to
Moyle's Court we may return to the house itself and the more
immediate circumstances which have attached an historical interest
to the place and connect it so closely Avith the short, but tragic
episode, of IMonmouth's rebellion and the deeds of horror perpe-
trated by Jefferies, the echoes of which are still heard throughoul:
the Western Counties. The old Manor House itself, formerly much
larger than it now is, Avas probably surrounded Avith moats, traces of
Avhich still exist, on its tAvo sides, and a braAvling forest brook runs
near the house, Avhich Avould give an amj^le supply of Avater

* For the above, relating to the descent of the property, I am indebted
to Mr. T. VV. Shore, F.S.A.

AN OLD HAJIPSHIRE MANOR HOUSE. li

for (Icl'cnsivc purposes. Lying in a very secluded po.sition,
fit tlie edge of tlie forest, surrounded by moors and woods, and far
from any main roads, Moyle's Court must have been a locality
well suited for adventure and intrigue. Smuggling was formerly
rife in this district, and the scenes so graphically described in the
well-known novel, " Smugglers and Foresters," the plot of which
is laid in the New Forest, might well have occurred at this place.

Some mansion, of earlier date than any portion of the present
building, without doubt, existed upon the same site, as fragments
of stonework, with rude carvings and arched doorways, may be
seen in the cellar and other portions of the premises, of a date as
early, or probably earlier, than that of Henry YII.

John Lisle, who had married Alicia Beconsaw, the heiress of
JNIoyle's Court, occupies a somewhat prominent place in the history
of the Commonwealth. Colonel Lisle, although his name does
not appear as one of the signatories upon the death Avarrant of
Charles I., is reputed to have been responsible for that document,
being one of Cromwell's Privy Council, and as such is styled
" Lord Lisle " in Burnet's Hiutory.

In a tract, printed in 1660, entitled "The mystery of the good
old cause briefly unfolded," is a catalogue of such members
of the late Long Parliament, that hold places both civil
and military, contrary to the Self-Denying Ordinance of April
3rd, 1645. John Lisle is described "as Barrister of the Middle
Temple, Master of St. Crosses in Dr. Lewis' place (St. Cross
Hospital, near Winchester), being a place for a divine with ,£800
a year, one of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal worth
£1,500 per annum, one of the King's Judges, afterwards became
a Cromwellian, and swore Oliver at his first installing Chief
IMagistrate. He was President of the High Court of Justice (so
called) which tried Sir Henry Slingsby, Dr. Hewit, &c., for treason
against the Protector, and passed sentence of death against them.

At the Restoration, the Spirit of Revenge, which caused the
exhumation of the body of Ireton and other Roundheads Avho had
been prominent in the affairs of the Commonweallh, caused the

4 AN OLD HAMPSHIRE MANOR HOUSE.

Proclamation of Parliament — "That the Council of State, do
forthwith take order, for stopping all the ports, to the end, that
none of those, who are ordered to be apprehended, as having sat in
judgment, upon the late king's majesty, may make his escape,
beyond the seas." Among these persons occur the name of John
Lisle and sixty-five others.

From Burnet's History, vol. iii., we read : — " That Lisle, went
at the time of the restoration, beyond sea, and lived at Lausanne,
where three desperate Irishmen, hoping by such a service, to make
their fortunes, killed him, as he was going to church, and the
assassins, being well mounted, and ill pursued, got into France.
His lady was known to be much affected Avith the king's death,
and not easily reconciled to her husband, for the share he had in it."

We do not know the date of this assassination, but ^Nloyle's
Court again comes into notice, when Alice Lisle, the widow of
Colonel Lisle, was residing with her family on her estate there at
the time of the Duke of Monmouth's ill-starred attempt to ensure
the Protestant succession by landing in the neighbourhood of
Charmouth, in Dorsetshire.

One of the sons of Dame Alice Lisle, as she was by courtesy
styled as widow of one of Cromwell's Lords, was serving in the
army of James II. at Sedgmoor, the first and last battle,
which destroyed all hope of success to Monmouth's expedition,
whose followers dispersed and fled in all directions, while he
himself, probably endeavouring to reach Southampton and so to
get beyond the seas, was taken not many days after the battle in a
miserable plight in the parish of Cranborne at no great distance
from Moyle's Court.

The battle of Sedgmoor took place on tlu? 6th of July, 1685,
and on or about the 25fch of that month a messenger from War-
minster, named Dunn, arrived at Moyle's Court to ask Dame Alice
if she would receive and .shelter one Hickes, whom she believed
and stated on her trial to have only been amenable to the law for
preaching as a Nonconformist. Whatever may have been the reply
of Dame Alice to this request Hickes, of Keynsham, near Bath,

AX OLD HAMPSHIRE MANOR HOUSE. 0

and another fugitive from the field of Sedgmoor named Nelthorpc,
accompanied by the messenger Dunn, appear to have made their
Avay across from Warminster, tlirough Deverill, Chihnark, Sutton,
Fovant, and Chalk, to ]\Iartin, on the borders of Wiltshire,
wliere they were entertained l)y a Mr. Fane. It would appear
that Dunn had arranged with Colonel Penruddocke, on the part of
the authorities, to waylay and arrest the party at some point on
the road, but for some reason, possibly with the design to implicate
Dame Alice, he deferred any interference until they were safely
housed at Moyle's Court, one Barter acting as guide.

Crossing the river Avon at Fordingbridge they reached their
destination about ten o'clock at night on the 28th of July, and,
having turned their horses loose at the gate, they were taken into
the house by the steward of Dame Alice. It appears, however,
that they had but a very short interview with the owner of the
mansion in an upstair room, where tliey supped.

According to Burnet—" She knew Hickes, and treated him
civilly, not asking from whence they came, but Ilickes told, what
brought them thither, for they had been, with the Duke of Mon-
mouth. Upon which, she went out of the room, immediately, and
ordered her chief servant, to send an information, to the next
justice of the peace, and in the meanwhile to suffer them to make
their escape." During the niglit, however, Moyle's Court was
surrounded by Colonel Penruddocke and some soldiers, and Ilickes
and Nelthorpe were found secreted, the one in the malthou&e and
the other in one of the chambers near that in which they had
supped ; and, being both taken, they were subsequently hung at
Glastonbury. John Hickes is styled clerk, but he was probably a
dissenting minister. Nelthorpe was a lawyer who had been con-
cerned in the Rye House plot.

For this offence Alice Lisle was at once conveyed to Winchester,
on a pillion behind a trooper, and when the writer came to Moyle's
Court about 1872 the old people at Gorely, a short distance on the
road towards "Winchester, used to tell how that their ancestors had
handed down that the horse having cast a shoe at that place Alice

b AN OLD HAMrSHIUE 5IANOR HOUSE.

Lisle, being surrounded at the forge by her sorrowing tenantry, liad
said " Weep not, good folks, I shall soon return to you," at which
the soldier grumbled out " Yes, you will, l)ut with your head left
behind."

The infamous George Lord Jefferies had just arrived at
AVinchester to open his commission, for what was afterwards
called the Bloody Assizes ; and from the commencement of the trial
of Alice Lisle it was evident that nothing would satisfy the judge
but the conviction of the prisoner, whatever the evidence might be.

Burnet says — " That he was resolved to make a sacrifice of her,
and obtained of the king, a promise, that he would not pardon her,
which the king owned to the Earl of Feversham, Avhen he, u^^on
the offer, of one thousand pounds if he could obtain the pardon,
Avent, and begged it." Instead of leaving the examination of the
witnesses to the counsel for the crown, Jefferies took an independ-
ent position, and examined the witnesses himself, and so browbeat
and worried them, that they contradicted themselves in any way
that the Chief Justice desired. Some idea of his cruelty and his
ferocious blasphemy, may be gathered from his treatment of the
witness Dunn. It must be remembered that Lord Jefferies was a
man of most notorious profligacy.

The Lord Chief Justice to Dunn — " Why, thou vile wretch,
didst thou not tell me just now, that thou pluck'st up, the latch 1
Dost thou take the God of Heaven, not to be a God of Truth,
and that He is not a witness of all thou saith 1 Dost thou think,
because thou prevaricatcst, with the court here, thou canst do so
with God, above, who know'st thy thoughts, and it is infinite
mercy, that for those falsehoods of thine, he does not immediately
strike thee into hell 1 Jesus God, there is no sort of conversation,
nor human society, to be kept, with such people, as these are, who
have no other religion, but only its pretence, and no way to uphold
theriiselves, but by countenancing lying, villany, &c." Again :
" A Turk, is a saint, to such a fcllov.^, as this, nay, a pagan, Avould
be ashamed to be thought, to bfvye no more truth in him. Oh !
Blessed Jesus, what an age do we live in, and what a generation

AN OLD HAMPSHIKE MANOR HOUSE. /

of vipers, do avc live among. Sirs, is this wliat you call the
Protestant religion ? Shall so glorious a name, be applied to so
mucli villany and hypocrisy '? Is this the pursuasion, you hope to
live and die, and find salvation in ? Will you, any of you, gentle-
men, be contented to die, with such a lie in your mouth, &c. f

" Jesus God, was there ever such a fellow, in the world, as thou
art? Prithee, let me ask thee, once again, Dost thou believe there
is a God, that this God is spotless, truth, and purity, itself 1 Dost
thou believe, that thou hast a precious and immortal soul, that is
to live, in everlasting bliss, or eternal misery, after this life,
according, as thou carriest it here, &c. 1 Thou wretch, all the
mountains, and hills in the world, heaped upon one another, will
not cover thee, from the vengeance of the great God, for this
transgression of false swearing. What hopes, can there be, for so
profligate a being, as thou art, that so impudently, stands, in open
defiance of the omnipresence, omniscience, and justice of God, by
persisting, in so palpable a lie, &c. ?"

The unfortunate Avitness was so l)ewildered by the torrent of
abuse from the mouth of the Lord Chief Justice, that at last he
bursts out, " My Lord, I am so baulked, I do not know what I say
myself : tell me what you would have me to say, for I am cluttered
out of my senses."

Dame Alice Lisle called no witnesses, but made defence as
follow : —

'•' My lord, that which I have to say is this, I knew of nobody
coming to my house but Mr. Hickes, and as for him, I did hear
that he did abscond by reason of warrants that were out again.-<t
him for preaching in private meetings, but I never heard he was
in the army, nor that Xelthorpe was to come with him, and for that
reason, it. was, that I sent for him to come by night, but for the
other man Nelthorpe, I never knew he was Nelthorpe, I could die
upon it, nor did know what name he had till after Ir- canif into
my house, but as for ^Ir. Hickes, I did not in the least suspect
him, that he had been in the army, being a Presliylerian Minister,
that used to preach and not to light. My lord, 1 abhorred butli the

S AN OLD HAMPSHIRE MANOR HOUSE.

principles and practices of the late Rebellion. Besides, my lord, I
should have been the most ungrateful person living should I have
been disloyal, or acted anything against the present king, consider-
ing how much I was obliged to him for my estate."

" My Lord, had I been tried in London I could have had my
Lidy Abergavenny and several other persons of quality that could
have testified how much I was against the rebellion, and with what
detestation I spoke against it during the time of it, for I was all
that time in London, and staid there till after the Duke of Mon-
mouth was beheaded, and if I had certainly known the time of my
trial in the country, I could have had the testimony of those
persons of honour for me. But, my lord, I am told, and so I
thought it would have been, that I should not have been tried as
a traitor for harbouring him, till he was convicted for a traitor.
My lord, I should take my death of it, that I never knew of
Nelthorpe coming, nor anything of his being Nelthorpe, I never
asked his name, and if he had told it me I had then remembered
the Proclamation. I do assure you, my lord, for my own part I
did abhor those that were in that horrid plot and conspiracy
against the king's life. I know my duty to the king better,
and have always exercised it. I defy anybody in the world
that ever knew the contrary, to come and give testimony as to
what they say of my denying Nelthorpe to be in the house ; I
was in great consternation and fear of the soldiers, who were very
rude and violent, and could not be restrained by their officers from
robbery and plundering my house, and I beseech your lordship to
make that construction of it, and I humbly beg of your lordship
not to harbour an ill opinion of me because of those false reports
that go about of me relating to my carriage towards the old king,
that I was anyways consenting to the death of King Charles the
First, for, my lord, that is as false as God is true. My lord, I was
not out of my chamber all the day in which the king was
beheaded, and I believe I shed more tears for him than
any woman living did, and this, the late Countess of INIonmouth,
and my Lady Marlborough, and my Lord Chancellor Hyde, if they

AN OLU IIAMPSniRE MANOR IIOUSE. 9

were alive, and twenty persons of tlie most eminent (juality could
baar witness for me, and I do repeat, my lord, as I hope to obtain
salvation, I never did know Nelthorpe, nor never did see liim before
in my life, nor did I ever know of anyone's comir.g but Mr.
Hickes, and him I did know to be a Nonconformist Minister, and
there being as is well-known warrants out to apprehend all Non-
conformist Ministers, I was willing to give him shelter from these
warrants ; I was come down but that week into the country, when
this man came to me from Mr. Hickes, to know if he might be
received at my house, and I told him if Mr, Hickes pleased, he
might come upon Tuesday, in the evening, and should be welcome ;
but withal, I told him I must go away the Monday following from
that place, but while I staid, I would entertain him, and I beseech
your lordship to believe I had no intention to harbour him but as
a Nonconformist, and that I knew was no treason. It cannot be
imagined that I would venture the hazard of my own life, and the
ruin both of myself and my children, to conceal one that I never
knew in my life, and I did not know Mr. Nelthorpe, but had
heard of him in the Proclamation. And for that white-headed
man that speaks of my denying them, as I said before, he was one
of them that rifled and plundered my house, and tore open my
trunk, and if I should not be convicted, he and the rest of tliem
may be called to account for what they did, for they ought not to
have meddled with my goods, besides my lord, I have a witness
that can testify what Mr. Nelthorpe said when he was examined,
before I staid in London till all the Rebellion was past and over,
and I never uttered a good word for the rebels, or ever harboured
so much as a good wish for them in my mind. I know the King
is my Sovereign, and I know my duty to him, and if I would have
ventured my life for anything, it should have been to serve him.
I know it is due, and I owed all that I had in the world to him,
but though I coulil not fight for him myself, my son did ; he was
actually in arms on the king's side in this business ; I instructed
him always in loyalty, and sent hiui thither ; it was I who bred
him up to fight for the King."

Jo Ais^ OLb itAMPSHIRfe MANOR SOUSE.

The Lord Chief Justice cliarged to the utmost against her, and
three times refused to take the verdict of the Jury— in her favour
■ — until they obeyed his mandate, and found her guilty, when he
immediately passed sentence upon her, condemning her to be
burned the same day. " During the passing of the sentence," says
Burnet, " the only person not concerned, was the lady herself, who
was then past seventy, and was so little moved at it, that she fell
asleep." Petitions were at once forwarded to the King, especially
by her friends, the ladies St. John and Abergavenny. Strong
intercession was also made by many of the nobles and others about
the Court, but in vain, and the only indulgence shown by James
was, that in accordance with her own petition, instead of being
burnt, she should be beheaded, which sentence Avas carried into
effect in the Market Place, at Winchester, on Wednesday, the 2nd
of September, 1685. After the execution, the body was brought
back to Moyle's Court, and interred in the Churchyard, at
Ellingham.

The whole of Dame Alice's property was at once confiscated as
that of an attainted felon, but it is clear that the whole process
against her was illegal. The men she took in for the liight had
never been tried for any offence, and were therefore, according to
law, innocent. That her conduct was not a treasonable ofi'ence, has
been argued at length, by Lord Macaulay.

Howe\er, a few years later, on the petition of her daughter,
Tryphena, Avife of Richard Lloyd, and of Bridget Ussher, the
attainder was reversed, and the property restored to the Lisle
Family by Act of Parliament, dated William and Mary, 1689.

Whereas Alicia Lisle, widow, in the month of August, in the first
year of the reign of the late King James the Second,, at a Sessions of
Oyer et Tcrminei', and Gaol Delivery, holden for the , County of
Southampton, in the City of Whachester, in the said County, by an
irregular and undue prosecution, Ayas indicted for, entertaining,
concealing, and comforting John Hicks, Clerk, a false traitor,
knowing him to be such, though the said John Hicks \yas not at
the trial of the said Alicia Lisle, attainted or convicted of any such

AN OLD HAMPSHIRE MANOR HOUSE. 11

crime ; and by a verdict, injuriously extorted and procured by the
menaces and violences and other illegal practices of George, Lord
Jefferies, Baron of Wem, then Lord Chief Justice of the King's
Bench, and Chief Commissioner of Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol
Delivery within the said County, was convicted, attainted, and
executed for High Treason : May it therefore please your Most
Excellent Majesties at the humble petition of Tryphena Lloyd, and
Bridget Ussher, daughters of the said Alicia Lisle : That it be
declared and enacted, by the authority of this present Parliament,
and be it enacted, by the King and Queen's Most Excellent
Majesties, by, and with the advice and consent of the Lords,
Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons in this present Parliament
assembled, and by the authority of the same : That the said
conviction, judgment, and attainder of the said Alicia Lisle be, and
are hereby repealed, reversed, made, and declared null and void to
all intents, constructions, and purposes whatever, as if no such
conviction, judgment, or attainder had ever been had or made, and
that no corruption of blood, or other penalty, or forfeiture of
honours, dignities, lands, goods, or chattels be by the said conviction
or attainder incurred, any law, usage, or custom to the contrary,
notwithstanding.

Tlie Property attached to Moyle's Court, consisting of the
Parishes of Ellingham and Ibbesley, and extending from Ringwood
to within a short distance of Fordingbridge, and from the CroAvn
Lands of the 2^ew Forest to the river Avon, remained in the family
of the Lisles until the beginning of this century, when, upon the
death of Mr. Charles Lisle, the estates were sold to the owner of the
property on the other bank of the river, and with it passed into the
hands of the Earl of Xormanton, avIiosc son is the present
possessor.

When the present occupier and writer of these notes came to
Moyle's Court about twenty-four years ago, the house had been
uninhabited for nearly half-a-century, and the architects called in
had given their opinion that nothing could be done with the place
but pull it down. A great part of the old house had been already

12 AN OLD HAMPSHIRE MANOR HOUSE.

destroyed. The cellars were full of Wcater into which the floors had
fallen, the windows, or rather the spaces where they had formerly
heen, were boarded up, the whole place a prey to the spoiler.
When bricks were required a room was pulled down ; when a fire
wanted lighting a floor was I'ipped up, or a panel was broken
down. The house was given up to the bats and owls. The latter
resented interference strongly, and long after the house was again
inhabited, screamed and hooted down the broad old-fashio4ied
chimneys, till they made night a terror.

With patience and care, the house is now restored as nearly as
possible as it can be, in the same style in which it originally stood.
Some carvings and panellings, said to have been in the Chapel
attached to the house, have been restored to the walls. The old
ponds and moats have been cleared of mud, and the gardens
restored to their legitimate uses, and inquisitive seekers may still
be gratified by a sight of the hole in which were found, according
to tradition, the unfortunate fugitives from the battle of Sedgmoor,
and the history, and sad fate of Alice Lisle, Avill it is hoped be
preserved in connection Avith the old house on the borders of the
Forest for many generations.

€Ilingham €hxuxh.

By FREDERIC FANE, Esq.

LTHOUGH very small, the picturesque church of
Ellingham is of interest both for its venerable
appearance and its connection with the History of
Alice Lisle, who is here buried, which you have
already heard.

The church was probably built somewhere about
1230, as we find no Norman remains in or about
the church that I am aware of, the earliest features of the church
being Early English in character.

At that time, that is in 1163, it was given by William de
Solariis to the Abbey of Saint Sauveur le Vicompte in N'ormandy,
between Cherbourg and Bayeux, from which its duties were probably
served, and which was under the protection of John Chandos, to
whom the estate there was given by Ed. III.

The tombs which you Avill see on the floor of the Chancel belong
proV)ab]y to the Friars, who came from Normandy to serve in this
church until the suppression of the alien Priories by the 3rd Henry
V. in 1414. The tithe was given by Henry VI. to Eton College.*

* We learn from Domesday B jok that Cola, the King's liuntsman, hold
this manor in tlie time of King Edwaiil, probably a great forest official,
but there is no mention of a church,

14 ELLINGHAM CHURCH.

It is possible, or rather probable, that the altar tomb near the
South Porch is that of the founder, William de Solariis.

I Avoiild here remark how singular it is that all traces of ha:l>ita-
tions, such as would have encouraged the building of a church,
should have completely vanished from its immediate neighbourhood,
as one farmhouse is now the only building for nearly three-quarters
of a mile.

In the year 1746 a spirit of renovation fell upon the church-
wardens of Ellingham, who proceeded to pull down the West P]nd
of the church and rebuild it, in what I may term " Mausoleum
Gothic ;" substantial, certainly, but pretty, certainly not. The
present South Porch, ^Aith its sundial, was erected of the same
style of architecture and at the same time.

The bells, of which there wore two, were sold for £37,
weighing about 8cwt. and a-half, and the proceeds possibly invested
in the Communion plate. You will observe the remains of a fine
yew tree, as is so common, close to the old gateway of the
churchyard. Why 1

The church, having no foundation, as is common in very early
churches, was in a very dilapidated state, when its restoration was
undertaken by the Earl of Normanton about ten years ago, and
carried out in a most satisfactory manner.

If the leading principle of this restoration had been in all cases
adhered to, in many of the so-called restorations of the last fifty
years, we should not have to deplore the loss of so many objects
and buildings of the greatest arch feo logical interest.

In this case the idea was to destroy nothing that could be
preserved " bearing upon the past history of the building," and I
would advocate one matter in connection with all church restoration
as was faithfully carried out in this instance — viz., not to cart away
the memorials of the fathers of the parish from the church floor,
to fill their places with modern encaustic tiles to the benefit of
contracting masons. Here every flag stone was carefully marked
and restored to the precise places where olcl priest and peasant
alike sleep their last sleep.

ELLINGHAM CHURCH. 15

Attached to the exteiior of the nave is a hiiikling Avhicli containi=
the staircase to the rood-loft, ^vith tlie usual door communicating
with the interior of the church.

In the restoration works, the rood-loft, ■which is, I believe,
practically as intact as in pre-Reforniation times, was not interfered
with, though the plaistcr work as now seen was probahly erected to
carry the Lord's Prayer and Commandments, according to law, at the
date you see, 1671. You will remark upon the ancient screen, the
stand for the hour glass, Avhich has itself, I regret to say, dis-
appeared. The chancel, which was of Early English work, was
mostly, so far as the outer walls are concerned, rebuilt ; but one of
the windows on the South side is original, that is of Perpen-
dicular work. The East window, coeval with the oldest part of the
church, was from 1746 to 1883 blocked up by the erection which
you will see placed against the West wall of the church.

In the corner of the chancel, within the altar rails, is a brass
to one of the Punchardon family, who held this manor in the period
between 13L0 and 1392, or later.

In the vestry are some ancient bosses from the roof and rafter
supports of the old church.

I would now draw your attention to the facing of the rood-loft
and its old lettering of the Lord's Prayer and Commandments with
the accompanying texts. After hearing, as you have done to-day, the
sad story of Alice Lisle, it has often struck me that there is a
singular coincidence between the choice of the texts wherewith to
adorn this screen, which were probably painted by her order, and
bearing the date 1671 and her own fate sixteen years later.

You will see one of these texts read " My son, fear God and the
King, and meddle not with them that are seditious ;" in our
authorised version " Avith them that are given to change." Either
reading is significant. The former is taken from the Geneva
lUble.

The pulpit, of probably the tinie of James I., is the one which
was always in the ehuich.
'The four-post pe\V formerly app'citainin'g to Moyl6's Court was

16 ELLINGHAM CHURCH.

built in 1712, and has been moved several times. How aptly fits
the quotation from fSwift's Baucis and Philemon —

" A bedstead of the ancient mode,
Compact of timber many a load.
Such as our ancestors did use.
Was metamorphosed into pews,
Whicli still their ancient nature keep
By lodging folks disposed to, sleep."

The erection in front of the West door was,iDrevious to the restora-
tion of the church, in front of the east window, which it completely
blocked. It was probably erected by Lord Windsor, who appears
to have lived at Moyle's Court for four or five years about 1 746,
and is a very good example of the heavy carving of that date of
the school of Grinling Gibbons. It was made as a setting for the
curious Flemish picture on panel of the Last Judgment painted on
panel, 1558 to 1617, by Paul Goltius A. Fleming. It is reputed
to have been taken from a small oratory on board of a Spanish
man-of-war, captured by a ship of which Lord Windsor was in
command at the action at Port St. Mary, near Cadiz, at that
period.

The Registers, the old ones being in very bad preservation,
begin Avith —

Marriages. Baptisms. Burials.

1596 to 1649 1602 to 1653 1596 to 1616

The churchwardens' accounts commence in 1544. In one of the
old account books is written " a special licence, dated February 19th,
1634, and 2nd year of his Grace's tran.slation (Arch. Laud), by
William, Lord Arch, of Cant., and confirmed by letters patent of
our Lord Charles the King (I.) to White Beconsaw, the owner of
Moyle's Court, and Dame Edith, his wife, to eat flesh in the days
prohibited by the law of the land," for which they are to pay
yearly to the poor of the parish 13s,

ELLINGHAM CHURCH.

17

The church plate consists of a very interesting Cliahec of Cmm-
well, 1652.

Engraved H. T.
W. 0.

C. W.

1698

A heavy flagon and jjaten of massive silver, both dated 1742.

The only object remaining to be remarked is the altar tomb of
the Lisles exterior to the south side of the nave. On it is
engraved the date of Alice Lisle's death and that of one of her
daughters.

It has been at various times repaired at the expense of Mr.
Aimbrose Lisle Philips, a descendant of Alice Lisle.

Near the gate is a tombstone, wliicli has attracted some attention,
having been brought here by gipsies a hundred years ago. The
inscription is not decypherable, but upon it is a symbol of death,
common in the Catacoml)S of Eome. It is the Greek <' d " for
"edparos " (within a circle).

On the gi^sirnbilitu of
Jl Jjhotorjraphic ^uvbcu of the €ountp.

By the Rev. T. PERKINS.

jMONG tlie mem1)ers of tlie Dorset Natural History
and Antiquarian Field Clul) there are doubtless
many who practice the charming art of photography.
I notice in the list of members the name of more
than one of those who are also members of a very
useful little society with Avhich I am officially
connected, the Dorset Amateur Photographic
Association, and I am quite sure that there are
many who have abundant leisure, and who, if they
would but turn their attention to photography, would ])e sure to
succeed so far, at any rate, as to be able to do really useful work,
and work that would be of the utmost interest to a society like
that which I have the honour of addressing this evening. What
I have to say will be practical ; the art side of photography will
not occupy our attention on the present occasion.

I will first briefly point out what is required, and then will give
you a sketch of how the work may be done. It is a work that has
been undertaken in several counties already, but I have not heard
of any organised attempt being made to do it in Dorset,

PHOTOGRArniC SURVEY OF THE COUNTY. 19

No one can visit, as you do, various i)arts of the country without
being struck by tlie fact, -whether you deplore it, as 1 do, or not, that
year by year the antiquities of the country are disappearing before
the march of civilisation and the hands of the so-called restorer
and improver. Well, no doubt from a sanitary point of view it
may be desirable that some, nay, many, of the picturesque old
cottages with their grey stone walls and overhanging thatch, low
ceilings, and general atmosphere of damp and decay should be pulled
down, and as the nineteenth century is an eminently practical one,
and cares little about art, but desires cheapness, trimness, comfort,
and smartness, it is not surprising that cottages of two or three
types, all showing little real love for art or delight in the beautiful,
should take their place. We have first the box-like building with
its slate or tiled roof, underneath which the upper rooms are like
an oven in summer, and through the interstices of which the
powdery snow is driven in winter ; then we have the sham half
timber houses, many of which may be seen in model villages about
Shaftesbury ; and, again, we have larger houses, shops with
pretentious stucco-covered walls, of which examples may be seen in
this town, occupying sites which in my own memory could boast
of houses which were a joy to behold. Then we see year after year
old churches putting on a new appearance under the restorer's
hands, walls scraped, plaster removed, old woodwork destroyed,
pews and pulpits swept away, ceilings torn down to make way for
open timber roofs, organ chambers and vestries, often most hideous
excrescences, run out, not unfrequently necessitating the removal of
good old work to make room for them ; and, worse than all, con-
jectural restoration of what the architect imagines was once to be
found in the building, lifeless imitations in the 19th century of
features that once were full of the vitality of the builder's or carver's
soul. It is, I think, one of the duties of an antiquarian society to
protest against the wholesale destruction which is going on around
us ; but I know from bitter experience that the protests often fall
on unheeding ears, and gain for the prophets of ai-t the character
of crack-brained enthusiasts. Now, it seems to me tliat if we

20 PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY OP THE COUNTY.

cannot check the cnrrent that will soon destroy all the valuaLle
work of past a^^jes yet remaining to us, we may at any rate
endeavour to secure some record, accurate and permanent, of what
these things were like before the touch of the destroyer came upon
them. This can be best done by photography, A photograph is
worth much more than any drawing ever is from the standpoint
from which I am regarding it — namely, as an absolutely truthful and
accurate representation of existing facts ; that is, if the photo-
grapher is careful to use suitable lenses and to select good points of
view.

Next we see old-world habits and customs passing away, the
smock frock of the rustic giving place to the shoddy jacket or the
fashionable broadcloth. Village life is changing, the maypole is
now seldom seen, the fairs are shorn of their ancient glory, the
harvest home has given way to the thanksgiving service, and,
perhaps, many evils die with these old things, and the changes
are changes in many cases for the better ; but yet I, for one, cannot
see Ihem disappear without regret. I know that one distinguished
member of your clul), Avhose name is now known wherever
English books are read, and whose novels have taken the foremost
place in modern literature, has done much, and is doing much, to
depict with his graphic pen the habits and characters of Wessex
folk in present and recent times. His books are photographs, so
to say, in words ; but I should also like to see photographs in
permanent platinum salts of such men and women as Gabriel
Oak with his sheep on the Downs, Tranter Dewy with his
hogshead of cider, Old William Avith his bass-viol, pretty fickle
Anne Garland at the mill, noble John Loveday in all his bravery.
Old "Sir" John with his maudlin boasts about his lead-coffined
ancestry at Bere Regis, and poor pure Tess among the cows on
the dairy farm, or hacking swedes on the bleak hills of central
Dorset. And it is not too late even now to get some such pictures,
though I fear the days of grace are but few. Again, much
valuable work may be done by photography to geology. And I
presume this science comes within the scope of the Dorset Field

PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE COUNTY. 21

Club. Every one knows how the various agencies of Nature, frost
and snow, rain and wind, river and sea, are altering the appearance
of the land ; here old rocks are worn away, here new land is being
built up of materials brought from some other place. We are apt
to look upon the rocks as unchanging, and to speak of the ever-
lasting hills ; but a few years' obs(;rvation will sliow how true are
the words of our scientific poet when he says : —

" Nothing stands ;
They melt like mist the solid lands,
Like clouds they shape themselves and go. "

And now and again there are chances of securing valuable records,
a landslip may for a time lay bare the heart, so to say, of some sea
cliff or inland escarpment, the stratification is distinctly shown,
whicli, in a few years. Nature, ever ready to heal her wounds and
cover her scars with garments green, will hide away from human
eyes once more ; or a new railway cutting may in like manner
show some interesting formation which will, before long, be
similarly covered by a sheet of turf even if in the course of the
work its features are not lost. With reference to this point I may
quote a few words from a letter I received a few days ago from one
of the members of this society. Captain Marshall Hall. He says : —
" I have several negatives of clay diggings in the Bagshott sands,
and notably the cutting for the new railway near Hamworthy, now
destroyed in so far as the excellent exposure goes, and therefore
not capable of being photographed again."

At times, too, special excavations are made on the occasion of
the visits of societies, such as your own, to interesting places. I
have read in your annual volumes of chalk pits yielding before the
eyes of members their store of human bones and other relics of by-
gone races. Would not a photograph of such discoveries greatly
add to the value of your investigations, and to that of the book in
which they are described ? Drawings, no doubt, if properly done,
are of high scientific value ; but every one cannot draw, and artists
are prone to idealise Nature, seeking often to produce a picture

22 PHOTOGRAPHIC SUUVKY OF THE COUNTY.

rather than a bare record of facts. IS'ow, if a photograph is taken
by anyone who understands what he is about, a truthful record is
secured, and by mechanical means copies are easily and cheaply
produced, for process blocks can be made capable of being printed
Avith the letter press, the cost averaging about Is. 6d. per square
inch of the block. Objects of interest are often shown at your
meetings, sometimes papers on them are read ; these might well be
illustrated by process blocks from negatives. But I think I have
said enough to show you that there is plenty of work to be done,
some of which wants doing immediately, as the time for doing it
will pass away to return no more.

There are many Avho could undertake this work, photographers
already who fritter away their time spoiling plates by taking
photographs which are absolutely of no value, scientific or artistic,
their ambition being satisfied if they got nice crisp, clear, sharp
negatives, in which, even if the subject has the capabilities of
making a good picture, all pictorial effect has been lost by want of
artistic taste on the part of the photographer, or it may be they
simply photograph again views that have been photograi^hed a
hundred times already. Others there are, it may be, who are
working or getting valuable pictures without knowing their value ;
some possibly do their own district thoroughly, but no advantage
to any, save to themselves, is derived from their work. Organiza-
tion is required, systematic work is needed ; by co-operation alone
thoroughness can be hoped for. Now, it seems to me that some-
times societies do not do the work they might do, members join
them because of the pleasant gatherings, such as this has been
to-day, and the enjoyable excursion, such as we hope to have to-
morrow ; but these societies have an object beyond the mere social
one, and should take a serious view of the chief object of their
existence. Now, perhaps, it may be said that a photographic
society is the one that should undertake a photographic survey of
the county ; but, unfortunately, all photographers are not
antiquarians, or geologists, or scientific in the way that members of
an Antiquarian and Natural History Field Club are. Many turn

PHOTOGRAPHIC SUPvVEY OF THE COUNTY. 23

their attention to the artistic side of photograpliy alone. AVhcreas
you are no doubt all deeply interested in some one or more of the
branches of research which your club takes into its cognizance.
All you have to do, tlien, is to learn how to take a negative, and
to make a print from it. I can assure you these are not liard
things to do. Photography, moreover, is not an expensive hobby ;
it is not one that entails much bodily labour if you confine
yourselves to pictures of moderate size. And moderate sizes are
all that in many cases are needed. You are widely scattered — east,
Avest, north, and south — in the county, and if you, all or even
a fair proportion of you, if you have not done so already, would
take up photography and photograph what lies in yuur own
district, in a very short time an admirable and valuable record of
Dorset in its present aspect might be secured.

I would strongly advocate the sending out a request by the
officers of the Society to each member asking if he or she would
undertake photographic work for the Club, and, if so, what work ;
then, after answers have been received, some one with ample leisure
should be appointed " Director " of the photographic section, and
he should assign to each member a district in which he should
work.

To assist the Director of the section a Committee should be
appointed, drawn from different parts of the county ; these should
divide the county as equally as possible between them, taking each
a certain number of C[uarter sheets of the six-inch ordnance survey
maps. These should select the places to be photographed in their
districts and hand over one or more cjuarter sheets of the map to
each one who volunteers for the good Avork ; the quarter sheet
takes in an area of 3 miles Ijy 2. Let these workers first survey
the ground without their cameras, collect all the information they
can about the history of the buildings and other objects they mean
to photograph, and when they have thoroughly mastered all details
and noted the best time for making exposures let them go over the
district with their cameras and go again and again if necessary till
they have got really good negatives. Then the work of printing

2-1: PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE COUKTY.

should begin, and here it is imperative that a permanent process
should be employed, and there is one process, fortunately, the
easiest of all to work after a little practice — namely, the platinotype
process, which produces prints as permanent as the paper on which
they are printed, that is, they are as lasting as any engraving can
be. These should be sent to the Director unmounted, and he should
have them mounted in albums which miglit well be the same size
as the quarter sheets of the ordnance map, say about 22in. by 16in.
In each album should be bound the quarter sheets of the ordnance
survey of the district photographs of which it contains, and blank
pages should be bound between the mounting sheets on which
notes in MS. should be inserted, descriptive of the places pourtrayed
on the opposite mount. Copies of the photographs taken should
also be made in the form of lantern slides ; these should be
deposited with the Director of the photographic section and accom-
panied with notes. These could be arranged in sets and shown at
winter meetings of the society, and explained by some one who,
from the notes given by the original photographers, would under-
take to compile a lecture.

The workers, I hope, would be so numerous and so widely
distributed that nothing of interest Avould escape the notice of
some one or other of those engaged in the photographic survey. If
any geological section were exposed by natural or human agency
it would be immediately photographed. There are, as perhaps
you know, various sub-committees appointed by the British
Association, which invite help in the way of photographic work
The geological sub-committee would be grateful for prints of
interesting geological discoveries ; the meteorological sub-committee
for photographs of clouds, snow drifts, lightning flashes, and other
phenomena, and these sub-committees issue printed instructions
explaining the way in which the work should be carried out.

Of course, as I mentioned, pictures of village and town life, of
agricultural operations and various handicrafts, should be made, and
these would form separate collections in special albums and boxes
of slides.

rnOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE COUNTY. 25

If once such a survey could be set on foot, I have no douht it
would speedily progress, and I believe that many negatives already
in existence might be available for the purposes indicated.

I have now detained you quite long enough, all I hope is that
my remarks may bear some fruit. I have brought some photo-
graphs of spots of interest in the district, some of the best of which
might be useful if the Society should really set to work to form a
collection such as I have spoken of. I would only add that there
is an Amateur Photographic Association in Dorset, whose officers, I
feel sure, would only too gladly give advice on photographic matters
to any who de.?ire to begin or to carry on the work of photography
in any of its branches, and would no doubt render valuable help to
the Dorset Field Club.

^ Sketch of the iisbrn of ®lb fflurlioxiu
€n5tle.

By the Rev. T. PERKINS.

"HEN I first suggested to your Hon. Sec. that it ^voukl
be -well to include "Wardour among the places to
be visited to-day, I hoped that you Avould have
had the advantage of hearing a lecture on the
history of this old castle from the present OAvner,
Lord Arundell of Wardour, the living representa-
tive of the family which, with the exception of a
few years, occupied the castle from the year 1545,
until its destruction in the Civil War ; but other engagements
stood in the way of his preparing a paper, and therefore it has
devolved on me to give you the necessary lecture on this occasion.
But before commencing it I wish to express my thanks to Lord
Arundell for kindly placing at my disposal books and manuscripts,
which have been of great use to me in preparing the short eccount
I am going to give you.

This is not a very ancient castle ; it is not a large one, yet it is
of great interest in more ways than one. First, architecturally.
If you turn to that excellent Avork, Rickman's " Gothic Architec-
ture," you will find the following note in the "Historical Appendix

Proc. Dorset N.H. and A.F. Club Vol. XV. 1894.

Proc. Dorset N.H. an/1 A.F. Club Vol. AT. Is'JL

OLD WARDOUR CASTLE. 27

to the chapter on the Perpendicular Englisli Style," A.D. 1392:
— " Wardour Castle, AViltshire, built Ijy John Lord Lovell, as his
manor house. The walls are nearly perfect, and very fine Early
Perpendicular ; they are unusually lofty, and quite contradict the
popular idea that mediceval houses were always low."

The huilding belongs to a time Avhen the early castle, built
solely with a view to defence, was being developed into a dwelling
house. You may see the earlier phase of a castle in the tower of
London, the latest phase in New Wardour which we shall visit
shortly. This building occupies an intermediate position, capable
of being defended, if the need arose ; it was yet built with an
idea of comfort.

But not only architecturally, but historically, it is of interest.
Its owners played their j^arts in history, and won for themselves
renown, and these old walls themselves twice stood a siege in the
days of the great Civil War, of which more presently. It was
built in 1392, as we learn from the deed still in existence, dated
the 16th of Richard II., granting to John Lord Lovell permission
to build a castle on his manor of Wardour, in the county of Wilts.
Let us pause a moment to consider the events taking place in
England as these walls were rising.

The King had recently asserted his right to rule in his own
person, and had freed himself from the control of his uncle, the
Duke of Gloucester. John of Gaunt had at this time the chief
influence over him. William of Wykeham had recently resigned
the Great Seal, and, relinquishing the public life of a statesman,
was turning all his energies to architecture, completing his college
at Winchester, and remodelling the nave of his cathedral. The
" IMorning Star of Song " was still shining in its fullest radiance ;
it was a time of peace, or rather perhaps one should say a time
when wars were lulled, a lull caused chiefly by the exhaustion of
the nations ; the peasant rising had been quelled, and the Wars uf
the Roses had not yet broken out ; not yet had that memorable
conversation between Norfolk and Hereford, as they roilo together,
occurred, leadinu' to charges and counter-charges, well known to

28 OLt) WARDOUR CASTLE.

every reader of Shakespeare, which gave the King an excuse for
banishing both of these dangerous nobles ; not yet was " this dear,
dear land, dear for her reputation through the world . . .

leased out like to a tenenaent or pelting farm."

Plenty of trouble Avas soon to fall upon the country, but for the
time the king was reigning constitutionally, and the land had rest.
One noteworthy act alone marks the year of the foundation of this
castle — namely, the " Statute of Piciemunire."

But to return to our immediate subject — the history of this
castle. Built by Lord Lovell, as we have said, it remained in the
direct line until the death of his grandson in 1454. "We next find
the castle in the hands of Lord Audley, to whom it was granted by
Edward IV. in the first year of his reign ; possibly the castle had
during the troublous times of the AVars of the Roses been con-
fiscated by the White Rose party. John Lord Audley died in
1491. Next, but how, I do not know, the estate passed to Thomas
Earl of Ormonde, also Earl of Wiltshire, and he in 1498 sold the
castle, manor, and park to Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke. He
by his second wife, daughter of Richard Nevil Lord Latimer, left
three daughters, the eldest of whom married Sir Fulke Greville,
and having inherited Wardour from her father, she and her
husband sold the property to Sir Thomas Arundell, Kniglit, in
1545. You see, we now for the first time come across the name
so intimately associated in our minds with the castle. And it will
be now necessary to turn back and see who these Arundells were.
It will be impossible for me to enter upon a complete family
history, suffice it to say that they were an old West Country
family, one of whom, Roger, is named in Domesday Book as
possessing manors in Dorset and Somerset. In the reign of
Henry III., by marriage, large estates in Cornwall came into the
possession of Reinfred de Arundell ; the chief seat of the family
was at Lanherne, in the parish of St. Columbs. Inter-marriages
of his descendants with the families of Chideock and Dynham and
others added fresh estates to the family possessions. K"ow note
this : John Lord Dynham, 5th Baron, married the daughter of Lord

OLD WARDOUR CASTLE. 29

Lovcll, the builder of tlie castle, and one of tlioir granddaughters
married a Sir Thomas Arundell, whose son John was the father of
two sons, the eldest of whom was Sir John Arundell of Lanherne,
and the younger Sir Thomas Arundell of Wardour. Though
this Sir Thomas was the first who resided in the county, his
father Sir John had property in the Maiuor of Westhury, as may
be seen from deeds in the muniment room at the new castle. This
was an outlying part of the Chideock property which came to Sir
John Arundell by marriage with the heiress of the Chideocks.

The Sir Thomas Arundell who in 1545 purchased, as we have
seen, the castle which his ancestor Lord Lovell had built about
150 years before, did not live long to enjoy his new property.
Those were dangerous times to live in ; recollect that that much
over-praised monarch, Edward VI., ascended the throne in 1547,
and the whole of his reign was a miserable time for England at
large. The dissolution of the monasteries had caused untold miseries
to the poor, and the king's youth gave opportunity for the intrigues
of ambitious nobles, among whom the best known were the
Protector, Duke of Somerset and uncle of the king, and Dudley,
afterwards Duke of Northumberland, who also filled the office of
Protector. It is a matter of English History how Somerset
perished on the block, and Sir Thomas Arundell and two others
falsely accused, as it seems, of a plot against Northumberland,
were unjustly done to death in like manner in 1552. The
Wardour property was then confiscated and conferred on Lord
Pembroke, bat in Quocn Mary's reign the attainder was removed,
and an arrangement made between Sir Matthew, the son of Sir
Thomas Arundell, by wliich AVardour came back into tlie family,
and has remained their's till the present day. Sir Matthew
Arundell is recorded to have greatly embellished the castle.
I think we shall be able to see some of his work to-day ; at any
rate, the insciiption over the entrance records the fact. He seems
during part of his life to have let the castle to tlie Hyde family,
and to have resided in a house in Shaftesljury, which has now
disappeared. To him succeeded his son Sir Thomas Arundell,

30 OLD WARDOUR CASTLE.

born in 1560, avIio in 1579 obtained permission from Queen
Elizabeth to travel on the Continent, and six years later to serve
in the army of the Emperor of Germany. At that time the.
Turkish power extended to Hungary, and on August 13th, 1595,
Sir Thomas at the siege of Gran slew the Turkish standard
bearer, and carried oflf the standard. ^For this gallant deed the
Emperor conferred on him the title of Count of tlie Holy Roman
Empire. On his return to England he was shipwrecked, losing
all the valuable jewels that the grateful Emperor had bestowed
on him ; ten years later he was created Baron of "Wardour,
and commanded the English forces sent to assist the Spaniards
against Holland. He died in 1639 and was buried at Tisbury.
He was succeeded by his son, another Thomas, who died of wounds
received when fighting on the Royalist side near Bath. His death
occurred at Oxford on May 19th, 1643. His wife is that Lady
Arundell whose name is remembered for her spirited defence of
this castle from April 30th to May 8th, 1643, against the
besieging army of the Parliament. She had at last to
surrender, and then the victors were themselves besieged, and
after it had held out for a longer time the castle was re-taken by
the Royalist army under the new Lord Arundell, who blew up
part of the walls and rendered it impossible foi it to be defended
much longer. The castle ever since has been an uninhabited ruin,
the family residing in a neighbouring house, now the farmhouse,
which you can see to the left hand, until in 1776 the new castle
commenced by the eighth Lord Arundell, six years earlier, was
ready for occupation.

We must now turn to the two sieges of the castle during the
Civil War. AVe have two accounts of the first siege. The Royalist
one is given in detail, Avhile Colonel Ludlow's is much briefer.
Eor the second siege our chief authority is Colonel Ludlow, who in
his memoirs gives us many interesting details which want of time
will oblige me to pass over.

