the Crucifix: these were originally enamelled. Within is inscribed—mon cur abez. Weight, 7 dwt. 21 gr. In the large collection of merchants' marks in Norwich, published by Mr. Ewing, may be noticed two, having the numeral 2 introduced in like manner. Another presents the Arabic 4; and it deserves notice how frequently these singular symbols assume a resemblance to the later form of that numeral.[1]
By Edward Hussey, Esq.—A globular stilyard weight of lead, cased with brass, resembling in form that found in the moat at Fulbroke, (Journal, vol. ii., p. 203), and two found near Norwich (Archæologia, vol. xxv., pl. 64). The specimen, exhibited by the obliging permission of Mr. Chuck, weighing 5112 oz., was brought amongst some old lead from Oxfordshire: it is ornamented with three escutcheons—a double-headed eagle displayed, a lion rampant (Marshal ?), and three chevronels (Clare ?). The bearing on the Fulbroke weight was, a lion rampant, crowned; on one of the others, a lion rampant, a double-headed eagle, and a fleur-de-lys; on the third, the arms of England, with the double-headed eagle. The arms on the weight exhibited are supposed to be referable to Richard, Earl of Poictou and Cornwall, younger son of King John; being elected King of the Romans in 1256, he assumed the bearing. Or, an eagle dis- played sable: the lion rampant may be the arms of Poictou (the crown omitted), which he customarily bore with a bordure bezanty; or those of his first wife, daughter of William Marshal Earl of Pembroke, and widow of Gilbert de Clare. Richard enjoyed various lucrative privileges granted to him by Henry III., especially in farming the Mint; and it was probably owing to some of these that the standard weights bore his arms.
By the Rev. C. W. Bingham.—A silver gemel-ring, of unusual fashion, date fourteenth century, found in Dorsetshire, the hoop formed in two portions, so that a moiety of the letters composing the legend—✠ave mari, appears on each, and it only becomes legible when they are brought together. side by side. Each demi-hoop is surmounted by a projecting neck, and a small globular knob, so that the ring appears to have a bifid head. The two portions of this ring are not intertwined, like the gemel found at Horsley Down, Surrey, described in the Archæologia,[2] and as no adjustment now appears by which they might be kept together in proper juxta-position, it is possible that, in this instance, it was intended that each of the affianced parties should retain a moiety of the gemel. Dr. Johnson, in his notes on Shakspeare, alludes to such supposed division of the gemel, as throwing light upon a difficult passage in "The Midsummer Night's Dream," Act iv., Scene i.
By Mr. Whincopp.—An inscribed ring of mixed yellow metal, found in a garden at Capel St. Andrew's, near Ipswich. On the exterior is the following posy, the letters in relief; the field was probably once filled up with enamel or coloured paste—Cout . pour . bien . fevre. Between each word there is a fleur-de-lys. Date, about 1450.
By W. W. Ffoulkes, Esq.—Two perforated discs of stone, measuring about two inches diameter, one of them found in Bodfari Camp, Flintshire, supposed to be the site of a Roman settlement (Bodvari, the mansion of Varus). The other was discovered in a morass, on the mountainous district east of Dolgellau. This has one side slightly conical, the former is
