Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/17

already been hinted at, namely, the high gratification that real antiquaries derive from their pursuit as an occupation. All who have been engaged in them, even for a short time, can bear witness to the fascination of such studies. There is probably scarcely any occupation that takes possession so fully of its votaries as Archaeology, combining, as it is capable of doing, the most pleasing amusement with great intellectual exercise; extending, where any subject of deep interest is under examination, into regions of varied, and, frequently, most curious learning. This in itself is sufficient to give a great degree of attractiveness to the occupation of the antiquary; but, beyond this, it is not claiming too much for it to assert that a moral influence of no slight amount is exercised by Archaeological inquiry. In the more recently formed societies, the collection and examination of objects of Mediaeval Art connected with national and local history are especially looked to; and already a great fund of valuable information on these subjects has been obtained. One result of this is indisputable. From our more correct acquaintance with the habits of our ancestors, we surely become more closely linked with the interests of our own descent. In the various phases of our civilisation; in the warlike and energetic character of our earlier races; in the deep, devotional feelings which characterised the age of Church influence, so strikingly exhibited in the sublime ecclesiastical edifices that adorn our country, and in the simple and affecting monuments which are preserved in them; in the combination of the religious and warlike character in the Crusaders; in the stern valour, and impatience under tyranny, of the brave Barons who wrung from their sovereign the Magna Charta of our liberty; or, in the chivalrous exploits which have tinged, as it were, with the bright colours of romance the busy times of our Edwards and early Henrys, we dwell with fond remembrance upon the traces of those noble spirits whose deeds have illustrated our history. Though these are but a few of the bright and stirring pictures suggested by this branch of our subject, this mere cursory glance at the wide field of national historical interest that is spread out