The story of the first siege is soon told. On Tuesday, May 2nd,
1643, Sir Edward Hungerford, commander of the Parliamentary

OLD WARDOUR CASTLE. 31

forces in "Wilts, summoned the castle to svu-rendev, sayinj; that ho
had orders to search for men and arms ; but Lady Arundell, thougli
she was about 60 years of age and had only 25 fighting men to
defend it, refused to surrender. We are struck with admiration
at her bravery when we remember that the besieging force
numbered about 1,300. On Wednesday, May 3rd, the attack
began, two small pieces of artillery only being employed, which did
but little damage, though the firing, continued for six days, wore
out the strength of the little garrison, as constant watching was
necessary ; but the besiegers laid two mines in the vaults of the
castle, one or both of which (for the accounts differ) they fired,
doing but small damage, but proving to the garrison that they could
not hope to hold out much longer. We can picture to ourselves
the condition of the gallant little band of 25 against 1,300 ; the
men so exhausted that they could hardly load their muskets, the
women servants doing it for them, the lady of the castle rejecting
all offers of quarter for herself and her daughter-in-law, the women
servants, and the children, unless quarter were granted to the men
also. But at last, on IMay 8th, honourable terms were offered,
which she accepted. The lives of all were to be spared, the ladies
were to be allowed to take with them wearing apparel anj six
serving men to wait on them wheresoever the Parliament should
order them to live ; and lastly, the castle was to be safe from
plunder. It is stated that the victors observed only the first
of these three conditions, doing much wilful damage both to the
castle and the park. The ladies and children were first carried
to Shaftesbury and some of them afterwards to Dorchester.

Colonel Ludlow was I hen appointed by Sir Edward Hungerford
to hold the castle for the Parliament, with a company of foot and
his own troop of horse. Before long tlie Earl of Marlborough
advanced towards Wardour as far as Fonthill, where he was met by
a party of horse sent by Sir Edward Hungerford and was obliged to
retreat. Colonel Ludlow then set about preparing himself to stand
a siege ; he levelled the works he had erected against the castle,
broke down the vaults about it, duu a well, and laid in a good

32 OLD WARDOCJR CASTLE.

store of pi'Dvisions. Within a fortnight the new Lord Arundell,
•who had come into the title hy his father's death at Oxford, after
he had heard of the loss of his castle, came and called on Ludlow
to surrender. This he refused to do, and Lord Arundell, not being
strong enough to begin an attack, withdrew for a time. As
Ludlow was in great danger of being cut off from the rest of the
Parliamentary army, he was granted permission to abandon the
castle if he saw fit to do so ; but thic order only quickened his zeal
for the cause, and he made use of the respite to procure ammuni-
tion from Southampton, and discovered some money which had
been walled up by the late holders. This was, no doubt, an
agreeable discovery to him; he expended part of it on his garrison,
keeping a strict account for the Parliament. The enemy were
now drawing near, and they managed to send a Shaftesbury boy,
twelve years old, as a spy into the castle. The .precocious young
gentleman is said to have previously made an attempt to poison
his grandfather, and was, so he afterwards said, whetlier truthfully
or not I cannot say, employed by Captain White to find out the
number of men in the garrison, poison the beer, the well, and the
arms, to blow up the ammunition, and then to steal a horse to
carry him back to Shaftesbury, for which services he was
promised the enormous sum of half-a-crown. He was admitted to
the castle, as his youth freed him from suspicion, and employed as
a turnspit.

The enemy now appeared ; the first notice of their coming was a
stampede among the cattle. Ludlow and some of his men
endeavoured to turn the cattle back and were attacked. Ludlow
himself got into a hollow tree, but a bullet wounded him in the
leg and kept him, he says, in bed two days. The next disaster
was the bursting of a big gun in the castle roof. Some of the
garrison now became suspicious of the boy, and a rope with one
end round his neck and the other fastened to the end of a halbert
made him confess. He said he had " poisoned " the gun that had
burst and two others, but that his conscience had prevented him
from poisoning the provisions. The "poison" for the cannon is

OLD WARDOUR CASTLIC. 'Hi

described as some red stuff made up in tlio form of a candle, willi
which he smeared the guns. Some oil, whether castor or not is
not stated, was used as an antidote, and the sick guns became
convalescent. The next event was a seizure of corn and other
provisions on the way to Shaftesbury market, paid for at market
price, to the no small astonishment of the owners ; then Captain
Eowyer, or Bower, commanding the Royalists, offered any terms to
the besieged if they would surrender, but they replied that they
intended to hold out. The constant conversations between besiegers
and beseiged, the advice given by the former to the effect " Now
you had much better give up at once," the courtesy to each other
displayed l)y these old combatants, sheds a pleasing and at times a
humorous light on the narrative. I cannot go through the siege in
detail. Captain Bowyer, shot by Captain Bean, died of his wound
and Colonel Barnes was sent to take his place : he raised a fort on
the hill, in front of the castle, and occupied the outhouses, but
sallies from time to time caused considerable loss to the besiegers.
Negotiations ensued, Ludlow calmly offering, if not relieved within
six months, to give up the castle on payment of £2,000 for the
expense the Parliament had been at in keeping it. Of course the
Royalists would have nothing to say to this. Provisions ran short,
a captured horse was killed and eaten, the beer was all gone (tlicse
sturdy old Roundheads, you see, were no teetotallers, but they had
to become water drinkers whether they liked it or not) ; but still
they held out. A shot from the besiegers cut the portcullis chain,
so that the besieged could no longer use their gate, and they
barricaded it on the inside, so that the others might not use it.
All other doors were walled up, and the only way of getting out
was by a window. Attempts to undermine the walls were made,
but molten lead, hot water, and hand grenades o1)liged the miners
to abandon the attempt. The besiegers asked and obtained
permission to carry off a wounded ofliicer, and M'hile this was
being done, under cover of loaded muskets on the castle top, four
men got out of a window and secured the provisions the miners
had left behind them,

31: OLD WARDOrR CASTLE.

About Die middle of January promise of relief came from Sir
William Waller, but tlie relief did not come, and the besiegers
renewed their efforts to lurdermine the walls ; the new com-
mander of the Royalists, who had been a friend of the Ludlow
family, lu'ged the Colonel to surrender and so save his life. More
courtesy again, you see. Shortly after this, after remaining upon
guard for two nights, Colonel I.udlow lay down to sleep, and was
awakened between ten and eleven by the explosion of the mine.
The doors of his bedroom were blown open, the window blown out,
and a great breach made. An attempt on the enemy's part to
enter was made, but the defenders, only alx)ut 100 men, barricaded
the breaches and still held out. The explosion had killed three
men, destroyed tire corn, and the garrison had but tour days' flesh
food left.

Things were becoming desperate : some of the besieged, especially
the minister, urged Ludlow to surrender ; he yielded to their
entreaties so far as to call a parley, but the besiegers refused to
treat now, as their previous offers had been rejected. One thing
strikes us much, and that is the small loss of life ; not one of the
garrison had been killed ])y shot during the storm, and of the
assailants only ten.

After this followed another friendly colloquy, which, however,
came to nothing ; but the besieged were l)eginning to lose heart,
and so at last Ludlow offered to give up the castle on four conditions
— 1. Quarter for all the garrison ; 2. Civil usage for all his party ;
3. Not to be carried to Oxford ; 4. A speedy exchange. All this
was promised and Colonel Barnes asked Ludlow to come out, saying
he would find the besiegers more friendly than he expected. Lord
Arundell Avas very courteous, saying that though he would rather
have Ludlow's company than that of his own children, yet if Ludlow
desired it he Avould arrange an exchange of prisoners, Ludlow
against the two young Arundells, whom Sir AVilliam Waller held.
Poddington expressed his joy at seeing Ludlow alive, though sorry
to find him showing so much resolution in so bad a cause. The
conference ended in Ludlow agreeing to surrender, the civility

OLD WAnnOUK CASTLE. 35

of the besiegers, especially that of Lord Arunddl, as he tells ns,
being so great that he sliowed liim Avliere he had buried the plate
which he had foaud iu the castle, so that Lord Arundell recovered
it, and there is no cause to believe that there is any hidden treasure
about these ruins now. It would seem that the cunilitions agreed
on by the besiegers were not fully kept, but Colonel Ludlow does
not lay any blame on Lord Arumlell for the In-each of faith.
Here my .short account of the sieges must end, ami wi^ will now
proceed to inspect the ruins of the castle.

1413064

gkiitosburj)

By Rev. C. H. MAYO, M.A.

TN tlic paper upon Shaftesbury, which I shall have the
II honour of reading before the Dorset Field Club to-

day, I propose to touch but lightly upon the general ■
history of the town, and to indicate briefly some of
the leading facts which are already known to us,
and then to devote my time chiefly to matters
upon which new light lias been thrown by my
researches, some few year2 ago, among the records of the borough.
Shaftesbury is so old a town that it rejoices in the possession of
a mythical history. A British King, Lud Hudibras by name, is
reported to have founded it in the year 940 B.C. With the
British town the name Caer Palladur has been associated — a name
to which various meanings have been ascribed, upon which I shall
not attempt to dogmatize. It is even uncertain whether this name
is not of mediaeval or even of later invention. Another reputed
name was Caer Septon, which comes nearer to the modern form.
It must be clear, however, that so commanding a site as that
afforded by the spur of the chalk range, Avitli steep descents to the
north, west, and south, could not have gone unoccupied even from
very early times ; and the entrenchments on Castle-hill — Boltbury,

SIIAFTESIiURY. 37

as they are stated to be called — the hurij or hijri(j, from -which
Shaftesbury derives the latter portion of its name, must bo
correlated -with the other Celtic hill-forts with which the county
abounds, by whomsoever it may have been subseijuently occupied.
Shaftesbury also possesses a Toot-hill — a name which has often
vexed the antiquarian mind. The former portion of the name of
Shaftesbury seems to be derived from the shaft-like (sceaff, A.S.,
shaft) projection of the promontory, on wliich the fort was made.
Shastou, in Latin Shastonia, is another form of the name, the
syllable Shas being contracted from SJiaftes. It should not be
written Shafton.

There is no reason to doubt that Shaftesbury came under
the influence of Roman civilisation. "Within two miles to the
eastward ran the Rojiian way between Badbury and Ashmore,
and pointing to Castle Rings, near Donhead, traced not long
since by the accomplished President of this society. But, beyond
the discovery of a few coins, nothing of a tangible character,
so far as I am aware, can be produced as evidence of Roman
occupation. The real history of the place begins in Saxon times.
The town was one of the four royal burghs of Dorset, the others
being Dorchester, Bridport, and Wareham. It was situated on
one of the main arteries to the west, being on the direct line of
road from London to S. Michael's Mount. Its importance may be
gathered from the fact that in it was located the chief of the four
mints established in Dorset in the Saxon age, more coins having
been minted here than in tlie other three. This privilege was
granted Ity Athelstan (925-941) and a penny struck here in his
reign Avas in the cabinet of the late ]\Ir. Warne. The right of
coinage, maintained by Saxon, Danish, and Norman kings, con-
tinued here till the close of the reign of Henry III. (121G-1272)
though it is not possible, at present, to construct a comi)lete
series. At the time of Edward the Confessor there were three
moneyers here, each paying 13s. 4d. of annual rent to the Crown
and a fine of £1 on a new coinage. The Saxon age saw thu
rebuilding of the town by Alfred, as recorded l)y an inscriiitinn

38 SHAFTESBUtlV.

formerly in the cliapter-house of the monastery, circa 880, aud
probably after destruction by the Danes ; and the foundation by
the same monarch a few years later, in 888, of a convent of nuns,
under the Benedictine rule, presided over by Alfred's daughter,
the lady /Etlielgifn. Hither was brought for honourable interment,
20th Feb., 980, Edward, King and Martyr, slain at Coife Castle,
18tli March, 978, and unceremoniously buried at Warehani, from
which circumstance this town was frequently named " Burgus
Sancti Edwardi " and " P^dwardstow." Here was buried Ealdgyth,
the wife of Edmund Ironside, and here breathed his last, on the
12th November, 1035, the famous King Cnut, though he was
not buried here, but at Winchester. These are the chief events of
the Saxon time. When Edward the Confessor reigned there were
257 houses in Shaftesbury, many more than in Dorchester and
Bridport, and only 28 less than at Wareham. Avhile in 108G
Shaftesbury took the lead in this respect of all the royal burghs in
Dorset. It would be hardly too much to say that from that time
till now Shaftesbury has been the scene of no events of a very
stirring character, though the churches or chapelries, about 12 in
number, testify to its general prosperity. The chief interest
centred in the Monastery, greatly frequented by pilgrims to S.
Edward's tomb. The Norman period saw the rebuilding of the
Abbey Church, as demonstrated by its foundations, laid bare in
1861. In 1313 Elizabeth, the wife of Kobert Bruce, King of
Scotland, was conducted from Carrick to Shaftesbury for conhne-
ment in the Abbey. This religious house gradually increased in
prosperity, so that it was commonly reported that if the Abbot of
Glaston might wed the Abbess of Shaston their heir would have
more land than the King of England. The Abbess, like her sisters
of Barking, Wilton, and Winchester, held her lands by an entire
barony, and if only ladies had attained their rights in those days,
would have been accommodated with a seat in the Upper House.
The municipal chest still contains a bundle of rolls of her baronial
court, "curia feodorum baronie" of the year 1453, when Edith
Bonham was the Lady Abbess. At length came the fatal hour of

SHAFTESliUUY. 30

dissolution. On 23i\l March, 30 Henry VIIT., 1539, tlic Abbey,
with its property, valued at from £1,1GG to £1,329 per annum,
was surrendered by Elizabeth Zouche, there being then Hi nuns in
residence. From that day Shaftesbury went down. Persistent
litigation between the town and the grantees of the Abbey
possessions in Shaftesbury soon followed, and continued for 50
years, reducing the town to poverty and indebtedness. Then some
taste of the commotions of the civil war ensued, when Waller was
(juartered here and in the neighbourhood, and when the clubmen,
assembling in 1645, entrenched themselves on the Castle Hill.
So time rolled on. At last, in lieu of the state of a princely
abbess, and the frequent assembly of pilgrims journeying to St.
Edward's tomb — in lieu of coining money and being the resting-
place of kings and queens, Shaftc-^bury had to content herself with
the humble though useful rnle of a manufacturer of -shirt buttons,
and even the shirt buttons are now made by other hands. The
monotony of Shastonian life was broken only by the pleasures of
a contested election, which contributed to the pecuniary advantage
of the free and independent voter. That source of revenue has
also departed, and now that the iron horse, as he rushes from east
to west and from west to east, has left Shaftesbury high and dry
upon her ancient hill, she can have little hope of regaining her
former glories. This is a slight sketch (jf tlie general history of
the town, which other gentlemen may fill in and anqilify to-day,
and I will now turn to matters of more detail, among which I may
haTe some points to lay before you from my own investigations-
I begin with

THE DESCENT OF THE ^lANoK.

This subject is not a little confusing and dillicull to unravel,
partly from the dearth of early documentary evidence. The
position seems to be as follows : — Shaftesbury was a portion of the
royal demesnes, ami the inhabitants held their lands ..f tlu' king
by free burgage. Un the creation of tlie Alibcy a certain puition
of the demesne land must have been a.ssigned as an eu'lowmi'iit, so

40 Shaftesbury.

that, at the time of the Domesday Survey, there were 177 houses
in the town, of which 66 belonged to the king and 111 to the
abbess. From this division of lands and tenements must have
arisen the double jurisdiction exercised in the town, and the two
sets of manorial courts, which appear in later times, the one termed
Curia Domini Regis and the other Curia Dominie Abbatissce,
which latter attached to the abbess's fee. Both were dated by the
year of the king and the abbess. E,olls of the former exist in the
Corporation chest for 1446-7, 1460-1, 1471-3, 1475-6, and 1487-8,
and of the latter 1352-3, 1428-9, and 1480-2. Both of these courts
were held at intervals of three Aveeks, but the former on Fridays
and the latter on Wednesdays, but the business transacted at the
court of the abbess appears to have been extremely small, the
entry for her court often consisting of but a single line. All this
is simple enough, but the complication arises in regard to the
devolution of the king's manor. This appears to have been divided
into moieties. One of these had, at an early date, passed from
the king to other hands, for John Betteshorne held it, temp.
Edward III., and Margaret, his daughter, 3 Edward III., 1349,
held it on the day of her death (Inv. p.m.). This daughter is said
to have married Sir John de Berkeley ; at any rate a Berkeley,
of that name, probably a descendant of the former, held
it at his death, circa 1427-8, and Maurice Berkeley, of
Beverston, Knt., also held it on his death, 5th May, 38 Henry
VI., 1460. One of the Berkeleys subsequently sold it to Compton,
•who, temp. Henry VII., granted it to the abbess, at a fee farm
rent of £5 6s. 8d. She thus obtained possession of this moiety of
the manor. But she had already acquired the other moiety in the
following way. On 8th May, 1 1 Edward 1., 1283, the king devised
the moiety which he had in hand to the abbess and convent, at a
rent of £12, as tenant at will, which arrangement continued till 9
Richard II., 1385-6, or for about 100 years, when the Inheritance
was granted to the abbess at the same rent. But the terms of this
grant not being sufficiently precise for the purposes of the abbess,
she asked for a grant in more specific words, and it was found by

StiAFTESBURV. il

inquisition taken at Pimpcrnc, 8th Oct., IG Richard II., 1392,
that it -would not be to the king's damage to make a more particular
grant, such as the ahbess required^a valualjle record inasmuch as
it mentions in detail the properties and privileges conveyed. Thus
the abbess held, it seems, one moiety of the royal manor from 1385
and obtained the other about 100 years later, in this way becoming
the sole mistress of the town. The later history of the manor is
that subsequent to the dissolution it passed into the hands of Sir
Thomas Arundell, Knt., executed 26th Feb., 1551-2, ancestor of
the present Lord Arundell of Wardour, and on his attainder was
granted anew by Edward VI., by letters patent, dated 27tli April,
1553, for £8,440 7s. 2|d., to William, Earl of Pembroke. The
Earl died 17th March, 1569-70, and the manor descended to his
son Henry, the second Earl, who by deed, dated 1st Dec, 1578,
conveyed it to the use of Mary, Countess of Pembroke, his third
wife, for her life, with remainder to himself and his heirs. She
long survived her husband, and on her death, 25th Sept., 1621, the
manor devolved upon her son William, the third Earl and then to
his brother Philip, fourth Earl, whose grandson Philip, seventh
Earl, sold it (says Hutvhins, but the statement is probably not
quite accurate), about 1680, to Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of
Shaftesbury. The facts above marshalled are worked up from
documents in the municipal chest.

THE ABBEY.
It has already been stated that this monastery was founded Ijy
Alfred in 888. It was dedicated toB.V.M., but on the translation
of S. Edward hither it received an additional dedication, and was
sulxsequently known as the Al)bey of S. ^NFary and 8. I" l\v;ird.
His body was translated to another .site in tlu' cliurch, 20lli .luin-,
21 years after his removal hither. The original building, .siLuattd
to the south of Holy Trinity Churchyard, gave place to another in
Norman times, as .shown by the excavations made in 1801, wlu'ii
the foundations of a semicircular apsidal choir and an ajisidal mnlli
aisle were brought to light, together with a suptposed crypt on tlie

42 SHAFTESBURY.

north side of the north aisle. There seems also to have been a
south aisle similar to the northern, hut the Avails were not fully
uncovered. About 60 feet of the eastern portion of the church
Avere exposed. The Avails were seven feet in thickness, and the
Avidtli of the Presbytery 28 feet, indicating, on comparison with S.
Alban's Abbey, a church of the presumptive length of some 350 —
400 feet from east to Avest. The seal of the Abbey, engraved in
Hidclnns iii. 1, represents thft Avest front of a church of cathedral
character, in the Early English style, Avith a spire shoAving above
the roof. I am not aAvare that there is any evidence that a spire
Avas subsequently added to the Xorman church (thougl} some have
strangely supposed that the shaft of the spire gave its name to
Shaftesbury), and I presume that a seal made in the 13th century
Avould represent a church in the reigning style, of Avhatever kind
the actual church might be. A detailed account of such altars,
tiles, interments, &c., as Avere discovered during the excavations,
may be read in Mr. Kite's paper in the Wilts Archceolo(/ical
Magazine for October, 1862. The Abbey Avas dissolved in 1539,
and it is marvellous that the church seems to have disappeared by
the time of Leland's visit a few years later. Speedy must have
been the Avork of destruction. Perhaps the grantee supposed that
if the buildings Avere gone the chance of restitution Avould become
more remote. The Abbey buildings stood to the Avest of the
church. There Avere chantries to S. jN^icholas, S. Cross, S. John
Baptist, S. Catherine, S. Edward, S. Mary, S. Leonard, S. Thomas,
and others. Beyond the court rolls already mentioned, and
certain rolls of accounts, the municipal documents do not concern
the history of the abbey.

PAROCHIAL HISTOKY.
Shaftesbury contained anciently about 12 churches, exclusive of
the monastic church. These Avere S. Peter, now including the
parishes of S. Martin and S. AndrcAV ; Holy Trinit}^, including S.
Lawrence and the chapel of S. iNIichael ; S. James, including All
Saints, St. John Baptist, S. Mary (avIucIi Ilutchins states to be

SltAFTESiJURY. 43

now reckoned as part of Holy Trinity) ; S. Edward ; and a chapel
also dedicated to S. Edward. There were also, in the outpari.sh, a
chapel dedicated to S. Anne at Gore, and a chapel at Dlintcslicjld.
The parish of Cann S. Paiinhold was not situated within
the borough. Of the four surviving parish churches, S. I'etur's
alone dates hack to the close of the middle ages, the others
having heen rebuilt during the present century. This cliUK/h
you will presently have the ph.^xsure of inspecting. Though
S. Peter's was reckoned the })rincipal church of the town, the
cemetery most used was that attached to the Church of Holy
Trinity. The latter church was rebudt in 1842 Ijy (iilbert Scott,
and was one of the first churches undertaken by that architect,
then famed as the designer of union workhouses. It is said that
in after years he was so dissatisfied with his early ellbrts in
ecclesiastical architecture that he refused to visit the spot. S.
James's Church was also rebuilt in 1866-7. The l)uria] ground of
S. John can be S3cn on the hill above it, and its situation has
given rise to the proverb that Shaftesbury' was a i)lace where,
among other peculiarities, the churchyard was higher than the
church steeple. This ground was generally used for interments
in preference to S. James's Churchyard, which was not enclosed
till after 1724. In S. James's parish lies the Liberty of Alcester.
It appears to be so named because the Abbot of Alcester, co.
Warwick, held lands here which formed a sei)arate jurisdiction.
Hence the name of Alcester, as applied to this jiart of Shaston,
must not be taken as indicating any lioman occupation of the
spot. I am amused at noting, in a certain itublication, the
assertion that Shaston " rose on the ruins of Alcester." The
registers of the Shaston parishes begin as follows : — S. James in
1559, Cann in 1563, and those of Holy Trinity and St. Peter's in
the following century. That of S. James is by fur tlie ino>t
interesting. In this [tarish lived the old family of the ^\.id;elils,
of Anketil-place, a name still met with in Dorset in the contracted
form of Antdl. AVilliam Anketil was M.V. for Shaston s,. far
back as 34 Edward I., 1305-G. The family is now represented hy

44 SJaAFTESBURY.

a junior branch, settled in co. Monaghan, Ireland, since 1633,
where it founded Anketil's Grove. From the deeds in the
municipal chest a considerable amount of information may be
gathered respecting chantries founded in the churches of the
town. John Kilpeke, goldsmith, of Bristol, the son apparently of
Robert and Alice Kilpeke, by his will bequeathed to Joane, his
wife, a tenement in Goldhill, Shaston, called Kilpekesplace,
directing his executors, John Belle, of Bristol, clerk, and John
Hans, of the same, goldsmith, after her death, to sell and dispose
of the same according to his intentions. The executors granted
the premises to eight feoffees 4th June, 1444, and Joane, the
widow, quitclaimed the same. A further indenture between the
parties sets forth the condition on which the grant was made.
The feoffees and their heirs, or the wardens of S. Peter's, Avere to
hold yearly one Placebo on the 8th May, in the said church, for
the souls of Robert and John Kylpeke and their wives, with six
chaplains, giving to every chaplain fourpence each — and to find
two wax candles of two pounds weight — and present one penny to
the rector of the church or to his cliaplain on the morrow of the
said day at common mass, and devote the remainder of the rent to
the fabric of the said church. "William Ketylton, who founded
another ohit in S. Peter's, was rector of the parish 1491-1509 ;
and of S. Martin's till 1494. In the chest is the appointment,
19th April, 1510, of John INIatthewe and Mathew Peryc, to
administer his will, the executors named therein having renounced
probate. He is then described as late of the diocese of Coventry
and Lichfield. The endowment of his ohit consisted of two
messuages, "with solers, sellers, gardynes, and courtelages thereto
belonging with their app'tenncs next Goldhill." An endorsement
on the indenture describes it as the "conveyance of the Lamb."
There was an ohit founded by John Mercer alias Poticary, in the
15th century (absurdly called Pohjcarj) in Hutchins's History).
These properties, or some of them, were acquired })y Thomas
Boxley, of Wimborne Minster, gent., after the suppression of
chantries, and by him, on last of Sept., 1557, were conveyed to

SHAFTESBURY. 45

Edmund r)Owro, gont., then m.iyor of Shaston, and eleven otliers,
doubtless for the henefit of the borough.

THE GROWTH OF THE MUXICIPALITY.

Shaftesbury is termed in Domesday " Burgus Sceptesberie," but
it must be remembered that at this time the term horoiujli did not
imply that the inhabitants formed a corporate body contracting
Avith the king to hold their town at an annual fee-farm rent. The
individual burgess, if he held immediately of the crown, was
responsible to the sheriff, or other fiscal officer, for his quota of
rent, taxes, or local burdens. You will read in Hutchins that
Shaftesbury claimed to be an ancient borough by prescription, but
he does not tell you that that claim was rejected at a trial upon a
Quo Warranto, 9 Jac. I., 1611. The first accession of privileges to
the inhabitants was a grant, 30th Oct., 37 Hen. III., 1252, to the
king's demesne burgesses of Shaftesbury, " dominicis burgensibus
nostris de Shaftesbury," providing that the justices in eyre, when-
ever they entered Dorset, should visit the town to determine
common pleas touching the burgesses, and the latter received the
privilege of choosing two coroners to determine pleas of the Crown
in the same vill. This was an important concession, as it relieved
the inhabitants of summons to answer pleadings in all ordinary
cases, outside their toion. There was yet no mayor of Shaston.
When he was first instituted is not known, but John de Haselmere,
mayor, appears in the capacity of witness to a charter dated the
Sunday in the Feast of the Annunciation, B.V.M., 26 Edw. III.,
1352. This charter is now in the municipal chest. This is two
years earlier than Robert de Fovent, the first mayor in Hutchins's
list. This official was not chosen by the burgesses in their
corporate capacity, for as yet they were not a corporation, but, like
the coroners, constables, and bailiff, were elected by the jury at
the Manorial Court Leet, held at Michaelmas. This appears from
a court roll of 1446. jNIatters continued in much tlie .same
position until the granting of the first charter of incorporation to
the borough. There is a statement in Iluf chins, iii. 14, that

46 SHAFTESBURY,

" Queen Elizabeth gave the first charter a.r. . . . and granted
a mayor, a recorder, twelve aldermen, a bailiff, and a common
conncil." There is simply no evidence to corroLoratc this state-
ment, and the mayor and burgesses, in the pleas they advanced in
tlie course of the numerous lawsuits in which they subsequently
became involved, during which all the available ancient history of
the borough was investigated, never made the slightest allusion
to such a charter. The first charter of incorporation was,
in fact, granted 9th July, 2 Jac. I, 1604, and still remains
in the chest in a state of partial decay. It constituted the
town a free borough, and the mayor and commonalty
a body corporate and politic with a common seal, and contains
numerous provisions for the election of mayor, recorder, and twelve
capital burgesses. The charter did not give entire satisfaction to
the borough, for a draft for a new charter, umlated, but apparently
1620, is preserved. This never reached a further stage, and the
Corporation was conipellet^l to rest content with the status quo until
22nd March, 17 Car. II., 1666, when the charter was granted,
which, with a brief exception, continued in force until the
Municipal Act, 1835. This charter is printed i7i extenso by
Ilutchins, and is still carefully preserved in a Avooden box among
the muniments. An effort was made at Shaftesbury, as in other
boroughs, in the latter part of the reigiT of Charles II., to set aside
the existing charter, and with this object in view new letters patent
were issued lOlh April, 1684 (erroneously ascribed in Hutchins to
the next reign), which now remain in the municipal chest in great
decay, testifying to the low estimation in which they were held.
It purported to grant certain additional privileges to the mayor,
which may be seen on reference to my book, Sliaxtonian
Records, but contained this damning clause, that the Crown
reserved to itself the power to remove at pleasure the mayor,
deputy mayor, recorder, deputy recorder, town clerk, and burgesses.
The effect of this proviso was to give the Crown complete power
over the Corporation, and, if this had been heartily accepted, the
townsmen would have bartered away their political freedom for i\

SIGILLUM COMMUNITATIS
BURGl SHASTON.

SHAFTESBURY. 47

few benefits of a material nature. It appears tliat tliey were
unwilling to make this sacrifice of their hirtliright. The charter
of 1665 was never actually surrendered, but was secreted, so it i.s
said, liy Atwell, the town clerk, and was again produced wlien a
change in the political atmosphere rendered such a course possiljle.
I may add a wortl as to the old town seals. One document in the
chest, A. I). 1350, is sealed with the " Sir/iUuii) conuiiunifafis Bun/i.
S/iasto7i," as it is termed. This seal, which measures 1| inches
long by 1 inch broad, is a vesica containing the bare trunk of a
tree, on the top of which a small bird is perched, and against the
tree, on the dexter side, a lion rampant is pawing, -while on the
other side of the tree, separated from it Iw a spray of leaves, is a
sword, point upwards, and inclined to sinister. Around tho seal

runs the legend " + ES VS [sinister side] ENSI8. AVIS. LKO.

LIGNVM. [dexter side]," which cannot be wholly read, as the
seal is imperfect. A seal remotely resembling this, and dated
1570, is figured in Hufchins, iii. 17, and is thera called the " .seal
of the Corporation of Shaftesbury for warrants, &c.," and the
third section or impalement of the ornament on the top of the old
mace, of which an engraving is given by Ilutchins, two pages
previously, also resembles it. The other seal was the " Sigillnni
olficii Maioritatis Bur<ji Shasfon," and bore a cross, in the 1st and
4th quarters a Heur-de-lis, in the 2nd and 3rd a leopard's head,
■with the legend " S. officii maioris Bvnii Shaston." The present
Guildhall was built in 1827, where the Goldhill Cro.ss formerly
stood, and superseded the New Guildhall, which was erected about
1568 or 1569 in tho corn market, to the north of S. Peter's
Church. The Old Guildhall, a still earlier building, was "the
last house adjoining to the park wall, west of Goldhill Cro.ss"
(//«/fAm>t, iii. 7). I may mention that my oxaminatiou of tin-
documents in the chest has ena1)led me to add the names of 36
mayors to the list given by Ilutchins. One curious custom,
connected with the Corporation, must not lie forgotten. It r.'lat« s
to the water supply. As may readily 1)C imagined Shaftesbury
was ill suppliecl with this necessary, though plentifully with Ijocv.

48 SHAFTESBURY.

Some ancient Avells of great depth exist, but water was principally
brought by horse or manual labour from below the liill. Some
years before Maton wrote (1797) engines had been erected to raise
water 300 feet to the summit of the hill, but these had become
disused, and recourse again had to the older plan. Enmore. Green
was one -of the sources of the supply. There was an ancient custom
for the mayor and burgesses to repair to the springs of water at
Enmore Green on the Monday befure Ascension Day — (previous
to 1663 the day had been the Sunday after 3rd May, Holy Cross
Day) — and dance liand-in-hand round the green to the sound of
music, bringing with them " a staff or besome adorned with
feathers, pieces of gold, rings, and other Jewells, called a prize
besome, or bezant, and to present to the bailifif of the Manor of
Gillinghara, in which the springs were situated, a pair of gloves, a
raw calf's head, a gallon of ale or beer, and two penny loaves of
white wheat bread." The cost of the decoration of the bezant itself
varied from £2 12s. 9d. in 1703 to £4 4s. lid. in 1706, but it was
often adorned with loans of plate and jewellery to a considerable
value. The original bezant, of gilded wood in the form of a palm
tree, about three feet in height, was exhibited at the meeting of the
AVilts Arch. Society in August, 1861, by Kobert Swyre, Esq., of
Shaftesbury. It is now kept at Inwood.

SHASTONIAN LITIGATION.

The unfortunate series of law suits in which the town found
itself involved from the date of the Charter of James I., and
which for so many years troubled the corporate life of the
burgesses, arose from the strained relations existing between the
borough and the lord of the manor. These proceedings are scarcely
alluded to in the county history. In the middle ages, during the
sway of the lady abbess, this friction had not arisen; but after the
dissolution, when the manorial rights had passed into the hands of
a non-resident lay owner, they came to be regarded only as a source
of revenue, and were leased out to an underling with but little
regard to the interests of the burgesses. At the same time

SHAFTESBURY. 49

the commonalty had grown in influence, and tlie granting of
King James's Charter seems to have been the signal for open
war. There had been one passage of arms already, 31st
March, 1590, over 22 " shop as carnificales, anglice voc. flesh
shambles," but the first serious legal engagement Avas on informa-
tion laid in the Exchequer Court, 3 Feb., 1607, that the mayor
and burgesses had set up weights and balances in the corn
market, at which they required all merchandise to be weighed,
and had taken rent and profits of stalls and shambles there. This
was followed in 1608 by an English bill in the Exchequer Court
complaining that the defendants had set up a common beam or
balance for weighing wool, yarn, and other merchandise every
market day, and had taken a penny for every " way " of 301b.,
and had intruded on the King's soil and the shambles and stalls
there. Three years after another suit was entered on much the
same matters, and the mayor and burgesses were thrown on all
points, except that they were found to be seized of the stalls and
shambles, " in dominio suo ut de foedo sibi et succ. suis." This
was a leading decision and is repeatedly referred to in the course
of subsequent legal proceedings. The moving spirit in these suits
was one Nicholas Gower, who was lessee under the lord of the
manor, and who was determined to push his rights to the furthest
possible extremity. It would be tedious to enumerate the many
and lengthened proceedings which occurred on these and similar
matters. It will be enough to say that the papers relating to some
22 suits are now in the municipal chest. When litigation had
lasted some 30 years the mayor and burgesses, casting about for
assistance from their powerful neighbours, addressed a humble
petition for the mediation of Thomas, Lord Arundell, in which they
state that the " Towne hath been continually vexed with suits in
law for and concerning the bouchers shamloles, ffyshe cross, and
sheep pens for the space of 30 yeere at leaste by Gower the father
and Gower the sonne (the infoimers) to the utter impoverishing
of the said towne. The towne by reason of those vexations is
growne about 200 li. in debte, there are above 300 begging people

50 SHAFTESBURY.

to 1)e relevecl, and there are not above 30 houpcholclers in all the
towne able to give releifFe." Again, 10 years later, they address
another abject • petition to the Earl of Pembroke, and " in all
humbleness cast themselves at yr. Lops, feet unfeinedly desiring
yr. Lops, gracious acception of this their submission and supplica-
tion unto yr. good Lops, for the settling peace and future quiett
of that poore populous and allmost ruined towne." How peace
was finally made between the Corporation and the lord of the
manor seems to be indicated by a deed Avhich, according to the
Council minute book, was extant in the town chest in 1704. It is
called " a grant from the Eail of Pembroke of the fairs and
markets," and three years later it is again referred to as " the
ffreehold lease from the Lord Pembroke to the Corporation." If
this were in existence it would be possible to trace the final issue
of a long-protracted controversy.

PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION.
I must not conclude without adding a few sentences on
Shaftesbury as a Parliamentary borough. The list of representa-
tives in Hutcldns (iii. 18, from Willis's Notitia Pari.) begins 25
Edward I., 1296-7, Avhen John Cockaine and Hugh Gappe
were returned to Parliament. From that day to the Reform Act
of 1832 Shaftesbury returned two members, at that date reduced
to one — that one member disappearing at the last Reform Bill.
The right of election was settled by resolution of the House of
Commons, 29 Feb., 1695-6, to reside in all the inhabitants
paying scot and lot, and not in the mayor and burgesses only.
There were then upwards of 300 electors. One of the most
remarkable members that Shaftesbury ever returned was John
Fry, a Dorset man of a family settled at Tarrant Gunville. He
was elected 1647-8 and became notorious on account of his
religious opinions, which were so disagreeable to the Common-
wealth Parliament that his books, called " The clergy in their
colours," and " The accuser shamed, or a pair of bellows to blow ofif
the dust casst upon John Fry," were, by order of the House, burnt

SHAFTESBURY. 51

liy the comniou liangnian. He was one of the commission for the
trial of Cliarles I., thougli, through the chance of being suspcmled
by tlie House from sitting at the critical moment, he did not vote
for the king's execution, nor sign the death -warrant. He was
expelled from the House 22 Feb., 1650-1, but did not die till
about six years later. Though already dead he was excepted out
of the Act of Oblivion, and his estates were forfeited {S. ^' D. N.
cj- Q. vol. 1, pp. 53 and 73.) The right of returning members to
Parliament became at last a valuable source of revenue to the scot
and lot voters, so that after the election of 1774, when Hans
Winthrop Mortimer unseated on petition the sitting members. Sir
Thos. Rumbold and Francis Sykcs, the committee of the House of
Commons ascertained that a person, sworn to be Mr. Alderman
Matthews, in the disguise of Punch, through a hole in the door of
a small apartment, delivered to the voters parcels consisting of 20
guineas. This election gave rise to lengthy but abortive proceed-
ings in Parliament, but at the assizes in 1776 Mr. Mortimer
recovered £11,000 from Mr. Sykes for 26 acts of bribery.

But time warns me that I must bring to a close this tedious
retrospect. Gone, alas ! is the noljle pile of abbey buildings, Avith
the tomb of the martyred king. Gone well nigh all the twelve
parochial churches. Gone the Butter Cross, the Fish Cross, the
Goldhill Cross, and the Old and New Guildhalls. Gone are the
Parliamentary representatives, and with them the parcels of
golden guineas so deftly handed to the independent commonalty of
the town. Gone is the stately dance of the mayor and burgesses
round the springs of Enmore Green. Well may the Shastonians
of to-day make the old Park wall their " wailing place " for glories
never destined to return. But there is one thing they cannot lose ;
for they may still look forth from their castle mounds on the lovely
prospect of fertile valley, breezy down, and wooded hill, right worthy
of a summer pilgrimage — a prospect which has rejoiced the hearts
of kings and queens, and righteous men and women of old — and
find in the contemplation of the works of Nature a satisfaction
they can no longer derive from the works and art of man.

®lie gclstone on fliiige f)ill, iovtcshnm.

By E. CUNNINGTON, Esq.

^1^

"pERHAPS I may be permitted to say a few wonls in
the first place as to the origin and composition
of the many large rough stones, usually called
Sarsens, around us at Portesham, and those
following the stream down the valley to the sea.
Professor Prestwich and other geologists consider
them to be large masses of sand concreted together
by a silicious cement. When the chalk stratum, now forming our
highest hills, was at the bottom of the sea, beds of sands, clays,
and gravels were deposited upon it ; when these were afterwards
raised above the bed of the ocean they were denuded by the
powerful action of seas, glaciers, and rivers, by which the main
portion was carried away, leaving these blocks of sandy rock
scattered about. In parts of Wiltshire their remains are very
abundant ; they occupy for miles the bed of a valley near Clatford,
Marlborough. Helstone, the name of the group of stones now
before us, comes from either the Anglo-Saxon " hele," to hide or
cover, or from " Hel," in K'orthern mythology the Goddess of the
dead. Originally it was a long barrow, containing in its centre
the nine stones supporting the large top or table-stone, lO^ft. long,
by 6ft. broad, covering the usual interment. The lapse of many
centuries has worn away the covering earth and exposed the stones

THE HELSTONE ON* RlDGE IlILL, PORTESHAM. 53

to view as ia many other instances. Hutchins gives us a picture
of this dolmen, as I suppose it was in liis time ; there it appears
as perfect as a well-made mahogany table. The poor table came
to grief entirely, but was re-instated as we now see it by the late
Mr. Manfield, and I venture to think you will all agree that it is
well done.

The next structure is a somewhat similar one, the Grey Mare
and Colt, near Gorwell. This externally is a long barrow, 54 feet
long, 25 feet broad, and about 5| feet elevation, covering the
dolmen or stone-chamber within. Dolmen means a stone table
from two Celtic words : " daul," a table, and " maen," a stone. It
has been opened at each end , at the south end are exposed the
three megalithic uprights, and the top or table-stone ; each is about
five to six feet high and two to three feet diameter. The total
number of stones composing this dolmen is ten, as at the Helstone ;
they consist of four conglomerates and six Sarsens. At the north
end was apparently another interment with much smaller stones.
Both of these chambered monuments date from the Stone Age.
In France there are upwards of 3,000 ; some of these I had the
pleasure of seeing in Brittany in 1883.

The most interesting and perfect is that of Gavr Innis in the
Morbihan. The mound is 197 feet in diameter and 30 feet high;
it is entered by a passage 44 feet long, leading into a chamber nine
feet by eight feet. Both passage and chamber are lined by stones
curiously sculptured with wavy, circular, and spiral lines.
Probably the largest known of these dolmens is the one on the
banks of the Boyne at New Grange, near Droghcda. It has a
diameter of 316 feet, a height of 70 feet, with a passage 63 feet
long, and many of the stones are there also sculptured Avitli spirals
and zig-zags. The gigantic monument is further distinguished by
a circle of stones standing round it. These circles of stones were
generally used to indicate places of interment, and consisted of
large stones in the Stone Age, as we see at the Winterbournc circle
and also at that near Abbotsbury, not far from the (iorwell dolmen-
These circles were smaller at a later date, as I found iu opening a

5i THE HEL8T0NE ON KIDGE HILL, PORTESHAM.

tjaiTOw on ]\Ir. John Mayo's farm near Upwey (No. 4 on my plan
of these harrows). This circle Avas hid under the turf and enclosed
tAVo Kistvaens with cremations in urns.

We have only time for a tihort notice of Stonehengo and
Avchury temples, simply saying that Mr. Flinders Petrie writes as
follows in his book on Tel-el=-Hesy or Lachish : — " This same
peculiar dressing (of the Lachish Stones) is that of the stone work
of the temple of Hagir Kim at Malta. This temple is called
Phoenician, and what lends some support to this is that just the
same system of stone tables, each on two blocks placed around the
inside of the enclosure, is to be seen in the sacred enclosures of the
villages in Philistia to this day. The same pock dressing is that
of the Avrought stones at Stonehenge, the best examples of it being
on the flat tops of the uprights of the great trilithons."

P 1 H s h .

By Rev. Canon RAVENHILL, M.A., R.D.

Vicar of Buckla.nd Ncuion nan Plush,

JT^HE Titliing of PIusli is a detached portion of the
large parish of Buckland Xewton, called
Boclande Abbas in olden days.

Our late Dorset poet, the Rev. W. Barnes,
said '•' Newton " described Buckland as the new
enclosure, Alton, the adjoining parish, being
the old enclosure. Bocland, according to
Blackstone, means land held by book or
charter, as opposed to Folkland, which was
land held by common consent.

Plusli is mentioned under the name of Plis in the Rentalia et
Costumariuni of Glastonbury Abbey (cf. Somerset Record Society,
Vol. v., p. 105). It formed part of the Manor of Buckland
Newton, and was given with it, according to John of Glastonbury,
by King Ethelwolf (838-857) to the Abbey of Glastonbury.

The late Canon C. W. Bingham told me Plis meant a coomb or
dell, I knoAV not what authority he had for this derivation. (My
friend, the Rev. C. H. Mayo, cannot find Plis in the Anglo-Saxon
Dictionary.)

In the year 851 a great Danish invasion took place. If Xettle-
combe Tout and the Roman Fosse could speak thoy would
probably tell some stirring stories of those terrible times.

56 PLUSH.

Etllelwolf was the father of Alfred, whose tower* forms a Very
striking object from Nettlecomb.

The grant was made to Glastonbury a century before the exter-
luination of Avolves, which must have had a goodly run in the
Forest of Blackmoor, adjoining Plush. The Roe Deer are still
wild in this district, are on the increase, and peep their heads
occasionally from the coppice opposite the new Church of St. John
the Baptist.

The old Chapel was built on a very picturesque knoll about
three-quarters of a mile to the north of the present building, and
about the same distance from ]\[onkwood Hill, where the name
reminds us of the connection Avith Glastonbury.

In the return to the Commission of 1650, the Church is
described as a Chapel of Ease Lu Buckland, three miles distant.
Plush then contained thirty-two families, and desired to be made
a parish.

Mr. Guilliam, the curate, led a very disorderly life. His salary
was £14 per annum, and "other unlawful advantages." The
Tithes of this Tithing were then £35 per annum.

In the old Church, more than half-a-century ago, the Rev. William
Butler (better known as Parson Billy Butler) was cautioned, when
taking the duty one Sunday, not to enter the Pulpit, or he would
disturb a hen sitting there. The late Lord Digby was told this
by Mr. Butler.

The building, having fallen into decay, was pulled down in 1847,
and the materials were worked into the new church, which was
built nearer the hamlet, and was opened in 1848.

The old carved font narrowly escaped disappearing altogether.
The late Charles W. Bingham had an affectionate remembrance
of it in the old church, and in one of his ruri-decanal visits routed
it out of a dilapidated barn, to which it had been consigned years
ago.

* This Tower was built at Stourhead in the last century by Henry
Hoare, Esq., to mark the Hill where Alfred is said to have erected his
Standard against the Danes.

PLUSH. 57

I knew not of its existence. I was with hiui at the discovery
and remember his joy. It is now placed i;nrestored in the new
building. It is of very early date and beautiful design.

Plush abounds in antiquities. Entering the village horn
Dorchester on the left are Lynchets or terraces, made in all
probability that the slopes might be cultivated. Tumuli and pit
dwellings are plentiful on the Downs ; the Roman Fosse is clearly
marked, and Nettlecomb Tout* has much of its Celtic earthwork
remaining.

On Whatcombe Down, between Buckland and Plush, is a small
Roman camp of observation, commanding a view across the county
from north to south ; also the site of an ancient British village.

In 1872 seven British urns were found in a barrow by the late
Mr. Charles Miller, on the Down between Plush and Liscombe, A
Plush labourer,! who assisted in opening the barrow, says these
urns were only about three feet below the surface.

Alas ! for Dorset that the new museum was not then in existence !
Professor Rolleston, of Oxford, took charge of these interesting
remains, and placed them in the Ashmolean jMuseum. ]\Ir. Evans,
the curator, says these urns evidently contained cremated remains.
Calcined bones are still in one of them. They are of rude British
fabric. Tliree of them are fragmentary, with a rough indented
herring-bone pattern.

