Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 29.djvu/119

After referring to the commencement of a fresh session, the Chairman adverted to the loss the Institute had sustained in the decease of the lamented Earl Dunraven, one who had always taken a lively interest in their proceedings, and contributed greatly to the success of many assemblies by his learning and general knowledge, and by his courtesy and cordial manner in communicating that knowledge to those around him. In Ireland his memory would long be cherished as one who had contributed more than perhaps any of his contemporaries to a right feeling for the preservation of antiquities. By his failing health in the course of last summer the Earl Dunraven had been prevented taking the post he had accepted of President of the Section of Antiquities at the Cardiff meeting, but he had supported all the early arrangements of that meeting most cordially, and contributed much to its success. The Cardiff meeting, it would be remembered, had been one of the most successful that the Institute had ever held. It had been attended by a much larger number than usual of the members of the Institute, and by many influential visitors of the surrounding district; it had been remarkable for the high character of several of the addresses delivered and the memoirs read; still more remarkable for the hearty and generous hospitality displayed on all sides.

The Secretary read "Notes on a Sculptured Figure found in Easton Church, Hampshire;" by Mr. Albert Way.

"By the permission of the Rev. Algernon Wodehouse, Rector of Easton, near Winchester, a remarkable sculpture in alabaster, a work of the latter half of the fifteenth century, found in the church of Easton, is brought before the Institute. The pavement in the tower having been taken up, the figure was found deposited a few inches under the floor; it suffered some injury by a blow from the pick-axe, and several small fragments were found, that probably had formed parts of the carving. It will be seen that the figure, a sculpture of considerable merit and expressive character in its design, represents St. John the Baptist, not, however, clad as more usually to be seen, in the shaggy skin of an animal,—'the raiment of camel's hair,'—but in a long robe and mantle, the former girt around the waist with the leathern girdle, as mentioned in the Gospels.

"The Precursor here appears with the Holy Lamb placed upon a book, on his left arm, and with his right hand he points towards the sacred