In 1879 Mr. Cunnington found, under an immense cairn in a
Plush barrow, an urn of dark imperfectly burnt ware, about nine
inches long and nine inches broad, with faint rudiments of plain
bands round it, and two out of probably four smaller knobs in the
side. This urn is in our museum.

* Tills name seems to have been larL^cly applied by the .Saxons t<» hills
of this kind consecrated to the worship of tlieir Ciod Tiw.— (Warnes
"Ancient Dorset," p. 87.) Teute, Toute, Tiw, were synonynious witli
the Greek Zeus, the Konian Jupiter. — (Max Midler, " Lectures on
Language," 2nd series.) Toot-hill is found ai)plie(l to any lieight of
extensive observation.— (As in Sir John Maundeville's Travels.)

t Robert Lovell, iij years sexton.

58 PLUSH.

Armswell, where the Field Club had a picnic luncheon last
August, at the foot of Nettleconihe Tout, was formerly a manor in
conjunction with Xetherbrook, and belonged to the Abbey of
Glastonbury. It is in the Tithing of Plush. At the Dissolution
of Monasteries it was granted to Sir John Horsey, of Clifton Mau-
bank. Kichard Arnold, who died in 1595, married Mary, his
eldest daughter. From the Arnolds the estate passed to the
Framptons of Moreton, who sold it to the late Mr. Farquharson,
of Lan^ton.

}'roc. Dorset . YJI S-. lECluh. \dl. XT.

-,^>''

H'-l^n M RicharHsnn px\ l.ith.Werne: x Wi,,--.,

1 Lita (Gelechia) suaedella, Rdsn 2. L.ocellateila St£

3. L.plantaqinella, Sta , with larvas and food-plants.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

1. Lita (Gelechia) sucedella, Richanlson. L Liiago ; \a. Larva, both

highly magnified. 16. Shoot of Suceda fruticosa (9>\m\hhy SQd.-
blite), natural size, with terminal leaves spun down by larva
which is feeding in.side.

2. L. ocellatella, Stainton. 2. Imago ; 2rt. Larva, both liighly

magnified. 26. Flowering .shoot of Beta maritima (wild beet-
root), natural size, much contorted by operations of larva which
is feeding inside.
S. L. plantagine.lla, Stainton. 3. Imago ; 3rt. Larva, both liighly
magnified. 36. Plant of Planiago coronopus (Buck's horn
plantain), natural size, shewing middle of plant affected by the
boring of the larva down the central part of the root, on which
it feeds.

iorset j:c]jibo}jtcni in 1892-3,

With Description of the Larva of Epischnia Bankesiella, Rdm.

By NELSON M. RICHARDSON, B.A., F.E.S.

^^^

«i^

T is with some liesitation that I take upon myself the
task of writing about the Entomology of the
past season, as I have been able to do but very
little collecting myself, owing to the fact that
my eyes have not been in a condition to do
more than a very little setting, especially of the
smaller moths, and if one cannot preserve them
it is of no use to catch them. I have, however,
a few notes of interest to record, and the
general features of both 1892 and 1893 have

been so peculiar, from an Entomological point of view, as to deserve

mention.

Perhaps the most striking phenomenon in the past two years

has been the appearance amongst us in great numbers in 1892,

and in smaller numbers in 1893, of a butterfly which is generally

a rarity, Colias Eihisa, the " Clouded yellow."

In 1892 specimens began to be seen in the latter part of ]\Iay,

and became common about the beginning of June. In Sussex »

60 DORSET LEPIDOPTERA IN 1892-3.

specimen was noticed as early as May 1 2th, in Weymouth about
May 24th, in Purbeck on May 30th. The only at all satisfactory
theory to account for the sudden presence in numbers of this
species is that of immigration, though I believe that there is very
little, if any, direct evidence of it. It is, however, a well known
fact that butterflies do make very extensive migrations, as immense
swarms have not infrequently been observed at considerable
distances from land in the act of flight ; but I am not aware that
any theory has been put forward to account for this peculiar
instinct, nor is there known to be any regularity in the times of
its occurrence, so that we are still quite in the dark as to its cause.
The assembling of such vast multitudes into one mass is in the
first place most unusual in butterflies, which are not given to such
habits without some special external attraction, such, for instance,
as a field of lucerne, being present. The fact, however, of this
immigration seems incontrovertible, for the last appearance of the
species in anything like numbers was in 1877, since Avhich time
only a few stragglers in sheltered southern spots have been seen in
this country, added to which is the fact that those found here in
the early summer are not in sufiiciently good condition, when just
seen, to suggest the idea that they have lately emerged from the
chrysalis ; but, on the contrary, look like specimens which have
hibernated or at all events been on the wing for some time. That
they did not hibernate in this country is shown by the fact
that in 1891 the insect Avas at least very scarce, as I do not find a
single record of its occurrence in the Entomological magazines for
that year. The last year in which it was abundant was 1877, in
which it swarmed as in 1892.

In the present year of 1893 Edusa has been abundant in some
parts along the S. Coast, but apparently locally, and not to any-
thing like the extent, either as to numbers or general distribution,
which it reached in the previous year. Personally I have seen
very few specimens in Dorset this year, and Mr. Cambridge's
experience is the same ; but it was abundant at Ringstead in
August, and from records in the Entom. magazines it woiUd appear

DORSET CEPIDOPTERA IN 1892-3. 61

that Dorset and Devon had been the counties most affected by tliis
species in 1893, as it is stated to have swarmed at Lyuio Kegis,
Swanage, Poole, and Sidmouth.

Colias Hyale, tlie otlier British species of tliis genus, has very
similar habits as regards this country, but tlie two species are not
by any means always affected by tlie same causes. For instance, in
1842 Hyale was common, but there were no Ediisa ; whilst in 1877,
when Fjdusa was abundant, Hyale was absent. In some of the
S.E. i^ortions of England C. Hyale occurred sparingly in 1892, but
the records in 1393 are very meagre. The one Dorset record of
Hyale for the two years is for Aug. 28th, 1893, at Swanage (Ent.
xxvi., 322), but is not, I consider, admissible, as the would-be
captor only saio the butterfly on the wing and might very likely
have mistaken its identity, as the pale variety of Edusa {Helice)
would be very like it when flying.

Another species, Vanessa cardui, the " Painted Lady," appeared
with C. Edusa in immense numbers in 1892, but has been scarce
this year, whilst a near connection, Va7iessa Atalanta, the " Red
Admiral," which is, as a rule, more regular in its ways than the
Painted Lady, was not commoner than usual in 1892, but appeared
in unusually large numbers in the autumn of 1893. I doubt if
this species is so much given to migrations as its cosmopolitan
relation V. cardui, and have no doubt that the autumn individuals
of 1893 were all true Dorset natives. Another butterfly which
has been in swarms this season is Polyommatus Phhvas, the " Small
Copper."

In connection with the immigration of butterflies in ] 892, there
appears to have been also an immigration of a few kinds of moths
Avhich are generally great rarities in tliis country. For this
county several are recorded by Mr. Eustace Bankes from Purljt'ck,
including Catocala electa, found by him in a ghis^s frame wasji trap
in his garden, and Micra parva taken in a salt marsh, also an
unusual locality for it. He states (E.M.]\f. xxviii., 309) a
specimen of Vanessa Antiopa, the "Camberwell Beauty," was seen
on the wing by Mr. Geffckcu whilst driving from Swanage to

62 DORSET LEPIDOPTERA IN 1892-3.

Stinllaiul. Being well acquainted Avitli the species abrond he was
able to identify it, as he obtained a good view of its upper side ;
but where no capture is made one always feels that there is a
chance of a mistake, and such records have not the value of those
of actual captures.

Another great rarity which was taken in Dorset, as well as
elsewhere, in small numbers, in 189*2, was Deiopeia jmlcJiella, the
" Crimson Speckled Footman." One occurred at Fleet within two
miles of my house, and was captured by a young entomologist,
Mr. Jardine, Another is also recorded from Weymouth (Ent.
Record iii., 160). Both were taken in May, an unusual time
for the appearance of this moth in England, which generally occurs,
when it occurs here at all, in the autumn — the continental 2nd
brood. I was not myself so fortunate as to take any of these rare
visitors.

In 1893 I am not aware that many rarities have been recorded,
though the weather has been so unusual in its nature that it has
quite upset the usual order of events, and species have appeared
long before their proper time, and have in some cases had two
broods where generally there is but one. The entomological
records of the late Mr. Dale began in 1808 and have been continued
by his son, Mr. C. W. Dale, down to the present time without
intermission ; but in no year is the " Lulworth Skipper " (Hesperia
Actceon) known to have appeared so early as in 1893, when it was
captured on INIay 26th. Other insects were just as early ; for
instance, I found that Steganoptijcha suhseq^iana, of wliich the
usual time of appearance is the beginning of May, was fully out in
the 2nd week in Aj^ril and almost over by INIay. Probably it
Avould have been found to be on the wing at the beginning of April,
had I then visited its locality.

Many other instances could be adduced and are mentioned in the
P^ntomological magazines, such as a note by Mr. Bankes (E.M.M.
xxix., 191), in which he enumerates several species taken on a
sheltered piece of undercliff in Purbeck on May 31st, all before
their usual dates.

DORSET LEPIDOPTERA IN 1892-3. 63

This wns douLtless owing to tlie long continuance of warna
Aveatlier in the spring, which caused the pupcc to developc caily
and produce the imagines before their proper time.

These early summer species, emerging in May, June, and the
beginning of July, live through the winter cither as larvae more or
less in a state of hibernation, or as pup^e. The hibernating laiva)
are only waiting for heat to get on with their development, and a
little warmth, whicli causes the leaves of the food plant to shoot,
brings them also out to feed on them. "Whether it comes in
February or April the effect is similar, and if it continues
through the spring, as in 1893, so that no check is given either
to food plants or larvre, the result is an early emergence of the
moths.

So far as my experience of the year goes, however, I did not find
that this abnormal spring produced any particular effect upon those
species which emerge in the autumn about September, and I do
not think that the bulk of them, with the exception, perhaps, of
some species of Agrofis, are much dependent upon season for the
time of their appearance. JNIany of them hibernate as moths, and
lay their eggs in the spring, and in otlier cases, where the eggs are
laid in autumn, the larviB do not hatch until the spring, perhaps
about April. Others, however, lay eggs in the autumn which
liatch in a week or two. Eut in all these cases it does not seem as
if the emergence from the pujja was affected by heat ; on the
contrary the moths do not naturally appear until the hottest months
of the year are past and the temperature begins to diminish, and
one would therefore hardly expect a hot summer to bring them out
sooner. The spring comes at so early a period of their life that it
does not appear, as in 1893, to exercise much influence on the
period of their final stage.

Mr. Cambridge records some of his 1892 captures at Bloxworth
in "The Entomologist" (xxvi., 87), amongst which the following
are specially worthy of notice : — Notodonta tre/nifa, Xorfua difrape-
zium, Tryplunia suhsequa (a rare moth which he used to take in
his strawberry beds), Emmele$ia unifasciata, Acijptilia p)aludum

64 DORSET LEPIDOPTERA IN 1892-3.

(which was scarce), Rliodophcea advenella, Tortrix n-aice{jana,
Sciapliila sinuana, EupoeciUa geyeriana, Tinea alhipundella,
Tinagma hetulce (not so common as in 1891), Gracilaria imperial-
ella (one specimen, the second only recorded in Dorset), Cosmopteryx
orichalceUa (two specimens, new to the county), and several species
of Machista—a genus which appears to be in force at Bloxworth.
Micropteryx Kaltenhacldi is recorded by Mr. E. K. Bankes as new
to the county, taken by himself at Corfe Castle, April 22nd, 1893,
and Bryotrop>ha tetragonella, also new to Dorset, taken by Rev. C. R.
Digby, at Studland, at the end of June, 1892. This is probably
the last addition that Mr. Digby has made to our county fauna,
and it is a source of great regret that so good an Entomologist
should have left Dorset. I have no doubt, however, that he will
continue his work in Hampshire and make many new discoveries,
Mr. Bankes has also turned up Coleophora deauraiella in Purbeck,
which is new to that district, though not to the county. (E.M.M.
xxix., 46-47.)

I may mention the occurrence of a specimen of DasypoUa
templi at Portland, in September last, which I have not taken
there before. On the same night Epunda Uchenea was very
abundant, especially during the rainstorms, which were frequent
and heavy, causing Mrs. Richardson and myself to spend a good
part of the time in a cave. We had two large attracting lamps
and the moths came in little swarms, five or six being on the glass
at once, but as soon as the storm cleared off their flight almost
ceased .

On the Chesil Beach occur several species of the genus Lita,
which have hitherto been much confounded together on account of
their variation and general resemblance to each other. This little
group has been the subject of a paper by myself in the Ent.
Monthly Magazine (xxix., 241), which deals specially with four of
the species, the other British species being the subject of a paper
by jMr. P]. R. Bankes, which will, I understand, be published
shortly in the same magazine, and which I must not anticipate.
(E.M.M., XXX.,. 80.)

DORSET LKPrnorTKRA IN" 1892-3. fia

Tliere is a somewhat rare plant, Siuvjla Jrufifo.^a, whicli, with
its annual congener S. maritima, grows hero and there in abund-
ance along the Chesil Beach. For many years past it has been
known that a small moth was attached to this plant, not only here,
but also in Lancashire, Norfolk, and Essex, but it was formerly set
down as one of the varieties of L. instahiUlla or one of the other
species of Lita. I believe that I was the first to breed this moth
in this county, having found the larva at Weymouth in May, 1885.
Mr. Bankes was just a year later. I therefore undertook to
describe it as a distinct epecies, which it has been generally
admitted to be for some time past, and have done so in the before-
mentioned paper. The species of this group found on the Chesil
Beach are sucedella, plantaginella, ocellatella, indahilella, salicorni(i\
and the nearly allied obsoletella and aMj^Ucetla.

The descriptions having been published, I will not repeat them
here, but merely make a few remarks upon the habits and mode of
life of some of these -species. In the early part of April Siueda
fruticosa, which is an evergreen perennial, shows no sign at all of
larvae feeding upon it, whereas this is the time to find the larvio
of instdbilella upon Afriplex portulacoides — another evergreen sea
shrub of low growth, and one of the most easily recognised of the
difficult Atriphx group.

ERRATUM.
Page 65, line 5 from bottom, for " wood " read " hiikI.

usual species on the Chesil Beach. The egg being laid somewhere

64 DORSET LEPIDOPTEIIA IN 1892-3.

(which was scarce), Rliodoplicea advenella, Tortrix cratcegana,
Sciapliila sinnana, Eupcecilia geyeriana, Tinea alhipundella,
Tinagma hetulce (not so common as in 1891), Gvacilaria imperial-
ella (one specimen, the second only recorded in Dorset), Cosmoj)teryx
orichalcella (two specimens, new to the county), and several species
of Elacliista —a genus which appears to be in force at Bloxworth.
Micropteryx Kaltenhacliii is recorded by Mr. E. R. Bankes as new
to the county, taken by himself at Corfe Castle, April 22nd, 1893,
and Bryoh'oplia tetragonella, also ncAv to Dorset, taken by Rev. C. R.
Digby, at Studland, at the end of June, 1892. This is probably
the last addition that Mr. Digby has made to our county fauna,
and it is a source of great regret that so good an Entomologist
should have left Dorset. I have no doubt, however, that he will
continue his work in Hampshire and make many new discoveries.
;Mr. Bankes has also turned up Coleoplwra deauratella in Purbeck,
which is new to that district, though not to the county. (E.M.M.
xxix., 46-47.)

I may mention the occurrence of a specimen of DasypoUa

templi at Portland, in September last, which I have not taken

there before. On the same night Epunda Uchenea was very

abundant, especially during the rainstorms, which were frequent

1 ~~.,,;.^„ Mrc RichardstaLandjnyself to spend a good

snortiy 111 wiv.

(E.M.M., XXX.,. 80.)

DORSET LKPinOPTERA IN" 1892-3. fii)

Tliere is a somewhat rave plant, Suwda Jnificam, wliicli, with
its annual congener S. maritima, grows here and there in abund-
ance along the Chesil Beach. For many years past it lias been
known that a small moth was attached to this plant, not only here,
but also in Lancashire, Norfolk, and Essex, but it was formerly set
down as one of the varieties of L. imtabilella or one of the other
species of Lita. I believe that I was the first to breed this moth
in this county, having found the larva at Weymouth in May, 1885.
Mr. Bankes was just a year later. I therefore undertook to
describe it as a distinct fpecies, which it has been generally
admitted to be for some time past, and have done so in the before-
mentioned paper. The species of this group found on the Chesil
Beach are sucedella, plantaginella, ocellatella, instahilella, salicornio',
and the nearly allied obsoletella and atripUceUa.

The descriptions having been published, I will not repeat them
here, but merely make a few remarks upon the habits and mode of
life of some of these -species. In the early part of April Siueila
fruticosa, which is an evergreen perennial, shows no sign at all of
larvae feeding upon it, whereas this is the time to find the larvie
of instahilella upon Atriplex portulacoides — another evergreen sea
shrub of low growth, and one of the most easily recognised of the
difficult Atriplex group.

The larva mines a leaf of the Atriplex, completely eating out the
fleshy inside in patches, making the leaf appear whitish green. It
also spins up the leaves against the stalk to a slight extent.

Lita sua'della burrows among the fleshy leaves of the Sua-da,
which are something like thick short pine needles, spinning them
down to the stalk so as to conceal it from view. The egg is
apparently hatched about the end of April or beginning of jMay,
and the larva is full fed at the end of May, when it leaves its
burrow to spin up in the sand or wood underneath the plant on
which it has fed, the moth emerging in July.

Lita plantaijimlla, which comes nearest to swideUa, feeds as a
larva in a plant of plantain, Planta<jo coronojms being the most
usual species on the Chesil Beach. The egg being laid somewhere

66 DORSET LEPIDOPTERA IN 1S92-3.

in the middle of a shoot, the larva gradually burrows in the root
to the depth of nearly -^in., as it feeds on its substance. It spins
together the central leaves of the plant to conceal itself from view,
and changes to a pupa in its burrow, emerging towards the cud of
June.

The most beautiful larva of these four species, which I have
fully described and differentiated from each other in my paper
above referred to, is that of Lita ocellatella, which is tinged with
brilliant crimson and feeds on Beta maritima, the wild form of
the beet root of our gardens. Many of these seaside plants have a
strong tendency to assume the red tinge which has been so
developed by selection in the garden beet, and it is not impossible
that this may account in some measure for the bright hues of this
caterjnllar, which either mines in its very thick massive leaves, or
spins up amongst its flower shoots. Still there are other larvee
which have equally brilliant tints, which do not proceed from this
cause. The ordinary form of the moth is cream-coloured with
darker markings, but a bright pink variety was figured in Vol. xii. of
our Proceedings, a colour which I have not noticed in the perfect
state of allied species.

Mr. Bankes having taken the other species under his wing, I
leave them for the present.

As I have said, I have been able to do but little collecting this
year, but we have been successful, after a protracted search of six
years, in finding and breeding the larva of Epischnia Banl'esiella,
of which we discovered the moth in 1887 at Portland ; and of
which, in spite of hard and continuous work in pursuit of it, we
had, up to 1892, only taken six specimens. It has not yet been
found in any other part of the world except this small locality at
Portland. There seemed to be no clue to the food plant, as the
moths were taken on flowers at night, except the first two, which
were flying at dusk, and the only thing was to examine the plants
generally — no light matter, as Portland has a varied flora. To Mrs.
Richardson belongs the credit of finding the right plant, of which
we had suspicions in 1892, which were confirmed this year by the

DORSET LEPIUOPTERA IN 1892-3. 67

breeding of the moth. I regret to be obliged to -withhohl its name,
but such is the rapacity of some collectors, who make a business of
dealing in insects, especially moths, that the species might be
exterminated from the locality were it known — an energetic
collector might make great havoc in even a day.

The first time that I saw the larva was in 1889, when a captured
female laid four eggs in two pairs, those of each pair being fastened
together in the way of a cottage loaf. This was a most unusual
circumstance, which I have not before observed in any moth ; but
it was either accidental or an individual peculiarity, as it has not
again occurred, though I have seen a good many more eggs. Tho
egg is oval, flattened, beautifully iridescent, and covered with very
minute holes and small wavy ridges, enclosing numerous little spaces
with from three to six sides each. The little larvte duly hatched, but
I knew not on what to feed them, and after trying many plants I
got them to settle down quietly on a thistle floret near the seed at
the bottom. Xow it is not at all the custom of caterpillars to seem
contented with food that they cannot eat, and they generally
wander about restlessly until they find some more to their taste ;
so that I naturally assumed that thistle was the food plant. But
my pleasure was short-lived, as they all died in a few days,
and I had to satisfy myself with taking a description of them, and
meditating on their amiable dispositions. I found afterwards that
the larva does not live in flower heads at all, but from its earliest
days spins a sort of nest round itself in a shoot of its food plant,
and after a time, when this nest attains some size, lives in a silken
tube in the middle of it, coming out at night to feed upon the
leaves. In the autumn it thickens the middle portion of this
tube, and there passes the winter. In the spring it seeks fresh
food and constructs another nest. About May it closes up the
ends of its silk tube, forming a rather strong cocoon, turns to a
pupa, and emerges in June or July. This year, owing to the
abnormally early season, there was a second brood of this moth,
as well as of many others, which I proved by breeding a si)ccimen
on September 26th from an egg laid in the early summer. I do

68 DORSET LEPlDOrTERA IN 1892-3.

not, however, believe that there is generally more than one hrood.
Tlie larva is not very active, though it can retreat quickly into its
tube when disturbed. It sometimes waves about the fore part of
its body, stretching it out to nearly double its ordinary length.
It is delicate and not easy to rear, so that I did not breed many
moths.

Description of Larva. — The fuU-fod larva is about an inch in
length and tapers somewhat towards each end, especially the head,
which is less than half the width of the middle segments and
rather flattened ; the head and plates are a little more polished
than the body, which is dull.

The ground colour varies a little in tint and may be described as
putty-coloured, witli a tinge of green, especially between the seg-
ments. The head and legs are pale brown, much mottled with
darker brown spots, the prothoracic and anal plates much like the
body, but a little more distinctly marked, the longitudinal lines
having a tendency to break up on them into darker spots, as on the
head, Tiiese lines, which are somewhat broader than in the young
larva, so that less ground colour is visible, are dark purplish brown,
and consist of a dorsal line (a trifle darker than the rest) and five
other slightly wavy lines on each side at equal distances from each
other, the fourth of which contains the spiracles, the fifth lying
along the ridge of the skinfold below. There is a medio-ventral
line, and the claspers and underside are more or less marked with
the same colour. The spiracles and warts are marked by very
dark brown rings and the bristles are pale brown. The booklets,
which are numerous, are dark brown.

The larva changes its appearance very little during its life, with
the exception of the markings of the underside, which appear at a
very early period, I believe after the first change of skin.

The pupa is about 5 lines long and very smooth and neat in ap-
pearance, the different parts fitting closely together. The antennae
and wing cases extend to the end of the 9th segment, leaving the
remaining four segments movable. The tail is rather blunt and
has about 6 small short hooked wire-like processes. The colour of

DORSET LF.riUOPTERA IX 1892-3. 69

the pupa is chestnut brown, with the wing cases greenish or entirely
brown.

Further experience of tlie moth lias shewn me tliat it varies
considerably, some of the specimens being very pale, almost cream-
coloured, with dark grey markings on the veins and elsewliere, I
have one specimen of the ordinary cinereous grey form, but
with the transverse lines very distinct and dark, a handsome and
unique variety. The habits of the imago seem most retiring, and
this doubtless accounts for the rarity of its captures. It is one of
the most difficult moths to see in the breeding cage, especially
when sitting on a dead stem or piece of stick. It sits very closely
and looks like an accidental slight excrescence, so that one may look
for some time without noticing it.

I have mucli pleasure in presenting a specimen to our Museunn
and I hope that we shall soon be able, with the help of our
entomological friends, to make some show in the excellent cabinets
which have been provided, so that the vurtliy Secretary and
Curator may no longer have to mourn over the absence of a
collection of inrcrtebrate animals.

••'■-^^^s^^j^^"

Sbiix h.im : its ©vigin \u\b listovu.

By E. CUNNINGTON, Esq.

^T/°AREHA]\I is appropriately named from Avare or weir,
a dam, pool or weir ; and liara, a rich level

pasture or plot of ground near a river.

This is evidently one of the strongholds of the

Durotriges, so often explained as the dwellers by

the water. Poundbury at Dorchester, Dudsbury

near Wimborne, by the side of the Stour, and

Spettisbury again are all of the same make and

cliaracteristics. These Avere not living places, but camps in time

of war or danger, and the three last mentioned appear to be almost

exactly as left by the makers eighteen hundred years ago,

I am quite content to take Dr. Guest's account of the invasion
of England by Aulus Plautius in a.d. 43, as told in the
Arclueological Journal of 1866, page 160, as f olloAvs : — He says
that the force led by Plautius could not be much less than 50,000
men. In subordinate command were Vespasian and his brother
Flavins Sabinas, and a veteran officer named Cneius 0. Geta.
The fleet, no doubt, sailed from Eoulogne, directing its course to
one of the three little ports on the Kentish coast that we knoAv
the Romans chiefly used, viz., Ilythe, Dover, and Richborough.
Dr. Guest's map of the campaign shows that it never touched any

WAREHAM : ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY. 71

part of Dorset. Nor slioukl I imagine it likely to have done .so ;
these parts were most probably attacked years after, as the Romans
gradually grew in strength inland.

In reading over the proceedings of the Archaeological Institute
meeting at Dorchester in 1865, I find that tlie late Rev. "W.
Barnes said as follows : — " The Saxon English settled in England
so near the time of the withdrawing of the Roman legions
that they found their castra, Avith many other marks of Roman
life and handiwork, from Manchester to Dorchester, and yet,
although they must have known "Wareham as early as Dorchester,
they did not call it a ceaster, but took it only as a AVareham, i.e.,
mound-enclosure. I do not know that the sjiade reaches at
Wareham any tesselated pavement, or turns up such Roman
remains as betoken a long-holdon abode, nor are the walls quite
up to the Roman plan in straightness or squareness of form. A
British trackway leads out of the west gate of "Wareham, called
the West Port, from the British word, porth, a passage." I quite
agree with Mr. Barnes. I have never seen or known of Roman
remains found in Wareham, but plenty of mediaeval.

Wareham stands in rather a remarkable position — a peninsula
bounded on the south and north by two rivers, on the cast by
Poole Harbour, a long strip of sand and gravel ; except by water,
accessible only by land on the west side. The Romans found it
as the Durotriges left it, and I cannot help thinking that they also
left it alone ; there would be nothing inviting there.

Camden, in Gibson's edition, date 1G95, says : " Wareham, forti-
fied by earthen walls, thick and high, besides the advantage of the
rivers. 'Tis probable enough that this rose out of tlie ruins of a
little poor place called Stowborough, for Stowborough, though but a
mean place, is governed still by a Mayor, which plainly shows that
it lias formerly been much more considerable."

That the Romans made use of the clay in their pottery at
Nordcn I am well aware ; also their use of llu- Kinuueii.lge clay
needs scarcely mentioning ; but both of these works must have
been independent of. Wareham earthworks. I exhibit to-day a

^2 WAREHAM : ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY.

fragment of fluted Koman pottery almost exactly the same as that
usually called ^ew Forest ware, as seen in our Museum ; also a
Koman quern from the same place.

The first mention of Wareham is in the time of Alfred the
Great, about 876, when the Danes took the town and destroyed
its castle and nunnery. During the Danish invasions it was a
theatre of war and destruction for about a century and a-half, and
its fame rose from its misfortunes. This unhappy place suffered all
the miseries of war : the inhabitants were driven away, or plundered
and massacred, and the Avhole town reduced to a heap of ruins.
In Edward the Confessor's time — about 1042 to 1066 — as recorded
in Domesday Book, it had 148 houses in it ; but in William the
Conqueror's time there were but 70 houses standing ; afterwards
it reflourished and the Conqueror built a castle there. "In the
time of Henry II., suffering much by wars and the casualties
of fire, together with the sea robbing them of the haven,
it is almost run quite to ruin, and the soil that was in the very
heart of the ancient town produceth great quantities of garlic."
When Stephen took Wareham in 1142 he burnt the town and
surprised the castle.

On Sunday, July 25th, 1762, a dreadful fire broke out amongst
the then thatched houses, so that in three hours two-thirds of the
town was reduced to a heap of ruins. In the session of Parlia-
ment following, an Act was passed for rebuilding the town and
preventing future danger by fire, &c. Thatched houses, furze, and
hayricks were prohibited. Several buildings in the middle of the
street and others projecting into it were removed, and in about
two years the town rose fairer than before.

In Britton's " Beauties of England and Wales," published in
1803, he says : "South Bridge was. an ancient structure crossing
the Frome, and probably coeval with William II." He prob-
ably means William I., about, say 1080, when he built the
castle, and if a stone castle, I rather expect that he built the
bridge to take the stone to build the castle. This bridge was
doubtless the great Avant of the town of Wareham and from

WAREHAM : ITS ORIGIN AND HISKJUV. 73

■which the line of streets came in position. In 1775 this bridge,
being ruinous, was rebuilt by a handsome structure of Purbeck
stone having five arches. "When the causeway and bridge on
the north side was made I know not, but this structure no doubt
determined the line of street in that direction.

[Since publication of tliis pajjcr a letter has appeared in the
Dorset County Chronicle asserting that some Roman antiquities
have been found Avithin "Warehani "Walls. Hut Mr. Cunnington
adheres to what he has already advanced.]

gome ^bbitions ta the Jen-set Jlova.

By Rev, E. F. LINTON.

i^s^

;HE County of Dorset l:as been so tliorouglily worked
with a view to the forthcoming County Flora l»y the
President of our Society and other botanists that
tliere does not seem mucli probability of many
additional plants being found within its limits.
Yet, since this year has witnessed the discovery of
some four or five native plants previously unknown
lo Dorset, it is hardly the time to give up re-
search. I have been asked to give some account of
those recent additions which have come under my OAvn notice.

Taking them in the order of the Natural Orders, I mention
first a rose which I met with last June, when exploring the chalk
downs which lie between Compton and Melbury Abbas, near
Shaftesbury. This ground produces some other rare and inter-
esting plants — viz., Latlnjrus Aphaca, Owhanche elatior, Sutton,
Allium oJeraceum, Carex humilis, &c. The rose is a variety of the
species known as R. sejnuni, Thuill. {R. ar/resfis, Savi), which has
the glandular leaves of s\veet-l)riar, but its scent only in a very
faint degree, and is a connecting link between the sweet-briar and
the dog-rose (7?. canina, L.). This rose has in the past been placed
by some as a variety under R. canina, but by general consent is

SOME ADDITIONS TO THE DORSET KLOIIA. 75

now accepted as a species, and is a type Avitli sonic varieties. The
Dorset form differs from any variety tliat I am acquainted with in
some slight particulars, though very like at first sight the more
typical form of B. sepium, Thuill., which I found two years ago on
the Hampshire Downs. How the rose came to bo established on
the Melbury Downs is open to question. All the evidence is
against its being an introduction by the hand of man ; the locality
is at a distance from hedge or cottage, where there could be no
object in planting it ; nor is this a rose suitable for hedges. If
introduced it Avill have been by the agency of birds, the heat of
their bodies doing no injury to the hard seeds of hips and haws,
holly berries, yew berries, and the like, prol)ably rather assisting
more or less the i^rocess of germination. There is, however, no
reason why the rose should not be a survival rather than an
introduction ; it is certainly native on a similar formation in South
Hants, and presumably so in the adjoining county of Wilts.

Galeopsis infennedia, Yillars, G. Ladauuin, Linn. Herb. (Fries
Herb. norm.). Some explanation is necessary as to nomencla-
ture. The narrow-leaved Hemp-nettle of chalky cultivated fields,
■which is Avell distributed in P]ngland and common in some
parts, has usually been called G. Ladamim, Linn. It stands
so in the Flora of Dorset (Lst Ed.) ; and also in the 7th Ed.
of the London Catalogue, where (/. intermedia, Vill., is placed
as a variety under it. In the 8th Ed. Lond. Cat. tlie common
form api)ears as a species under the name G. antju^tifolia,
Elirli. G. intermedia disajDpears, and is replaced by the old
name G. Ladcmum, whicli, however, now stands for the rare
plant and not the common one. Apparently the existing speci-
men in the Herbarium of Linnaeus is not our common plant,
but identical with the rarer form G. intermedia, Villars. The
common form, the narrow-leaved Ilemp-neLtle, haslieeii long kiii>wii
for the county. It is the rarer plant that 1 now i>ut U[ii)n reeonl,
the G. Ladayium, L., of the 8th Ed. Lond. Cat., the G. Ladanuni
var. intermedia of the 7th Edition. It dillers cliielly by liaving a
more glandular inllorescence, broader leaves, rounded instead of

76 SOME ADDITIONS TO THE DORSET FLORA.

cuneate at tlie base, and more regularly serrate. My specimen was
gathered two years ago and rightly named at the time, though I
did not till lately realise that this sub-species (as Symc considered
it) was only on record for Moray and Denbigh. It is probably not
indigenous in either of these localities any more than in Wallis
Down, near Bournemouth, where I found my specimen, on ground
that was formerly part of the heath ; but, like many other corn-
field weeds that seem quite at home now, it was probe bly introduced
at some time or other with foreign seed.

i\Iy next plant is a Pond-weed, Avhich is given in the London
Catalogue (8th Ed.) as a species, 1490, Pofamogeton decipiens* In
the 7th Edition it was given as u variety of P. lucens. In Bab.
Man. it stands as a species ; in Hooker's Student's Flora as a sub-
species under P. lucens. As a matter of fact it is none of these,
but a hybrid betAveen P. hicens^ to which it bears a good deal of
resemblance, and P, perfoliatus, two of the commonest species in
our rivers. It may easily be distinguished from the former by the
sessile leaves, and from the latter by the much longer leaves which
do not clasp the stem. It occurs in the K. Frome above "Wareliam,
a little to the west of the railway bridge, where the Swanage line
crosses the river. There was no sign of it in the R. Piddle at
Wareliam, though both parents grew frequently together. The
Dorset plants seemed to be fruiting fairly well, but from the way
in which the fruits have shrunk in drying I doubt if they were
effectually fertilised, or would have had any vitality. It is, of
course, usual with hybrids for the seeds to be more or less imper-
fect ; sometimes the ovules show no development ; more commonly
there is an apparent maturing of the ovules to a greater or less
extent ; and this is what had taken place in the Wareham Pond-
weed. In some other examples of P. decipiens, e.g., specimens I
once gathered in the canal at Navan, and specimens brought me
this last summer by the Rev. R. P. Murray from a canal near Bath,

* After this i>aper was written tlie President of the Society informed
nie that he had previously observed this Pond-weed in the K. Stour,--
E. F. L.

SOME ADDITIONS TO TEIE DORSET FLORA. "7

perfect seeds had to all appearance been formed ; and the fruit is
usually described as being much the same as that of P. luct/is (one
of the reputed parents). How the pollen is carried from one plant
to another has not been ascertained ; but if the whole genus is
correctly stated to be proterogynous, i.e., if the female organs are
developed before the male organs, the flowers would in no case be
self-fertilised ; and the wind would probably be the agent that
conveyed the pollen from flower-spike to flower^spike ; and there
would be no more difficulty on this score in the cross-fertilisation
of one species by another species than in the legitimate fertilisa=
tion of one species by its own pollen. The genus has received
much close attention in recent years, and one fact that has clearly
been established is that natural hybrids abound among the Poncl-
weeds.

Perhaps the most interesting of the additions made to the
Dorset Flora during 1893 is the little sedge Cijperics fuscus, L., an
insignificant marsh plant, with nothing showy in the way of a
flower, but interesting on account of its extreme rarity in Groat
Britain. As it is distributed over the greatest part of the Conti-
nent of I^urope, being found from Portugal to middle and South
Russia, and from Denmark and r>elgium to the shores of the
Mediterranean and the Levant, it is rather remarkable that it
sliould be almost absent from a well-watered country with abun-
dance of suitable marshy places like the British Isles. For many
years only one single station has been known for it in these Isles,
a wet common in Surrey. There was a time when it also grew in
Chelsea, but there it was believed to be naturalised, and is now
extinct. So that the Shalford Common station was the only one
where there was any claim for the Cyperus to be considered
indigenous. Late in August last the Rev. W. R. I^inton detected
it, when out botanising with the Rev. R. P. Murray and myself,
near Ringwood ; there was no great quantity, and it appeared to be
confined to one small spot of ground. Having become familiar with
the look of the plant I naturally thought of it when I came across
some interesting marshy bits of land a few days later about Bere

78 SOME ADDITIONS TO THK DORSET FLORA.

Regis ; there was the same sort of herbage growing in the marsh,
and after some research I was repaid by the discovery of several
plants of the Ct/perus. A fortnight later I was in the same neigh-
bourhood, and in the course of a walk I saw it again a considerable
distance from the first station, one plant being of unusual size, and
bearing, I should say, from 20 to 30 stbms, each with their cluster
of fruit.

There is no need for me to describe here the features of this
interesting sedge ; it is well described in existing manuals. The
importance of the discovery is not merely in the addition of a good
plant for the county, but in the testimony to the indigenous
character of the species. It has been argued that a rare plant,
which has only one station, was probably introduced ; and that,
therefore, it is likely that the plant on Shalford Common was
introduced, l^ow we find a thoroughly native station in Dorset,
and another in Hants ; consequently the doubt which some have
entertained regarding the Surrey station is removed.

Two more interesting plants belonging to the Cyperacece
have been added to the County Flora during the past summer,
both of them species that were already recorded for Hants.
One is the rare Cotton-grass Eriop)liorum gracile, Koch (non
Sm.). Oddly enough this species was discovered only just
in time to be entered in. Townsend's Flora of Hants, some
ten years ago ; and there is a very good account of it in
one of the Appendices to that work. And now it has turned
up in Dorset just in time to appear in an Appendix (though not in
its proper order) in the forthcoming Flora of Dorset. Having
already during the month of May taken the opportunity offered by
the dry season of penetrating fartlier than before into some of the
bogs of the New Forest and gathered E. gracile^ Koch, on three
occasions, I had become familiar with its facies, and formed the
opinion that it ought to be found in tliis county also. I was
almost disappointed that in so likely a locality as Morden Decoy
this species declined to appear, though Cotton-grass abounded.
But in the neighbourhood of Littlesea last June, after examining

SOME ADDITIONS TO THE DOHSET FLORA. 7 'J

tlie Cotton-grasses of more than one bog in vain, I detectod a fair
quantity of tlie right plant, first in a little swamp where I needed
my companion's hand (Mr. E. M. Holmes) to reach it without
disaster, and soon after on ground where it was possible to stand
without discomfort or trepidation, so much was the bog dried ui).
At this spot E. ijracile and the common species, IJ. cuKjustifoliuin,
were growing together, so that at a little distance it was doubtful
which species was before us. When close at hand there was no
difficulty in distinguishing the two plants. E. gracile, Koch
(which must not be confused with E. gmcile, Sm., a slender and
small form of the common species), is not only more slender, but
usually rather taller than average E. ayigustifulium ; the peduncles
are clothed with short pubescence ; the glumes arc greener when
young and eventually a lighter grey ; the tuft of cottony hairs is
much narroAver and neater, liaving the look of a paint brush from
the tuft being rather truncate at the end ; and the nut is narrower
and of a brownish-grey. It usually grows in deep watery bogs,
where there is no firm bottom for 2-3 feet, sending out slender
ascending suckers, which have leaves only at first, but become
flowering plants the following year ; and generally the pressure of
the foot is enough to submerge, gradually or more precipitately, the
soaking fibrous mass in wliich it roots.

The other Cyperaceous plant I referred to is Carex filiformis L.,
which was observed last May at IMorden Decoy by the Rev. R. P.
Murray and myself. The day we were together scarcely any but
barren plants met our view ; these were abundant, but were
insufficient to name the plant with certainty. A few days later I
searched other parts of this extensive bog and met with the Carex
abundantly, and on this visit procured several fruiting spikes. As
this Carex is found in Devon, Hants, and Somerset it was to be
expected in Dorset ; its distribution in England farther north is
curious ; four counties in East Anglia,then from Stafford north-
wards ; I have gathered it in Skye and on the north coast of
Sutherland. There is a likeness here to the distribution of Carex
limosa, which is also rather abundant in ]\Iorden Decoy. This is

80 SOME ADDITIONS TO THE DORSET FLORA.

chiefly nortliern in Britain, extending from Sliropsliire nortliwards,
but has one or two habitats in Dorset, Hants, and in Suffolk.

Garex filiformis is placed near one end of the long list of species
belonging to this genus. Its nearest ally is C. hiiia, L., a much
commoner sedge, found in nearly all counties except the extreme
northern. Both have a fruit that is clothed with short appressed
hair and of somewhat similar structure : but that of C. ^filiformis
is narrower, and the habits of the two plants and their leaves are
totally different.

Prrc.DrT.^ct X.H.S- A.F. Club. Vol. XV. m'l^.

M J S Harvbury del

Minterr^ Eros . unp .

UTRICULARIA NEGLECTA.

EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE.

1. Portion of plant of Utrkidarin ncglccta, Lelim., with the hianclips

cut short.

16. Termination of branch of ditto, forming; wintei -bml.

2. Leaf of ditto (niagnitied).

3. Bladder (highly magnitied).

4. Detached Hower of ditto, looked at from beliind. (The orilice, into

which the ovary fits, sliould be circular).

o. Part of the scajie of U. vulgaris, Linn., with Hower and fiuit.
(i. Det.ached flower in profile of U. intennedia, Hayne.

The lady who has done me the favour uf malting the drawing, and tin-
engraver, have done admirable work under very adverse circumstances. The
imfavourable season of 1894, which made it imjrossible to get a .•<atisfactory
specimen for a model, is alone to blame for any imperfection tliat may b.-
detected in the flowers. E- E. L.

British g^ccics of iltvicularia.

(Illustrated hij Dorset Siiecimens. )

By Rev. E. F. LINTON.

P to the date of writing this paper Ilampsliire is the
only county for wliich the four species of British
Bladderworts liave been recorded- — viz., Utrkularia
vulgaris, L., U. negleda, Lehm., U. intennedia,
Hayne, and U. minor, L. Several counties liave
been known to produce three of these, among
Avhich was Dorset. Having during August last
seen a good quantity of U. negleda in S. Hants, my brother, the
Rev. W. R. Linton, and myself looked for it in Dorset in tlie
marshy meadows near Wool, where U. vidgaris was said to grow.
The first Bladderwort my brother detected proved on investigation
to be U. neglecta ; and it was natural to suppose that it was this
species which had previously been gathered at "Wool as U. vulgarix,
as these two are sometimes confused. A little later we met with
some fine specimens of U. vulgaris in one of the smallest trenches
of a water meadow ; and we had the satisfaction of knowing that
Dorset, as well as Hants, possessed all four species.

It is unusual for these two species, U. vulgaris and U.
neglecta, to grow in the same locality. They are made to do so,
I am aware, in the Hants Flora, where they are said to occur over

82 BRITISH SPECIES OF UTRICULARIA

■the same ground in District II. But the notes regarding U.
vulgaris in that district are of a date when U. negleda had not
been well discriminated, at least for the county ; and, after
investigation, I am of opinion that all the so-called U. vuhjaris
given for District II. is the other species. The fact that all the
plants sent to Darwin as U. vulgaris, to aid his investigation of
Insectivorous Plants, and collected from Sopley and Bisterne in
District II., Avere found to be U. negleda, is evidence of such
confusion having taken place.

It is my object in this paper to give some account of each of the
four species, and to include a description of each. This Avill not
be altogether a work of supererogation ; for one of them, U.
intermedia, Hayne, is very rarely seen in flower ; so rarely that
many excellent Herbaria which possess sheet upon sheet of its
foliage have been utterly devoid of a flower-spike hitherto, and
Boswell Syme, when he wrote the part of English Botany con-
taining this genus, had never seen a flowering British specimen.
(Syme, E.B., vol. vii., p. 129.) It is probable that the prolonged
drought and accumulated heat of the spring and summer of 1893
had for one of its many curious results the efi'ect of generating the
flower of U. intermedia. In both June and August I saw it
flowering freely in two localities in this county ; and I have thus
had the good fortune to observe all four Bladderworts in flower,
within a short period of time.

Before taking the species seriatim I will recapitulate what has
been observed in recent times about the bladders which give the
name to the plants. Up to about the year 1875 the bladders,
which are attached to the leaves in some species, to barren branches
in another, were generally supposed to exist for the purpose of
raising the plant to the surface of the water for the flowering
period, by the air they were supposed to contain. In Syme's
English Botany (ed. 3., vol. vii., p. 126), I read: "The name of
this genus of plants is derived from the Latin word Uter, and
signifies a little bottle, or bladder-, or vesicle, referring to the
appendages of this sort on the stem and leaves of the species,

imiTISII SPECIES OP UTKICULARIA. ,S;3

causing them to float on the surface of the water." In \SC)^ a ^Fr
Holland announced that he had observed minute water insects in
the bladders ; this led Charles Darwin to study their uses and
structure with great care, and the results of his observations were
published in his "Insectivorous Plants" in 1875, he being just
anticipated by Professor Coin, who had been engaged in similar
researches and had come to much the same conclusions. Darwin
found that the bladders did not contain air, but water, or at most
a few casual bubbles. Consequently their final cause could not be
to float the plant. Crustaceans were commonly found by him in
mature bladders, and sometimes other minute creatures. Tlie
bladder, which was shaped like a flattened oval flask, only with the
lower edge straight, was a sort of trap, furnished with a very
delicate transparent valve at it.> mouth, and witli a few small
bristles, resembling the antennae of an insect, also about the mouth,
which seemed to be for the purpose of guiding crustaceans to the
entrance of tlie trap. The interior of the bladder is coated willi
elongate papillae, arranged in fours and in pairs, wliich are ca})able
of suction ; and Darwin succeeded in proving that the bladders
imbibed the juices of the decaying crustaceans, which were soon
asphyxiated by their confinement in the trap, and this ministered
to the nutriment of the plant. The Bladderworts (at least in this
country) have no root ; the bladders therefore carry on the
alimentary functions that roots perform in other plants, and feed
on microscopic garbage. It is noticeable that the British species
are inhabitants of remarkably foul ditches or putrid bogs.

Utricularia vulgaris, L. Stems, 6-1 Sin. long, leafy throughout,
usually simple, terminating in stout winter buds ; leaves deltoid-
ovate in outline, spreading alternately in diftercnt directions,
sessile, trifurcate from the base, branching 3-1 times, segments
linear with fine marginal bristles towards the extremities, and
bearing bladders |l in. long shortly stalked ; scape erect at first, then
elongating procumbent and flexuous (G-Hin.), 3-12 flowered ; liracts
oblong olive green often bifid ; pedicels dotted erect in bud recurved
in fruit ; calyx pale olive green, half as long as the pedicel, lobes

84 BRITISH SPECIES OF UTRICULARIA.

spreading in fruit, iijiper longer ovate-acuminate, lower broadly
ovate 2-toothed ; corolla, |in. vertically and across, two-fifths to
|in, long, medium yellow ; upper lip suborbicular about equalling
the long much inflated palate, which is marked with imperfectly
anastomosing orange-brown striae and slightly downy towards the
throat ; lower lip with broad margin reflexed at right angles all
round, often touching and even enclosing the spur ; spur nearly
straight parallel with the lower lip, very obtuse, with few purple-
brown striae forming strongly-marked angles at their junction ;
flower-bud glandular rather angular, the twisted corolla forming a
blunt 2-dentate cone ; stigma broadly ovate, ciliate, sensitive ;
capsule one-fifth inch diam., style persistent.

The Greater Bladderwort is not so common as the specific name
(vulgaris) would suggest. It is indeed distributed through the
country, being known for 42 English and Welsh counties and
some 18 or more Scotch. But it is very local ; for instance,
Herefordshire had but a single locality, and there the plant is
extinct. And it remains to be seen whether U. negleda is not the
plant that has been recorded as U. vulgaris in some cases — a mistake
which is known to have occurred. Not that the two plants would
easily be confused if both were seen and compared in the fresh
state. But, as I have said, they are rarely to be found near one
another; and in the herbarium, Avhen the delicate flowers have
lost their shape, some of the principal points of difi'erence usually
disappear. U. vulgaris has larger and greener bracts and sepals,
the pedicel is stouter as well as shorter, and usually recurved in
fruit ; the flower is less showy, the upper lip shorter by a little,
only about as long as the palate, the palate is rather larger and more
prominent, and the broad margin of the lower lip is sharply deflexed,
hanging down like a rigid curtain or vallance on both sides and in
front, and usually enclosing and even concealing the broadly
conical spur between the two flaps. The spur is on the whole
blunter ; but this is a character which varies a good deal in both
species, and is not of much use for discrimination. In bud the
flower of U. vulgaris is twisted into a very blunt or subtruncate

BRITISH SPECIES OF UTRICULARIA. 85

cone, which terminates in two sliort points. The stigma, which
consists of two lobes or flaps in the genus, is sensitive and ciliate
in this species ; the two lobes, which are spreading Avhen mature,
slowly approach one another and close up Avlien gently touched.

U. negleda, Lelim. Stems 6-2iin. long, leafy throughout,
branching rather freely, branches terminating in rather slender
winter buds ; leaves alternately spreading in different directions,
orbicular in outline, branching 2-3 times, segments capillary
distinctly furnished with a few marginal bristles near their
extremities and bearing shortly stalked ovoid bladders, \m. long
when fully developed; scape much as in U.vuhjaris, 3-10 flowered
4-lOin. long; bracts ovate-oblong or oblong-acuminate olive trans-
parently scarious ; pedicels 4-6 times as long as the calyx, rather
slender, purplish, erect-patent in flower, straight in fruit ; calyx
olive-brown membranous striate, upper lobe oblong subacute,
lower orbicular-ovate notched ; corolla |-in. or more vertically and
about Jin. long, bright medium yellow ; upper lip erect ovate-
oblong about twice as long as the projecting palate, deeply
channelled above, edges incurved ; palate much inflated,
channelled, marked with orange-brown usually simple striae ;
lower lip f to 4-5in. across with broad margin spreading
horizontally and waved ; spur subacute or obtuse pointing down-
ward and forward, diverging from the lip, with few dull purple-
brown striae forming faintly coloured angles ; buds glandular, the
twisted corolla forming a very acute cone ; stigma not sensitive,
upper lobe papillose on the inner surface.

U. neglecta was given by Watson for six English counties
(Topogr. Bot. Ed. II.) and no Welsh or Scotch. Since the issue of
that work it has been discovered for both Scotland and Ireland ;
but it cannot be said that its distribution has yet Ijeeu worked out.
It is still regarded as a rare plant. It may be best distinguished
from U. vulf/aris by its more showy flowers with the broad margin
of the lower lip spreading horizontally ; the palate is smaif in
proportion, and is exceeded U,-2 times l)y the projecting iipper lip.
The flower is twisted in bud into an acute cone, nearly parallel at

8b BRITISH SPECIES OF UTRICULARIA.

first with tlie direction of the spur, but divergent (nearly to the
extent of a right angle) before expansion. The pedicels are slender,
long in proportion, and usually straight or nearly so ; erect or
ascending in fruit (not recurved). The sepals and bracts are smaller
and of a browner green. Flowerless specimens may be distinguished
by the usually smaller (and more numerous '?) bladders upon the
leaves, the more slender leaf-segments, and the stems being
more disposed to branch than in U. vulgaris. It struck me, in the
specimens gathered last summer, that it Avas more easy to shake the
leaves of U. negleda out of the pencil which their segments form
when drawn from the water, and that the winter buds in their early
stages Avere more slender, than was the case in U. vulgaris.

These numerous points of difierence sufficiently show that
these two are good species, though superficially, and especially
in the herbarium resembling one another, and in the past often
confused,

Reichenbach has given a leaf-distinction, which I have not
succeeded in verifying, or finding confirmed by other observers.
He says that the serrations of the young leaves of U. vulgaris bear
a fascicle of bristles, while those of U. negleda have but a single
bristle, and he doubts whether the single bristle is always present
(Icon. Fl. Germ, et Helv. xx., p. 113, tab. 1822, 1824).

Utricularia intermedia, Hayne. Stems more or less branched,
bearing large bladders on longish slender stalks or small branches,
and producing here and there terminal leafy shoots devoid of
bladders, terminating in hirsute winter buds ; bladders ^-1-oin.
long (sometimes almost ^in.), usually very pale ; leaves -|-f in. long,
roundish (eventually pointed) in outline, spreading regularly and
nearly in one plane, trifurcate at the base, then branching
alternately, rarely bearing a casual bladder, segments linear-
acuminate, often rather broad, dentate towards the extremities ;
scape, 2^--4in. curved below, but erect |-f of its length, 2-3-flowered,
with one detached amplexicaul cordate-acuminate bract ; pedicels
\-\m. long, decurved at the top, exceeding their bract ; calyx pale
green, lobes ovate to ovate-acuminate concave ; corolla ^in. (as

BRITISH SPECIES OF UTRICULARIA. 87

long as broad), deep golden yellow, twisted in laid into a very acute
cone ; upper lip slightly concave and arching, twice as long as the
palate ; palate very prominent, folded, with purplish-brown striae ;
lower lip broad, spreading, broader than long ; spur conic subacute
curving in toAvards the lip ; stigma very unequally lobed, upper
lobe very small, lower broadly lingulate.

The distribution of this species is very curious ; putting aside
doubtful records, it skips the whole of central England, excepting
]S^orfolk, and from Dorset and Hants in the south is unheard of
till we reach the three northernmost counties ; in Scotland it is
more frequent, being recorded in some ten counties ; it also occurs
in Ireland, chiefly in the west , I have seen it plentifully in parts
of Galway.

It differs from the two previous species in being much smaller
in nearly every respect ; in the disposition of the bladders (which
are exceptionally large for the plant) upon branches which are
leafless, or nearly so, in the neighbourhood of the bladders, though
often prolonged into terminal leafy shoots ; in the distichous
arrangement of the leaves, which lie almost in one plane and bear
no bladders. The inflorescence is very similar to that of U. nerjleda
only on a smaller scale ; the pedicels are indeed shorter in propor-
tion, and the spur more acute, l)ut in the twisting of the flower in
bud, in the relative length of upper lip and palate, and in the
spreading margin of the lower lip, there is a close rcsemljlancc to
the floral characters of U. negleda. The remarkable feature of the
bladders being borne on the leafless part of the branches may, I
think, be accounted for in this way. They are usually f(jund on
the parts which burrow in the loose peaty mud of the bog, which
is in a semi-fluid state ; consequently they are usually of a pale,
whitish hue, and semi-transparent before they get clogged with the
dehri^i of their animal food. The i^ame burrowing propensity
prevents the development of perfcjct leaves, which are only to be
found on the branches that lie exposed to the light on the surface
of the submerged mud. These perfect leaves are sessile and
trichotomous from the base The bladders, each on a slender stalk

88 BRITISH SPECIES OP UTllICULARlA.

of varying length, are sometimes supported by a short bract or
leaf segment, sometimes by two ; these bracts or leaf segments are
simple or bifurcate, suggesting the idea of a reduced leaf ; and a
little consideration shows that the bladder is in fact occupying the
place of a suppressed leaf, the one, or two, bracts at the base of the
bladder stalk representing the other divisions of a perfect trifur-
cate leaf. Darwin convinced himself that U. negleda and U. miiior
were nourished on the juices of different crustaceans, suited to their
respective powers of digestion ; no doubt U. intermedia also has its
particular fancy, and searches for its prey amid the decaying filth of
a peaty bog. This habit is by no means surprising when compared
with the life of a South American species, U. montana, which is
more or less Epiphytic and permeates rotten Avood and decaying
mosses or loose earth with its rhizomes, which bear numerous
minute bladders filled with water and provided with delicate
apparatus fitted to ensnare unsuspecting animalcules and exclude
undesirable rubbish !

I will treat the remaining British species briefly, partly because
I can add little or nothing in the case of a plant that is already so
well known ; partly because there is little likelihood of its being
confused with any of the three already noticed.

U. minor, L. Stems very slender, usually little branched, more
or less leafy, rarely bearing some few bladders independently of the
leaves, and terminating in small glabrous winter buds ; leaves \-\n\.
broad, broadly orbicular, trifurcate at the base, trichotomously
multifid in linear acute segments, with no bristly hairs towards the
extremities, but bearing small obovoid bladders ; scape 2-6in., very
slender, erect or nearly so, purplish above, 2-3 bracteate, (below
the inflorescence), 3-10 flowered ; pedicels 1-5-Jin. long, reflexed
after flowering, 2-3 times as long as the calyx ; calyx purplish-olive ;
lobes ovate, deeply concave corolla about |^in. long, pale lemon
yellow, twisted in bud into an acute cone ; spur short obtuse,
about as broad as long ; upper lip spreading waved, not arching,
notched, as long as the raised horseshoe-shaped palate, margins of
broadly ovate lower lip deflexed ; stigma lobe subacute.

BRITISH SPECIES OF UTRICULARIA. 89

Recorded from 32 English and AVelsli counties and some 17
Scotch, this interesting little plant is widely distributed, from the
extreme south to the extreme north of Great Britain. It cannot
easily be mistaken for any of the preceding : its small size, its
lemon-coloured flowers, the reduction of the spur to a broad Ijluntly
conical hump, about as broad as long, mark it unmistakeably. The
bladders, which are very small, are usually Ijorne upon the leaves,
but may also be found, one or two together, upon slender stalks
direct from the stem, without any sign of leaf ; and are in that
case pale in colour as if from burrowing in the loose mud (after the
fashion of U. intermedia). It opens one's eyes to the wonders of the
inflnitely small in the animal world to learn that the tiny bladders
of U. minor have been observed to contain a greater number of
crustaceans than the larger bladders of U. negleda. Darwin gives
ten as the maximum counted in a bladder of the latter species, but
records 15, 20, even 24, as having been observed in a bladder of U.
minor !

A fifth species has been for many years suspected as British and
claimed as such — viz., JJ, Bremii, Heer. But as the distinctions lie
chiefly in the flower, and the flower of the supposed British plants
has never been found in this country, it is needful to wait for
further evidence. U. Bremii seems to come very near U. minor,
difi'ering from it in the more robust habit, the more pointed conic
spur, and the lower lip orbicular, spreading. There is little in the
description to separate these two as distinct species.

flc^jtilcs of goviici

By Rev. 0. P. CAMBRIDGE, M.A., F.R.S., &c., &c.

Bead at the Field Club Meeting, Dorchester, March 15th, 1S94.

f^Eh^

[With Plate.]

1^

X Vol. xvii. "Zoologist " 1893, p. 174, a catalogue is
given l.y Mr. Miller Christie, F.Z.S., of " Local
Lists of British Mammals, Reptiles, and Fishes,"
arranged under counties, and he gives lists from
numerous counties in England and "Wales. As
respects Reptiles the only lists that appear ever
to have been published of those of the county of
Dorset are — (i.) "A catalogue of the Reptiles
found in Dorsetshire " (written by the late Mr.
J. C. Dale and published in 1837 in "The Naturalist,"* Vol. ii.,
p. 182), containing a record of only seveji species ; (ii.) A list
given by Mr. C. W. Dale of eight species in his " History of
Glanvilles Wootton," p. 37, published in 1878.

The number of si^ecies now recorded in Dorsetshire is thirteen,
including the "Leathery Turtle," Sjrjhargis coriacea (Dumeril et
Bibron). Only two other species of Reptiles are at present

The Naturalist" (Neville Woods), Vol. ii., pp. 182-183, London,

1837.

REPTILES OF DORSET. 91

recorJcd as Britisli — viz., the Edihlc Frog, Rana escidcnia (Duni.
et Bib.), and the llawkshill Turtle, Chelonia imhricata Sclnveig ;
Dorsetshire, therefore, can boast of nearly all the known Lriti-^h
Eeptiles. Ko other county can at present furnish a much more
imposing list, even if any one has so many species certainly recorded
within its limits. * It may be remarked here, however, that the
number of Reptiles found in Great Britain is but scanty when
compared with those found on the Continent of Europe. The
European Reptilia number at present a total of about one hundred
against the meagre fifteen species of Great Britain. The Li::ards of
Europe are thirty-seven as against three British, The non-venomous
Snalies eighteen or twenty as against our two Biitish species,
and the venomous ones four against onr one ; while as against our
four species of the Frog group the Europeans count nineteen ; the
three British species of Neiois being represented in Europe by seven-
teen. Some of us may perhaps be inclined to think that this
comparative paucity of the reptile class in Britain tells in her
fa\our as an abode of the human species; but still, though one
can scarcely covet the additional European venomous Rei)tilcs, y(;t
all who in their researches love to see every corner and crevice of
the face of Nature peopled with many and varied animal forms
will, I think, agree that a few more of the lively lizards and
harmless snakes would increase the pleasure of our summer
rambles. In addition to these general remarks, perhaps this is the
best place to refer very shortly to one or two (I am almost in-
clined to call them) superstitions in respect to some of our Eeptiles.
I allude first to the asserted habit of the adder, when alarmed, of
swallowing its progeny ; or rather, I suppose I should say, of the
young, Avhen alarmed, of bolting down their mother's throat. I
have often seen this stated in i)rint in a very dear ami
circumstantial way, but though I have in my time known
intimately and personally a great many zealous field-naturalists

* Carnarvon has a Y\^X, of \?> si)eeies ; J)('voiisliir(\ l."> >-|iccit>s ;
Somerset, 12 species ; Yorkshire, 12 species. (See Mr. Millci- L'liiislie's
catalogue. )

92 REPTILES OF DORSET.

and observers I have as yet never come across one who
could assure me, without the possibility of a doubt, that he
had seen this occur. I need scarcely add that I have never
Avitnessed it myself, and I confess that I am still very sceptical on
the point. Another superstition I would refer to is the finding
of toads imbedded in solid blocks of wood or stone. This has also
been often very circumstantially testified to in print, and by eye-
witnesses (whose testimony on such a point can, however, hardly
be said to be quite above suspicion), such as that of quarrymen or
others who had something to look for in the way of reward, or
notoriety from the detail of the marvellous. Is^either in this case
has it ever been my lot to come across anyone who had ever seen a
toad dis-entombed from a piece of stone or rock. I have under-
stood that a considerable reward has more than once been offered
to quarrymen or others (who had asserted the occurrence of toads
in solid stone as not unfrequent) to produce at once the toad and
the portions of rock which encased it, but that in no case has the
reward ever been claimed ; in fact, I think it may be said that no
unimpeachable evidence has ever yet been offered to prove such an
occurrence. Other superstitions in connection with Reptiles
(notably toads) belong rather to "Folk-lore" than to K'atural
History, and I fancy that our past Vols, of the Field Club
Proceedings contain accounts of such from the able pens of
Mr. J. S. Udal and others, so I need not allude to them further here.
I would therefore only mention that out of the thirteen recorded
Dorset species of Eeptiles I find twelve in the parish of Bloxworth
alone.

CLASS EEPTILIA.
ORDER *TESTUDINATA (Tortoises and Turtles),

* I am told by our Secretary, Mr. Kicliardson, that in 1887 or 1888 a
specimen of Chdonia viridis, the green or edible Turtle, was found dead
in the West Bay. (See Proc. Dorset N. H. and A. F. Club x., p. 170.)
The shell of this is in our Museum, but it can hardly be placed in our
list of Dorset Reptiles, as it may have been one tliat died on board ship
and was thrown overboard c^i route from the tropics, or perhaps it may
have been washed over here after a natural death.

REPTILES OF DORSET. 93

SPHARGIS CORIACEA, Dum. ot Eib.

Leathery Tmile. Bell's British Keptiles, 1849, p. 12.

This species reaches a weight of seven to eight hundred pound.^,
and measures eight feet in length, Mr. Bell, on the authority of
Pennant, records one taken on the coast of Dorsetshire and
deposited in the Leverian IMuseum. Bell adds that he believes
this specimen to be now in the British Museum.

ORDER SAURIA.
FAM. LACERTIDiE (Lizards).

LACERTA AGILIS, Linn.

Sa7id Lizard. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 18.

The length of this reptile often reaches seven inches or
slightly over. It is a beautiful .species and probably well known
to most of our members who live in or near the heath
districts. Its colour varies from bright green to dark rich
brown, their hues being often intermingled in parts of the same
individual, and always marked with numerous bright white or
yellowish spots margined with black. In capturing this species
care should be taken not to hold it by the tail, as it at once
endeavours to get free by stiffening and snap])ing the tail oif. A
new tail will in time grow from the stump, but it is always of a
more stumpy form than the original one, and its junction is plainly
visible. I have frequently come across individuals with such
stumpy tails, and have conjectured that they may have been lost in
escaping from their enemy, the Smooth Snake (CoroncUa I('ri.'<),
which appears to feed upon this lizard. (See Proc. Dorset X. II.
and A. R Club, Vol. vii., p. 88.)

This species may be kept alive in confinement. I have had
them in a glass case, with heather and grass on its floor, for months
together, feeding them with flies and other insects and keeping
a small saucer always full of water in the case, though I cannot say
that I ever saw one drink. They are very pretty objects when
basking in the sun, but with those kept in confinement I was not

94 REPTILES OF DORSET.

able to make any observations of much interest iu respect to their
ways and habits.

The Sand Lizard is not a rare species in many parts of the
Dorset Heaths. As a rule those examples found on the high and
dry part of the heath are browner than those found in lower
damp grassy parts ; an evident adaptation to the surrounding
colour, and no doubt protective.

zooTOCA viviPARA, Dum. et Bib.

Viviparous Lizard. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 34.

The smaller size, more slender form, and duller colours of this
lizard will easily prevent its being confounded with the preceding
(L. agilis). As its name implies, it produces its young alive, not
like the preceding, laying eggs which are afterwards hatched, but
producing the young just after the shell (or rather membraneous
envelope) bursts within the female. Its length is from five to six
inches, and although I have never found it in any abundance it is
not unfrequent in all the parts I have rambled over iu Dorsetshire.
It appears to be distributed generally through England, being
also found both in Scotland and Ireland.

ANGUIS FRAGILIS, LiuU.

Sloic-ioorm. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 41.

No description is needed of this common and (so far as
Europe is concerned), almost universally distributed reptile.
Although destitute of limbs it is in its essential characters nearer
to the lizards than to the snakes. Though perfectly harmless it is
almost without exception disliked, and often superstitio'usly feared
by English country folk. I have rarely come across a Dorset
country-person who would not, if it Avere possible, destroy a slow
worm. It varies considerably in size — from 10 to 14 inches— and,
like the last species (Zootoca vivipara), its young are produced
alive.

ORDER OPIIIDIA.
FAM. COLUBRID/E (Snalces and Adders).

NATRIX TORQUATA, Ray.

Common or Ringed Snalie. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 49.

#:.*♦

o I

a: ^

<l

REPTILES OF DORSET, 95

The common snake is too well known to nood minute description.
Its generally greenish olive-grey hue with the blight yellow
transverse marking close behind the head, brought into greater
relief by the black patch -which adjoins it, make it conspicuous at
a glance to the most ordinary observer. It could only be con-
fused in England with our other two species, the Smooth Snake
(Coronella la-vis) and the Adder (Felias herns), and from each of
these the yellow ring behind the head at once distinguishes it. It is
common throughout England, and in some localities very abundant.
In my own district of Bloxworth it comes up from the woods and
heaths in considerable numbers every summer to deposit its eggs
in fermenting heaps of dead leaves and other vegetable refuse.
It appears to possess an instinctive knowledge of these heaps, as
at a distance of two or three fields I have seen them emerging
from the woods and making their way in a direct line for them.
The common snake varies considerably in length ; the largest I ever
met with myself was on Bloxworth Heath, and measured exactly
4ft. 2in. in length. I have a variety, found on Bloxworth
Heath, of which I give here a figure,* and which I imagine to be
unique. It is of a uniform pale whitish colour, with a avoII-
defined broad longitudinal central dorsal [)ale yellow-brown band.
'No trace of the characteristic yellow ring at the back of the head
was visible.

CORONELLA L.EVIS, Boic.

Sinoofh Snalic. Clermont, European Reptiles, p. 224, suli.
Coluber Austriacus, Dum. et Bib. Cambr. Proc. Dors. X. II. and
A. Field Club, 1886, Vol. vii., pp. 84—92, pi. vi.

In a former volume of our Procecaings I have given a figure as
Avell as a full description and account of this species, so that it is
not necessary to do more than allude to it here in general terms.

* The liguie given of thi.s variety lia.s been kiiidlj- iliaMn for mo Ity my
nephew (liev. F. P. Cambridge). The position of tlie snake is taken
from the figure of the common snake in lU'II's "]{c[itilt's of (lirat
Britain," being that in which tlie peculiar variation in colour could lie most
clearly and fully represented.

yb REPTILES OF DORSET.

It was first discovered in England, by the late Mr. Frederick Bond
and myself, between Ringwood and Wimborne in 1853 but was only
recorded as British in 1859. It is not unfrequent on the Dorset-
shire and Hampshire Heaths, where it is often mistaken for the
adder and suffers accordingly. It is of a browner hue than the
common snake, and so far bears a superficial resemblance to the
adder, but it lacks the conspicuous central longitudinal zigzag or
lozenge-shaped dark-brown or blackish band on the back of the
latter, and is of a more slender form. Its length is from eighteen
to twenty-five inches, and it is probably ovo-viviparous.

PELiAS BBRUSj Dum. et Bib.

Adder. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 61.

This well known and justly feared reptile varies much in colour,
ranging from a pale greenish hue to dark brown, black, and red-
brown ; but the longitudinal row of rough diamond or lozenge-
shaped dark markings along the back will always serve to
distinguish it from either of our other two indigenous Ophidians.
Its poison may well be dreaded, for although fatal results from its
bite are, I believe, rare, yet they are often exceedingly serious.
The effects of the adder's bite depend in great measure, no doubt,
upon the season of the year, and on the condition of the patient's
general health and constitution. Although found generally
throughout England and Scotland, it is far less common in som^
localities, even in the South of England, than in others. It is
certainly not abundant, though frequent in the Bloxworth district,
and is found more in the woodlands bordering the heath than on
the heaths themselves. Its length is from eighteen to twenty-
four inches, and it is ovo-viviparous, the young bursting the
egg-envelope in the act of parturition. The trivial name Viper is
usually given both to the young, and to the male of the Adder.

ORDER BATRACHIA.
FAM. RANADiE (Frogs and Toads).

RANA TEMPORARIA, LiuU.

Common Frog. Bell'y British Reptiles, p. 89.

REPTILES OF DORSET. 9/

It is scarcely necessary in a list like the present to give much more
tlian the name of such a common and well kno-\vn reptile as this.
Few animals are more remarkable, however, than those of this
group in their transformations and some of their hahits. One can
liardly imagine a subject of greater interest to a lover of Nature
than the watching of the gradual change from the earliest tadijule
state to the perfect form. The common frog does not seem to be
over abundant, but is found throughout Dorset,* as well as England
generally, and in most localities, tliough, of course, moisture, in
the shape of river banks, wet ditches, ponds, and pools, as also
damp meadows, is essential to its well being. Unlike the toad,
which is found in all situations and in favourable weather is
constantly on the move crossing roads and pathways in thr
evening, the frog is more local and needs looking for.

BUFO VULGARIS, Laur.

Toad. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 115.

Everyone knows a Toad T)y sight — its tumid form, murky
colour, warty or tuberculous skin, sluggish movements, neither a
walk, nor run, nor jump, but a sottish sort of crawl, Avith, if hurried,
a faint attempt at a hop, often ending in a lurch to one side or a
complete roll over. Its habits, though, of course, possessing,
like those of all other creatures, an interest of their own, present
nothing very remarkaljle to an ordinary observer. Like the frog

* In his introductory paper to "Papers read before the Purbeck
Society," 1855, the Ptev. J. H. Austin says, p. 26 :— "That he has never
been able to ascertain the occurrence of the eounnon frog on the soutli
side of the chalk hills of Purbeck." His information respecting other
reptiles in Purbeck is also limited. He only mentions the Viper (two
varieties of colour— red and ordinary) and two species of Water Eft, but
conceives, though he has not any proof, that the Sand Lizard iniiabits tlie
Studland and Corfe heaths. I have before me a letter from the Kev. John
Bond, of Tynehani, in which he says that thei-e are certainly frogs to be
found within the limits mentioned by Mr. Austin, thougli they are
scarce. A few are to be found close to Tynehani, and one of remarkable
size and marvellous jtower of hopping— two or tinee yards at a time -was
seen in a hayfield tiiere during this past haymaking season. Tlie IJev.
Charles AVordsworth, Hector of Tyneham, also tells me that llie fro^'
occurs in this district, though the toad is the most common."

98 REPTILES OF DORSET,

it passes through very similar transformations from the egg to the
perfect animal. Stories of toads found imbedded in substances
like wood or stone have been already alluded to. Mr. Bell, in his
history of British Reptiles before referred to, treats them, as he
does also stories of vipers taking refuge down their mothers'
throats, with scant credit, and he mentions the failure of experi-
ments, conducted with a view to testing the truth of the former
stories. We can understand a toad being thought an unattractive
animal. It certainly is not strictly beautiful, but it is not easy to
understand the intense dislike often felt towards them. A gentle-
man (now no more) of my acquaintance, a man of high education,
a great sportsman, and fond of natural history, could never pass by
a toad without doing, or trying to do, it some grievous bodily harm,
and the way in which he would quite set his teeth and " go for
the toad " was a caution. I used to try and reason with him, but
soon found that the source of his dislike was too deep to be removed
by any attempts at reasoning. It was, in fact, a matter of
sentiment far too ingrained for reason to reach. This kind of
dislike is also, I am afraid, nat uncommon also among country
people. I have more than once repeated a story, told me by an in-
formant, who (I understood) himself witnessed the occurrence, that
some years ago a rustic was found belabouring a wretched toad with
a bludgeon, and ever and anon as the blows fell thick and fast
the rustic ejaculated, with much concentration of venom in his
utterance, " I'll larn thee to be a twoad." Unhappy toad, whose
simply being what it could not help being was its great sin ! !
Was this treatment by way of beating it out of him, or into him 1
I am not now so sure that the informant who told me this story
was really an eye witness of the deed, but I believe it is a true
tale, though for the credit of our own county I do not believe it
attaches to Dorsetshire, but to a neighbouring county. Wherever
it may have been, however, let us liope that the progress and
spread of education have rendered, or will soon render, such cases
impossible. The free opening of our Museums, either wholly or
partially, after the wise example of our own County Museum, Avill

RErilLKS OF douj^et. 99

mncli lu'lp toAvards lids. The Toad is aljvuulaiit in Dorset, as also,
I believe, in most other counties.

BUFO CALAMITA.

Natter- Jack Toad. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 126.

Though recognizable at a glance as a " Toad," the Natter-
jack is more readily distinguished from the common toad
by a pale central longitudinal dorsal line. It is much more
local than the common toad, but where found it is often,
I believe, more abundant. I liave myself only met with it
in Dorsetshire, in and about a pond on Bloxworth Heath,
where, about the year 1850, it was very plentiful. In
Lancashire, in and near the numerous ponds among the sand
hills between Is^orth jMeols, Southport, and Forniby, I met
with it in great abundance. Its croaking at night was very
remarkable, being only a second, though, perhaps, rather feeble
edition of that of tlie Edihh frog (Rana esculentaj, whose uproar
robbed me of several nights' much-needed rest when living in a
tent between Jaffa and Jerusalem in 18G5. I cannot speak from
experience about all of them, but I fancy most of this group are
noted for tenacity of life ; at any rate this is so with the Natter-
jack, as the following instance sliows : Having a case of stutTed
Herons and other wading birds in course of preparation at the late
Mr. Richard Rolls', at Weymouth, I decided to add some Natter-
jacks to it to make it more in keeping with the general aspect of
the situation affected by the birds ; so from the pond on the heath
above mentioned I procured about a dozen Natter-Jack toads and
not being aware of any special methods of despatch, administered
to each several smart blows with a walking stick, on which they
quivered strongly, slowly stretched out their limbs, and became
rigid, as though dead ; as indeed, I concluded them to l)e. I
congratulated myself on the simplicity and etllciency of my
method, and at once packed them in moss and sent them off
with in.structions as to the stuffing and disposing them in
the case. Some time after, calling at Mr. Rolls' shop to sec the

100 REPTILES OF DOUSET.

progress of the case, he told me that these toads liad arrived very
lively and certainly not injured in the least ; that he had fruit-
lessly tried several methods of despatching them, and as a last
resort had consulted our mutual friend, the late Mr. "Wm.
Thompson, who advised him to take them to a chemist, and try a
dose of prussic acid, Mr. Thompson himself accompanying him.
Half a teaspoonful of prussic acid (Scheele's strength) was
administered to each toad, but apparently without the slightest
effect. While Mr. Rolls, Mr. Thompson, and the chemist were
debating upon the next step, a gentleman called in at the shop, and
becoming aware of the dilemma, informed them of the only
effectual and rapid Avay of killing these animals — a way of which
I certainly was myself up to that time ignorant — that is by opening
the mouth and, with a pair of sharp-pointed scissors, dividing the
spinal cord at the back of the throat. This method is instantaneous
and is to be commended to those who may be obliged at any time
to put an end to creatures of this kind. The ISTatter-Jack is
smaller than the common toad. It most probably exists in other
parts of the county besides Bloxworth Heath, though I have not
myself met with it anywhere else, nor have I received any certain
account of its occurrence in other localities. Mr. C. W. Dale,
however, tells me he thinks it has so occurred, though he cannot
find any reference to it.

FAM. SALAMANDEIDiE (Neicts and Efts).

TRITON CRISTATUS, Laur.

Crested or Warty Neict. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 129.

This is the largest and handsomest of our N'ewts, growing to the
length of 6 inches. Its size, dark-blackish hue and bright yellow
markings, with (in the spring season) the deep flexible indented
dorsal crest of the male, will suffice to distinguish this species
readily. It is not rare in ponds and ditches at Bloxworth and in
other parts of the county. Like the frog group, the newts pass
through various stages of the tadpole form before coming to
maturity. I once kept some of this species in a tank in my room,

REPTILES OF DORSET. 101

but they used to come out at night from the water and wander ahuut
until confined by a perforated zinc cover to the tank. They
are very handsome objects wlien swimming in the bright clear
water among the water Aveeds and artificial rockwork.

LissoTRiTON PUNCTATUS, Dum. et Bib.

Smooth Newt. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 143.

The smooth Newt is smaller, and though brightly and prettily
spotted is paler in colour and by no means so showy a species as the
Crested I'J'ewt. Its skin is also smooth ; not tuberculous like that
of the Crested Newt. This is the species usually, I believe, known
as the Eft, or Evet. j\Ir. Bell (British Reptiles) gives some very
interesting notes on the ecdysis, or change of skin, iu this species
from the observations of my oM friend, Mr. James Salter, IM.D.,
F.R.S., &c. The length of the Smooth Newt is not quite four
inches, and it is variable in the depth and colour of its markings.
It is abundant iu ponds and watery ditches at Bloxworth and
in other parts of the county.

LISSOTRITON PALMATUS, Dum. et Bib.

Palmated Smooth Newt. Bell's British Reptiles, p. 154.

This is the smallest of our three indigenous species, measuring
only about two to two and a-half inches in length. The male
is easily recognized by the palmation of the hinder feet (which is
greater, however, in summer than in winter), and by a thread-
like elongation at the extremity of a slightly truncated tail
looking as if the tip of the tail had been laid hold of
and the animal had escaped, leaving tlie llcshy portion iu
the fingers, and so apparently reduced the tail at that point to a
slender stem of vertebrce. The female has little or no similar
elongation. It is a pretty little species, though generally less
strongly marked than L. picnrtatm. It is not rare in puols on
Bloxworth Heath, and was first discovered in this cnur.ty nrar
I'oole, in a pond Ijctwecn Constitution Hill and Kinson many
years ago by the late Dr. Bell-Saltcr. It has been found in a

102 REPTILES OF DORSET.

pool near Bincombe by my son, Cbas. Owen P. Cambridge; and
I met with it in 1856 in jDonds near Durham.

LIST OF SPECIES.

1. Leatliery Turtle Sphargis coriacea, p. 93

2. Sand Lizard Lacerfa agilis, p. 93

3. Viviparous Lizard Zootoca vivipara, p. 94

4. SloAV-worm Anguis fragiUs, p. 94

5. Einged Snake Natrix torquata, p. 94

6. Smooth Snake Coronella Icevis, p. 95

7. Adder Pelias hems, p. 96

8. Common Frog Ea7ia temporaria, p. 96

9. Common Toad Bufo vulgaris, p. 97

10. IS'atter-Jack Toad Bufo calamita, p, 99

11. Common or Crested Newt Triton cristafus, p. 100

12. Smooth Newt Lissotritonpunctatus,-^.\0\

13. Palmated Smooth Newt ,, imlmatus,-^-^^^

Species recorded by the late Mr James C. Dale, l. c, supra.

1 . Lacerta agilis 5. Rana temporaria

2. Anguis fragilis 6. Bufo vulgaris

3. Natrix torquata 7. Triton aquations

4. Vipera communis ( = T. cristatus)
( = Pelias berus)

Species recorded by Mr. C. W. Dale, in the History of
Glanvilles Wootton.

1. Lacerta vivipara 5. Bufo vulgaris

2. Anguis fragilis 6. Rana temporaria

3. Natrix torquata 7. Triton cristatus

4. Pelias berus 8. ,, punctatus

The plate represents the variety of the Coiiniiou Snake alluded to at
p. 94.

Free Dorset N.H.&A.F. Clal Vol XV. PI
3. . . ,

<C?^-'

O.P. Cambridge, del'

New and Rare Spiders.

M!F8.rlai.e i. Erskme. Ut.V. Edra'

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

Fig. 1. — Drassus mysticus, sp.n.
la. Spider enlarged.
16. Palpus.
Ic. Eyes from above and slightly behind.

'2. — TmcticHS Carpenteri, sp.n.

2a. Profile of male.

26. Cephalothorax and falces of ditto.

2c. Eyes from above and slightly behind.

2d. Sternum, maxilltB, and labium.

'2e. Genital aperture of female.
3. — Savignia frontata, Bl. (female).

.3«. Profile.

.S6. Eyes from above and slightly behind.

3c. Genital aperture.
4. — Cnephalocotes curt us. Sim.

4a. Profile of male.

46. Eyes from above and slightly behind.

4c. Right palpns on outer side (male).

4a'. Ditto on upper side.

4/. Spine in connection with palpal organs (male).

4e. Genital aperture (female).
^.—Caledonia Evansii, Cambr. (female).

oa. Eyes from above and slightly beliind.

56. Genital aperture.

5c. Ditto in profile.

6. — Pedcuiostcthus neglectus, Cambr. (female).
6a. Genital aperture.

n lleto anb |iiivc |lvitish gpibcrs founb in
1S93 ; tuitli llcctificittion of gDUonums.

By Rev. 0. P. CAMBRIDGE, M.A., F.R.S., &c.

Read at the Field Club Blectinrj, Dorchester, March loth, IS'.Jlf.

[With Plate.]

*i^

^TbllERE seems to have been nothing remarkable
recorded either in respect to the appearance or
non-appearance of spiders in the abnormal

^c^ season of 1893. The dry summer \veather
which set in in IMarcli and extended to the
beginning of July threw the insect tribes of all
kinds quite out of their usual reckoning, but
the spiders appear to have kept to their normal
times, only that their numbers were certainly far less abundant
than usual, especially those which ordinarily abound in early
autumn. Among those met with by myself and others arc nine
species new to science and four new to Lritain. Among the
former three new genera of lAnijiihiina: are characterised. As
regards Dorsetshire one only of the above occurred in the county ;
one new species hails from Carlisle, five from Scotland, one from
near Penrith in Cumberland, om- from Southwell Xottingham-

104: NEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDBRg.

shire, and one from Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire. Three of the
species new to Britain occurred in Scotland, and one in Dorsetshire.

All the above are contained in the following list, Avhich also
comprises some other rare species found in Dorsetshire and other
localities : —

AR ANEIDEA.

DRASSID.E.

Drassus mtstkjus, sp. n.

Adult male, length 2| lines. Closely allied to D. troglodytes,
C. Koch, but differs among other characters in the eyes of the
posterior row being equidistant from each other (taking into
consideration the obliquity of the hind-centrals), and the whole
group is more closely set together. The interval between the
fore-centrals and that between the hind-centrals is almost equal,
these four eyes forming a rectangular quadrangle Avhose opposite
sides are respectively nearly equal to each other. The hind-centrals
are oblique, irregularly oval but scarcely triangular.

The palpi are very similar to those of D. troglodytes, but the
radial apophysis is not so strong nor nearly so greatly dilated at
the extremity. The palpal organs are very similar.

The legs were not in sufficiently good condition to enable me to
make any comparison with those of D. troglodytes, and the spider
is a much smaller one than those of that species. It is evidently
nearly allied to D. concertor Sim., but M. Simon says it is new to
him. It is also nearly allied to D. mfuseatus Wcstr., but the
position of the eyes is different, and the spider itself is much
smaller.

Several examples of this spider were received from Mr. Morris
Young, from Paisley, in February, 1894, captured under bark of
fallen fir trees near Paisley, but all were in bad condition, having
been evidently first dried and then gummed on card in spirit of
wine — a process almost fatal to satisfactory identification — and
although the colour was evidently gone it is probably very
similar to that of D. troglodytes. In the present instance,
however, in spite of its unsatisfactory condition, it seems almost

NEW AND RAUIi BRITISH SPIDERS. 105

certain that this spider is new to science and quite certainly new
to Great Britain.

Agroeca celans.

Liocranum celans, Bl. Camljr., Spid. Dors. p. 41.

Adult females of this rare spider were found near Carlisle Ly the
Kev. F. P. Cambridge.

DICTYNID.E.
Dictyna pusilla.
Didijna piisiUa, Westr. Cambr., Spid. Dors. p. 420.
An adult male, at Bloxworth, in June, 1893.
This is only the second record of this species in Dorsetshire.

Dictyna t a.tens.
Diciijna latens, Bl. Spid. Dors., p. 50.

„ hujuhris, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. -IGG.

non. D. Iii(jubri.-<, Cambr. Jouru. Linn. Soc.
xi., p. 535.
After careful comparison under a microscope of the spider
described Spid. Dors. p. 466, with the types of D. Imjuhris (found
in Corfu), and a series of D. lafens BL, I have reluctantly come to
the conclusion that it is only a rather strongly developed example
of the latter.

Lethia subniger.
Letkia subniger, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 467.
,, Mengii, Cambr. I.e., p. 52.
,, albUpiraculis, Cambr. I.e., p. 53.
,, puta, Cambr. I.e., p. 53.
Examination and comparison under a microscope jirove that the
above arc all of one species.

The shining Avhite scales beneath the fore extremity of the
abdomen of L. cdbi.^piranifh do not cover (as was supposed I.e.)
the spiracular plates, la't indicate tlie position nf the spi'mialhecto
iu coiuicclion with the generative organs. Thi'se scales, so striking
in the female spider when first captured, become after a time, when

106 NEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDERS.

in spirit of wine, dull and lustreless. In the male they are scarcely
visible at any time. The whole spider after some time becomes,
in spirit of wine, of a dull yellow-brown hue ; from these facts,
and from a considerable variation in size, it happened that indi-
viduals of this species were formerly at various times described as
distinct species.

THERIDIIDiE.
Pedanostethus neglectus.

Neriene neglect a, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 121,

The male only of this spider was described I.e. supra. An
adult female — the only example I have yet seen — was found by
C. 0. P. Cambridge among moss at Bloxworth in June, 1893. It
resembles the male in its general characters and colour, but
is a little larger, and the form of the genital aperture is very
characteristic.

Microneta decora.

Neriene decora, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 492.

Microneta cli/peata, F. P. Cambr. Ann. and Mag., N.H., Ser.
6, Vol. xiii., 1894, p. 90.

Careful comparison of the types of the above tAvo species prove
them to be identical. The examples from which 31. clypeata was
described were found in Newtown Moss, Penrith, Cumberland, in
April, 1893, by the Rev. F. P. Cambridge.

Microneta saxatilis.
Neriene saxatilis, Bl. Cambr., Spid. Dors., p. 124.
,, Camphellii, Cambr. I.e., p. 590.

,, rustica, Cambr. I.e., p. 592.
The careful examination of structural characters, difficult to be
accurately seen excepting under a microscope, proves the above
three spiders to be identical in their species.

GONGYLIDIUM MORUM.

Gongylidium morum, Cambr. Annals of Scottish Nat. llisty.,
1894, p. 21, ph 1, fig 'Z.

KEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDERS. 107

A singlo example of the adult female, reccivecl from ^Ir. "\V.
Evans, Ijy Avliom it was found, at Aberlady, Scotland.

Batiiyphantes setiger.

Bathiiphanfes sefi</er, F. P. Canibr. Ann. and Mag., Nat.
Hist., sec. 6, vol. xiii., 1894, p. 91, pi. 1, lig G.

Allied to B. Jiigriiia, CL, and also to B. parvula, Westr., l)ut is
smaller. Both sizes in tlie adult state were found in Newtown
Moss, Penrith, in April, 1893, by the Ptev. F. P. Cambridge.

Leptyphantes Whymperi.
LopfijpUantes Wlujmperi, F. P. Cauibr. I.e., p. 93, pi. 1, fig 1.
Appears to be a fine and very distinct species found on Pen
Nevis in autumn by ]\Ir. Edward "\V iiymper.

bolyphantes expuncta.

Linypliia expunda, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 512.

Examples of this spider were sent to me for examination by Mr.
G. H. Carpenter. They were found in Scotland by Mr, W.
Evans, of Edinburgh.

IIlLLnOUSIA misera.

Liiiypliia tiirhatrix, Camb. Spid. Dors., p. -lo-l

,, mUcra, Camb. Ann. and Mag. N.IL, 1882 ser.

Hillhousia turbatrix, F. P. Cambridge. Ann. and JNlag. N.IL,
Ser. 6, Vol. xiii., 1894, p. 89, pi., 1, fig. 3.

The genus Hillhousia was characterised (i.e. supra) by the
Rev. F. P. Cambridge on tlie present and following species. It is
distinguished mainly by the deeply indented posterior margin of the
cephalothorax ; in other respects it is nearly allied to Tntc/irus
Menge and PorrJtonima, Sim.

Hillhousia desolans.
HiWioiisia demlam, F. P. Cambr. I.e., p. 89, pi. 1, llg 1.
Found at Southwell, Notts, running on iron railings, in July,
1892, by the Rev. F. P. Cambridge.

108 NEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDERS.

Tmeticus NEGLECTUS.

Tmeticus negledus, Cambr. Annals Scottish K'at. Histy., 1894,
p. 22, pi. 1, fig .3.

A single example of the adult female was sent to me many years
ago from the Island of Colonsay Ly the late Colonel Pickard, E.A.,
and another was found near Penzance in August, l893, by Arthur
W. P. Cambridge.

Tmeticus Carpenteri sp. n.

Adult male, length \\ lines. Adult female, 2J lines.

Cephdlothorax of male oval, much broader than long, obtuse and
rounded in front ; lateral marginal constrictions at caput very
slight. Caput moderately convex, a very slight dip in the profile
line just in front of the thoracic junction. Clypeus impressed
just below the eyes, sloping forwards and equal in height to half
that of the facial space. Colour yellow-brown, the normal indenta-
tions indicated by dusky brown converging lines.

Eyes on black spots, moderately closely grouped together in two
transverse lines, the posterior line straight, the anterior shortest and
curved. The eyes of the posterior row are equi-distant from each
other, the intervals being an eye's diameter in extent, the four
central eyes form a trapezoid, whose length is equal to its greatest
width (behind) ; the fore-central eyes are smallest, near together,
but not contiguous to each other. Those of each lateral pair are
contiguous to each other and seated rather obliquely on a slight
tubercle.

Legs 1, 4, 2, and 3 moderately long, rather slender, furnished
with hairs ; on the genual joints one, and on the tibial joints two
slender In'istle-Iike spines ; of the latter one is in front towards
the hinder end, the other at the fore-end. rather on the inner side.
Colour similar to that of the cephalothorax.

Palpi rather short ; the cubital and radial joints very short, but
of equal length; the latter is strongest and a little produced in front,
dilated at the fore extremity, with a small subangular prominence
on the outer side, where there are some strongish bristly hairs ;

NEW AND RARE BRITISH SriDERS. 109

digital joint of moderate size, al)Out equal in longtli to tlie radial
and cubital joints together. Palpal organs complex-, Avith various
S[)ines and corneous processes, among Avliicli is a conspicuous long
semi-diaphanous, strongly curved one on the outer side. These
organs, however, can only be adequately explained by figures.

Falces moderately long, divergent, tumid at their base, convexly
prominent in front, conical at their extremity, colour like that of
the cephalothorax.

Maxilhii and Labiuin normal ; tlie latter deeply and transversely
impressed, similar in colour to the falces.

Sternum heart-shaped, strongly convex, deep black-brown,
shining, and covered with a few strong bristly hairs.

Abdomen oval, very convex above, and of a deep brown colour,
covered thinly with short hairs.

The female (if it be indeed that of the male described) agrees
with it in colours, general character and appearance, but is much
larger, and the legs are more profusely furnished with liairs ;
especially notable among others are some longitudinal rows of
strongish bristly ones along the anterior sides of the femora, antl
lieneath the tibioe of the first and second pair, and in fact the whole
armature of the legs and palpi vividly recalls that of the genus
Enoplognaiha, the palpi, however, liave no terminal claw as in
that genus.

The tibiae of the first pair (and of the second pair in a less
degree) are rather incrassated. The proportion of the legs is
distinctly 4, 1, 2, 3. The genital process is moderately prominent
and its form specifically characteristic. The male above described
was found at Swanston, near Edinburgh, and the female on the
Pentland Hills, by INlr. AVm. Evans ; they Avcre kindly sent to
me by Mr. G. 11. Carpenter, with whose name I have great
pleasure in connecting it. The species is nearly allied to Tmctirui^
rufus, Wider, but the structure of the palpi and palpal organs is
t^uite distinct.

Tmeticus uudis.

Neriene riuUs, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 48-1.

110 NEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDERS

Tmeticus Jiirjcr, F. P. Cambr. Ann. and Mag., jS".1T. 1891, vol.
vii., p. 80, pi. ii., f. iv.

Porrliomma nigrum, Cambr. Proc. Dors. N.H. and A.F, Club,
1891, vol. xii., p. 92.

Subsequent examination proves tlie identity of Neriene rudis,
Cambr., with Tmeticus niger, F. P. Camb.

PORRHOMMA MIOROPHTHALMA.

Linyphia microphtlialma, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 523.
,, incerta, Cambr., 1 c, p. 205.
„ decens, Cambr., I.e., p. 217.

Porrliomma Meadii, F. P. Cambr. Ann. and Mag., N.H., 1894,
ser. 6, vol. xiii., p. 101, pi. II., fig. 2.

Careful microscopic examination and comparison appear to show
that the above are identical species. It has been found at Blox-
worth, as well as at Hoddesdon (in Hertfordshire), and near
Durham. An ordinary lens is not sufficient for the certain deter-
mination of these, and many other minute and closely allied
spiders.

PORRHOMMA OBLONGUM.

Linyphia oUonga, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 204.

Porrliomma ohJongiim, Cambr. F. P. Cambr., Ann. and Mag.,
N.H., sec. 6, vol. xiii., p. 102, pi. II., f. 4.

The types of this small spider (adult females only) were found
running on iron railings at Bloxworth many years ago. Numerous
females and one adult male were subsequently found at Hoddesdon
by Mr. F. M. Campbell on railings and among grass, and in June,
1893, I met with both sexes in the adult state not uiifrcqucntly
among herbage in a wood at Bloxworth.

PoRRHOMMA CAMPBELLII.

Porrliomma Camphellii, F. P. Cambr. Ann. and IMng., IS^.H.,
sec. 6, vol. xiii., 1894, p. 108, pi. II., fig 5.

Found at Hoddesdon by ISIr. F. M. Campbell in 1883, but only
lately distinguished from P. ohlongiun and others — a single female
only.

NEW AND RARE BRlTISn SPIDERS. Ill

PORRnOMMA MYOrS.

PorrJiomma vu/oj^-^, Sim., F. P. Camln". I.e., p. 107, pi. TT.,
iio- G.

A single specimen was found by myself at Bloxwortli many years
ago, but, l)y an oversight, not before recorded as British. It may
easily be distinguished by the excessive minuteness of the eye.s,
which to the naked eye appear only like minute points.

Coryphaeus glabriceps.

Corijplums gJahriceps, F. P. Cambr. I.e., p. 87, pi. 1, fig 2.

The genus Corijplueus has been lately established (I.e. supra) f(~>r
a spider nearly allied to Tmeticus (Menge) and PorrJiomma (Sim.)
and found by the Rev. F. P. Cambridge, near Carlisle, in 1892.

Caledonia Evaxsii.

Caledonia Evaiisli, Cambr. Annals of Scottish Nat. Histy.,
1894, p.p. 20-21, pi. 1, fig 4.

The genus Caledonia has been recently established for the
reception of a very distinct spider (of which a fragment of the
male only came to my hands). It was found by ]\Ir. "Wm. Evans,
of Edinburgh, on the Pentland Hills. Aw adult female has since
been received from the same locality ; it resembles the male in
general characters and appearance, but the genital aperture is of
an exceedingly remarkable and characteristically distinct form.

Tapinocyba subitanea.

Walclienaera suhitanea, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 144.

An adult male found near Carlisle by the Rev. F. P. Cambridge
in 1892. This is only the second locality known for it as yet in
England.

TaoxociiRUS hiemalis.
Walclienaera fiiernaJi>t, VA., Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. IGO.
An adult male was found in Morden ]5og near Bloxworlh in
September, 1893.

112 NEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDERS.

Typhocrestijs DIGITATUS.
Erigone digilafa, Cambr. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1872, p. 758,

plate Ixvi., fig. 14.
Typliocrestus digitatus, Cambr., Sim. Arach. de France, vol. v.,
p. 584.
„ „ Cambr. Annals of Scottish Nat. Histy.,

1894, p. 19, 1894.
Adults of both sexes were received from Mr. G. H. Carpenter (of
the Museum of Science and Art, Dublin) ; they were found by
Mr. Wm. Evans, of Edinburgh, at Aberlady, Scotland, in October,
1893. This species had not before been met with in Great Britain.

Cnephalocotes curtus.

Cnephalocotes curtus, Sim. Arach. de France, vol. v., p. 704.

Adults of this very distinct species were found in Scotland by
Mr. W. Evans, and forwai-ded to me by Mr. G. H. Carpenter in
the Autumn of 1893. This is its first record as a British species.

Cnephalocotes elegans.
Cnephalocofes elegans, Cambr. P. Z. S., 1872, p. 766, pi. 66,
fig. 23.
„ „ Cambr., Sim. Arachn. de France, vol. v.,

p. 703.
A single adult male of this spider, new to Britain, was found in
June, 1893, at Aviemore, in Scotland, by Mr. W. Evans, and sent
to me for examination by Mr. G. H. Carpenter.

Sayignia frontata.

Savignia frontata, Bl. Lond. and Edinb. Philosoph. Mag., 3rd
ser., vol. iii., p. 105, 1833.

Walclcenaera frordata, Bl. Spiders of Great Britain and
Ireland, p. 317, pi. xxii., fig. 232, 1864, and Cambr. Spid. Dors.,
p. 170.

Prosoponms frontatus, Bl., Sim. Arachn, de France, vol. v.,
p. 576.

NEW AND RARE BRITISH SPIDERS. 113

Tliis curious liitlo ppulcr is fairly almndant in Dorsetshire and
many other localities. AVhen Mr. Blackwall, who had originally
described it as a six-eyed spider, became aware that it really
possessed eight eyes, he transferred it to the genus Walc7ie7iaem.
More recently M. Simon, in breaking up that group, included it
with some other species in his genus Prosoponcus ; but it seems to
me quite di.^tinct from those with which M. Simon has linked it
and to require a genus to itself, no other spider appearing to come
near it. Under these circumstances the original genus formed for
it by ]\rr. Blackwall naturally revives, even though one of
his characters for it be expunged. I do not believe that the
female, of which a figure is given here, has been either described
or figured hitherto. This sex is similar to the male in colours and
general characters, but is destitute of the elevated caput.

Walckenaera capito.
Erigone capito, "Westr. Aran. Suec, p. 213.
Wdlclcenaera capiio, Westr , Cambr. Proc. Dors. N.H. and
Antiq. Field Club, vol. x., p. 119, pi. A, fig. 7.
,, ,, Sim. Arachn. de France, vol. v., p. 8'23.

An adult male, the second example only as yet recorded in Great
Britain, was sent to me from Paisley-, Scotland, by Mr, Morris
Young, by whom it was found in September, 1893, among over-
hanging grass and herbage on a bank near that town. The other
recorded example was found under a stone near Ringstead, Dorset,
by the Rev. F. P. Cambridge, in October, 1888.

EPEIRID.E.
Epeira alsine.
Kpeira aldne, "Walck. Cambr., Spiders Dors., p. 530.
Adult females of this very handsome species were found })y
]\Ir. Linnaeus Greening, of Warrington, at Chattel is, Cuaibridge-
shiie, in the autumn of 1892. The only previously known British
localities were Tring, in Buckinghamshire, and Bloxworth, Dorset-
shire. It is thus widely dispersed though rare.

114 NEW AND RARE BlUTISH SPIPERS. "

THOMISID^.

OXYPTILA SANCTUARIA.

Oxyptila sanduaria, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 319.

Thomisus sa7ichiarms, Cambr. Trans. Linn. Soc, xxvii., p. 405,
pi. 54, No. 8.

Several adult males were found on the Rectory Walls at
Bloxworth in August and. September, 1893, and one near Penzance
by A, W. P. Cambridge in August. The female appears to have
as yet escaped detection,

MiCROMMATA VIRESCENS.

SjMi'assus smaragdulus, Walck., Bl. Si)id., Great Brit, and
Ireland, p. 112, pi. v., fig 61.

A7U7ieus virescens, Clerck. Sim., Spid., p. 138, pi. vi., Tab. 3.

Micrommata virescens, Clck., Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 341.

On the 5th of May, 1893, I found at Bloxworth the first adult
male of this large and strikingly handsome spider I had ever met
with in Dorset. In the immature state, and occasionally adult
in the female sex, I liave known it in our woods for many years.
The bright green colour and vivid scarlet stripes of the male make
it a beautiful and very showy object running over the woodland
lierbage. Why the male should be so scarce in the adult state it
is not easy to conjecture.

LYCOSID^.

Trochosa biunguiculata.

Trochosa hiunguictdata, Cambr. Spid. Dors., p. 544, and
Annals Scottish Nat. Histy., 1894, p. 23, pi. 1, fig 1.

The adult female (new to Science) was sent to me by Mr. G. IT.
Cirpenter from Scotland, where it was found at Aviemore by Mr.
W. Evans in 1893. It is very like the male, but more distinctly
marked and more richly coloured.

Lycosa Traillii.
Lycosa TrmUii, Camln-. Spid. Dors., p. 545.

NEW AND RARE H1?ITI8H sriDEUi.S. 115

Tliis fine and very distinct species was fonnd in some abundance
between Borrowdale and "Wastdale Head, Cumberland, by tbe Rev.
r. P. Cambridge in June, 1893. It appears to be specially
attaclied to spots thickly crowded with loose stones and boulders,
among which, owing to their swift movements, it is exceedingly
difficult to capture them.

SALTICIDiE.
Attus pubescens.
Etiophrys puhescem, C. L. Koch. Cambr., Spid. Dors., p. 408.
Adult males were found on the walls of the Vicarage, Bere
Regis, in July, 1893. It is a rare and local spider.

Hasarius adansonii.

Hasarius Adan$07iri, Aud. Cambr. Spid. Dorset^ p. 566.

Salficus citus, Cambr. Zoologist, 1869, p. 8,461, Ann. and
Mag., KH., 1878, ser. 5, Vol. l,p. 127.

Hasarius Adansonii, Cambr. Proc. Dors. N.II. and A.F. Club
xiv., p. 162.

Adult examples of both sexes of this spider were received from
Paisley from Mr. INIorris Young, by whom they were found in
exotic planthouses at Paisley in 1893. This adds another to the
widely dispersed but similar localities, in which this, no doubt,
imported species has occurred in Great Britain.

List op Spiders above recorded or described.

Drassus mysticus, sp. n.
Agroeca celans, Bl.
Dictyna pusilla, Westr.

latens, Bl.
Lethia subnigcr, Cambr.
Pcdanostethus neglectus, Cambr.
Microneta decora, Cambr.

p-

104.

p-

105.

p-

105,

p-

105.

p-

105.

p-

106,

p-

106,

116 NEW AND HARE BRITISH SPIDERS.

Microneta saxatilis, Bl. p. 1

06.

Gongylidium morum, Cainbr. p. 1

06.

Bathyphaiites sctiger, F. P. Cambr. p. 1

07.

Leptyphantcs Whymperi, F. P. Cambr. p. 1

07.

Bolypliantes expuncta, Cambr. p. '.

07.

Hillhousia misera, Cambr. p. ]

L07.

„ dcsolans, F. P. Cambr. p. ]

07.

Tmeticus neglectus, Cambr. p. 1

[08.

„ Carpenteri, sp. n. p. ]

08.

„ ruclis, Cambr. p. ]

09.

Porrliomma microphthalma, Cambr. p. 1

10.

,, • oblongum, Cambr. p.

10.

Campbellii, F. P. Cambr. p. 1

10.

„ myops, Sim. p. ]

11.

Coryphseus glabriceps, F. P. Cambr. p. ]

11.

Caledonia Evansii, Cambr. p. ]

11.

Tapinocyba subitanea, Camb. p.

111.

Troxochrus hiemalis, Bl. p. 1

111.

Typhocrestus digitatus, Cambr. p. ]

L12.

Cnephalocote.s curtus, Sim. p. ]

L12.

,, elegans, Cambr. p.

112.

Savignia frontata, Bl. p.

112.

Walckenaera capita, Wcstr. p.

113.

Epeira alsine, Walck. p.

L13.

Oxyptila sanctuaria, Cambr. p.

114.

Micrommata virescens, Clerck. p.

114.

Trochosa biunguiculata, Cambr. p.

114.

Lycosa Traillii, Cambr. p.

115.

Attus pubescens, C. L. Koch p. 1

L15.

Hasarius Adansonii, Aud. p.

115.

— ^>-^-^1^<—

govsct xuxb liing John.

Notes on the Pipe Rolls (Dorset) of that Reign,

SurPLEMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED BY REFERENCES TO THE PaTENT

AND Close Rolls of the same Period.

By Rev. W. MILES BARNES.

'ERY few original records exist of a date so early as
John's reign. The Patent rolls, the Close Rolls, the
Charter and Curia Regis Rolls, with the Pipe Rolls,
nearly exhaust the list. The most important and by
far the least known of these ancient records are
undoubtedly the series known as the " Pipe
Rolls " or " Great Roll of the Exchequer." These
documents were described and illustrations of the
earliest of them extant were given in the volume of

the transactions of the Dorset Antiquarian Field Club issued last

year.

Since preparing that paper I have read the Pipe Rolls relating

to that most interesting and obscure period of our county history,

the reign of John ; and in this paper I purpose giving extracts

118 DORSET AND KING JOUN.

from the Pipe Rolls, supplemented and illustrated by extracts from
the Close and Patent Rolls, of the same period.

The Close and Patent Rolls of John's reign have been printed in
facsimile type by the Record Commissioners, and though out of
print they are accessible, and in their modern garb they present no
unusual difficulties to the reader. In the Close Rolls, though the
letters relating to this reign number some thousands, there is little
difficulty in finding what relates to the county, but there is a
distinct difficulty in making a selection from the Patent Rolls. In
the first place you cannot, as you generally can with a Close letter,
see from the first words of a Patent letter whether it contains
information relating to the county and likely to be useful ; so all
letters patent have to be looked through, and to look through some
thousands of such letters in abbreviated Latin takes time, and as
the reader ought whilst reading them to bear in mind the names
mentioned in the Pipe Rolls so as to recognise them again in the
Patent Rolls, it will be seen that serious omissions are very likely
to occur.

The extracts I have made from the original Pipe Rolls with a
translation will be found in the Museum. They are too voluminous
to be reproduced in their entirety here ; the notes upon them
which follow here are necessarily disjointed and fragmentary, and
should be regarded as a contribution of material towards a future
history of the county in King John's reign.

The movements of that most restless of kings, King John, have
been traced and an Itinerary compiled by Sir T. D. Hardy. The
Itinerary may be accepted as absolutely reliable. " The authority
for assuming the King was present in person at the several places
specified in the Itinerary is derived — first, from his attestations to
the Charters and letters which are registered on the Patent, Charter,
and Close Rolls ; secondly, from the movements of the Court
exhibited in the Rotuli misarum, or Wardrobe accounts, and in
the Preestita Rolls ; and thirdly, from the internal evidence
afforded by the records," says Sir T. Hardy of his compilation. As
it will be useful to us I will give extracts from the Itinerary, show-

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 119

iiig in a][>lialjetical order wliat places in Dorset were visited liy the
King and the dates of his arrival and departure : —

Beie Keyi.s. 1204, June 27-29.

1205, Jan. 7-8, June 25-27, Aug. 18-21.

1206, Jan. 5-7, Dec. 13- U.

1207, Marcli 28, Sep. 4-5.

1209, July 1, Sep. 18.

1210, Jan. 13, Oct. 3.

1213, June 26-27, July 4-5.

1215, Feb. 4.

1216, June 19-20.
liintlon. 1213, July 26-28.
Blacknioie. 1208, Sep. 25.

1209, Sep. 22, also Holwull, 1207, Sep. C.
IJJandfurd. 1216, June 17.

I'.ridport. 1201, April 20.

Canford. 1200, Dec. 12-13.

1204, Nov. 14-16.

1210, Jan. 11.

1211, Feb. 7-9, 11.

1212, Oct. 12-13, Dec. 14.
J213, Marcli 18-19, June 25-26.

1214, Jan. 20, Oct. 20.

1215, Feb. 1.
Cliarborougli. 1204, July 24.
Corfe. 1205, Aug. 22-23.

1209, July 1-2.

1210, Oct. 1.

1212, Oct. 14, Dec. 16.

1213, Marcli 17, June 21-24, 29, July 14-15, 23-25, Aug.
3, 5, 9.

1214, Jan. 21, (Jet. 17-20, Dec. 4.

1215, Feb. 1-3, April 27-28, July 12-13.

1216, June 23-30, July 1-6, 8-17, Aug. 25-26.
CranlK.riie. 1200, Dec. 10.

1201, Ap. 15.

1205, Jan. 9, Aug. 16-17.

1206, A p. 15-17, May 16.

1207, Jan. 20, INIarcb 26-28, Ap. 6-8, Sept. 1-3,

1208, Nov. 6, 19.

120

DORSET AND KING JOHK.

Cranboine.

Dorchester.

Froonie.
Gillingliara.

Hohvell.
Karebroc.
Milton.
Newton.

Pooretock.

Sherborne.

Stalbridge.

Stmllanil.

Sturniinstcr.

1209, June 29, Sep. 17, Dec. 16.

1210, Jan. 22.

1213, March 16, July 6-8, 16, Aug. 10.

1204, July 3-4.

1205, Jan. 4, 5, June 16, 22-25, Aug. 24-26.

1206, Jan. 8-9.

1207, Jan. 20-22, Feb. 3.

1209, Sept. 20.

1210, Jan. 14-16, Sep. 30.

1211, Feb. 17.

1213, July 15, 26-29.

1214, Oct. 17.
1206, Jan. 17.

1204, June 23-26, Nov. 18, 30, Dec. 3-6.

1205, Nov. 10-14.

1206, Jan. 12-16.

1207, Jan. 25, Feb. 6, Ap. 4-5, July 24.

1208, March 1-2, Sep. 28-30, Nov. 14.

1209, July 3-4, Sep. 23, Dec. 15.

1210, Oct. 3, 7.

1211, Feb, 12, 15.

1212, Oct. 16.

1213, March 15, July 8-10, Aug. 1.

1214, Dec. 6-8.
See Blackniore.
See Charborough.

1209, July 2.

1204, June 27.

1207, Sep. 9-11.

1208, Sep. 25.
1213, July 31.

1205, Aug. 25.

1207, March 29, 30, Sep. 8.

1210, Sep. 27.
1213, July 29-31.
1207, Ap. 3.

1216, July 18, Aug. 23-27.

1207, Sept. 7.

1213, July 23-25, Aug. 9.

1207, Feb. 3, 5.

1210, Jan. 18, 20.

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 121

Sturniinster. 1214, Dec. 3-4.

1216, June 15-16.
Waiehaiu. 1209, July 1.

1212, Dec. 16.

1215, Aug. 9-13, 20-22.

1216, June 18-22, July 7-9.

King John was crowned at "Westminster on Ascen.sion Day,
May 27tli, a,d. 1199. For a month, or nearly so, he remained in
England, visiting Northampton, Canterhury, and Shoreham. lie
then crossed to Xormandy and returned circa Feb. 26, 1200,
landing at Portsmouth and visiting various places in England to
May 1st, when he re-crossed to France and remained there till
about Oct. 4, when lie returned again to England, remaining here
to tlie middle of May, 1201. It was during his stay in England
at this time that he paid his first visit to Dorsetshire. He got as
far as Cranborne on Dec. 10-11, a.d. 1200. From Cranborne he
went on to Canford on the 12th, Christchurch on the 1.3th. He
was back in Cranborne on April 15, 1201, and from thence he
paid his first visit to Dorchester on the 18th, and on the 20th he
went on to Bridport, thence to Exeter.

Cranborne, Corfe, Dorchester, Bere, Canford, and Gillingham
were his favourite residences in Dorset.

1 JOHN, A.D. 1199-1200.
Peter de Schidimor was Sheriff of Dorset and Somerset in the
first year of John's reign, and the firm of the counties was Dorset,
£120 ; Somerset, £360 ; e(|uivalent, perhaps, to £2,000 and £G,000
respectively. Of tlie £480 due from the two counties the sheriiF
had paid £139 2s. Id. blank, and he accounts for the residue. The
late King Eichard had made certain grants from the lands belong-
ing to the Royal demesnes in the counties to certain persons by
way of alms, as to the Carthusian friars, of Witham, to whom he
assigned 100s. in Witham, and the same in lands in Bridport ; to
others he assigned rent charges on lands, or grants of the lands
themselves, as rewards for services rendered to the Crown, or in
acknowledgment of them, and to relatives or friends of the King.

122 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

A, tlie queen mother, received £28 a year from lands in
Ilcliester ; RoLert Berkeley, £30 a year ; Bailebicn, £1 10s., in
Langliam, near Gillingliam ; Alan, the steAvard, £4 4s. 6d. in
Dalewade and Whitewell portions of the Manor of Fordington,
if " m'bris de Fordinton " is to he so rendered ; and to Turstan,
son of Godfrey, 5s., in the town of Dorchester ; and to Aide de
Alphia, 40s., in the hundred of Norton ; and to Robert, son of
Maurice, 5s., in Alkesie.

The form in which these payments are entered is a little
perplexing, and I have vainly searched for some explanation of them.
In some cases the grant appears to have been a grant of the land
itself, and the li' and s' indicate the number of librates and
solidates of land so conveyed, each librate representing land of one
pound in annual value.* In other cases the payments seem to
have been of fixed value, attached to certain lands, so that the lands
themselves were not alienated, but remained in the Royal demesne,
and the dues upon them were collected, as they ever had been, by
the sheriff, who paid the grants or pensions out of the receipts, so
that they were in fact rent charges on the land, not unlike the
" rentes " Avhich it has been customary, possibly from Norman
times, to charge in Guernsey on lands and houses ; the grant to
Geoffrey de Wandestrie of 70s. hj tale in Nordcuri must have
been of this nature, for how could a payment of 70s. hi/ tale apply
to a grant in land ? Yet this entry is amongst the terra) datse.
Some letters patent of John's reign, throw light upon the subject,
though as different deductions may be drawn from them I M'ill
quote tliem without comment. By letters patent (4 John, Mem.
14) the King commands the barons of the Exchequers of Caen to
pay to Almar de Tibboville £50, £25 at each of the two sessions
of the Exchequer " until we have assigned them to him in land,"
" quousq' illas ei i' t'ra assignav'im'."

* Rex vie' Doreset' sal't. T'cip' t' q'd plena' saisin' facias li'ie facias
Hob' de novo Buigo de viii li' 't c sol' t're in Fordinget', &c. (Kott. Litt
Claus, John 7, 7 Hep.)

DORSET AND KING JOHN.

123

Rents gmuted by tlie King from ecclesiastical benefices in his own
gift were of a similar nature. Thus there was granted to 11. do
Cornhull clerk 100s. rent in the Church of Soles " Centu'
solidat' reddit' i' eccles' de Soles,' " which benefice was vacant and in
the King's gift (6 John, Memb. 4), and to Henry the Abbot, partly
on account of his poverty, the King granted 12 marks in an eccle-
siastical benefice (16 John, Memb. 14). And to John dc Fcireford
"100s. of rent in an ecclesiastical benefice" (16 John, Memb. 14).
There are five instances also on Memb. 13 of the same year.

Sometimes the payment was made under the name of pension.
As to Eudo Martell, who had resigned the benefice of Stradbrook,
but received letters patent for one besant to be paid out of the
perpetual vicarage of the same Church under the name of pension,
"i bisant' nomi'e pensionis " (9 John, Memb. 1), and to the
Archdeacon of Suffolk who received " de pensio'e j aurci in eccl'
ia de Semer' " (16 John, Memb. 10).

The payments or grants are to men of all degrees and conditions
of life, and for various services or for none. After the grant to
the Carthusians at "Witham comes a pension to " A, the (^uecn
mother of the King, £28 a year in Ilchester." The Patent Rolls
give very little information about Alienora, the Queen mother.
She lived but a short time after this, for by letters patent dated
April 15, 1205, the King informs the sheriff of Dorset and other
sheriffs that "for the love of C4od and for the safety of the soul of
our very dear mother who is recently dead " he had discharged and
quitted claim on all prisoners except those taken in the late war,
and the Jews who were his prisoners, and charges the sherill' to
liberate all prisoners in Dorset except such as came under either of
these classes (Rot. Pat., 6 John, Memb. 11 in dorso).

Robert Berkely, the recipient of £30 a year, was in the King's
confidence. He was one of three persons sent on a confidential
errand to the barons, knights, and freeholders of Dorset in Feb.,
1215 (16 John, Memb. 7).

Towards the close of this portion of the Pipe Roll is a list
of defaults at Congresbury, and of payments made in resi^ect of

124 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

tliem ; for stock on manors which were in the King's hands
had to be kept np, if it was deficient the deficiency or the
loss occasioned by it had to be made good ; and the stock at
Congresbury was deficient. Tliere was a plough missing, for which
10s. had to be paid, and 150 sheep, for which 15s. was paid for tlie
half-year, 16 cows 8s., and 16 sows also 8s. The re-stocking did
not take place till the next year.

The next charge is of 40s. for robes supplied to William Alphay
and Robert de Winterburn, who were in the King's service, but in
what capacity there is no mention. Many persons in the King's
service were supplied with clothing as well as food. So far I have
found in these Rolls instances of huntsmen, falconers, crossbowmen,
envoys, and officials in the diplomatic service so supplied, * and
the entries for cloth are frequent. The cost of the robes shows
that William Alphay and Robert de Winterburn were not employed
in any mean capacity.

Next we have the charge of 15s. for bringing up to Shoreham
from Corfe Castle five hostages of Joel del Maine with their two
Avarders.

Then follow the returns of the Manors of Toller and Winfrith.
In those days the forest ran up very near to Dorchester, and the
inhabitants of Winterborne and " the other Winterborne " (al'
Wint'burn') pay a fine of 20s. for liberty to break up some of it,
so as to bring it under cultivation.

A certain Robert do ]\Ielcomlj made fine in the sum of five
marks, " ut p'set euirare forest'," which seems to mean that he
might be clear of a breach of the forest laws which he had
committed ; but instead of appearing to pay the fine he went
poaching the King's deer, was detected, and took sanctuary in

* Ilex Hug de Nevill mandani' vob' f['d faciatis h're Mg'ro F. Balistar,
n'ro 't ux' ej' duas robas de vi'idi v'l de bnvneto (Rott. Litt clans, ,3 Jan.,

John 7, Menili. 6) 't Wallcnsi tmi garc'oi illor' una' roba' h're

facias (Rott. Litt clans, John 7, Menib. ], 18 March). Mandat' ; eid' q'd
faciat h're Walt'o de Rnndevvill' j loba' de v'idi en' cnnic']i.s 't x. ni' argent'
q' d'n's Rex niittit eu' i' negociu' sun' q'd desid'at i'stancia', ike. (Rot.
Litt claus, John 7, Sep. 19).

DORSET AXn KING JOHX. 125

cliurch. The slicriff, however, decided that William i\o "Wrotelmni,
who was the worst ofiender because he liad received the deer, was
the man who ought to have been summoned, and no doubt the
slieriff obtained the fine from him if he could not obtain it from
the man in sanctuary, but at the time the Roll was written neither
had paid. The entry runs as follows : — -"Kob' de Melecu'b ( )

v.m' ut p'set euirare forest' q'n fug'at i'eccl'ia p' venat' de q'bus
AViir de Wroteha' deb' resp' qui' recognouit se eas recepisse."
The clerk who made the entry left a space in which to write deb'
or redd' — "owes " or " returns " after Robert de ]\Ielcomb's name
— but he did not fill it in. This would, I imagine, leave it open to
the sheriff to come down on either of the gentlemen in payment of
the fine.

The forests were very extensive, and it was not possible to guard
them perfectly, and it must have been a great temptation to
individuals, especially to villagers living on the borders of a forest,
to take a deer occasionally. That such ofi'enccs Avere of common
occurrence we gather from the frequency with which entries of the
breach of the forest laws occur in the Rolls. For the uffence of
taking venison, " p' capt' venat'," Adaiii, brother of Osbert, and
the village of Winford Eagle, were fined half a mark, whilst the
village of Kingston was fined two marks for waste — i.e., for
destruction made on the manor.

Salt was a valuable commodity in these eai-ly times. On looking
over letters of licence to merchants in this reign, to see in what
the trade of the country chiefly consisted, I found that .ship-loads
of salt were frequently brought to and carried from England. The
salt was produced in evaporating pans dug in the seashore. The
sea flowed into them at high tide, the water was allowed to
evaporate, and the process was repeated until there was a suHicient
depth of salt to Ijc dug out. Salt pits were valuable property,
and any encroachment upon the King's was severely punished.
We are, therefore, not surprised to find that William de lindbui
had to pay 38s. 6d. — a large sum in those days — for encroachment
on salt pits, "p' p'p'stur'a saline."

120 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

"Women were less free in the 13th century than they are in the
19th. They Aveie generally in someone's gift, someone Avho had
the power of disclosing in marriage of them, and of their dowers if
not of their hearts. Still they could sometimes purchase tlieir
freedom and marry the man of their choice. Sibil de Tingerie
paid a fine of 100 marks for succession to her lands and for licence
to marry whom she would, provided he was in the fealty of the
King.

William de Montacute pays £100 for having seizing of his lands
of Chaldesta (would that he Chaldon'?) and of the hundred of
Puddletown, and Robert de Belet 60 marks for having ten librates
of land in Swyre, whence he was disseized Avhen Richard was
King. Walter de Turberville paid for succession to lands in Toller.
Emma de Bruges, Stephen Tirel, and Alfred de Punfold make fine
for various purposes.

From the tallage assessed by Master INIichael Belet, Robert
Belet, and their associates, we learn that the towns in Dorset were
assessed as follows : — Gillingham 12 marks, Shaftesbury (de
Burgo S. Edward') 10 marks, Dorchester 12, Bridport 12, Abbess
of S. Edward's 20, Winfrith 4.

The names which follow arc from the list of the first scutage
assessQid at two marks for the first coronation of King John. The
abbots of Glastonbury, of Sherborne, Abbotsbury, and Cerne, the
abbess of S. P^dwards, Philip de Columbariis, Nicol de Meriet,
William de Milliers, William de Erlega, Fulk de Alno, William de
la More, Robert Belet, William son of John de Harpetrie, William
de Montacute, William de Curcell, Robert de Newburgh, Richard
de Atrio, William de Moiun, William Malet, William IMarcel,
William de Cahaignes, some of them Somersetshire worthies.

A little further on we have the accountof Alexander de Hagebeche
and Henry de Cran3burn of the issues of the manors of Tarent and
Cunibe, which contain some interesting items. 59s. 4d. was the
fixed rent of Tarent, 43s. 9d. that of Cumbe ; the perquisites of the
Court amounted to £12 4s. 5d. fot the former, £3 10s. 4d. the
latter. The custodians paid for making 33,700 shingles and

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 127

100,000 "peindni'V wlucli I tliiiik may stanJ for pliiii^lo pin?
(100,000 sliiiigle pins would allow about three pin? to each shiiiglc),
also 1,020 planks, the whole cost £16 3s. 5|d. Then there were
three piles of tiniher, which cost 25s. 4d. All these were prepared
by the King's order, and therefore they must have been used in the
King's service, but where 1 The King's houses at Cranborne were
repaired in this year at a cost of 78s. 2d., but green wood would
scarcely have been employed for the purpose, nor could so large a
fiuantity of wood have been used there. The wood must have
been prepared, I think, for the new houses at Gillingham, material
for the building was already being collected there ; two heaps of
timber were cut there at a cost of 16s., but more of this later.

Richard, son of Edwin, and Robert Crassus, the King's huntsmen,
and their assistants, with the Royal hounds, were supplied with
food and cloth, and Roger Rastel and his assistants, who were
Jiunting in Selwood Forest, with the Royal hounds, were furnished
with necessaries whilst they were engaged there at a cost of
5Ss. 5J-d.

2 JOIIX, A.D. 1201-1202.

Robert Relet was sheriff of the two counties in this year. 'We
have the same payments as in the first part of the preceding Roll,
with two or three additions. Amongst the lands granted is a
grant " Monach' de Rinnendon' xx. s' i' mol'ndino de Fordinton'
q'<l h'nt de dono R','' so that was how the Monks of Cindon
became possessed of Fordington Mill ; it was given them by King
John. William de Alphay gets 20s. for cloth this year also, as he
did last year.

£150 was spent on the King's houses which were being l)uilt at
Gillingham. The viewers were Peter Ham and AVilliani, son nf
Baldwyn ; and £20 on the Castle of Dorchester, here Philip
Crubbe, Hugh son of Eve, and Richard Loke viewed the work
for the King. Crubbe is the name of an old Uorchester family
which has died out, but the Lock family are still resident in the
town after the lai)se of nearly 700 years, and probably the family
Iiave lived in the town throughout those years. One of the viewers

128 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

in each case was of a noble family, Hugh, son of Eve, and Peter
Ham, son of Baldwyn, if the statement made by a writer in the
Archaeological Journal (vol. 1, p. 242) is correct ; he says, " In
documents whenever a Norman describes himself as ' fihu.*,' i.e.,
' Fitz ' so and so, his father is always a noble."

The Castle of Corfe was also repaired at the cost of 118s. 4d.
Robert de Wells, Alfred le Franceis, and Asa de Muleshani were
the viewers there.

The stock on the Manor of Congresbury was deficient again this
year as last, and the same payments were made on account of the
deficiency, and the stock was made good this year, but in a very
extraordinary manner. In the place of the 16 cows wanting, 15
cows and one " affrus " were supplied, the " affrus " being a
draught ox employed in farm work, the 16 sows were replaced and
one " ure." What creature this was I do not know ; possibly it
was a boar. Cut in the place of 150 sheep 100 "lions" were
placed upon the manor, and these " lions " have given me a
considerable amount of trouble. A reader who has had a large
experience in deciphering ancient records, told me tliat chetahs
were formerly used in England for taking game, and that " lions "
may have included with them all wild beasts of the chace. I have
found no confirmation of this surmise, but Maigne D'arnis gives
" Leo, ajDer ut videtur, Decimam silvestrium bestiarum sive
leonum. A.D. 1035." Possibly the King wished to convert Con-
gresbury into a game preserve, and so in the place of 150 sheep he
turned into il 100 wild boars. The passage in the Pipe Rolls is az
follows : — " Et i' iustaur' p'd'car' dcfaltar' p' c lyonib' ap' Cang'sb'
liii.s' et p' XV. vacc' xlv.s' Et p' xvi. scoph' e' j.ure xvii.s'. P^t p' j
affr' iii.s'." From which it will be seen that the lions cost about 6d.
a-piece, the cows, the ox, and the sows 3s. each, in the money of the
time. Congresbury is in Somerset, but the entry affords an excellent
example of liow the manors in the King's hands in Dorset were
charged for default, and how such defaults in stock were made good.

I think it was pointed out in the last paper how first the
ecclesiastical bavons to avoid personal service with the King in

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 129

the fiekl, wliicli some of them no doubt felt was inconsistent witli
their spiritual calling, compounded for it by the payment of a
fine under the title of scutage, and how the practice spread to the
secular barons also.

There were barons also, who were willing enough to serve the
King in the field at home, but to whom it was inconvenient to be
so frequently crossing the seas for the King's wars abroad. Hence
arose the practice of paying a fine for licence " ne transfrettet "
not to cross the sea for service abroad, and this fine like scutage,
Avas a fixed charge on each knight's fee held. In this Dorset roll
Eichard son of John pays on one knight's fee 4 marks, " ne
transfrettet," and for scutage ; or lather he pays 2 marks and owes
2. William de Xewmarket pays 20s. for the same. Thomas de
Grenville 10s., and William de Bratton 6s.

William of St. Mary's Church renders account of the firm of
Winfrith. Randolf de Glamorgan, Robert de Mandeville, Brian
Tollard, and Fulk de Cantelupe make fine for various purposes.

John de Montacute had a curious complaint to make. The
Bishop of "Worcester had carried away one of the Churches from
his fief, the Church of Langberg, which the said bishop had pulled
down and re-erected on some one else's land, so that John lost his
presentation to it, at which he was naturally aggrieved, and he
paid 10 marks that inquisition might be made into the matter. It
is to be hoped that John recovered his church ; the form of the
entry is consistent with the supposition that he was successful in
his application.

3 JOHN, A.D. 1201-2.

Hubert de Burg was sheriff, but Alan de Wicton represented him
at the Exchequer. The earlier payments in the roll arc much tlie
same as before. For small expenses about the King's houses at
Dorchester and for the carriage of the King's wines from South-
ampton to Dorchester the sheriff paid £1 Hs. Oid. John de
Dorchester and "William de London were the viewers. William
Aucupi, a huntsman with the royal hounds, was paid X2 1 8s. 2d,
for various terms of service.

130 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

There was no war department in tlio?e times to pnrcliase whole-
sale and to distiibute in the army Low-strings made in Germany.
The bowmen had to weave their own strings, for Avhich the sheriff
supplied them with yarn. Yarn Avas purchased this year at a
cost of 15s. for the crossbowmen stationed in the King's castles of
Dorset and Somerset.

£129 7s. 4d., a sum equivalent to between £2,000 and .£3,000,
was the cost of the works carried out this year in the rebuilding of
the King's houses at Gillingham. The viewers Avere Wido de
Osteilli * William Cusin, Thomas of Shaftesbury, Hugo de Droeis,
and Gilbert de Bankeham, and £10 that of the work about Sher-
borne Castle, of which Avork Warner de Bradford and Hugh de
Melburn Avere the vicAvers. At Corfe Castle 100s. Avas spent in
repairs. There Avas spent in putting up and entertaining at
Dorchester 8 carters, 3 packhorses, and 2 horses of Randolf
Parmentariis and Pictavinus Avith their grooms or pages nearly a
pound. Eichard de Limoges Avith 6 horses and 2 pages (probably
at Dorchester) £8 19s. Thirty-six shillings Avas the cost of keeping
11 of the King's horses at Dorchester.

Kichard, son of John, William de Newmarket, and Thomas
Grenville paid " ne transfrettent."

Amongst the curious facts in these rolls is the difficulty Avliieh
even persons of position found in res))onding to the request for a
little ready money. Many of them apparently had little. At one
time it is a bishop or an abbot Avho cannot pay at once a moderate
sum of money ; at another it is an impecunious knight Avho makes
fine with the King in the sum of four marks, but he has not the
four marks ; he has two Avhich he pays, and he OAves tAvo. Even
Peter de Schidimor, aa'Iio Avas sheriff two years before, oAves six
marks, his fine for keeping hounds. The same thing is noticeable
in earlier reigns, but not, I think, to anything like the same extent.

* AViilo de Osteilli did not undertake this duty ANillinyly. He Avas
amerced in the sum of 10 marks because he Avas not present at the Avorks
about the King's houses unless he Avas attorneyed " q'n'int'fuit op'atio'i
donior' R' de Gillingh' n' attornat' fuit."

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 131

"Was it that tlie enormous sum provided for the ransom of King
Eichard swept the country of tlie precious metals, or was it tliat
some of tliem thought it wise to conceal their wealth ? Several
fines for the ransom of King Eichard remained unpaid even in this
3rd year of King John. Amongst the debtors in these parts were
Eichard Luvel, William de Coldroville, Eichard de Estre, Goscelyn,
son of Pagani, the Abbot of Glastonbury, Jacob de Glastonbury,
Eobert Belet, "NVandril de Curcel, Andrew Talebot, and others ;
and £4: 18s. only, outof <£10 8s. 9d., due from the Abbey of Hide
on lands in Dorset and Somerset had been paid.

Surprise is sometimes expressed that Eichard who was so little
known personally to his subjects in England, for not many months
of his reign w^ere spent amongst them, should have been so
beloved of the people that they were content to strip themselves
of their wealth, and even their churches of plate and the precious
metals, to furnish the means of his ransom, but it does not follow
that Eichard was so beloved. His barons and knights could not
help themselves, one of the conditions on Avliich they held their
lands was that they should ransom their lord when he was taken
prisoner. Had they failed to provide ransom they might have
been deprived of their lands. The Knights Templars were
acquitted of 50 marks due from them for tallage. They generally
got off that way.

Eoger Char et Chous made a curious compact with the sheriff
for having the bailiwick of Gillingham, which Eichard de Eodes
had held. He promised 30 marks and 2 pipes of wine of Algers.
The latter he was to supply for the use of the King, if the King
went to Gillingham. If he did not go there, the wine was to be
Eoger's. Eoger made a good bargin, for the King did not visit
Gillingham in this year, the house was not quite finished for one
thing. This incident affords indirect evidence that the King
intended to visit Dorset much earlier than he did.

The marriage and wardship of heirs was often a profitable
charge, and Brian de Insula paid 120 marks, and one palfrey for
having the wardship and marriage of the sons of William Lrito,

132 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

of Sidelis (woiild that be Sydling'?). Perhaps Brian had a
daughter Avhom he hoped to marry at some future time to the heir
of Sydling. If Brian de Insula was the Earl Insula mentioned
a few paragraphs further on, one of his daughters was married
about this time to Robert the Chamberlain who paid 60 marks for
the King's consent to the marriage.

There was little sentiment about those times, and justice, which
was of a rough and ready kind, was certainly not tinged by it.
Alice, wife of Robert de Waterleia, had been charged with felony.
Of this she was convicted and sentenced to be burnt, which
sentence was carried out (un' convicta fuit et combusta). By the
law her lands and chattels were forfeited to the King ; the King,
however, relinquished his right to the Archdeacon of Wells, who,
on payment of a fine of 20 marks, succeeded to the property of the
unfortunate woman.

The Patent Rolls which commence with this year contain
nothing in this year which relate specially to Dorset. There are
some letters, however, of general interest, which throw an indirect
light on the customs of Dorset., Such were the licences to monks
and others to import corn or sell it (Memb. 6, 7, etc.), licences to
Henry de Puteac, a crusader, allowing him to mortgage his lands for
two years from the day of his departure for Jerusalem (Memb. 7,
see also 6). Similar letters patent to others to the same purpose
show how the crusaders raised funds for their expeditions ; the
mortgages are generally for a term of two or three years.

There was also a common fund from which aid was supplied, and
the last entry on Membr. 6 regulates the application of the funds.

Lampreys were held in much estimation on the Continent as
well as in England, and the Countess Bleis' applied through an
agent and obtained permission to purchase them for her use. In 3
John, Memb. 3, is an order from the King to the burgessess of
Gloucester and others that lampreys were not to be sold for more
than 2s. each up to February and at a less price after. The word-
ing of the letter seems to imply that there tvas a close time for
lampreys " a te'p'e q"' lampree p'imo capiunt'r i' anno."

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 133

It is a curious fact that the King, who, in tlie IGth year of his
reign, according to a patent letter transcribed by Hardy, took upon
liimself to exterminate lieretics in Gaseony, should in the 3rd year
of his reign give permission to Peter Luillus to adopt any religion
lie pleased (Memb. 8), yet so it was.

The tenants of the King were restricted in the use of their
woods. Lorette de Fontibus had to obtain letters patent (Memb.
7), to take from his wood of Wellendon ' what was rea.sonably
necessary for building, " et focu' suu' faciend,'" but even then
under the superintendence of the King's foresters,

4 JOim, A.I). 1202-3.

Hubert de Burgh was again sheriff, Alan de Wicton, as before,
appearing for him at the Exchequei.

The alms are very much as in the previous year ; the Knights
Templars receive 2 marks, AVilliam, son of William de Lanualein,
receivbs £10 blank on lands at Shaftesbury, the Carthusians of
Witham ,£10 on lands at Witham. This order of monks had been
introduced into England about 23 years before, and at "Witham they
had established themselves first ; they afterwards had houses at
Charterhouse, Skene, and elseAvhere. £28 was assigned to the
Queen Mother on lands in Ilchester ; the other payments under
this head are very much as in former years.

For the pay of falconers and for the keep of 1 1 falcons and one
girfalcon from March 13 to November 16 £8 15s. 8d. was spent,
and for the pay of the six falconers who carried the said falcons
beyond the sea £G was the cost incurred. The King was not in
England this year, and the falcons were probably conveyed to him
in France by way of Weymouth or Wareham if ihcy were at
Dorchester, and it is probable that they were, for liicliard de la
\Vade and his man were paid 113s. id. for their expenses and for
the keep of the King's falcons (mewed at Dorchester) from April 1
to INIichaelmas Day.

Walter de Winterbornc was master of the lloyal hounds in tliosc
parts, and his pay for 6S days was £G. 2s. lOd., including half a

l34 DORSET Ai^T) KING JOHN,

mark, a gift from the King. Four hawk bearers were paid £i
and 3 falconers 40s.

The stipend of tlie King's chaplain at Dorchester was 50s.
William Wallensi, yeoman of the King, with his 12 boar hounds
(" xii. mastinis suis porcariis," tho' porcarius generally signifies a
swine herd), was paid 10s. for his expenses from Mfirch 21 to May
21. A member of the Wallensi family, a John Wallensi, got into
trouble about this time ; he had slain Roger, the Chaplain, and
Agnes de Styrchleleg ; he fled from justice, and was in consequence
outlawed. He obtained the Royal pardon and was allowed to
return on giving pledgss for his fidelity, when the King's pardon
was granted ; under such circumstances there was generally a clause
put in requiring the recipient to stand trial if the relatives of the
jjersons slain desired it. Thus Henry de Stratton was pardoned
the outlawry promulgated against him for the death of INIichael,
vassal of William, son of Roslin, ita t'n q' pl'g' salvos i'veniat standi
recto si quis erga ip'm loqui volu'it 't se defendendi p' corp' suu' ad
corp' s'n' alia lege (Litt. Pat., 4 John, Memb. 11). As there is no
mention here of such a condition the inference is that the man-
slaughter was considered justifiable (Litt. Pat., 3 John, Memb. 3,
in dorso).

A large sum of money was spent on the King's houses in Dorset
this year in preparation for the King's intended visit. £47 13s. 2d.
Avas spent on the houses at Bere, where John de Turberville was
one of the viewers, 100s. at Sherborne, 100s. on the Castle of
Dorchester, about the houses of the King at Corfe the large sum
of £275 Os. Id. (equivalent perhaps to £4,000 of our money), and
for the repair of the Castle there 20s. (query, were the King's houses
at Corfe within the Castle or without it. Why was this distinction
made ■?) On the Tower of Sherborne 10 marks was laid out.

An approver was allowed 16s. as pay for 192 days Of approvers
I have spoken in a former paper.

To H., the King's Clamberlain, £4 2s. 6d. was paid of an advance
made by him for the sustentation of the prisoners who were in his
custody at Corfe, Wallingford, and Sherborne, " so that the money

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 135

may bo returned to the Chamberlain from tlie chattels of the
aforesaid prisoners."

Who were these prisoners 1 It seems probable that they were
some of the Knights who Avere taken at Mirabeau,

John Avas in France throughout the 4th year of his reign, and
in the course of his Avanderings he arrived at Bonport from
Xeubourg on Tuesday, July 30th, and on the following day he
departed for Chinon, but on the Avay he received news that his
mother was closely besieged at Mirabeau, whitlier he hastened
Avith all speed ; he arrived on Sunday, August 1st, and captured
the Avhole of the Knights, more than 200 in number, Avho Avere
besieging the place, and his nephcAV Arthur Avas also delivered to
him therp, so complete Avas the victory that " no one," John said
in a letter to the barons, " no one saved himself by flight." These
Knights Avere sent as prisoners to various castles in England and
Normandy. Corfe, Wallingford, and Sherborne, the three places
mentioned in the above extract from the Pipe Roll, received some
of them. The advance made by the King's Chamberlain for the sus-
tentation of the prisoners shoAVs that they Avere political prisoners
and that they Avere persons of consequence. How long they
continued to receive sustentation from the King's Chamberlain is a
questionable matter. The Mai gun annals state that 22 of the
Knights taken at ]\[irabcau Avere starved to death in Corfe Castle.
This seems probable, for on February 4th following, letters
patent Avere sent to the constables of Bristol, Nottingham, Walling-
fcrd, Sherborne, Southampton, Marlborough, Porcester, Norwich,
Oxford, Windsor, Northampton, and of other castles, giving strict
orders to their custodians to send to Corfe Castle certain of the
Knights, 24 in number, Avhose names are given, and Avho were
contined in these castles. In the Pipe Rolls for the next year, 5
John, the Sheriff of Dorset makes a charge for supiilitvs to 14
prisoners only at Corfe and Sherborne and for clothing fur four of
the prisoners. That some of these Avere prisoners who had l»cen in
captivity for some time, and Avere therefore none of the Knights
taken at Mirabeau, seems probable from the fact that the payment

136 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

is stated to be for many years. Some of the Mirabeau prisoners
had, therefore, disappeared by that time, and, so far as record
evidence goes, there is no further allusion to them ; they disappear
from Corfe and leave no trace. There is no mention of any of
them in later letters which mention Corfe prisoners.

Mr. Bond in his history of Corfe Castle points out that a close
letter sent to the constable of Corfe suggests that John had sinister
designs in collecting and sending these prisoners to Corfe.
" Constab' de Corf scHjif p litt'as clausas q' faciat id q'd Thomas
Cl'icus de cam'a 't Hug' de N"eviir ei dicent ex p'te R' dc p'isonibus
qui ei lib'abunt'r " what was to be done Avith them was evidently
something which it was not advisable to put on paper.

The Erettons were given to making encroachments on the King's
salt pits. In 1 John it was William de Bretton who was fined for
encroaching on them ; now it is Walter de Bretton who has to pay
5s. lOd. for the same offence.

The payment of the ransom of Richard was not complete even
in this fourth year of John ; 121s. 9d. was paid of the hidage levied
in Dorset and Somerset for this purpose.

Hugh de Wells owes 3 palfreys for the grant of a charter from tha
King for having liberties in the town of Wells with fairs and markets.

The chattels of fugitives from justice, men who were charged
with some crime, but who would not stand trial, Avere forfeited to
the King, and Peter de Schidimor accounts for 10s. 6d., the value
of the chattels of Peter, and 2s. that of John ; but Avhat Peter de
Schidimor, who was Sheriff in the first year of John's reign, had to
do with it in the fourth year is not clear.

On the list of fines on Knights' fees of the third scutage is the
Abbot of Glastonbury and the Abbot of Shaftesbury, who pays on
7 Knights' fees, the Abbot of Cerne on 2, of Abbotsbury on 1, and
Sherborne Abbey on 2J. There are a large number of names on
this list.

William de IMarcuilJ, Robert AVells, Elena Ostiarius, William de
St. Clare, and Thomas de Windsor make fine for serjcanty, tlie
first-named for passage and relief also.

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 137

There are also fines of the Knights of the lionor of Dunstcr, also
of Bologne and of Bath.

Whilst the subject of prisoners is before us it will be convenient
to make some further remarks concerning them. Prisoners -svere
supplied Avith food, and their chattels were frequently taken by the
.Sheriff to pay for it ; by licence other articles might be supidied to
prisoners as robes and money to the Lord de Crassay "qii diu fu'it
i p'isona n'ra." P.R., 4 John, August 19.

Prisoners in custody for certain offences might obtain their
liberty by making fine with the King ; the fines paid by prisoners to
be discharged from custody were sometimes paid partly in kind.
Thus John le Tengre undertook to pay 100 marks and " 10 fine
hares, fair and good," of which he was to pay 40 marks and 5 hares
before his discharge, and his sons were to be received as hostages
for the remainder, which was to be paid in two portions, and on
payment of the second portion the hostages were to be freed. (P.K.,
8 John, April 28.) Wiomar' Erito made a similar arrangement,
hares and all, and Rob. Weldebof, who was taken prisoner at
Carrickfergus and imprisoned at Gloucester, promised 30 marks
and one good hunter (chascur), and as four of his friends gave
security for the payment he was discharged at once. (P.R., IG
John, December 21.) Hostages were also supplied with food at
their own cost or that of their friends, but the men of Anjou must
have been astonished at receiving, as a mark of the King'a favuui',
a letter declaring that on account of the love he bore them he
quitted their hostages of all expenses which they owed for food, for
35U silver marks of which he requested payment before Michael-
mas.

Salt, wine, corn, and leather were apparently the principal
articles of trade with this country, and Wareham seems to have
had its share of the trade such as it was. Alexander of Warchaiii,
received licence from the King at Gilliugham uu January 12, 12U7,
to carry one cargo of .salt and leather into Normandy. (I'.K., 7
John, January 12.) Lucas, of Wareham, safe conduct for himself
and his ship in trading throughout the country on his iiayuig upon

138 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

his effects and merchandise the right and due customs. Large
quantities of wine were imported into the country and much
presumably was made here. The seneschall of Poitou and Gascogne
was commanded to pay £80 sterling for 80 barrels (doliis) of wine,
which was bought by Pascald, the merchant de Belvoc', for replen-
ishing the store in Corfe Castle ; the letter is dated 18 John, July
16, and was written at Sturminster Newton in the Castle, of which
the remains are still standing on the hill above Sturminster Bridge,
for the ruins, so far as my remembrance goes, show this date. The
King was at Sturminster for two days on this occasion — namely, on
"Wednesday and Thursday, June 15 and 16 ; on the 17th he went
on to Blandford. This Avine, judging from the price, was intended
for the King and his court ; the same price was paid for 26 tuns of
wine (if the dolium and tonel were the same) to Bernard de
Burdegal (P.R., 4 John, April 30), and even more was paid on the
day for 103 tuns of wine supplied by those merchants — namely,
300 marks, which Avas about the rate of £2 a tun.

5 JOHN", A.D. 12034.

There are the usual payments in the earlier part of the roll.

Fifty shillings, the pay of the Chaplain at Dorchester Castle, is
continued ; 50s. is evidently his fixed stipend. The keeper of the
King's houses at Gillingham receives 30s. 5d. through Hugh de
Neville.

Two of the King's falconers — one a horseman — with one
assistant were at Dorchester from Michnelmas Day to S. Dionicius'
Day (October 9) ; the falcons Avere in the charge of the same
falconers to November 3, Avhen Adam de Mora took charge of them
to November 30, when they were sent to the King in France, the
bearers of them receiving 40s. for their pay, The King, Avho had
been in France for many months, returned to England on
December 6, so he had not the enjoyment of them for long. The
-pay of Robert de "Winterburn, the King's huntsman, Avas in ariear,
but he received 110s. of the amount due to him and two marks for
food supplied to the hounds ; the 76s. 3d., the balance of his pay

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 139

to November 30 two month?, was paid to him a little later ; from
wliich entry Ave learn that the pay of a Royal huntsman was about
£23 a year, or £400 a year in our money. In which Winterborne
did he live? Was it Winterborne Abbas'? The cost of the 14
prisoners at Corfe and the garments for four of them have been
noticed. £18 19s. 6d. was spent on the repair of the King's
houses at Dorchester and of the vivarium there, but whether the
vivarium was a stew pond in the meadows below the hill on which
the Castle stood, or a reserve for deer, &c., is not apparent. Two
approvers at Ilchester were paid 12s. 4d. for 74 days — twopence a
day. A penny a day per man Avas not large pay, but it Avas
sufficient ; it Avas the pension frec^ucntly granted by the King
to his aged servants.

Sciatis q'd dedimus Joh'i de Constanciis lib'acio'em uni' den
singul' diebus p'cipiend' toto temp'e vite sue ad scacc'm n'rm, &c.
(Rot. Pat., Memb. 18.)

Their armour for trial by battle came to 17s, 8d. Notes on
approvers, their armour, and trial by battle Avill be found in the
former paper.

There was a very large expenditure on Corfe Castle this year,
being no less than £246 10s. 4d. in money of that day. AVilliam
de Boscus and Robert de Clavill Avere the vicAvers.

£56 17s. 7d. Avas spent on the King's chamber at Bere, Avhcre
Elijah de Bere and Gilbert Calve Avere the vicAvers. Nicholas de
Meriet paid 45 marks for Hugh Hakepeat " ut p'sit se rcdd'e
religioni," " that he might return himself as professed in religion."
Would that necessarily mean more than that he miglit return
himself as a " cleric," and so perhaps be able to claim " benefit of
the clergy " and other privileges 1

There Avas some mistake about the "donum ; " 45 marks charged
to the men of Wareham and 30 marks to the men of Cranbornc
should have been charged to W. de Faleisia. Osmund of Sher-
borne, Avas also charged 10 marks, for Avhich the Bp. of Salisbury
should have responded, and Richard Fromund 20 marks, Avhich
Avas due from the Bp. of Winchester. According to the evidence

140 DORSET AND KING JOHN.

of the Sheriff, Brice Passmorc, Godfrey Capel, Walter de IlorJwell,
Warin dc Bichford, Eobert de Cumweie, Adam clerk of BacwcU,
and Humphrey de "Wirkishal also appear on this list.

Henry de Turberville paid 10 marks for having seizin of 10
librates of land in Parue.

Hugh de Nevill was credited £75 for the purchase of one
thousand fat hogs for the King's use, hut he was only able to
purchase 500. Most likely these were for provisioning the King's
Castles in Dorset and Somerset.

For enclosing the King's garden at Marlborough £10 5s. Gd.
was spent.

There is a long list in this roll of persons charged to the third
scutage ; the list shows the number of Knights' fees and parts of
Knights' fees held by each, with a supplementary list under tlie head
" Illi hilt quiet' p'bria." Those who had quittance by brief.

There was trouble with the bakers even in those early days, and
regulations had to be made for the supply of bread of standard
weight. At Winchester the white loaf was to be 30 sols, in weight
(IJlb. ?), and tlie loaf of black bread 65 sols., and each baker had
to imprint his seal upon his loaves, and guardians of the assize were
appointed to see that the regulations were duly carried out. (P.K.,
5 John, April 15.)

The letters patent of this year reveal a curious story about King
John, which is new to me ; the story of

KING JOHN AND THE JEWELS OF S. EDMUND,
as gathered from the Patent Rolls, is as follows : —

The King crossed from France to Portsmouth on Saturday, De-
cember 6th. He was at Marlborough on Friday, 10th, at Newberry
on the 12th, Havering on the 16th, and Ongar on the 17th. Fiom
thence he went to Bury S. Edmunds, Avhere he visited the tomb of
the martyr, S. Edmund. Amongst the offerings at the tomb of
this martyr in the Abbey Church were a fine sapphire and an
equally fine ruby. Now John had a weakness for jewels. This
is shown by the lists of his treasures committed to . various
persons to be kept for him, and he coveted these precious stones,

DORSET AND KING JOHN. 141

and \voul(l have glad]}' appropriated thein. Eut even a King could
not take jewels which were the property of a saint without tlio
permission of their owner. Very likely the monks in the hope of
saving their jewels pointed, this out to him. At any rate the
Avording of his letter shows that he admitted that the jewels did
belong to the .saint and that no one could give him permission to
take them. But a King who covets the jewels of a dead .saint and
is not troubled with a sensitive conscience will soon discover a way
of possessing himself of them — John did — and the monks must
have been much taken aback by the King's proposal. He could
not appropriate the jewels, that he admitted, but he might borrow
them. So he took the precious stones and promised the monks
for the loan of them 16 marks a year, to be paid faithfully at his
treasury, and the money might be used for the repair of the
martyr's tomb. As to the jewels they should be returned and
replaced on the tomb at the King's death. The Abbot and
Convent of S. Edmunds, knowing the King as they must have
known him, must have parted with their jewels regretfully ; they
could scarcely have entertained a hope of ever seeing them again,
and as a matter of fact it is probable that they were in the
King's treasure chests when those chests were over\vhelmed l)y the
sea at Newark. But the monks were equal to the occasion. If
they must lose their jewels they might at least obtain a concession
from t'ue King which would bo of equal value to them and their
house, so they followed the King to Lilley, where, two days later,
they obtained a charter from him, which was to the effect that on
account of " the reverence he had for the blessed martyr, Edmund "
(whose jewels, remember, he had taken), he allowed the Alibot and
Convent of S. Edmund's to revoke those of their lands and tene-
ments which had been alienated by the custodians of their manors,
whether monks or laics, without the consent of the Alilxit and
Convent.

^ote^ on -a JUimtte f ooh (C. 12) belonging to
the ItUpor m\b €orpration of govchcstcv,

With a few Passages fkom C. 9.

By H. J. MOULE, M.A.

t^^^^

sm^ —

TAVICE-TOLD tale is a synonym for dismal dulness.
Now I am about to tell what, in part, lias
already been publislied to the world, and this
makes me fearful lest I should be unable to
galvanise the subject into any measure of
interest for the members of the Club. Yet I
have resolved to throw myself on your in-
dulgence and do my best. For Minute Book
C. 12, although it has been dipped into, has
never, to my knowledge, been quoted in any approach to a
complete way, and seems to deserve it.

It is a i^archment-bound small folio, a shabby looking volume
without, and roughly kept within ; the writing is by a variety of
hands, some of them far from skilful hands. It seems to have
been an exceptional thing for the Town Clerk to make the entries.

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 143

Perliaps the nature of them may account for this. For T suppose
his duties were primarily with tlic ]\Iayor and Town Council acting
in their judicial and legislative capacity. Xow C. 12 appears to
he the record, for by far the most part at least, of business done
by the Mayor and Town Council as a general Financial Committee.
The phrase used in this volume is not the Mayor and Town
Council, but the Mayor and this Company order this or that. Ly
the way this is not the Company of Freemen, the President of
which was not the Mayor. The entries in the Book begin on
June 30, 1637, and end on Nov. 24, 1656, but with a most
vexatious hiatus. After Feb. 27, 1642 (3) we find this entry :—
" By reason of the Warres this book was discontinued for fower
yeares, and Another booke was made use of for the Towne
business, &c." To my great regret I have not succeeded in my
eflforts to find this book. C. 12 has been carefully read and pretty
largely extracted from, and so has the chief division of C. 9.
This is a small folio of from 200 to 300 pages, bound in limp
parchment, only about two-thirds full, and endorsed as containing
Orders, Copies of Letters, Choice of Officers of Dorchester, Choice
of Almspeople, and Compositions for Town Leases. The first
division is on ff. 1 to 56, and extends from June 18, 1629, to
Dec. 17, 1661, with one or two much later entries.

A choice of extracts will now Ije read, thrown together under
three lieads: — 1. The dealings of Mayor and "Company"' in Church
matters, especially as relates to the Rev. J. AVhite ; 2. The
defences of the Borough ; 3. The care of the Borough and of the
poor. The paper will end with some few unclassified remarks.
The Rev. J. White, of Winchester and New Colleges, Rector of
Holy Trinity and St. Peter's, Dorchester, was a leading promoter
of the Puritan migration to New England, where his name and
fame yet flourish greatly ; and a man who, with all faults, had a
sway here in Dorchester, which must have been founded on i)iety
and ability. Proof of his high position here was given in a paper
on C. 8, which is printed in Vol. X. of the Club I'roceeilings.
As a supplement to this a few passages from C. 12 and one from

144 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

C. 9 are here p^ronped together. On July 10, 1640, it is Master
White who is applied to through Master Mayor to effect a recon-
ciliation between Constable Bale and one Gollop. But the next
passage speaks for itself as showing a great, if selfish, value for
Master White. "Nov. 12, 1647 — Whereas the warden of new
colege being dead and a new warden being to be chosen there is
greate doubt that Master Jo : Wliite our minister is to be chosen,
and therefore to prevent it and to farther the busines about
ffordington Parsonage that the towne send Master Benne and one
of the Company w**" him to labor in the busines." Master White
was chosen, but declined the wardenship (see Hutchins). Further
" this day it was agreed that on IMonday next at eight of the
Clocke in morning this Company be desired to be all here present
and to make choice of an Assistant minister to helpe Master
White in his weaknesse." In Oct., 1647, it had been agreed to
pay £200 a year " out of ffordington parsonage" for this purpose.
His weakness continued, and indeed ended shortly in his deatli.
The "Company" continued likewise to arrange matters for him.
On May 12, 1648, "it is ordered . . . that Master White
and Master Ben bee desired to take course that on euery Sabboth
day in morning when Master White shall be unable to preach
himself that Master Ben may preach at Peters Church where this
Company are for the most part, w^^^ wee understand also will give
very good satisfaction to the Towne in general." Let us hope that
the regard for Master White did not chiefly evaporate in words
and in going about to hinder his promotion to a distant position.
But the following entry has an ugly sound. "June 23, 1648.
Upon the failing of Master White's quarterly paym'^s f^om the
parishioners of Trinity and Peters the same not making up the

some of fower score pounds per annum for his

additional mayntenance" he is to have £15 a quarter partly from
the " Steward of ffordington parsonage." This was *less than a

* He died suddenly on July 21, 1648, and lies in St. Peter's porch,
where a memorial plain "brass" ought to be placed, we venture to

sussest.

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 145

month before liis death, the grief at which was deep. Three days
after it took place Uie following entry was written in Minute and
Account Book C. 9, f. 37 :— " 24 July, 1648. It is ordered by
i\Iaster Maior and the Company that Master Savage on the
compan^s desire to [do] give in their names to Master White's
executo' five pounds to give it to the poore in Master White's
name. And that Master Savage doe cause the porch to be hung
w*-*" black at the funerall and for one monetli after and yf it be
stolen the Company will satisfie him for it." In a less degree
another entry tells of good feeling towards the deceased. This is
in C. 12 under the above date. "It was agreed . . . that
the ffeoffees of Trinity Parsonage be desired to give power by their
warr* to authorize Xathaniel White his father's executor to receive

all tithes .... until there shall be a minister

brought into the place of Master White " Again,

several years after, C. 12, Feb. 8, 1651 (2), a sum of £3 9s. Id.
" balance of his father's Ace* due from the Erewhouse" is ordered
to be paid to Capt. Nathaniel White, and out of respects to his
father and the family it is ordered that he shall have given him
out of the Erewhouse . . . the some of five pounds more as
a boone at his departure towards Garnesey." It may be here said,
by the way, that from one or two passages it seems that the Guernsey
garrison was partly manned by Dorchester folks and refreshed with
Dorchester beer from the borough brewhouse. One more entry re-
lating to the Whites may be quoted. "Jan. 26, 1648 (9), Master
Samuel White to be paid £4 14s. Od. layed out for the ministers
•w^^ have preached liere in Towne since his father's death. And
forty shillings more for the entertainment of several ministers. .
. . . . at several times. And that his brother Nathaniel shall
be desired by Master Gower (the new Eector) to pay him. . . ."
Such are the chief notices in C. 9 and 12 of the W'hite family.
Passing on to other ecclesiomunicipal matters we find the Mayor
and Company in great thoughts of heart about a fit successor to
Master White. It may be noted here that the living of Holy
Trinity, of old in the gift of the Crown, as St. Peter's still is, is in

146 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

the gift of tlie Trustees of the Grammar School and Napier's Mite
Almshouse. AVhether Master Mayor and the Company dealt in
the matter as patrons, or only as influential advisers, at the time
of Avhich we are speaking, I know not. In either case they busied
themselves much in the matter. On Sept. 22, 1648, Master
Ben, Rector of All Saints', is to be " desired with the assistance of
[Master Cole]. . . to ride unto Exter" to treat with one Master
Ford and also with Master Gower, and to propose " for the
encouragement of the minister " that he shall have .£120 p. ann :
and " 60'' in lew of the Ester Booke," and a house, "and that 4
sufficient men shall engage to pay him 40" euy quarter, clear of all
taxes." Master Ben, we cannot but fancy, may have thought that
a good Rector of Holy Trinity would not be so far to seek, and
that he need not be sent riding up and down to search for one.
But after journeying to "Exter" and, it seems, having come to
an understanding, not with Ford but with Gower, he is despatched
in the other direction. On Oct. 19, 1648, "it is agreed that
Master Ben be desired to ride into the Isle of Weight to have
conference with Master Marshal, Master Charroll, Master Vines,

and Mr. Seaman of the *Assembly noAV at Newport

touching Master Gower and to know their judgm^^ of

his .... fittness to succeede Master White in this Towne."
Their " judgm^s" were favourable, doubtless, for in C. 9, under Jan.
24, 1648 (9), is a record of Gower's induction. He is said to have
been " chosen by the major part of the feoffees of the said Parsonage,
with approbation of the inhabitants of Trinity and Peter's." Master
Gower seems to have won the good-will of the burgesses. At least
the providing a new parsonage looks like it. On March 24, 1651
(2) we find mention of a house " w^** Master Loder hath purchased
for this Companie to be a house for the minister." And on March
31 we find £100 named as " the fine agreed upon with ]\raster
Gardiner for his house upon the Cornhill." It is true that this
fine and £50 for repairs were to be paid first, indeed, by the

* In connection probably with the nef>ociations with the King which
were begun on Sept. 18, 1648. Pict : Hist : of England, iv., 384.

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 147

steward of Seaton Parsonage money ; hut were to be " made
good " to him " out of the sale of the old Trinity Parsonage house,
the harne adjoining, and the garden Lehind the George, -with the
passage forth into the back lane belonging to the George." I may
say, in passing, that a portion of this old Parsonage remains, and to
some of the New England descendants of Puritans is almost like
the Black Stone to the Moslem. Further, I have heard, but also
heard it contradicted, that a house in Cornhill, next door to the
Antelope on the south, was formerly St. Peter's Rectory. IMay
this be the house referred to above 1 The mention of Seaton
brings us to what seems to me a curious practice of the Mayor and
Company. This was the buying of " parsonages," whereby in
short that body became lay rectors and patrons of the livings.
Seaton in Devon was long theirs. One or two other parishes are
named as being negociated for at least. But I would speak
particularly of Fordington. Fordington tithes are triply applied.
Until about twelve years ago there was a Fordington Stall at
Sarum, of which Canon Pearson was the last holder. Now I
assume it is swept into the Ecclesiastical Commission. Then there
is a Lay Eectory ; and lastly the Vicarage. I do not see the
event recorded, but it is my surmise that on the Puritan sup-
pression of Chapters Master jNEayor and Company bought the whole
prebendal, rectorial, and small tithes and presentation to the living
such as it was. With the scanty data in our possession we ought
not to be very hard on Master Mayor and his fellows. Still their
providing for the spiritual wants of Fordington seems not to have
given entire satisfaction. On Nov. 1, 1648, " ffordington men
were heere w^^ Master Maior and desires a minister and INIaster
Maior put them off till Friday sennight in the afternoone." Now
the ever useful Master Ben had been asked to " enquire out an
able mynister" for Fordington as long l>efore as April 21. This
minister was to have the " Vicaridgc House " and £20 a year
"out of the Inipropriat Parsonage of ffordington," with some
prosi)cct of £20 more out of Seaton Parsonage. Poor i>ay, even
iu those times. It seems to have attracted only a very young

148 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

divine. On Juno 1, 1649, a substantial " angmentacion of his

niayntenance" is ordered for " Master John Loder now preacher at

ffordington .... if ffordington men will make the Vicar-

idge worth fiftie pounds p annu . . . [and] that Master John

Loder ... do submit himself to be ordained minister, within

throe monethes, or as soon as by his age he be capeable of ordin-

acon." This came to pass it seems, for he remained minister of

Fordington until Apr. 4, 1656, when he notifies lo the Mayor and

Company that " hee was by the providence of God likely to remove

to London in Case hee and his wife should like the aire Wh yet

they are uncertaine of, wherefore hee craves leave of the Comp^ to

retaine his propriety in Ifordington until Mich^a^." The Loders

quickly decided in favour of London air, as appears from the next

quotation. Arrangements for stipend were again faulty in 1656.

On April 30 " there was an answere given to ffordington men in

order to their demands for more niayntenance to their minister."

The Company say that by " ordinance of parliam*" they are bound

to pay only <£40 a year, which they have done. They promise,

however, that " when they have another minister " at Fordington

the Company will " endevor to give him satisfaction." It was the

least they could do, for while Fordington was put off with £40 a

year out of its tithes for its sole minister, on June 20, 1656, the

Company were treating with Master Gower for bringing in an

assistant minister for Trinity and St. Peter's " that may enjoy the

80" p Annii granted upon the charter of ifordington parsonage."

This brings in the subject of lecturers, of which the clear-headed

Selden *says : " If there had been no friars, Christendom might

have continued quiet and things remained at a stay. If there had

been no lecturers, which succeed the friars in their way, the

Church of England might have stood and flourished at this day.

Lecturers do in a parish church what the friars did heretofore,

get away not only the alTections but the bounty that should be

bestowed upon the minister. Lecturers get a great deal of money,

• Table Talk, Cassell's Edition, pp. 71 and 99.

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 149

because they preach the people tame, as a man wafeclies a hawk ;
and then they do Avhat they list with them," Master Gower was
much of the same opinion as to the encroaching character of
lecturers. He promises his help in finding an assistant " if the
Comp^ will declare under their hands that they repute him
minister of Trinity and Peters in succession to Master White
notwithstanding such third minister to bee now brought in. . .
. ." An entry in C. 9, of a few days later — viz., June 26, 1657,
seems to be in full compliance with Gower's demand. Various
negociations were accordingly made with a view to engaging a
" lecterer," but no result appears to be recorded in C. 12 or 9.
It is now time to bring to a close this already too long section on
Church affairs. It ends with a few isolated remarks on points
therewith connected. Here is an order about official church going.
Oct. 29, 1652. "It is ordered that from hence forward the
precedent Mayor shall be desired to sit in seate with Master Mayor
at Peters Church at all times, especially the Sabbath Dayes."
Here is a record which, as far as I know, stands alone in C. 8, 9,
or 12, as showing due feeling to the Episcopate. July 28, 1637.
" It is agreed that the Bishop be entertained at his visitacon and

be sent unto to Bristoll and invited it is resolved

to move Master Dashwood to lodge him and Master Maior at a
publike charge to entertayne him." And the Mayor and nine of
the Company agree to subscrilie 10s. each. Finally, as regards
this section, let me note that the old Church terms, such as Good
Friday, " Christide," and even " 0' Lady Day " continued in
use, the last occurring so late as July 18, 1656.

2. The defences of the Borough, including both men and their
arms and also fortifications. Now this is the subject concerning
which this book has already been quoted in Hutchins' " History
of Dorset " and elsewhere. Still it seems best to give some sort
of complete sketch here of the passages relating to this section,
without omitting those in Hutchins, But first let me say how
very great a loss it is to all interested in the history of Dorchester
that in C. 12 precisely the most interesting years, as regards the

150 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

Civil War, are unrecorded. The discovery of the " other liook "
referred to at the beginning would be a welcome find indeed. It
need hardly be said that all the orders in the 17th century relating
to intended defence of Dorchester are connected with the Civil
War. This may, therefore, be a good place to note, by the way,
two entries about one great cause of that war — viz., ship money.
In C. 9 we find " Kov. 23, 1636. Rate to y^ King's Shipping."
And it is recorded that at a meeting of the Mayors of Dorset and
and the Sheriff at Blandford about " a rate to be set " for £5,000
for a ship, the Sheriff rated the corporate towns thus : —

Poole and members

£30

Lyme Regis and members

£40

Dorchester ,,

45

Bridport „

20

War eh am „

25

Blandford ,,

25

Corf e Castle „

40

- Shaston, infected with

Weymouth and Melcombe

the Plague ... ...

00

Regis and members . . .

35

Again in C. 12, under the date Jan. 22, 1639 (40), a warrant
from the Sheriff for raising £60 in the town for ship money is
recorded. And almost directly after — post hoc if not propter hoc
— on Feb. 12, 1639 (40), in connection with a Town Lease is a
direction " to make up the Towne wall sufficiently between the
garden [in question] and Master Hiat's garden before harvest
next." *But it was on July 1, 1642, that the Dorchester folk
began really to stir in the matter of holding the town against the
foe. On that day the Mayor and Company had before them
" a noate of the Stoare of powder in the magazine in the
Shirehall, Sept. 27, 1639." County Powder 39 cwt 18 lbs ; also
3 barrells of the " Towne Store." This last was ordered to be
moved to the " Counting House in the Towne Brewhouse " with
the town's lead and match. On July 19, 1642, was brought to
" Master Maior from the Postmr of Shaston " a copy of an

* There is in these books an earlier mention of walls. In C. 9, under
Nov. 12, 163.3, there is complaint tliat Fordinyton people have taken the
ditclies wherewith "this Towne is surrounded, and now they seeke to
gayne from us parte of this Towne Walles. "

l^OTES OX A MINUTE BOOK. 151

ordinance of Parliament. It empowers the Mayor and his fellows
to muster the inhabitants who are " fitt for the warres and them
array, weapon, traine, exercise, and put in readines " to resist
attempts against the town. This ordinance is to be handed to the
judge at the assizes to shew why " The Souldiers do in their
amies watch the magazine . . . ." Daring the assizes the gates
and wards are to be made fast every night at 8. This was
entrusted to Master E. Dashwood for " Bankes his doare ; " Master
Bushrode for the east end of the town — viz., the East Gate and
Standish's Corner and Boyes' Corner ; Master J. Bray for Glip-
path ; Robert Manuell for the West Gate ; and T. Poole for the
" Fryery Lane." On Oct. 7 in this same year, 1642, fresh orders
Avere given. " Henry Bushrode is appoynted to keepe the key and to
see the two east Gates and that on Gallcwes hill shut at night and
opened in morning and is to have for his paines 6' 8* a quarter.
Henry Mory is appoynted to the like for the 2 West Gates and at
Glippath for the like reward. Roger Turner is appoynted for the
like for the 3 sowth gats at 5^ a qter. They are to open all the
gates at breake of day and to shut all the back gats at candle
lighting and the East, West, and Sowth mayne gates between 8
and 9 at night." Again under Jan. 11, 1642 (3), we find the
following order : " Keiers for the gate. It is ordered that the
Keyers of the Gates shall wayt at the 3 several maine Gards from
the time of the discharging of the ward until the Watch come in
place and so likewise in morning to stand at the gates betwixt the
Watch and the Ward. And not to deliuer the Keycs to any
unless to the Captaine of the Watch or to the rounders or by their
appointment." These two passages are those quoted in Hutchins'
History. It is impossible of course here to go into the questions
to which they naturally give rise. I can simply repeat what I have
more fully said elsewhere, that, patched up here " made good " there
as we saw, rebuilt in another place, in my humble opinion it Avas
yet, speaking roughly, the Roman wall that the "rounders"
perambulated in 1642. The latest direct mention of the gates i.s
on May 26, 1642— viz., "Master Steward shall pay to Henry

152 NOTES OX A MINUTE BOOK

Bushrode 24^ for keeping, shutting, and opening the east gate for
16 weeks." But the gates come into a little mention in a passage
or two about the garrison. This garrison, at least its pay, was a
difficulty. On Dec. 2, 1642, it is ordered that "the pay for the
souldiers raised and mayntained by seuall persons and now under
command of Captaine Lewes shall be collected for all tymes to
come . . ." by Master Josiah Terry for Trinity parish, Master
Natth'- Bury for Peters, and W. Day for All Saints. Again, on
Jan. 11, 1642 (3), "There shall be two companies raised in the
Towne ... in each ... 80 men. whereof as many
musketeers as may be, and none of Cap : Churchille's company to
be under the command of Cap : Jos : Paty, the other under Cap :
John Seaward and eiiy man to be paid 2^ weekely .... to
watch eiiy third night and to appeare at their colo" to be
exercised one afternoone in a weeke and to be paid 12<* a day.
. . . ." Then in the margin are the names of the captains,
lieutenants, ensigns, Serjeants, and drummers of each company.
By Jan. 24, 1642 (3) one hundred and forty men were enlisted,
and we read that besides these in pay, and those who contribute
the pay " there are in seuall bowses fitt to watch by 7 in the night
at the bow guard (that is, by the way, at Cornhill Corner) and 9
in the day to ward, 230. . . ." Of these " 2 [are] to ward at
euy towne gate, 1 at Glippath and 1 at the Gallowes and one upon
the Tower [of St. Peter's], and upon euy Saboth day and fast day
2 on the tower. . . ." Very good, but on Feb. 3, 1642 (3) we
find an order that, as many had refused to pay this rate, imposed
for pay of 160 soldiers, at 2s. a week, to watch, ward, and muster
one afternoon weekly, this payment shall cease and the constables
"shall againe warne both watch and ward." That is, we may
perhaps take it, the burgesses were called on to do personal, unpaid
service in turn. However, as to the garrison, it is ordered that
"those souldiers bee not disbanded but be mustered once a weeke,
thursday yf it may be or els friday and shall be paid viii<* a peece
weekly for their mustering." It looks suspicious, too, that on Feb.
24, 1642 (3) £6 are ordered for the three captains of the Town

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 153

(including Capt. Churchill perhaps) to pay " poore souldiers " that
served the 2 days this week in the Borough (1) arms. Somehow
this brings to mind the recruit who served at the wappenshaw in
the TuUietudlem arms. Whatever were the difficulties, however,
the Mayor and the " Company " persevered. On Feb. 27, 1642
(3) " By consent of the Mayor and Capital Burgesses the Church-
wardens and Overseers of each of the 3 parishes have made a rate
for payment of soldiers." The names and addresses of twenty-
eight "as now this day listed " are given. The odd thing is that,
except W. Wilson, "late of this town stuflF-weaver," not one of
them belonged to Dorchester, one comrng from so far off as
Taunton. Here this group of warlike notices must end, brought to
a sudden full stop by the vexatious "discontinuance of this booke
by reason of the Warres." The substituted book would perhaps
give us quite new lights on various points now dim and doubtful.
Especially there is the sojourn of Cromwell at Dorchester, so
imperfectly recorded in history. But, as yet, that much-desired
book appears not.

3. The Care of the Borough and of the poor, taken separately.
Thoughtfulness for the well-being of the borough is shown in the
very first page of the book. On July 14, 1637, "Master Maior
ppownded that a day be considered for ' a meeting of all the
Company to examyn the debte of the corporacon and what meanes
may be used to come out of debt. . . ." It was decided to
meet on July 31 at 7 a.m. I have not observed any record of
•what was done. The borough finance was complicated as to
sources of income, There were fines on renewal of lives in leases
of market standings, and no doubt in other leases. There were
rents of various pieces of property, such as two plots called the
♦School Closes, apparently where the Grammar School cricket
ground and Messrs. Pope's malthousc now are. There was income,
over and above stipends, from Seaton, Fordington, and other
" Parsonages." And there was this " Brewhouse." I am not able

* But from one entry this rent seems to have gone to school salary.

154 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

with certainty to speak of the institution, altliough pretty sure
that a thorough collation of the mentions of it in C. 12 and other
minute books avouIJ render a clear description possible. As far
as I can make out it stood adjoining the "hospital" or workhouse,
where South Terrace now is. It seems to have been for some
years worked by the Corpoiation with a staff of four men, and the
beer sold at a profit, whether retail as well as wholesale I know
not. Further the brewhouse was the spot where other borough
business went on. Tliere was a small sum of money, about £200,
belonging to it, apparently a benefaction intended to be lent at
moderate interest to tradesmen and others. Besides this it was
at the Brewhouse premises that on one occasion at least (see Feb.
23 and June 11, 1649) a "ship loade of Newcastle coles" was
received and sold at no small profit. On Sept. 17, 1649, it was
resolved to let the Brewhouse at £200 a year, the tenants further
to take over '-'several parcels of Fast Money and Almshouse Money
■\yoh ai-e jiow in the Brewhouse being 226 10 8," and for this
they are to pay a yearly interest of £20. This seems to have been
carried out, for on April 26, 1650, mention is made of the
" (farmers of the Brewhouse." Whether it was pure love of
temperance or paitly jealousy of rival beer sellers seems a little
doubtful as the motive of the following entry: — Apr. 22, 1640.
E. Streete desired a license to sell beer "in the lower parish" (All
Saints). This " was denied. The Company will sett up no more
alehouses." Before quitting beer there is one more passage which
should be noted. On June 27, 1 640, owing to the " making of
mault and drying it in oaste in this borrough" being dangerous,
all malters are to dry all their malt " with coal in killes." This
precaution leads us to mention of others against fire, which in 1613
and at other times was such a terrible destroyer of Dorchester.
On May 13, 1640, the churchwardens of St. Peter's are ordered to
send for 24 "tankards," 12 to be "hanged up in the church."
These were leather fire buckets I suppose. Again on Dec. 8, 1653,
two men for each parish are told off " to see and veiw iif there bee
any badd or dangerous chymnyes or mantells . , . and to see

NOTES OX A MINUTE BOOK. 155

tliat all psons kecpe their wells, buckets, rope?, tanckctts, nialkiiis,

and ladders fitt to make use of uppou occasion " Ijut

the great effort against fire was made on June 15, 1G49, when all
the inhabitants were summoned to meet the justices and company
at hall to confer about " something beneficial to the Towne'' at
8 a.m. " And that then it be proposed to them what each one
will contribute towards the raising of XXX'' or XL'' for Ijuj'ing
of a brazen Engine or Spoute to quench fire in times of danger."
Then on Dec. l4, 1649, there is an order for £35, more or less, to
be paid to Master W. White for the same, " which he bought at
London. And that the Towne Steward do in the most convenient
place in the Shirehall make a place with fir boards for the securing
and placing of him for the best ease and conveniency of use."
From other sources I gather that this " brazen spoute" was simply
a great syringe, held uj) by two men and worked by a third.
Master Mayor and Company were as watchful against pestilence
as against fire. In C, 9, under June 6, 1636, we read that "the
wagoners shall be Avarned in regard of the pnte danger of sicknes
in and from London to forbeare to bring any more passengers
without sufficient billes of health under the hands of the ministers
and churchwardens from London. . . ." Again in C. 9 on
Oct. 7, 1636, it is ordered that no goods brought by Richard
Shank, "one of the waggon cariers," or any other carrier, from
London are to be admitted to Dorchester without the consent of
the Mayor and Company. Again on Oct. 20, 1641, waggoners are
ordered to bring no one from London by reason of " the sicknes of
the pestilence." Moreover quarantine Avas enforced. In C. 9
under July 10, 1637, it is minuted that " AVhereas J. Greene
. . . . tailor, contrary to orders went to London and has since
returned and gone to his house the backway . . . . it is
therefore ordered that the barne of Kaph Perryn in flVome White-
field be procured to harbor the said Greene in or otherwise in the
Coller Maker's howse there, and two wardemen bee set lu attend
them (his family was willi liiiii), and tlii^ charge for tJH'iv dii't and
phyaick to bee borne ... by the whole Towne out of the

l56 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

money remayning in the Churchwardens' hands at the last fifast,
vizt., XVIII'^- weekly." At the same time T. Walden for a like
offence was placed in that building, of the two above, not occupied
by Greene. In C. 12, under July 26, 1637, we find an order for
taking off this quarantine after the people had been " kept out of
the towne ... by the space of XIX. daies." Precautions
were taken against infection from other places also. For instance,
on May 29, 1640, on account of a report that the plague is at
Taunton " a ward is to be charged " at West Gate and at Glippath.
Nor was this relaxed until Dec. 8, " God having in mcy stayed
His hand w°^ lay heauie in seuerall p*^ of this Cuntrie." In other
respects, too, thoughtfulness for the burgesses is shown. One or
two entries only, taken almost at random, must suffice as proof of
this. On Jan. 20, 1636 (7), the Fordington people are reported
as having made •' a comon trade way with their horses, cartes, and
cariage over the bowling ally." The offenders are to be presented
next law day. Then as to the Town Library, the Catalogue of which
is in the Corporation strong room (C. 10), and some of the books
are at the Grammar School, at least probably they are from that
library. On March 24, 1540 (1) it is ordered that Master Forward,
Usher of the Free School, is to be Librarian at 20s. a year,
with four sacks of coal " to air the roome and books." He
is to suffer no clothes to be hung in the room. Again,
on Jan. 29, 1639 (40) there was an order made "to have a buy
law made and confirmed at next Lawday for paving the streets at
euy man's charge, except X li. out of the Brewhouse to pave publik
places." Space will not allow us to say more about the Grammar
School than that the Mayor and Company took great interest in its
affairs, although officially not in their hands but under "feoffees,"
In particular they exerted themselves mightily to get rid of Master
Reve, an inefficient master. Under care of the borough we may
class a discussion with the Earl of Suffolk. From the Weymouth
borough archives, and doubtless from many other sources, Ave may
learn that in times when Members of Parliament were paid it was
a common plan for rich and influential men to get from Corporations

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 157

leave to nominate tlieir members of Parliament and to undertake
to pay them. On this understanding it was, I suppose, that the
Earl of Suffolk proposed Sir Dudley Carleton as an M.P. for
Dorchester. But on Feb. 26, 1639 (40), after a second considera-
tion of this, the Mayor declared that most of the Company desired
to choose townsmen. And on March 13 this was carried out by
the Mayor, Burgesses, and Freemen choosing *" the Hon'^*^- Denzill
Hollis Esq," and Master Dennis Bond^ one of the capital burgesses,
to "be burgesses in the fParliament to be holden on April 13."
"We must now take up an interesting branch of this section —
namely, the care of poor and distressed persons, on the spot or at a
distance. For the help of the Dorchester poor there were the
hospital and the fuel house, j The former, as far as I can gather,
was for the employment there of v/omen and children, and for
teaching reading to some of the latter. At one time the making of
"bone lace " (whatever may be the exact meaning of this) was the
chief work ; but on Sept. 11, 16-40, there was an order to stop
this and to teach spinning or " burling " instead. Then on Feb.
6, 1649 (50), there is a resolution to consider "the setting the
poore on work in spinning of worsted, and knitting of stockings
and also of setting up a trade of making sackcloth." It gives a
vivid idea of the spreading of trades over the land then, as
contrasted with the centralisation of them now, that the sackcloth
_ weaver of Great Toller was to be consulted. It is not expressly
said, but seems pretty surely to be the case, that this last resolution
applies to the hospital. I do not see in C. 12, or elsewhere that
I can recall, that the hospital was such in the strict £ense of a guest
house, affording the poor an actual dwelling like a work house.
But it is clear that the hospital whether of itself, or viewed as one
establishment with the Brewhouse, possessed funds. AVhcther
these partly consisted of profits on the stockings, &c., made in the
hospital, or not, I am not sure. An instance of the use of the

* Buried in St. Peter's Church.

t This must be the Long Parliament.

X See Hutchias' Hist, of Dorset, 3rd Ed., ii,, 397.

158 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

funds Avill l.e quoted presently. Eut now \vc turn to the Fuel
House. Its situation in the town is not indicated as far as can be
seen. Its purpose was the storage of fuel when cheap, to be sold
at a low price to the poor in wiii'ter. For intance on May 19,
1641, there is a memorandum of there being in store 30,000
"turffs" at 20s. per thousand, and 13,400 faggots at 30s. In
Ireland turfs would mean peats, but not here. There is indeed
peat in the West Ward ; l)ut the turfs came it seems from Puddle-
town Heath, where sphagnum grows only in small patches, now at
least. On May "ll, 1652, W. Levett is made overseer of the fuel
house, and he is " to go into the Heath the next weeke to buy
turfe and agree for the carridge of the said fewel." The turf was
doubtless the top " spit," comprising the heath, grass, and the roots
of the same. Such turf was used largely in my remembrance, if
not still. On March 29, 1650, it was reported that the sale of fuel,
during the past winter doubtless, produced £19 15s. lid., meaning
a loss of at least £10, as is gathered from other entries. We now
pass to the care of the poor in sickness. On Dec. 1, 1640, there
was an order to pay £5 to Peter Sala Nova for cutting off Giles
Garrett's leg. This sum was to come out of the £10 yearly payable
out of the hospital " for pious uses." Soon after, on Feb. 17, 1640
(1), there is another bill, of £6, from Capt. Sala Nova, as ho is
here called. This man's name occurs several times in the Archives
of Weymouth, where he seems to have lived. His name looks as
if he Avere from Italy, but he was in some way connected Avith
Ireland, To forestall one out of another group of quotations, on
Feb. 11, 164] (2), INIaster Mayor was requested to give, out of a
Fast day collection of £45, £3 to "Peter de Sala Nova his wife's
mother and sister and her husband wliich came lately out of the
Kingdom of Ireland for feare of the Rebelles." He was by no
means the only medical person employed. There Avas a quasi
" parish doctor " paid by the Mayor and Company. On Feb. 15,
1649 (50), Master Losse gets £8 as "fee as iihysician in taking
care of the poore of the Towne " for a year, for instance. Put
this toAvn doctor does not seem to have been always expected, or

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 159

pevliops trustoil, to take serious cases in hand. For example on
June 14, 1654, there is an order for the widow Devenish "to he
sent downe to Master fforrester for cure of her distemper." This
was serious evidently, for the pay was to be more than £15 ; " out
of the Towne purse V li., out of her OAvne state V li., out of honest
people's purses V li., and so pportionably." During that year
Master Colston received only £4 10s. for " physick given to the
poor." Besides these and other doctors there were doctoresses.
Canander Haggard had had £3 on account. On Jan. 5, 1654 (5),
there was an order " to pay her " £3 more "for finishing the great
cure on John Drayton otherwise Kense." Can this odd name he a
mistake for Cassandra 1 Several other lady doctors are mentioned,
for instance "Master Phillipp Davis his wife of Martinstowne." It
is noteworthy that on Apr. 27, 1649, £1 was ordered for "the
wedo louiburd to helpc hir to the bath," for relief of rheumatism,
I suppose. But .some, not for illness but for poverty, were helped
farther than Bath. On Apr. 4, 1651, a church collection is
proposed " towards the conveyance of 3 familyes w'^^ are poore and
unable to subsist here into Ireland for the planting of that Country."
AVhich was done, for on Apr. 24, Benjamin Hoskins is ordered to
have £1 for his horses to Bristol and conveying thither of three poor
families going to Ireland under Capt. llidout. But this invasion
of Ireland might be called only (jaid pro quo. IMuch money had
been given to Irish fleeing hither from the rebels in their own
country. Indeed one instance looks as if the Irish were at that
time more upheld when in want than the English. On July 2,
1642, two distressed persons were relieved. An Irishman was to
have £2. The widow " of a certain man of Wymborne killed by
theeves and robber.s, who were (I suppose the man and his wife)
the children of godly parents and under that consideracon tlioir
condicon tendered to the people," was put off with los. But the
£2, above, was a trifle compared to like payments before and after
that date. On Apr. 20, 1642, Master Whiteway is to be
"intreated" to receive the Lady Kerry and her con)[iany, his
charges to be paid back out of " the money for the distressed in

160 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

Ireland." At the same time £3 are to be given " to Master White of
Ireland his phamyly." And similar sums were given to the same
"phamyly" repeatedly. Then long after, on Nov. 18, 1653, it is
recorded that the overseers of St. Peter's had spent £7 16s. 9d.
" upon extraordinary charges of people avc^ come out of Ireland."
Again, we find large sums sent to the distrest in England also,
whether from fire or pestilence. One example of each must suffice.
On July 23, 1640, Master White and the other ministers are to be
moved to collect for the distrest in Taunton, at this time of
pestilence." No less a sum than £60 10s. was sent. And a few
days after, on Aug. 5, they sent £40 to Yeovil where fire had
caused great loss. It may be here noted that, while a post to
London is spoken of, on one occasion a small sum was given to
the poor here because the Company did not know how to send it
to " Lancasheere," for which it was subscribed.

It is now fully time to close this paper with a few quotations
which cannot well be classified. First, as to the trade of the
borough. The evidence on this subject in C. 12 is not full. There
were a number of standings in the market. On one occasion 19
are enumerated as in the East and W^est Rows. This looks as if
they were in some place running North and South — namely, in
Bull Stake (miscalled North Square) or Cornhill. If so these
19 were only a part of the total number. For there were some,
apparently many, in High Street. For instance, one is described
as being in front of Trinity Church door. Some of them were
held by people from a distance, a chandler from Cerne Abbas, for
example. Dorchester was much connected with the then great
fair on Woodbury Hill. On Aug. 31, 1653, a remittance to poor
folk at Marlborough is ordered, but "deferred until after Wood-
bery fair." But more noteworthy is an order of Sept. 1, 1648,
that " , . . In respect the publike thanksgiving falls out to be
on W^oodbery fair Eve, at av^'^ time most of the Towne will be
from hoine. Master Ben be desired to observe the Wednesday
following for a day of thanksgiving." I find a passage which seems
to imply that at least one Dorchester man was a merchant to other

NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK. 161

countries, not only a retail dealer. On March 11, 1G52 (3) Master
Mayor Cole and H. Hobbs agree that the latter " shall serve
Master Mayor aforesaid as an apprentice the space of six yeares in
New England. . . ." We liave seen that Master Mayor and
the Company took much thought about relieving the poor. They
also strove to please the rich and powerful. One r|uotation on this
matter must suffice. On July 18, 1656, " It was resolved that
Master Bury and Master Val : (?) Stansby bee desired to ride to
Blandford on Wednesday next to invite General Desborough to a
private lodging at Master Stansby "s house, and that there bee a
Gallon of sacke and a sugar loafe psented to him from tlie Towne
together with a fatt sheepe." In the margin is written " Send a
gallon of White and Clarret." Then follows, " That the Judges
also bee psented with a gallon of wine, 2 sugar loaves, and a fatt
sheepe." It was wise to mollify Desborough. He, you remember,
was one of the major-generals just lately commissioned by Oliver
to carry out his military despotism. It is rather a long leap down
from Pasha Desborough to Town Beadle Nathaniel Bower. But
as we are now taking up isolated quotations we may here record
that on June 3, 1640, it was ordered that a new coat should be
made for that official. It was to be of black cotton " gathered
and wth ii long skirts." In this dress he "shall walk with a
painted staff of his office." But to his lasting disgrace he would
none of these insignia. This is recorded on June 5, and furtlier
that he was dismissed and banished from Dorchester for his bad
taste. The last of the many points touched on in this long }iai>er
must now be disposed of. I confess myself one of those fossilized
persons who wished that St. Peter's clock and chimes could liave
been improved instead of being improved away. I should have
wished it much more earnestly if I had then known what Ibis
book, C. 12, tells us. Whether any part of the niecliani.-<m of the
clock and chimes was original I know not. It i.- very probable,
although the chime-barrel itself was modern. But the; original
machinery was two hundred and fifty years old, and was paid for
by St. Peter's parishioners. On Apr. 29, 1640, it was "agreed on

162 NOTES ON A MINUTE BOOK.

that the town chest be not charged \\^^ Peter's parish Clocke and
Chimbs, but that the prish may pay wt is expended." Yet the
clock was kept in order by the town, at least later. On Dec. 27,
1650, "J. Eoberts and Matthew Benn have undertaken betwixt
them to keepe the Clocke at Peter's Church in good order . . .
and that Bennett shall ring eight a Clocke at night and four in the
morning." So does Haskett now at eight, giving the day of the
month after on the treble ; but in the morning he is two hours
later in summer and three in winter than Bennett was. Now this
talk of hours puts me in mind to close this long paper. Long
indeed, but most imperfect. It began, and it ends, witli a plea for
indulgence. The silver lode of Laurium was mined by the
Athenians and smelted. But it has paid the moderns to smelt the
slag over again. So this book, C. 12, has been worked by me
indeed, but not worked out, I painfully feel. This needs an
expert, and an expert with unbounded leisure. My ignorance as
to various anomalies which more or less dimly show themselves in
C. 12, and similar books has been a dreadful difficulty. I can but
name the apparent distribution of church collections by Mayor
and Company instead of by Minister and Churchwardens as one
puzzle, and the outlay on and control of the Shire Hall by the
Mayor, &c., as a second, and the questionable status of Dorchester
as capital of Dorset as a third, out of several matters on which I
am at a loss. Without going beyond the few dingy minute books
in the Town Hall strong room there are materials whereof a
thorough expert would do for Dorchester at least as much as has
been done in " Social Life in a Southern County " for Lyme
Regis. Perhaps the coming author may be among this company.
Veniat, For even as I have written my dull tale a vision has
shone clearly, and more clearly, of a very charming little old
borough. The making up of the wall, tlie gates slamming to at
candle lighting, the Mayor and ex-Mayor "sitting in seate"
solemnly in St. Peter's, the laying in of turf and furze for the
lowly, the laying out of sack and claret and fat sheep and sugar
loaves for the high and mighty, the exodus of "mostc of the

NOTES ON A MINUTE COOK.

163

towne"-folk on Woodbury Eve, the mullion windows of tlie Shire
Hall, the dozens of " standings" on market days — surely here is
the making of a picture for the coming word artist who shall cause
the minute books to sit for the portrait of old Dorchester. Veniat
venturus.

-<(2^

"She Ancient Jfvcc &upd of €ovton.

Head before the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club on
Wednesday, August 9th, 1893.

By the Rev. W. MILES BARNES.

II fZORTON CHAPEL, a higlily interesting iDuikling, was
II a free chapel. A free chapel Avas so called because

it was exempt from the jurisdiction of the Diocesan.
Those chapels are properly free chapels which are
of the King's foundation and by him exempt from
the Ordinary's Visitation. Also chapels founded
within a parish for the service of God by the
devotion and liberality of pious men, over and above the mother
church, and endowed with maintenance by the founders, which was
free for the inhabitants of the parish to come to, were therefore
called free chapels (Jacob's Law Dictionary, a.d. 1744). Free
chapels, possibly through fear of the abuse of their freedom, were
generally on lands which belonged, or had belonged, to the Royal
demesnes. I do not find Gorton amongst the "terrse regis" in
Doomsday, though it appears to have been held of the King after
the Gonquest by Roger de Gurcelle. There is mention of the
chapel in 1341, when Hugh Gourtney, Earl of Devon, held both
the manor and the chapel, but the chapel must have existed long

ANCIENT ALTAR, GORTON CHAPEL.

THE ANCIENT FREE CHAPEL OF CORTOJi. 165

before that time. Until further documentary evidence is fortli-
coming (and it is not improbalile that some further information
may be gleaned from ancient documents) it will be safest to fix the
date of it from the architectural details of the building. The
oldest feature in it is the S. doorway, which could not be much
later than Transition Norman of the latter end of the twelfth
century, Henry II.'s reign, and it may, I suppose, be much earlier.

It seems probable that the original building to which the door-
way belonged was a rectangular building without chancel, and that
the chancel was added in the 13th century ; the east end of the
church, the walls, with the east and south windows, as well as the
piscina, are of that date. The square head of the south window,
■which was originally a 13th century lancet window, as well as the
head and tracery of the east window, are of course of later date ;
they are insertions of the loth century, probably by one of the
Courtneys, and about the same time the brackets for the images
on either side of the altar were inserted in the walls. The ancient
altar step and some of the tiles still remain in situ, and I have
seen portions of encaustic tiles which were found in the building,
but none of the fragments were large enough to show the pattern.
The north doorway blocked up may be traced in the wall outside.

But the most interesting and remarkable feature of the church is
the altar, which still remains in its original position. What the
date of the altar is it is impossible to say definitely ; it could not
from its construction be later than 1400; its form, and the details,
such as they are, speak of still higher antiquity. There must
have been an altar here in the 13th century, but the rude work-
manship of the altar slab, so much ruder than the 13th century
work contained in the building, lead one to suppose that the slab
belonged to the earlier chapel, and was removed and set up here,
as you see it now, wdien the 13th century chancel was built.

It might be asked how it was that notwithstanding the stringent
orders for the removal of stone altars from all parish churches this
one was allowed to remain. The answer seems to be that free
chapels were suppressed and the revenues taken away by the

1^6 THE ANCIEJsT FREE CHAPEL OF COilTOJJ.

Chantry Act in 1 Ed. VI., whereas the order to remove stone
altars was issued in 1550 — three years later. As the chapels were
then closed for public Avorship this order did not afifect them.
Gorton Chapel seems, however, to have been used as a private
cliapel after this date. For when two years later again — namely,
in 6 Ed. VI., 1552, by Royal Commission, inventories Avere taken of
"all manner of goodes, plate, juells, vestryments, belles, and other
ornaments belonging to or apperteyning to any churche or
chappell " the whole of the ornaments then in the chapel — namely,
a chalice, one vestment of blue velvet, one bell, one surplice, and
two tableclothes — were committed to the charge of custodians for
the King, and nothing was left for the service of the church as
there would have been had the chapel then been used for public
worship. The custodians were Sir Thomas Waters (curate), William
Hebbes, and Owen Hebbes (Record Office, press mark " Q.R.,
Church Goods, Dorset, ^"). There was, therefore, a curate, though
there were no public ministrations, and the presumption is that he
was then serving as private chaplain to the Hebbes. Of the other
custodians, one, Owen Hebbes, who died in 1567, was Lord of the
Manor and chapel.

§oiue fociil gtone IHiuiis,

By THOS. B. GROVES, F.C.S., &c.

(The Numbers in Brackets refer to the Plate of Marks.)

=*j^

dTfcHP] occasional finding of Roman remains at Portland
gives reason to suppose it was at some time
occupied by that people. But there is not, so
far as I am aware, any evidence of their
having utilised the vast beds of valuable stone
lying at their feet within a few yards of the
surface.

In the report with reference to the selection
of stone for building the new Houses of
Parliament, presented ]\Iarch, 1839, it is stated that the old Church
of St. Andrew's, near Bow and Arrow Castle, the Castle itself, and
Wyke Regis Church, all 15th century buildings, if not in the case
of Bow and Arrow Castle more ancient, are built of Portland stone.
Coker, however, states the old Church of St. Andrew, dated 1475,
was built of Caen stone, imported from Normandy, implying that
the Portland quarries had not been opened at that time ; but in
this he is probably in error.

It seems that prior to the 17th century Portland stone was not
raised for export, but only for local use. 'Die BampU'ting House
at Whilchall was the fust public building in which it was used,

1G8 SOME LOCAL STONE MARKS.

Imt since that time (about 1610) it has been extensively employed
in many of the more important public buildinos of the Metropolis,
as it was found to have in addition to the usual qualities of a good
and beautiful freestone the advantage of being able to resist the
pernicious influence of the atmosphere of London. "We must
therefore not expect the stone marks used in the Island to date
back to a remote antiquity — tliey are not " wold as Aggern " —
though at first sight they seem to offer a field for antiquarian
research and look somewhat cabalistic. This is partly owing to the
fact that Roman numerals composed of straight lines are more
easily cut Avith the chisel than are the usual Arabic figures, more
or less curved in outline.

The convenience, the necessity in fact, of marking blocks of stone,
so that the merchant and the builder might know by rapid inspec-
tion the weight, quality, and quarry source of each block is evident ;
the more so as the strata yielding stone are numerous, and the
quality often varies according to geographical position.

The earliest marks that I have seen I copy from a manuscript
account book kindly lent me by our hon. member, Mr. Abraham
Wallis. They date from 1816 and refer to quarry marks only.
They are precisely similar to those in use now. They are as
follow : —

Robert Attwooll, Vernyeats Quarry (4)
John Rod „ „ (5)

William Attwooll „ „ (6)

Edward Schollar, Tonge Quarry (7)
Newman Thomas ,, ,, (8)

Thomas Read, Dungeness (2) (9)

Henry Hind, Green Hole (2) (10)

John Pearce ,, ,, „ (11)

Jonathan Sweet ,, ,, ,, (12)

At this time block stone was worth 22s. per ton.

I may here explain that a merchantable block of Portland stone
is usually inscribed with 4 marks — 1st, the quarry owner's trade
mark ; 2nd, the number of the block ; 3rd, the quarry mark ; 4th,

SOME LOCAL STONE MARKS. 1G9

the contents of the block in cuhic feet, 16 of whicli go to tlic ton.
On rare occasions a 5th mark is added to indicate the bed from
Avhich the block "was taken. Thus (13) would mean Whitbed,
(H) Basebed.

Some of the principal (juarry owners now use marks as follows :
— Weston (15), Pearce (16), Barnes (17), K. Giles and Co. (18),
Steward and Co. (19).

The quarry marks indicating the precise spot whence the stone
was taken are of course much more numerous. Each quarry is
worked as a rule by four men and a boy. Some of their marks
now, or recently in use, are these ; the name being that of the
foreman : —

S. Stone, Independent Quarry (20)

E. Pearce, „ „

(21)

J. A. Stone, „ ,,

(22)

T. Rod, Barleycroft

(23)

W. Flew, Mutton Cove „

(24)

J, Comben, Trade „

(25)

W. Otter, Weston

(13)

J. Hodder, „

(26)

J. G. Pearce „

(27)

A. W. Otter „

(28)

J. Elliott, „

(29)

and so on.

The capacity of the block is expressed in modified Roman
numerals, indicating cubic feet. A fraction less than one-half is
not counted.

Thus (30) means 3 cubic feet, (31) 3i ditto, (32) 5 ditto, (33)
5i ditto, (34) 10 ditto, (35) lOj^ ditto, (36) 15 ditto, (37) 20 ditto,
(38) 40 ditto, and so on.

All these marks, with the exception of the contents marlc and
block number, which are painted on by the foreman (usually in
red), are cut on the Ijlock with a chisel at the (piarry. The
measuring is done with a two or three foot rule made of a thin
strip of iron and marked in inches and three inches, thus (1).

170 SOME LOCAL STONE MARKS.

According to Mr. Wallis, however, these measures are not the
normal or statute feet and inches. He informs me by letter that
" the proper length of a three-foot rule for Portland stone is really
3ft. 0|in. A quarter of an inch on the foot is generally allowed,
but the rule is sometimes longer, because by cutting the strokes
the iron is lengthened. The quarrymen like to have the rule a
little longer, so that the stone shall hold the measure after it has
been squared with the tool. If the stone did not hold its thick-
ness at one side by one inch it would make 1| cubic feet difference
in the size of a block 4ft. x 5ft. x 3ft. Sin. Moreover all the
blocks are measured one inch longer than they are called. Tliis
extra inch Avas in former times allowed for jack-holes that they
were obliged to make in turning the stone about before the ' crane '
was introduced."

A block completely marked would look something like this (2).

The explanation is this : the block belongs to Giles and Co., as
quarry owners. It comes from H. Otter's quarry (Whitbed),
contains 29ft. Gin. cube or 1 ton, 13ft. 6in., and the number of the
block is 222. I am indebted for this drawing and other informa-
tion to Mr. Stroud, of Weymouth and Dorchester, so far as
concerns Portland stone.

Through the intermediacy of Mr. Jas. Andrews, of Swanage, I
have been favoured with an able and interesting account of the
marks used in the Purbeck quarries and compiled by Mr. F. A.
Burt, a considerable quarry owner and a member of our Field Club.

Blocks of stone not being obtainable in Purbeck, the cubic con-
tents are not required. The marks therefore have reference to
superficial feet in the case of "flag," and "pecks" in the case of
" sinks." It is interesting to note tliat the notation is identical
with that in use at Portland, so that I need not describe it in
detail. Mr. Burt is unable to explain Avhat sort of " pecks " the
quarrymen mean. The term seems to be used in a conventional
sense only. They allege that the custom was followed by their
fathers and grandfathers before them. The peculiarity is this, that
in order to get at the so-called capacity, the sink is measured on

SOME LOCAL STONE MARKS. 171

the outside for length and width, and on the inside for depth.
As an illustration, a "sink" superficially 3ft. Sin. by 1ft. 4in. and
4in. in depth would be reckoned as of 6 peck dimensions. Pui'-
beck " curb " and " steps " are sold liy the foot run and are not
marked. They are measured with a line or cord which, when new,
contains about 25ft., but as it shrinks or stretches with wet or dry
■\veather, it is usually measured or tested every time it is used. It
might at tiures be many inches or even a foot longer or shorter
than it should be, thus introducing serious errors in commercial
transactions. The rule used for this testing, as well as for
measuring all kinds of stone as to breadth and depth at or from the
quarries, is a piece of wood 24ins. long, Ifins. Avide, and fin. thick.
It is marked at every inch with a cut or notch, and at every Sins,
with holes burnt in — in much the same way in fact as the iron rule
in use at Portland, except that the middle mark is not F but (39).

This rule is made by the mason or quarrier, and is called the
" stick of inches " (40). Mr. W. M. Hardy informs me that it
is als3 called a " tuvvot," i.e., two foot, and that it has an evil
reputation owing to its being used across the backs of loitering
boys " gone too long after father's dinner, or stopping about when
sent after the donkey."

Purbeck marble being a more valuable commodity is sold at per
foot cube or per ton. It is marked as the stone is, but, owing to
its greater density, only 12 cubic feet would go to the ton.
Purbeck stone is reckoned at 14 cubic feet per ton. The trade in
this favourite marble, unsurpassed for quiet etfectiveness, dates
back to very early times ; many, if not most, of our Abbey
Churches and Cathedrals containing abundance of it.

Finally, I am imlebted to ]\Ir. Hardy for rubl)ings of marks
found on certain ancient stones when restoring Studland Church.
They apparently have nothing to with measurement, but are mason's
marks indicating the position the particular stone was to occupy in
the building. This is their figure (3), and they are placed on tlic
bottom of the stone. Similar marks have also been observed at
Wimborne Minster and on stones of 17th century date elsewhere.

KIMMERIDGE BAY.
Clavell's Towek, CoastgUxVrd Station.

flimmcriligc §hale.

By J. C. MANSEL-PLEYDELL, Esq., F.G.S., F.L.S.

'HE Kimmeridge Clay derives its name from the
village of Kimmeridge, in the Isle of Purheck.
The formation extends from St. Alban's Head to
GadclifF ; hoth of these headlands consist of Port-
land stone, Portland Sands, and Kimmeridge Clay at
the base, and constitute the range of hill which
terminates at Gadclifif on the west. The junction of
the Portland Sands with the Kimmeridge Clay
is well shown throughout the whole distance Ijy
a series of parallel launchets on the scarjj of the hill. The
Shales* upon which the Sands rest are well exposed on the

* Kimmeridge Shale, its origin, history, and uses by Burton Gear,
pp. 22, 1886.

^tiTnlA-li^lhl fvnmrlsBrcadJipJicJi

A

KIMMERIDGE SHALE. 173

coast-line, the cliffs averaging a height of about 190 feet. Thej'
consist of bituminous clays and dirt-beds, intercalated by 20
tabular layers of argillaceous limestones. At St. Alban's Head,
which is its most westei-ly extension, the series is more than
600 feet thick. It appears on the opposite side of the Channel
at Boulogne, testifying to the continuity of England with France.
It is probable the Shales derive their bitumen from the Saurians,
and the myriads of molluscs whose remains are compressed in
the laminated, paper-shales, and other fossiliferous beds of the
series. Between St. Alban's Head and Chapman's Pool the beds
are much disturbed and partly covered over ; on its western side
20 beds rise from the shore in succession. Soon after the two
first show themselves a fault throws them down out of sight.
They soon appear again followed by ton others in succession, each
separated by a clay-bed. The Kimmeridge Coal consists of two
beds, one locally called Blackstqne (2 feet thick), the other
Bubbicum (fifteen inches thick), succeeded by ^''os. 13 and
14, Avhich rise from the shore wlien Xos. 1, 2, 3, and. 4 have
reached the top of the cliff. Those re-appear on the west of the
anticlinal and dip into the sea near Gadcliff. Xos. 1.^, IG, 17 rise
from the shore within a distance of 250 yards. No. 16 is inter-
calated by a thin band of indurated schiste aliout 1 inch thick,
giving it the appearance of a double band. There are several down-
ward faults which in some cases send the beds below the sea-level,
but only to re-appear and commence again their slow ascent ; in
other cases a bed is brought down to the level of a lower one,
giving the appearance that both belong to the same. At Tower
Hill, on the eastern flaidc of Kimmeridge Bay, the bods are thrown
down some hundred feet. Nos. 16 and 17 are the first to appear
on the western side of Kimmeridge Bay, and run parallel to the
shore-line a considerable distance. Xo. 17, which through three
downward faults forms the three dangerous ledges of Charnell,
Broad-Bench, and Long-Ebb, is locally called Flat Ledge.

It is probable the Shales were laid down in deep water beyon<l
the limits of an estuary of a large river, which carried down the

174

KIMMERIDGB SHALE.

spoils of the land through which it passed, including trunks of trees,
limbs, leaves, seeds, and other vegetable and animal remains ; the
heaviest Avould be the first to sink, the lightest would be carried
farthest out to sea, and after undergoing chemical changes by the
agency of the sulphate of lime in the sea-water would become
incorporated with the muddy deposit.

Local Names of Beds which have more or less some Economic
Value.

Kimmeridge Coal
Cement Beds

10

White Lias

11

Shaky Ledge

12

Grey Ledge

Blackstone »

Bubbicum \

13

East Ledge -^

14

West Ledge j

15

Yellow Ledge

16

Whale's-back

17

Flat Ledge

Limestone

The frequent occurrence of lathe-made discs of Kimmeridge
Shale, found in the neighbourhood and in other parts of the
county in connection with ancient interments, as late as the
period of the Roman occupation, indicates that in those early
days the Shales had some value in the estimation of I he people
living in those days ; but there is no record of the Shale having
been employed for economic purposes until towards the end of the
16th century, when Lord Mountjoy erected a manufactory for the
extraction of alum from the Shale, which from some unrecorded
cause was abandoned. Sir William Clavel), who was the owner
and Lord of the Manor, took on the woiks and used the
Blackstone to heat the furnace. The Blackstone crops out at
Cuddle-hill on the east side of Kimmeridge Bay where are a
number of depressions and refuse-heaps, the sites of adits and
shafts in connection with those early works. The system of mining
them must have been attended with difficulties, for instead of
working the shafts up the inclines of the strata to avoid the flooding

KIMMERIDGE SHALE. 175

of the waters they worked down, wliich incurred frequent swamp-
ings and the necessity of making fresh adits, the evidences of which
are on all parts of the hilL

■ Sir WiUiam carried on the works with success, hut disaster over-
took liini just as everything looked most hopeful, when they were
seized under the plea that they were an infringement upon a Koyal
Patent. Nothing daunted, Sir William converted them into a
manufactory of glass and salt ; he constructed a massive stone-pier
to facilitate the removal of the products. This was probably after the
year 1613, as he offered his " glass-works" to the King, which he
described as consisting of 40 pans, capable of yielding 500 tons of
alum annually, and he undertook to erect a pier at his own expense,
of which the remains were seen at low tide only 50 years ago. All
traces of it are now obliterated and a modern quay occupies the
site. All preliminary arrangements were terminated by the action
of Sir Robert Mansel, who possessed a Royal Patent which he
maintained was infringed upon by Sir William Clavell.
When the case was heard before the Privy Council Sir
William Clavell was sentenced to impri.sonment in the ^Marshalsea
Prison and the confiscation of the works. The following is a copy
of a petition from Sir William Clavell to the Privy Council (reign
James I.).

" To the Piiglit Honorables the Lords of His Majesty's Privy Council,
the liunible petition of Sir William Clavell showing that there being a
difference between your petitioner and Sir Robert Mansel, Knight upon a
Patent granted by the late King's Majesty touching the making of gla^:.s,
your petitioner about two years past was, upon complaint of the said Sir
Robert Mansel, called before your Lordships at this honorable Board
touching the same, where your petitioner received this seizure by
your Lordships. That his glass-hou.ses and furnaces, built by tiie con.sent
and allowance of Sir Robert Mansel, should be razed and lUtorly
demolished, to your petitioner's great loss and prejudice, and lliat yoiu-
petitioners glass brought to London should be .seized and (kdiveied
to the said Sir Robert Man.sel, and tliat your petitioner .'^lioiild lie
imprisoned in the prison of the Marshal.sea, ail which was fiillilled
upon your Lordships' petitioner,according to his great grief and di.sgrace.
That, notwithstanding the said Sir Robert Mansel bearing further malice

176 KIMMERIDGE SHALE.

to your petitioner, was not with all this satisfied, but shortly after com-
menced suit against your petitioner in His Majesty's Court of Exchequer,
upon the same pretences, and for the same matters hereby your Lordships
formerly settled and adjudged on by his Bill there exhibited and ready
to be showed to your Lordships may now plainly appear, that after a
year's suit and full hearing a determination of the cause in the said
Couit of Exchequer, the said Sir Kobert Mansel upon further purpose to
weary and threaten your petitioner renewed his said suit for the said
cause in the same court where yet tliere still dependeth to your petitioner's
extreme charge. That herewith not contented the said Sir Robert Mansel
hath since commenced likewise suits in His Majesty's Court of King's
Bench against your petitioner, for the very same matters here also com-
plained of and hath endeavoured to get your petitioner arrested there-
upon. Now your petitioner being in continual vexation by the restless
courses of the said Sir Robert ]NTansel,it is humbly prayed that your Lord-
ships would be pleased either to dismiss from this Honorable Board and
to repair your petitioner for the punishment and prejudice he hath
undergone already in the performance of your Lordships' said seizure and
to leave your petitioner to take his course by the ordinary proceedings of
the laws of this kingdom (which is allowed to all His Majesty's lawful
subjects) against the said Sir Robert Mansel, as the said Sir Robert
Mansel hath done against your petitioner, or ehe to take such course as
in your Lordships' wisdom shall be thought most fit to confine the said
Sir Robert Mansel to be bound by the order of this most Honorable
Board to which this petitioner hath always (and now will) most willingly
submit, which request the petitioner hopeth will be most consonant and
agreeable to justice, and for this, your Lordships' favour, the petitioner
will now pray for your Lordships," &c. This was not granted him until
1635.

These Shales have been long known from a very early period to
he good fertilizers. A writer in The Gentleman's Magazine for the
year 1768 mentions the benefit some clay -ground derived from
the application of the ashes of Kimmeridge Shale from tlie Isle of
Portland, and in an article by Dr. Meyer in the Geological
Transactions for 1811 he speaks of it in similar laudatory terms as
liave other later writers done.

More than 40 years ago a party of chemists and engineers, under
tlie conviction that the Shales of Kimmeiidge were of considerable
commercial value, formed the " Bituminous Shale Company,"

KIMMERIOGE SHALE. 177

commencing with a capital of £25,000, and liaving obtained a lease
of the cliffs, the}^ erected at Weymouth retorts and other appliances
for the manufactory of varnish, paint, lubricating grease, pitch,
naphtha, and paraffin. The shale was subjected to destructive
distillation, and after the volatile products had been driven off,
an average of about 10 per cent, was left as residuum. The retorts
were then emptied and the coke thrown into ovens to prevent
volatilization of the ammonia. The ammoniacal liquor and the tar
were then mixed with the coke, and a manure was produced equal,
it was said, to Ichabod Guano.

It was not long before an action was commenced against the
company for an infringement on Young's Patent. On the
hearing of the case Vice-Chancellor Stuart ruled that the manu-
facture of offensively smelling and unmarketable oils could not
be held to be an anticipation of Young's process. During the
trial there was an attempt to identify Kimmeridge Shale with
coal, but as it was not an element in the trial the question was not
argued.

The company carried on the works with every appearance of
success, but, owing to the capital of the money being locked up,
and an indictment for a nuisance being preferred against it at
this crisis, added probably to defects in the process adopted, the
affairs were wound up on the 7th March, 1854.

The property then passed into the hands of Messrs. Ferguson and
j\Iuschamp, and the works were removed from Weymouth to
Wareham with the object of develoj^ing the manurial value of the
shale. To attain this Icwt. of sulphuric acid and 3cwt. of water
were added to a ton of residuum taken from the retorts, instead of
the tar and ammoniacal liquor, and the distillation was effected at
a low temperature, by which the destruction of the organic matter
which impregnated the shale was avoided. A quantity of manure
produced under this treatment was sold at the rate of £i a ton.
Testimonials came in on all sides speaking favourably of the
superior quality of the manure, especially in its prevention of the
wire-worm, grub, and larva\

178 KIMMERIDGE SHALE.

The following is the analysis of the manure, by M. Dufiucsne,

Belgian chemist : —

Soluble Bonephospliate '39

Carbon 48-12

Vegetable Matter 12-56

Hydrogen 7-09

Organic Sulphate of Lime 5 "08

Charred Animal Matter 4"85

Silica 4-59

Sulphate of Lime 4-22

Essence of Naphtha 3-51

Soda -. 3-11

Organic Nitrogen 2-95

Potash 2-07

Phosphate of Lime 1'37

Arsenic •■• '09

100-

Messrs. Ferguson and Muschamp's process preserved the
valuable volatile products. A ton of shale produced 7i gallons of
naphtha, 10 gallons of illuminating oil, 12 gallons of lubricating
oil, 1201b. of pitch, ll^cwt. of coke, and a small quantity of pure
white parafhn Avax. The pitch yielded an excellent varnish,
remarkable for its durability and brilliancy, which was adopted by
the Board of Admiralty. Through an insufficiency of capital and
other causes the company was obliged to wind up, and the works
were suspended for some time, when they fell into the hands of
Mr. Wantostrocht, who formed a company, under the
presidency of the Duke of Malakoflf (Marshal Pelissier), of
Crimean celebrity, whom, on the occasion of his visit to inspect
the works, my father, an old Peninsular officer, invited to
Smedmore. He had not met a French Marshal since the battle of
Salamanca, at which he had a horse shot under him.

The new company fitted up the works Avith the most modern
and complete machinery, and devoted special attention to the
distillation of oil. At the same time they contracted to light Paris
with gas. About 50 tons of oil and 500 tons of manure were

KIMMERIDGE SHALE. 179

manufactured per month, and the gas was utilised to lieat the
furnaces and light the works. 1,U9 tons of the shale were
exported to Australia. Xew York, Boston, Brussels, and Dieppe,
1,170 the following year. A light iron jetty, designed by Mr. Evan
Hopkins, was erected in the year 1859, and a massive stone pier
was commenced near the one erected by Sir William Clavell some
250 years before.

The following is an account of the process of distillation : — The
retorts were charged with about 5cwt. of shale previously broken
into pieces, 2in. square, and the temperature maintained as nearly
uniform as possible. The crude oil stood in tanks for 48 hours to
let the ammonia water subside, and then passed into a still. The
first product was a light oil making over proof 75° ; the second
was a heavier oil containing paraffin.

Dr. Ure gives a more detailed account of these oily products
obtained by distillation at a low temperature. No. 1, an offensively
smelling dark-brown oiI,suspended in an aqueous liquid,charged with
sulphuret hydrogen, carbonic acid, and ammonia ; on being distilled
with water and purified it furnishes an oily liquid. No. 2 when
purified gives out the odour of the finest varieties of coal-gas and
naphtha, and is a mixture of several chemical substances ; when
heated with concentrated nitric-acid this oily liquid is divided into
two portions, one of which (No. 3) is dissolved by the acid, while
the other (No. 4), being insoluble, floats on the surface of the solu-
tion as a light colourless oily liquid, resembling in its general
character the hydro-carbons of Boghead tar, and of petroleum.
No. 3 when mixed with water furnishes a dense heavy
yellowish oil with the odour of nitro-benrole. AVhen suffi-
ciently purified it is applicable for all the purposes for which
benzole is employed — namely, for dissolving India-rubber and gutta-
percha, for removing stains from fabrics, preparing varnishes,
and making artificial oil of almonds, &c. The tar-like
residuum distilled without water at rather a high temperature,
gives off other volatile products. The first portion thus
obtained is amber-coloured, possessing an offensive sulpliurous

23-5

19-5

2-3

•9 per

36-7

&c....

18-0

180 KIMMERIDGE SHALE.

smell which, however, is lost on exposure to the air, Avhcn the oil
becomes darker. This oil is acted on by sulphuric, nitric, and
hydrochloric acids, especially by the first. The remaining portion
of the oil, when washed with water and afterwards distilled with
steam, furnishes a perfectly colourless oil with the properties of
paraffin. This last, which forms but a sinall portion of the
original oil, behaves in all respects like the paraffin oil obtained
from Boghead Cannel, and is applicable to lubrication and all
the other uses of that liquid.

The following is an analysis of the Kimmeridge Blackstone by
Dr. Hoffman, of the Koyal School of Mines :—
f Mineral Matter

Coke ... 43-0 (cavbon

Oily and Solid Volatile Light Oil (Naphtha) ...

Products ... ... 39-0 "^^^^ ^'^ containing 1

1^ cent, of Paraffin ...
Gas, Water, &c 18-0 Gas, Water, Ammonia,

100-0 1000

And of the Kimmeridge Shale (which is of an inferior quality)
Dr. Hofi'inan's analysis runs thus : —

[ Insoluble residue 34 1

Coke 71-5 i Carbon 15-0

\ Hydrogen 24

{Naphtha 27
Heavy Oil containing 1 -3 per
cent, of Paraffin 295
Pitch 2-4

Gas, Water, &c 13-9 Gas, Water, &c 13-9

100-0 100 0

Mr. Patterson, of Warrington Gas Works, in his report dated
June, 1876, says — "The fossilized oil constitutes the chief
value of the shale, and I cannot but think that it may be used in
a satisfactory and profitable way in the manufacture of paraffin-
oil and other products incident to its distillation. The result of
several processes of this kind conducted at a temperature of about

KIMMfiUIDGE SHALE. 181

900° Fh. yielded per ton an average of 67-25 gallons of ci-ude oil,
11-00 gallons liquor containing 6 per cent, of ammonia, equal to
275 ounce liquor per gallon, and from 1,118 to 1,1871b. of coke.
The latter containing sufficient carbon to work off the shale for oil
purposes." And adds : " The crude oil contains some 20 per cent,
of naphtha and 3 per cent, of paraffin."

Another analyst, Dr. Gesner, says the Blackstone yields 50
gallons of oil per ton containing 9 per cent, of tar of a specific
gravity -910, and that the oil contains a greater number of
the equivalents of carbon than those derived from coals or
bitumen.

The company getting into difficulties was dissolved in 1872, and
in 1876 a new company was formed to utilise the coke and the
residue from the destructive didillation as sanitary and purifying
agents under the distinctive name of Sanitary Carbon, possessing
deodorising, decolorising, and antiseptic properties similar to
those of animal-charcoal and far superior to the coke of ordinary
bitumen.

The value of carbon produced from Bituminous Shale, as
comparable with that of animal charcoal, has long been known,
for we find in Muspratt (under Boneblack, p. 342) the follow-
ing :—

Substitutes for Bone Charcoal.— Of the subsitutes whicli have
been proposed for bone charcoal . . . the best knoivn is that obtaineil
from Bituminous Shale. This mineral is constituted, like bone, of an
earthy and organic constituent, and yields a similar Charcoal.

But it is added —

The rare occurrence of the substance places it beyond the reacli of
most manufacturers.

While shales generally have either a vegetable or mineral
origin, that of Blaclidone contains fossilised organic remains, and
as carbon is the only ingredient in animal-charcoal which possesses
any antiseptic and kindred properties, and the Blackstone yields
a preponderating amount of carbon, the value of it in a sanitary
point of view was supposed to be very great.

182 kiMMERIDGE SHALE.

It should be taken into consideration that animal-charcoal con-
tains only 10 per cent, of carbon, Sanitary Carbon contains, as
shown in Dr. lire's Dictionary, 72 8 per cent., and by M. Duqnesne
48"l2 per cent, of carbon, and 21*84 per cent, of other allied
filtering media, or a total of 70'06 per cent.

The efficacy of this mateiial, when applied to the purification of
sewage, has been conclusively demonstrated, not only by experi-
ments, but also by actual practical use.

Among the experiments may be mentioned one conducted by
the proprietors, when a mixture of raw London sewage, drainage
waters from Cornish tin, iron, and clay-mines, and indigo, cerise,
green, and purple dyes, was filtered through the sanitary carbon,
and at the present time, some three years after the experiment,
the purified liquid is quite transparent and bright ; and another
by H. C. Bartlett, Esq., Ph.D., F.C.S., who says :— " The
decolorising power of this Char is very conspicuous in removing
the colouring matter of almost every dye including every present

solution of the aniline dyes I have now a sample

of urinous slops which was taken more than two months back in a
condition of putrid decomposition. It was filtered once through a
small quantity of the sanitary carbon, by which means all putres-
cent smell was immediately removed, and since then, although
exposed to a temperature at which decomposition is most active,
no further decomposition has taken place and the sample remains
entirely free from smell."

To this purpose of filtration of sewage water, the sanitary carbon
is exactly suited ; it combines properties not met with in any other
filtering medium, arrests mechanically any objectionable matters
held in suspension, and chemically retains within itself the valuable
products which have hitherto been allowed to run to waste, to the
pollution of the rivers and watercourses of the country, and the
endangerment of the public health.

KIMMERIDGE SHALE.

183

Comparative Table of the Value of the Illuminating
Matters contained in some of the Gas Coals and Cannels
Usually Employed for Gas Manufacture in England.

Name of Coal.

fill

k
Is

■I.I

H

5^3

rr

r-

Dukinfield Cannel

11,250-

22-5

1,5-20

253-72

West Yoikshiie Coal and lion

Company's Cannel

10,330

21-3

1,350

247-09

Baitonlisher

9,398

25-32

1,272

237-95

Allanton

10,561

22-32

1,272

2.35-72

Menyton...

10,105

22-59

1,-2S8

2-28-27

BLACKSTONE

11,300

20-

817

2-26-

Duke of BridgeAvater's Cannel

(screened)

10,190

20-3

1,460

206-85

West Pelaw Main

9,500

15-

1,568

142-5

Wald ridge

10.000

14-2

1,530

142-

New Pelton (average)

West Pelaw Main

9,911
9,800

13-5
13-5

...

1,33-89
132-5

Towneley Main

9,100

14-

i;o23

■ 127-4

The Blackstone has au advantage over common coal in requiring
half the time only in the production of an equal amount of gas, and
consequently a considerable economy of fuel. The supply at
Kimmeridge is inexhaustible, and the position of tlie beds favour-
able for working. Science has shown the value of these shales,
the volatile matter of the best bed (Blackstone) being 73 percent.,
leaving 27 only solid matter. Their capacity for the production of
valuable oils and other ingredients must remain undeveloped until
a system of deodorization has been discovered in the chemist's
laboratory, and until then every attempt to bring the sliale into a
marketable condition must as hitherto end in disappointment.

0ome of the '§.ixxtx ^vtts in the §nvbcns
of c^bbotsburp tostk.

Bead before the Members August 17th, 1S93.

By J. C. MANSEL-PLEYDELL, Esq., F.G.S., F.L.S.

T have selected a few of the rarer trees which grow
here and traced the history of their origin
from very ancient periods. Several Earls of
Ilchester have in succession placed their
inherited love of nature, especially that which
relates to floriculture and arboriculture, in
developing the natural resoiirces of the soil
and situation of this favoured spot.
These Gardens are protected on all sides by sheltering hills, on the
north by the range surmounted by Abbotsbury Castle Rings, on the
south and west by St. Catherine's and Linton Hills, Avhich ward off
the south-west gales so fatal to trees and shrubs on our coasts. In
addition the Gulf Stream lends its aid to maintain a flora compar-
able to that of the Western Piviera. The height and size of many
of the trees show the care, thoughtful selection, and scientific
knowledge the Earls of Ilchester have bestowed for so long a
period upon the Gardens, by which they have attained their
present perfection.

RARE TREES IX ARBOTSBURY CASTLE GARDENS. 185

Passing over the earliest forms of vegetable life exhibited in
Cellular Cryptogams, Algoe, Lichens, Fungi, I shall mention
incidentally the three chief divisions — Vascular Cryptogams,
(Ferns, Equisetacere Lycopodiaceje); GymnospermejB, seeds naked
(ConiferiB, Cycadese, Gnetacese); Angiospermce, seeds contained in
a receptacle, Monocotyledons, having one seed-leaf or cotyledon, and
Dicotyledons having two seed-leaves, with a pith and true separable
bark and growing by concentric zones. The Conifers appeared for
the first time in the Carboniferous age. In the succeeding ages,
from the Permian to the Tertiary, they increased largely both in
genera and species. There was a marvellous and energetic impulse
at the beginning of the Cretaceous age, which brought about the
introduction of the monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants,
which have since developed iuio the different genera and species
which now cover the face of the earth. During the lengthened
duration of the Tertiary period the world underwent great climatic
changes owing to extensive accessions of land and diminution of
sea. The union of continents and the extinction of vast inland
lakes in Asia, Africa, and Europe, by upheavals of mountain chains
and the elevation of land had considerable influence upon the
temperature of the globe. These modifications were not accom-
plished all at once, but gradually, affording time for those plants
which were sufficiently hardy to submit to these changes. During
the early Tertiary period {Eocene) tlie climate continued tropical,
or at least sub-tropical. In Dorsetshire and the South of England,
France, and Northern Italy, are found remains of Palms, both fan-
shaped, and pinnate-leaved forms, seeds of Nipa, a plant now only
met Avith in the salt-marshes of the coasts and islands of the Indian
Seas and the Philippines, Aralias, and Oaks allied to some now
growing in the tropics. The numerous plant relics from the
London Clay of the Isle of Sheppy equally attest to the tropical
character of the flora of that age. Palms of that age can
be traced through Northern Germany and Switzerland. Of the
fossil plants which can be determined with any certainty, only a
few belong to the southern hemisphere ; the rest have their living

186 RARE TREES IX ABBOTSBURY CASTLE GARDENS.

representatives in the northern. Going from east to west the zone
occupied by the northern forms readies from Japan to Northern
China, by Amour to Central Asia, Siberia, the Caspian, the north
of Persia, Caucasus, Europe, the Atlantic and Pacific sides of
North America, from Spitzbergen, Greenland, Alaska, to
the Azores, Canaries, North Africa, Arabia, and the Malay Archi-
pelago. Tropical forms, although not a majority, are met with in
this extensive area, but only in isolated stations, separated widely
from each other, leading to the supposition that they belong to an
anterior homogeneous vegetation. The latest geographo-botanists,
such as Engler and Drud, show this to be the case. The northern
forms, which occur at the present day in high latitudes and on the
tops of mountain-ranges, belonged, without doubt, to a flora which
occupied vast regions extending to the mountain ranges of Central
Germany, the glaciers of the Alps, the valleys of the Danube and
the Rhine, and the plains of Lombardy. The Alpine and northern
forms were thus able to spread and maintain themselves in many a
favourable station, and with the retreat of the glaciers the hardiest
plants re-occupied the homes they had abandoned, but some failed
to do so, among them SaUshuria adianfoides, of which we shall
have to speak farther on. During the middle of the Tertiary age
(Miocene) the flora of the world underwent further important
transformations, bringing in the new forms, which now grow only in
Asia, Africa, and America, but are extinct in Europe. It is from
plants of this period we are able to trace some of the immediate
ancestors of our living species. A large amount of fossil remains of
the Abietacese Conifers are found in the later Eocene beds. The
scales of the cones of Pinus have been found in Siberia and ia the
Himalaya, showing a previous connection with districts so widely
separated. The Oligocene beds of the South of France contain
Pinaster, Pinea, and Strohus. The flora of this period is remark-
able for its richness and variety of species, in contrast to North
America, which shows a great poverty especially of Monocotyledons.
The Palms had entirely disappeared from Europe. A Drac£Bna, allied
to D. Draco, which now grows in the Canaries and in Western

RARE TREES IX ABBOTSBURY CASTLE GARDENS. 18?

Africa, flourished in the Oligocene beds of the South of France, but
is now lost. The Canaries is its most northern limit. The remains of
Dicotyledons comprise Alder, Birch, Cupuliferae (Hazel, Hornheam,
Beech, Chestnut, Oak), Salicacere (Willow, Pojjlar), V\mcicess(Blm,
Plane), Fig, Laurel, Maple, Araliacete (Aralia, Ivy), Mijrtle, Box,
Water-Lily, Judas-tree, Caruh-tree, Oleacese (Olive, Ash), Catalpa,
Viburnum, &c.

Salisburia sijn Gingko.
The Taxinese, whose seeds are not collected round the axis of a
cone, made their appearance before the true conifers. There are
six families belonging to the Order, of which Salisburia is one.
Its leaves are coriaceous, fan-shaped, and deciduous. It differs so
much in habit and foliage from all other conifers that in the absence
of flowers and seeds it would be almost impossible to assign its
proper place in the Vegetable Kingdom. The male-flowers are on
slender axillary catkins, the female are fascicled and pedunculate,
The trunk lacks the regularity of the Pine or the Araucaria ; it is
less upright, the branches divaricate, spreading, not verticillate.
but irregular upon the axis. Passing over Gingkophijllum
flabellatum. Sap. from the English Coal measures and G. Grassata,
Sap. from the Permian as doubtful progenitors of Salisburia
adiantifolia, undoubted forms of the genus appeared for the first
time in the Permian age, followed by G. primigenia, Heer. and
G. antarctica, Sap. in the Rhoctic and twelve species in tlie Oolites
of Great Britain, Siberia, Spitzbergen, Southern Russia, Amour,
and Japan. The Spitzbergen-beds contain a flora similar to
that of Scarborough, Gingko has been met with in both. The
Wealden yields one species, the Lower Cretaceous Beds of the
Polar regions and Northern Germany yield at least four, of
which G. tenuistriata occurs in the Lower Cireensand of the
two widely-separated districts of Greenland and Portugal. The
Eocene Gingko eocenica and the ^fiocene G. adiantoides of
Greenland and Italy come very near to Salishuriu' adiantifolia.
Mr. Starkie Gardner found seeds in the London Clay of Shopj-y,
which he considers to be those of G. eocenica and identifies

188 RARE TREES IX ABBOTSBURY CASTLE GARDEN'S.

G. adiantoides in the basalts of Ardtun Head, Isle of Mull. It
is found in Greenland, Italy, and in the Saghalien Islands, and
entirely disappeared from Europe in the Upper Miocene age. The
genus once so widely spread and indigenous in Europe, and Avhich
commenced its southward migration from the Polar regions as
long back as in the Eocene age, is now reduced to one species in
the far East, and owes its i^reservation to the agency of man. It
is capable of sustaining the ordinary temperature of Europe, as we
see here in. these gardens. It flowers and seeds in the Botanical
Gardens of Montpellier, and can live at Copenhagen, Lat. 55° 41' N.,
where the mean temperature is about 46° Fah. It attains a height
from 60 to 70 feet. The small leaf-bearing twigs are thick, decidu-
ous, and tubercled, bearing a tuft of four or five closely-packed,
stalked leaves. The fruit is a one-seeded drupe with an outer fle?hy
covering. The Gingkos of' the Jurassic age bore persistent leaves.

Taxodium.

Flowers monoecious, branches slender, clothed with linear
deciduous leaves arranged in two rows, some of the branchlets fall
in the autumn. The Genus first appeared in the Arctic regions in
the later Cretaceous age, which were then interspersed with
large lakes fed by thermal calcareous, ferruginous springs. A
considerable number of conifers were introduced into Europe
during the Tertiary age in company with heecli, Liquidambar,
Tulip-tree, Lime, Elm, Sassafras, &c., which were subsequently
distributed over the temperate zone, and formed vast forests.
Europe was at that period broken up into islands. Taxodium has
not varied much from its j)rimordial type, and differs little from its
living representatives, Taxodium distichum and T. mucronatum,
both limited to IS". America, the former to the Southern States, the
latter to the mountainous districts of Mexico.

T. distichum can scarcely be distinguished from the early Oligocene
and Miocene genus ; hence Professor Heer named it T. disticlmm. —
miocenicum — and is one of the most widely distributed of Tertiary
plants.

rare trees in abbotshury castle gardens. isu

Sequoia.

Sequoia made its first appearance in the Wcalden age and had
its fullest development and widest distribution in the Cretaceous
Beds. No less than 30 species have been met with between
the Wealden and Miocene ages from the Polar regions to Nebraska,
ajttd in the South of France and Italy. It is now restricted to
two species, both in a limited area of N. America. S. senipervirens
end on the coast of California and S. giganteani, Terry (Wellingtonia),
in the Sierra Nevada. The leaves are polymorphous, varying
with the species ; some are forked or falcate ; others linear and
straight. They differ so much in form and size that the early
botanists considered branches from the same tree to belong to a
different species. The male-cones are persistent, and at the
summit of the lateral branches. In the living species the female
cones are solitary ; but in some of the fossil forms they are clustered.

The foliage of S. senipervirens is distichous, that of >S'. gigmitea
is spirally imbricated. The former, better known as Red ivood,
occupies a sandy ridge rising to a height of 2,000 feet in dense
forests, 20 or 30 miles wide from the south of Santa Cruz to the
southern border of Oregon. Professor Boland says its distribution
depends upon the sandstones and oceanic fogs.

Count Saporta speaks of a forest composed of Sequoias in the
Cretaceous beds of PatterfcU in the Polar regions, carpeted with
ferns and cycads. It is probable that the distichous and imbricated
foliage was united in the same spe^;ies in its earliest form.
In the Tertiaries of Greenland S. sempervirens and ^.
Langdorji arc distichous. Sequoia is met with in the Eocene
basalts of Mull, in the Miocenes of the Baltic, Switzerland,
Germany, and Italy. It predominated in the later Kocene
(Oligocenc) ; afterwards it showed symptoms of decline and
disappeared entirely with the exception of the t\vo living species.

Araucaria.
Araucaria appeared for the first time in the Secondary age. It
has been found in the Stonesfield States of Oxfordshire, and in the

190 RARE TREES IN ABBOTSBURY CASTLE GARDENS.

Inferior Oolite of Bruton,in Somersetshire, in the Yorkshire Oolites,
and the Wealden of England. It is dioecious or rarely monoecious,
cones terminal, leaves globular, coriaceous and spiral. A.
Goepperti was found in the Eocene beds of Bournemouth by
Mr. Starkie Gardner, associated with a rich flora comprising
Ferns, Smilacece, and Avoids^ from which he concludes that
the Eocene bush-growth on the alluvial banks of the great
Bournemouth river, and its probable extension along the coast
of a submerged continent, must have been similar to that of
the present day on the Brisbane river, and on the shores of Moreton
Bay, on the east coast of Australia. The long embedded plants of
our Eocene coasts seem to have risen up and to live again in these
far distant regions, and through them we are able to picture the
long sandy surf-beaten coasts, and fringed with Araucarias, Gum
trees. Palms, and Ferns of the present pine-clad Bournemouth.
It is a native of the southern hemisphere, trunk erect, branches
horizontal and decumbent. Araucaria imbricata forms vast forests
extending from the south of Chili to Brazil. A. Brazilefisii has
a similar distribution. Araucaria has not been found in the
Cretaceous Beds except in New Zealand, where two species have
been found in the coal-bearing beds of that formation.

There is a group of Australian species, all needle-leaved and of
gigantic size, of which A. exceha attains a height of 230 feet with a
trunk 90 feet in circumference.

Cryptomeria.
Cryptomeria belongs to the Taxodinece. It is represented by
only one living species C.Japonica, a native of China and Japan, and
can apparently be traced from C. Sternberr/n, Gardn. found in the
Eocene basaltic tufas of Ballypaladay and Glenarni in Antrim and
Ardtun Head, Isle of Mull. It has close affinities both with
Taxodium and Sequoia, at first it was relegated to Araucaria, after-
wards to Sequoia. The attachment of the cones to the branches
proves it to be a Cryptomeria. There is nothing to distinguish it, at
least in appearance, from the Japanese type.

RARE TREES IX ABBOTSBURY CASTLE GARDEXS. 191

The flora, with which C. Sternhcrgii, is associated in the tufas
of Antrim and Mull, bears a close resemblance to that of the Lower
Cretaceous beds of Dakota, in Xorth America. It is singular that
this genus, which once grew and flourished in Dorsetshire, is at this
moment restricted to a very limited area at the other extremity of
the northern hemisphere. Varieties of C. Japonica have been
produced by cultivation, of which many diverge from the original
type.

Palm.

This is the first Monocotyledon we have had under observa-
tion to-day. The date of the earliest Palm is probably the period
of the Chalk-marl, there are undoubted proofs of it in the
European beds of that age, the two principal species are Flabel-
laria chamceropifoUa, Goepp, with leaves resembling the living
Chamaerops, and F. lonrjiraclns, Ung., resembling PJiomicopliorium
Sechellarum, "Wendl., a native of the Sechelles, inserted and
cultivated in our Palm-houses. This priman-al Palm is inter-
mediate between the fan-shape and pinnate-leaved. During the
Eocene Age a vegetation prevailed resembling that of Australia in
the present day, when the Palms were as abundant as they are
now. A Sabal occurs in the Eocene beds of Corfe Castle, a
fragment of which is preserved in the County Museum. In the
Oligocene age the Palms reached 51° X. lat., and in the Miocene
Age the latitude of Greenland. The changes through which
Europe and America passed during the whole of the Tertiary period
sufficiently account for the extinction of some species and transforma-
tion of others. The northern limit of the Palm is now much farther
south than it was at one time, the Sabal flourishes on the eastern
and western sides of the norlhern heniisj)hcre. ChanKcrops grows
at Nice in 43' ■11' N. L. There are 10 or 12 species of tliis gi'uus,
most of them are dwarf, but a few attain a height of abuvit oO feet.
Their range is very wide, extending to Northern Asia, Africa,
America, and Southern Europe. Tlu' leaves are i>laited like a fan,
the petioles usually prickly ; the leaves of the Phoenix, of wliich the
Date-Pahn is a species, are pinnate ; Chamcenqjs humiliti is usually

192 RARE TREES IN ABBOTSBURT CASTLE GARDENS.

dwarf, not more than 3 or 4 feet high, sending up numerous suckers,
but if these are not allowed to grow, the tree will produce a trunk
several feet high.

Aralia.

The Aralia belongs to a sub-order of the Umbelliflorte, differing
from the Umbellifers in its seed, which is in the form of a berry
ox drupe. The family is a large one, with varied foliage and stems
pvickly or smooth. It first appeared in the Upper Cretaceous beds
of North America, Greenland, Siberia, and sparingly in Europe.
4.formosa occurs in Europe and in Colorado. The number of species
increased during the Tertiary period, some of which extended as
far east as the Himalaya. The Aralias are now restricted to the
Eastern States of North America, New Zealand, Japan, and
are chiefly tropical. The best known species is A. spinosa (which
grows freely in these gardens). The four others which grow here
are A. Sieholdi, with large coriaceous leaves, A. Mandshwia, A.
Chinensis, and A. pentaphyUa.

The Common Ivy belongs to this Order. Its first appearance
was in the Upper Cretaceous beds of North America and Green-
land. Hedera primordialis, Sap., of the same age differs little from
the Irish Ivy, and jST. platanoides, Lesq., from the Cretaceous beds
of Kansas is fouiid in the tufas of Denmark and of La Celle,
South of France.

JUGLANS.

The Walnut family passed from the Upper Cretaceous, through
the Tertiary, to the Quaternary Age. It has been found in the
Upper Cretaceous beds of Greenland and Atane, and in the
Tertiary beds of the polar circle. J. arctica from the Upper
Cretaceous beds of Greenland is probably the ancestor of /. nigra,
the Black Walnut now living in North America. The Walnut is
no longer indigenous in Europe except in the mountainous districts
of Greece. It extends from tlie Trans-Caucasus to the East Indies.
/. laciniata is a variety of the Common Walnut, /. regia. The
Miocene beds of QCningen have furnished /. acuminata, and the
tufas of the South of France, /. minor.

RARE TREES IN ABBOTSBUKY CASTLE GARDENS. 193

LiQUIDAMBAR.

This genus, which belongs to the order Saxifraginoe, made its
first appearance in tlae Cretaceous age, Liquidamhar interjri folia,
Lesq., occurs in beds of that period at Kebraska and Kansas
in North America and several species in the Tertiaries of
Europe, notably L. Goepperti in the Lower Eocene of the Paris
basin and L. europieum in the Oligocene and Upper Pliocene of
Switzerland, from Bonn to Northern Italy, Silesia, Greenland, and
in the Quaternary beds of Massa in Central Italy. During the
Upper Tertiary age Liquidamhar flourished on the declivities
of the Pacific of North America, where it is now extinct.
L. europceum has been mistaken for the ]\raple, Ijut its alternate
leaves readily distinguish it.

The Abbotsbury Liquidamhar is L. Styracijiuum, L. The
leaves change to a bright red, and afterwards remain on the tree
some time.

LiRIODENDRON.

Liriodendron belongs to the order Magnoliacea?, and made
its first appearance in the Lower Cretaceous beds of North
America, Kansas, Nebraska, and Atan, in Greenland, the majority
of the fossil species have been obtained from these beds, including
L. Meeckii. L. Procaccinii clossly resembles the living L.
tuUpifera, its geographical range is considerable (Sinigaglia, Eriz,
Bilin, Iceland, and the Pliocene of Meximieux, France). The
only other European Liriodendron is L. Gardina from the Eocene
of Bournemouth, The Tertiaries of North America, Green-
land excepted, have no fossils of this genus. According to
Saporta the fossil-leaves of the Liriodendron found in Ireland
belong to a species peculiar to the beds of that island ho
names it L. i^Jandicnm, Sap. et Marion. The cliaracteristic
shape of the leaf has not varied since its first appearance, with
the exception only of slight variations; leaves entire or with
simple or bipartite lobes ; obtuse and acuminate leaves are often
found on the samo branch. L. fulipifera, lln' Tulip-trco, was
considered to be the only living species, Saporta reports a Chinese

194 RARE TREES IN ABBOTSBURY CASTLE GARDENS.

species in the Kew Herbarium Avith deeply-cut leaves. L. iulipi-
fera inhabits the Atlantic declivities of North America from
Florida to Canada.

There is clear proof that a material cooling of the Polar regions
commenced towards the early part of the Cretaceous age, when
many Dicotyledonous plants were introduced, the remains of Avhich
have been found so plentifully in North America and Greenland.
These colder conditions caused a migration southward of those
plants which were not hardy enough to maintain themselves
in their original homes, or had not succumbed to the rigours of
the climate. Many plants which once lived within the Polar
Circle during the Cretaceous age, are not met with in the oldest
beds of the Tertiaries of those regions ; the English and Scotch
Eocenes have yielded several, which bear a close relation to the
Polar Cretaceous flora.

Jicprt on ^bscrbations on the

Appearances of givb?, Ensects, &\:,, anb the

JflotoevinLj of plants anb Jietnrns of

liainfall

In Dorset dukinCx 1893.

By NELSON M. RICHARDSON, B.A., F.E.S.

iiS^t.

INCE I wrote the 1893 Report the numher of
jNlembers in tlie Club has increased considerably,
and I am glad to find that there is a corresponding
increase in the number of observers of I'lants,
Birds, and Insects. Xine have this year sent in
their returns, as against seven last year, two of
these being confined to birds and one to plants.
The observers are the following :— J. C. Manscl-rieydell,
"Whatcombe, near lUandford ; X. ]\I. Kichardson, Chickerell,
near Weymouth ; E. K. T.ankes, Corfe Castle ; Kev. 0. P.
Cambridge, IJloxworth ; H. J. ]\[oule, Dorchester ; T. K. Atkinson,
Sherborne ; Rev. W. J. Rowley, AVooUand ; Colonel F. J. Stuarl,
Llandford ; J. Andrews, Swanago, the two last noting Birds only.
The observers are designated in the lists by their initials.

Several rare birds have been observed in Dorset which it is
convenient to notice hfre, though they hanlly conn- .-trictlv
within the limits of this Iteport.

196 RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

Baillon's Crake. Mr. Andrews sends me the following note : —
*' A rare bird Baillon's Crake — which Mr. Mansel Pleydell writing
to the Dorset County Chronicle states is the first properly authen-
ticated specimen found in this County — was captured in the stable
of a builder's (Mr. Hardy's) yard at Swanage on June 1st, 1893.
The bird was identified by Mr. Hart, of Christchurch, as follows : —
" Distinguished from the Little Cralie by its smaller sizes (scarcely
Tin. in length), its olive legs and feet and the white outer web of
the first primary." This bird is very nicely set up by Mr. Hart,
and Mr. Andrews will be pleased to show it to anyone interested.

Merlin (J. C. M. P.). A Merlin seen at Yerwood December 26th.

Siskin (J. C. M. P.). One washing itself in a pool on the
roadside near Crawford Bridge.

Black Guillemot (J. C. M. P.). One picked np alive near
the Industrial School, Milborne St. Andrew, on December 13th,
driven inland about 16 miles by the storm of the previous day.

Golden Oriole (E. R. B.). One heard singing and seen in
the garden at Langton Matravers Rectory, near Swanage, by the
Rev. L. Lester May 9th.

Hoopoe (E. R. B,). One seen many times at Corfe Castle
Rectory on April 7th.

"VVoodchat Shrike (E. R. B.). One seen at Corfe Castle by
Rev. Owen L. Mansel on April 21st.

Short-eared Owl (E. R. B.). Shot near Lulworth Castle
September 18th, a remarkably early date,

Iceland Gull (Lams icelandicus) (E. R. B.). Female, in
winter plumage, shot in Poole Harbour by Mr. Gerald R. Peck,
of Min^erne Grange, Parkstone, on February 6th, 1893. Ifot
previously recorded from Dorset.

Black-winged Stilt (Hiinantojms cayididus) (E. R. B.). Charles
Orchard, a well-known and experienced farmer of Warehani,
declares that he observed and watched a large flock of this species
in Worbarrow Bay, Purbeck, in the summer of 1893.

Variety of Chaffinch (T. R. A.). A nearly white female
Chaffinch often seen near Sherborne.

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET. 197

Mr. Moule alludes to the migration of the Otter, which the
water keeper at Dorchester tells him does not frequent the upper
waters of the Frome until about Christmas.

Mr. E. R. Bankes sends the following note on the season : —

" 1893 will long be memorable on account of its exceptionally high
temperatures, the almost unparallelled duration of ' the great drought,'
and the wonderful amount of sunshine recorded. It ojiened with a .spell
of severe frost, but this was succeeded by mild weather before the end of
January. February was very mild with an almost unpreceilented
amount of rain. With March began the very warm and brilliant weather
which made the year so remarkable and continued with very few
interruptions till about the beginning of October. The last three months
were unusually mild with very few frosts, but a considerable rainfall.
December l'2th will always be memorable on account of the terrific gale,
the most severe and destructive within living memory, tliat swept over
the county and did an incalculable amount of damage to houses, buildings
of all sorts, ricks, trees, i^-c, almost wrecking a good m;iny of the
villages near the coast. It is Avorth mentioning that Christnuas Day
and the three following days were so wonderfully mild and sunmierlike
that blackbirds, thrushes, and many other birds were in full song all day,
while the woodpigeons were cooing loudly— even long befoie it was
daylight. From an entomological point of view the year was n'ost
disappointing : numbers of good local species of Lepidoptera were either
exceedingly scarce or could not be found at all, and an exceptionally
large proportion of larvae were stung by ichneumon Hies. No rare or
interesting species of butterflies K)r nmths came over to us from the
Continent as was the case with several kinds in 1892, but descendants of
the " Clouded Yellows " (C. cdttsa) that then visited us were met with
in moderate numbers in the autumn. On tiie other hand tlie 'Painted
Lady' butterflies (V. card id) that migrated to this country in goodly
numbers at the same time had apparently to all intents and puiposes
failed to continue their lace, for hardly a single specimen was obser\ed
durmg the whole year. The one redeeming feature was the line weatiier,
which was all that the collector wished and enabled him to meet with and
secure all the species that were not ' considcuous by their absence.'
Wasps, aphides, and a small snow-white insect named Alcurodcs brassicK
that attacks the cabbages, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts appeared in
immense numbers and Mere very troublesome in the gardens."

Amongst the Birds may be noted — Swanage, ]Marcli 13th, as
early for the Wheatear, Corfe Castle, March lotli, as early for
tlie Chiff-chaff, Corfe Castle, April Sth, for tlie Cuckoo, the
same date as at Wuatcombe last year. Cokfe Castle and
Bloxworth, April 3rd, for the Swallow is earlier than any date
last year j in fact, the dates for most of the birds show a season of

198

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

earlier arrivals than in 1892. The forwardness of the season is
also shown hy several of the records of insects being earlier than
those of 1892. The two hybernated butterflies on the list
(Brimstone and Painted Lady) are 19 and 25 days earlier in
leaving their winter quarters than in 1892, which testifies to the
warmth of the early spring, whilst the appearance of a viper on
February 7th confirms this, as do also the early dates of several
FloAvers. I append the following tables : —

First Appearance of Birds in Dorset in 1893.

si

i

aj|

^■|

-i

i

-1

fe i

4

n

Flycatcher

May 10

May 6

May 7

Fieldfare

Dec. 10

Dec. 31

Aug.26

Nov.19

Blackbird

Feb. 2^

Redwing

Dec'. 10

Dec. 31

Nightingale ..

Ap. 10

Ap.22*

Ap. 11*

Ap. 17

Wheatear

Mar.3C

Ap.' 26

Ap. 1

Mar. 30

Mar. 13

Willow Wren . .

Ap. 7

ChiffCbaff

Ap. 3

Mar.23*

Mar.l5^

Mar. 22

Mar. 29

Whitethroat ..

Ap. 23

Ap. 9

Skylark

Feb. 7*

Mar. 7*

Rook

Cuckoo

Ap. 13

Ap.20»

Ap. 8*

Ap.l2*

Ap. 17

Swallow

Ap. 9

Ap. 15

Ap. 3

Ap. 3

Ap. 10

Mar. 18

Ap. 4

Sandmartin

Ap. 10

Ap. 4

Swift

Ap. 28

May 9

Ap. 30

May 1

May 5

Nightjar

Ap. 16

May 19*

May 11

Ap'.' 10

Turtledove

Ap. 18

Ap.20t

Woodcock

Oct.

Oct. 20

Corncrake

May 18

MiV2r

Ap.' 14

May 1

Wryneck

Ap. 28

Redbacked Shrike ..

Redstart

* Song flrat heard, t Near Warebam. Wheatear at Swanae'e, March 13., E. R. B.

Bloxwortii.— First rasping notes of Parus major (Grr at Tit), January 28. Chift-Chaff's
song, March 25.

Blandford.— Swift last seen, August 11. A young unfledged Woodpigeon at Houghton,
October 25.

CORFB Castle.— Woodcock and Fieldfare exceptionally scarce.

WiiATcoMiiB.— Blackbird, nesting, March 7 ; first egg, March 15 ; Skylark, nesting, April
5 ; several second broods, October 18. Swallow last seen, October 4. Woodcock last seen,
March 9.

Weymouth.— Ohifif-Cbaff last seen, October 10. Whitethroat last seen, October 13.
Swallow last seen, October 31.

S^\'ANAoE.— Swallows observed on November 24 and again on Novenaber 30, these dates
'^eing the latest recorded of any Swallows in England. See Field, December, 1893.

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

199

Earliest Dorset Records of Plants in Flower in 1893.

Wood Anemone
Lesser Celandine
Marsh Marigold
Dog Violet ' . .
Greater Stitchwort
Herb Robert ..
Horse

Chestnut
Bush Vetch

/Leaf
(. Flower

Blackthorn

Hawthorn
Ivy

Dogwood
Elder ..
Wild Teasel

/Leaf
' Flower
/Leaf
( Flower

/Leaf
\ Flower
/Leaf
\ Flower
J Leaf
) Flower

Devil's Bit

Knapweed

Field Thistle

Coltsfoot

Yarrow ..

Ox-eye Daisy

Mouse-ear Hawkweed

Harebell

Greater Bindweed

Water Mint ..

J Leaf
( Flower
/ Leaf
\ Flower
/Leaf
1 Flower

Ground Ivy
Wych Elm

Cowslip. .
SpottedOrchis{Lear^

Mar. 12
Feb. 10
Ap. 1
Mar. 4
Mar. 25
Ap. 20
Ap. 10
Ap. 24
Ap. 9

Man "24

Ap!' 21

Nov. 3

May

20

Feb.

b

Ap.

28

Mar.

2

May

29

May

25

Mar.

4

Aug.

5

Ap.

26

May

26

July

U

Aug.

9

Aug.

9

Feb.

XV

Mar.

15

Mar. 18

Mar. 2

Mar. 31

Mar. 18

Ap!" 15

Jan. 27
Mar. 18

Ap. 19
Ap. 2

Ap.'

May

17
18

Mar.

18

Ap.'

19

May

18

Ap.

28

July

15

June 10
Ap. 26
Mar. 18
June 20
May 11
May 18

May

26

Mar.

24

Feb.

25

Jan.'
Ap.

23
5

Ap.

Ap.

20
9

Mar. 19
Feb. 2
Mar. 24

Ap." 5

Mar.' 8
Ap. 16
Ap. 11
Mar. 10
Mar. 13
Mar. 9
Ap. 17

Ap." 4

Jan'.' 31

May 8

May 18
July 8

June 14
May 2

Mar. 28
Mar. 30
Mar. 12
Mar. 17
Jan. 28
15

Ap. 2.

Mar. 12
Ap. 4

Mar. 12
Ap.' ' 18

Mar. 21
Mar. 25

Mar. 6
Feb. 7
Ap. 6

Ap." 4

Mar." 25
Ap. 6

M*r. 10
Mir. 21
Ap. 20

Feb. 1
May 10

June 26

June 20

Feb. 1

June 24
July 19

Ap.

<

a

C5

E-i

Feb

7.

Ap.

13

Mar

24

Ap.

23

Ap.

23

Feb.

27

June

16

Ap."

7

«^'

«' i

►^ s

^U

^^

Mar. 16

Feb. 8

Mar, 16

Mar. 13

Mar. 24

May 15*

Ap. 3

May 23*

Mar. 30

May 4*

Mar. 10

May 22*

Ap. 7

May 15*

July 24

Oct. 3*

May 7

Mar. 20

June27*

June 22

Aug. 11

Ap. 25

July 10*

Feb. 13

July 7

July 7-

May 18

July 17

June 22

July 13*

Mar. 13

Aug. 4*

Feb. 8 Junel9*
Feb. 16 I May 25*

May 12
Feb. 23

' Ripe Fruit.

DoRCHESTBR.— Second bloom8--Le8ser Celandine, December 20 ; Dogwood, September 19,
abundant ; Elder, September 19. In the South Walks some chestnut leaves were falling on June 19.

Sherborne.— Primrose in flower January 13. /i''«n rtcrc/i.MV in flower May 3. Dog and Field Roses
blooming again freely in the .lutumn. Hazel in full bloom again by Octolier 1.

200

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

First Appearance of Insects, &c., in Dorset in 1893.

1-5 ^

^ i

=^1

H "1

^

6 S

^1

Rose Beetle

Cockchafer

Bloody-nose Beetle ..

Glow-worm

Common Hive Bee, h.
Wasp (Vespa vulgaris), h. . .
Lir?e GardenWhiteButterfly
Small „
Orange Tip Butterfly
Meadow Brown Butterfly ..
Wall Butterfly
Brimstone Butterfly h.
Painted Lady Butterfly, h. . .
Cinnabar Moth

Currant Moth

Viper

Frog Spawn

Miy 6
Apf 1

Mar! 2
Mar 25
Ap. 1
Ap. 1
Ap. 2
May 25

Mar! 15
Mar. 7

Feb! 7
Feb. 10

May 5

July 1
Mar. 4
Mar. 4 J
Har. 29
Mar. 28
Ap. 24
June 8
Ap. 22

June 25
Ap. 1
Ap. 18

May 3
May 8

June 15

Feb! 7J
Ap. 20
Mar. 29
Ap. 20

Ap. 19
Mar. 4

May 9

May 1

Feb! 5
Mar. 31

Mar. 24
Ap. 2

Mar. 2

Mar! 23
Mar. 23

June 15
Ap. 10

* Scarce, f In fair numbers. } Abundant.

Hybernated.

Whatcombb.— Young Viper, Sin. long, April 29. My keeper shot 8 adders rolled in a
knot on a sunny spot in Clenston Wood, February 9, J C. M. P.

Dorchester.— A specimen of the Small Garden White Butterfly indoors on March 19.

PuRBECK.— Meadow Brown Butterfly at Gadcliff, May 31 ; Kimmeridge, June 2, E. R. B.

Sherbornb.— Wood White and Red Admiral Butterflies and Humming Bird Moth all
plentiful, and several Clouded Yellow Butterflies caught.

Viper, 3iin. long, killed near Weymouth, J. R. A.

Hamwortht. - Mr. J. M. Henderson notices the abundance of Moths and Butteiflies,
especially Clouded Yellows.

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET. 201

REPORT ON RAINFALL IN 1893.

I have this year received reports. of Rainfall from 3G stations,
all Dorset with the exception of two just over the Wilts border
and one just over the Devon border, Avhich are useful for
comparison. Three of the stations reported from in 1892, viz. :
Tarrant Keynston (G. Galpin), Bloxworth House (Colonel
Cambridge), and Poole (J. H. Phillips) are unrepresented ; while
on the other hand there are seven additions, some of which are
especially welcome, as filling up gaps where no observations have
before been recorded. Sherborne, Puddletown, Winfrith, &c.
still remain the centres of large districts in which the rainfall is
unobserved. The additional stations are Holwell (Mrs. Warry),
Horton (Rev. Geo. Wellington), Swanage (F. A. Burt), Rousdon
(C. E. Peek), Coneygar Hill, Bridport (H. Gordon), West
Bay Road, Bridport (H. Gordon), and Winterbourne Steeple-
ton (H. Stilwell).

The higliest record of Rainfall is, as usual, from Hazelbury
Bryan, almost exactly the same quantity as in 1892, 37-i2in.
Canon Wheeler writes me : " I have two gauges, one in a
somewhat high part of the garden, the other about 200 yards
away. They never record exactly the same quantity. When I
had to investigate for the elaborate reports of the Tyneside Field
Club the returns from many stations in Northumberland and
Durham, the same fact often struck me. How it can be
accounted for is somewhat difficult to say." The next highest
record is, as in 1892, from Cheddington, 34-60in., against 31-99in.
in that year. After this come Melbury, Rusiimore, Cattistock,
and Larmer, all about 32in., Steepleton, SO'Slin., Wiiatcombe,
29"57in., Parkstone, Beaminster, Creech Grange, and Corfe
Castle, all aljout 28in., Bloxwortii (Rectory) which stood 4th on
the 1892 list being this year only 1-lth with 27"05in., whereas
Parkstone, Avhich is this year 9th, was in 1892 2-lth. The
smallest Rainfall was at Smedmore, 20-20in., which liad the lowest
record in 1892. Then follow Portland, 20-33in., AVeymouth,
22-73iu., Hamworthy, 23-34iu., Swanage, 23-4Gin.

202

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

The talDle below gives the record for 1893 in inches (omitting
the decimal portion), showing the distribution of rain over the 36
stations and tlie number of stations recording similar amounts.

Amount in
Inchep.

20

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

32

34

39

No of
Stationa.

2

1

2

9

5

3

2

4

1

1

4

1

1

It will be noticed that the difference of l-QOin. in 1892 between
Wtke Regis (Mrs. Pretor) and Weymouth (R. Met. Soc.) is very
nearly maintained this year,Mrs. Pretor's record being l'75in. above
the Weymouth one. This tends to show that the difference is due
to some permanent cause. In five months out of the twelve
Weymouth has the larger record, whilst the great differences
between the two occur in October and December, and amount
to l-16in. and 'SSin. respectively, which bring up the Wyke
Regis record so much above that of AVeymouth.

Steepleton, which is divided from Portisham by the hills on
which Hardy's monument stands and is barely three miles distant,
shews a record of 5'48in. more than Portisham. This hardly
comes up to the difference of 12-85in. between Hazelbury Bryan
and HoLWELL, five miles away, but is nevertheless very striking.

I have placed a few of the more interesting differences in the
records of neighbouring stations in the form of a table as below.

Higher Record.

Lower Record.

Approxi-
mate Dist.
apart in
Miles.

Difference
in Records

in Inches.

Swanage (Andrews)

Swanage (Pi x)

near

■01

Swanage (Andrews)

Swanage (Burt) ...

near

1-26

Kusliniore

Larnier

1

•37

Parkstone

Poole (West St.)...

1

4-34

Wyke Regis

Weymouth

2

1-75

Steepleton

Portisham

3

5-48

Cheddington

Beaminster

3

6-2.3

Corf e Castle

Smedmore...

3

7-26

Creech Grange

Smedmors

3

7-36

Hazel. Bryan

Stur. Newton

5

1214

Hazel. Bryan

Holwell

5

12-85

RETURNS OP RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET. 203

The gauges of Messrs. Andrews and Pix at Swanage continue to
agree to within -Olin. as iu 1892, that of the former being still that
small amount ahead of the latter,

N'o. OP Wet Days. The greatest number of days with a fall
of -Olin. or more recorded was 164 at Gillingham, other high
records being Eeaminster, 163; Cheddington, 162; Cattistock,
161. The lowest are Smedmore, 69 ; Creech Grange, 95 ;
Melbury, 108; IIamworthy, 111 ; Bloxworth, 113. Strange
to say at Swanage Mr. Pix records 139 against 122 only from
Mr. Andrews in spite of the agreement of the annual totals of
the gauges. "Wyke Eegis receives more rain than "Weymouth,
but it falls in 132 days instead of 142.

Wettest Month, Towards the N.E. of the County the
wettest month was as a rule February, the next July, with October
closely following ; but in other parts there seems to have been
less rain in February, making July generally the wettest and
October next. The full record is. Wettest month, July at 19
stations; February at 13 ; October at 4, Second Wettest Month,
October at 18 stations ; July at 7 ; February at 6 ; and December
at 4.

Highest Monthly Records. — The two highest records are,
as might have been expected, at Hazelbury Bryan; T'lSin. for
February and 6-65 for December. April was the driest month
except at two stations (August at Smedmore and ^March at
Portland), and the amount recorded for April was nil at Holwell
and did not exceed -lOin. at 15 others. March and May were also
very dry and also August, especially on the South Coast stations
(under lin. at 15 stations).

Heavy Rainfalls. — July. The most general fall of over
lin. which has occurred this year, is recorded for July 15th, but
took place probably at most stations on July 16tli and is by some
observers recorded for that date. As the same fall is doul>tlo.ss
referred to, I will make but one tal)le to .show the distribution,
giving the station and the fall iu 24 hours in inches.

204

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET,

•g

o

i
1

3
o

o

t
1

1

a

1

1

1

1

i

1

1
1

ST

1

i

CO

<
<1>

a
a

i

1

1

CS

1

f

.2
1

•1

1"

1

5

c
1
t

1

1
1

1
1

1

2

s

I

•a

■c

a

s

?^

9

g

g

?

s

"^

S

S

!

?

?

g

s

g

5

^

I

* Recorded for July 13 probably by mistake.

The heaviest fall appears to have taken place at Wtke Kegis
and along the coast to the Eastward ; to the North and West it
diminished until it had decreased to "6 Tin. and •72in. at Gilling-
HAM and Sturminster Newton. At Eushmore there is no
record of rain on the 15th, though on tlie 14th and 16th more
than -Gin. fell on each day. At Chalbury I'OSin. fell on the
11th, and Mr. E. H. Barnes records 1 "43111. and three other falls
of over lin. during the month.

Mr. Andrews, of Swanage, says that the fall of r84in. on
July 1 5th (St. Swithin's Day) was the heaviest fall recorded there
in 13 years. As sujDerstitions come within the limit of subjects
discussed by the Club, it may have some slight weight with those
who still believe that it will rain for 40 days after a wet St.
Swithin's Day, to note that even when St. Swithin's Day was the
wettest in the year, of the 40 succeeding days at Cheddington,
only 18 days, at Whatcombb 14 days, at Swanage 11 days, had
any rain ; but a fine St. Swithin's Day at Eushmore produced
only 26 fine days -and at Larmer only 24 fine days out of the
succeeding 40. This may be a little affected by the fact that a
day of rainfall is, or should be, measured (for the sake of
convenience and uniformity) from 9 a.m. on one day to 9 a.m. on
the next, and does not therefore exactly correspond with St.
Swithin's Day, which would begin at midnight, but the evidence
is strong nevertheless !

September. — On the 8tli a fall of l"01in. is recorded from
Shaftesbury, but nothing over lin. from elsewhere during this
month, except a fall of l"15in. at Melbury on the 28th.

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

205

October. — The most extensive heavy storm of the year, with
the exception of that on July 15th, took place on October 7th.
I append, as in July, a table to shew the distril)ution and the fall
in inches.

In a few cases the record is for October 6th or Sth.

a

1

5

2
i

1
g

i

1

1

1

1

1

c
B

1

1

8

<
i
1
1

i

£

i
?

1

?

1

□

f

1

g5

1

1
1

s

In this storm the condition of things Avas rather reversed from
that of July I5th, and the S. stations (except Portland) received
less than the N.E., Hazelbury Bryan and Rushmorb having
the greatest falls.

On October 17th there was another storm of less magnitude, some
of the falls noted being as follows : — Lytchett Minster, 1 'OGin. ;
Poole, -Slin. ; Hamworthy, •79in. ; Whatcombe, •87in. ; Swanage,
•65in. ; Smedmore, -GOin. ; Portisiiam, -O'in. ; Rushmore, 'O^in.

December, — At nearly all the stations the 19th (or in a few
cases the 20th) is mentioned as the day of greatest fall in this
month, though as a rule the amount is less than lin. I subjoin a
table as before, as I think that it is instructive to compare the falls
at the various stations.

'-■I

r

I
1

s

a

1
I

1

a
1

o

!c B

,3 K

>-
1

^

8

1

61.

i
1

1

S

1
1
1

1

1 i

1
5

i
1

O

6

a

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1

1

i

ffl
1

1

1

S

9

§

S

S

s

!

^1?

s

o o5 CT5 cf5

B

S

?^

,1,

?!?;?

This fall is interesting on account of tlie long maximum line
stretching from S. to N.E., via Cueddinuton, Cattistock,
Melbury, Hazelbury Bryan, and Rushmore.

206 RETURNS OP RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

February. A fall of l-15in. occurred at Hazklbury Bryan on
the 20th of this month.

Prolonged Drought. This drought, which took place in March,
April, and May, had a most serious effect upon the grass and otlier
crops, making the produce very small.

Ml'. Barnes (Parkstone) says " March ; only five days rain and
none after the 16th. April; very dry, no rain at all till the 23rd,
the absolute drought thus lasting 37 days. May ; no rainfall till
the 14th and only a little on that day and the 15th, a partial
drought having lasted 76 days, viz., from 1st March to 15th May,
during which only 0"60in. fell."

Mr. Andrews (Swanage) says : From February 28th to June
23rd, or nearly four months, only 0-99in. fell ; there were two long
periods of total drought, viz., 37 days (March 17th to April 23rd),
and 35 days (May 19th to June 23rd).

Rev. G. H. Billington (Chalbury) says : " In only two of the
last 28 years have we had less Rainfall, viz., in 1870, 23-85in. on
124 days, and in 1887, 22-46in. on 125 days," his total being
24-04in. in 138 days.

At Wareham the fall (25-18in.) was the lowest for ten years
except that of 1887 (20-88in.).

At Cheddington it was lower in 1892, 1889, and 1887.

Mr. C. E. Peek (Rousdon) says that the Rainfall for 1893
(26-52in.) Avas 5-81in, below the average. It was a dry year, but less
so than in 1887 (25-33in.) and 1892 (25-75in.). The Rainfall of
March, April, May, and June amounted to only 1 99in., or 7-67in.
less than the average. The occurrence of four consecutive months
with a Rainfall of less than lin. each is almost unique in this
country.

I give Mr. Peek's report on the gale of December 12th, which
was most destructive in its effects in most, if not all, parts of
Dorset, and which is noted by several observers.

Report for December, 1893, Rousdon.

Wind. — The wind movement amounted to 12,467 miles, which
was 302 miles below the average. The greatest movement in one

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET. 207

(lay was 794 miles on the 13tl', and the least 120 miles on the
6th ; while the daily average was 402 miles. On the morning of
the 10th a fresh southerly wind reached a movement of 50, 60,
and 70 miles per hour, at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. respectively. On the
12th a strong gale from the S.S.AV. set in, and the movement
rapidly increased from 48 miles an hour at 10 a.m. to 79 miles an
hour at 2 p.m., and by 3 p.m. it had fallen to 51 miles. This gale
seems to have reached its greatest force about 1 p.m., when the
wind came in terrific gusts which must have been very nearly 100
miles per hour. In the town of Lyme Regis several houses were
unroofed, chimneys were blown down, and much glass broken by
the falling slates and tiles. The hourly movement of 79 miles has
only been exceeded once during ten years' observations, viz., on
i^ovember 1st, 1887, when a movement of 83 miles an hour Avas
registered at 7 a.m., and for si\ consecutive hours on that morning
the velocity was over 60 miles per hour. South-westerly and
north-westerly winds were most prevalent.

Amongst other observers Mr. Mansel-Pleydell ("Whatcombe)
says "The great storm of December 12th fell with terrific and
disastrous force here."

Mr. 0. Farrer (Binnegar), says "Violent gale on December 12th
acquiring very destructive force about two p.m., fortunately soon
lessening. Aneroid fell then to 29in."

Mr. R. H. Barnes (Parkstone), alludes to " The destructive
storm of almost hurricane force on the 12th and the great
variations in the height of the barometer, the extremes being
2S"54in. and 3074in., and these occurring within nine days of eacli
other, the 20th and 29th."

The notes on temperature and barometer which have been .sent to
me are as follows : — Rev. II. Fix (Swanage) : Greatest cohl 18°
on January 2nd. Rev. G, H. Billington (Chalhurv) : Shade
temperature highest 84° on June lUth and 20th; lowest 19' on
January 2nd and 3rd. Barometer readings at 9 a.m., highest
30-74in. on December 30th ; lowest 28-SOin. on February 1st, but
28'60in. at 2 p.m. on December 20th.

208

RETURNS OP RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

Rev. 0. P. Cambridge (Bloxworth) : The three hottest days
were June 15th, 16th, and 17th when tlie thermometer stood at
117°, 120°, and 129° in the sun, and 88°, 89°, and 89° in the shade.

Mr. H. Stilwell (Steepleton) sends tlie following table of
Meteorological Records, observed at Steepleton Manor, near
Dorchester, during the year 1893 : —

Month.

Temperature.

Extremes recorded of

Averages for the Month of

1.1

1

4

i

15

1

1

!

Lowest

on
Grass.

Daily
Mean
Temper-
ature.

January

. 51-3

23

13-2

3

6-6

3

41-2

29-4

26-1

35-5

February

. 53-0

3

25-4

6

195

f)

46-9

35-3

33-1

41-1

March

. 63-8

30

22-0

19

17-2

19

54-6

33-4

28-6

43-7

April

. 75-6

«1

21-8

14

17-2

14

63-0.

37-6

31-6

49-7

May

. 72-5

b

36-5

12

27-3

64-7

44-0

37-3

53-7

June

. 84-9

18

35-2

1

310

1

70-1

48-5

43-6

58-5

July

. 80-0

2

450

1

38-6

1

68-4

52-8

47-6

60-1

August

. 81-0

16

41-3

X9

32-4

29

70-5

52-2

45-8

608

r 74-0

14

33-7

'M

250

22

64-7

46-5

38-4

55-2

October

. 63-6

9

27-5

31

16-6

31

57-4

42-8

35-4

49 9

Novembe

60-2

3

21-4

1

13-0

1

47-7

36-4

30-7

42-1

December

54-0

13

20-4

31

11-8

30

46-8

34 4

27-5

40-8

For the ye

ar 84-9

June
18

13-2

'f

6-6

Jan

3

58-0

41-2

35-5

49-3

The following table is extracted from an elaborate one received
from Mr. K. H. Barnes (Parkstone) : —

Month.

11

11

£ 8 3

|i

Min. on grass.

ill

g|

Si

S^IS

S3

JJi

Mean.

Lowest

-«|

= S|

January..

41-3

31-6

36-6

51-7

16-8

23-3

5-3

86

7-6

48-2

37-0

42-6

53-9

28-7

28-6

16 5

84

7-6

March ..

55-9

37-5

46-4

65-4

27-4

26-0

15-2

74

4-8

April ..

65-2

41-5

52 8

77-0

31-1

31-1

17 4

60

2-8

May

67-9

46 4

56-5

74-7

39-3

56-7

26-2

66

5-8

June

71-8

511

60-7

87-9

40-4

41-8

27-5

65

44

July

70-7

54-4

62-0

81-2

50-6

47 8

411

75

6-8

August . .

73-4

54-3

63-3

84-6

44-3

45-3

32-8

71

5-9

Srpienriber

67-4

47-8

57-1

76-6

35-8

38-2

24-9

71

6-4

59-2

44 1

51-4

65-8

30-3

35-4

167

82

6-6

November

477

36-3

42-0

61-5

27-2

28-8

14-9

84

7-1

December

47-0

34-2

40-9

550

20-5

23-1

10-0

88

6-3

Note. — Relative humidity is reckoned from 0 or absolute
dryness to 100 or complete saturation. The mean relative
humidity is the mean of that at 3 p.m. and of the mean of those at
9 A.M. and 9 p.m. It must be remembered that in fine bright

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET. 209

Aveather there is often (particularly in .spring and antumn) heavy
dew morning and evening, the humidity being a.s great or nearly so
as if there were rain and fog.

The amount of cloud is reckoned from 0 when the .sky i.s cloud-
less to 10 when the sky is quite covered, and the mean is found as
above. It may be remarked that it is less cloudy on the average
from 9 P.M. to about 11 p.m. than at any other time of the day.

For the years 1882-1893 inclusive the mean temperatures of July
and August are exactly the same G0°1 and the highest, and
the mean temperature of January 39°'l is the lowest ; but the mean
of the minima in March, 33'-7 is the lowest ; Ai)ril is the
driest and least cloudy month with mean rainfall l'64in., mean
relative humidity 72, and mean amount of cloud 60.

In conclusion I have to thank those members and other observers
who have sent me their returns of Rainfall. I shall be much
obliged if they will kindly do the same with regard to the year
1894. I received a few daily records of rainfall, but nearly all are
on Mr. Symons' small forms, which, if accompanied liy additional
notes on any heavy falls of lin. or more in 24 hours, and any
other matters of special interest, are for the purposes of this report
nearly as good as a daily record. I think that there is a little
variation in the time of day at which the record is taken by
different observers. This should be 9 a.m. always, and the amount
of rain then found in the gauge should be credited to the previous
day. Thus a heavy storm at 7 to 8 a.m. on July IGth would be
included in the return for July 15th. This rule should be carefully
adhered to for the sake of uniformity.

I would strongly urge, in accordance with Mr. Symons'
recommendation, that every gauge should be provided with a
receiver capable of holding at least Gin. of rainfall. If tl.c
receiver is too small, the gauge overflows, tlie returns for the year
are rendered inaccurate, and the particulars of an unuiually heavy
fall lost.

A table of the Rainfall is given on the following pages :—

210

RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

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RETURNS OF RAINFALL, ETC., IN DORSET.

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