mission, then, and reserving any general remarks for the conclusion of our sitting, I will now call on my friend Mr. Crosby to move the first Resolution."

Mr. CROSBY." The necessity for the existence of institutions. such as we propose this day to form, and the advantages which have resulted from those archæological societies which have now for some time been in existence, must, I think, be obvious to us all. I believe that nearly every county in England has its own archæological society; and, this being the case, I think it is a matter of some discredit, as well as of surprise, that in London and Middlesex there should hitherto have been no institution specially devoted to that wide and fertile field for archæological research. The necessity for such an institution is too evident to require any demonstrative arguments, I therefore shall proceed at once to move,- That a Society, to be called the London and Middlesex Archæological Society, be now established; and that such Society is hereby established.'"

Mr. MOGFORD, F.S.A. briefly, but in emphatic terms, seconded the Resolution, which was unanimously adopted.

Having been called on by the Chairman to move the second Resolution,

Mr. DEPUTY LOTT, F.S. A rose, and said," Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, I have very great pleasure in moving this Resolution. The science of archæology has now arrived at that condition which renders it highly desirable that every county in this kingdom should possess its own society, for the purpose of conducting antiquarian research within its own limits, and for investigating and preserving the memory of those treasures of the past which each may claim as peculiarly its own. I believe that all the counties abound in materials for the operations of such societies: it is certain that the county of Middlesex and the city of London-a separate county in itself-abound in all that is interesting to the antiquary, and is at the same time valuable for historical illustration. I rejoice to find that, at length, we are to have an Archæological Sciety in and for London and Middlesex; and I feel sincere pleasure in moving this Resolution,- That the following Rules and Regulations for

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the government and administration of the London and Middlesex Archæological Society be adopted.""

Mr. TAYLER." I have great pleasure in seconding the motion which has just been read by Mr. Deputy Lott. In these days, when science and information are so rapidly extending their happy influences over all England, when noblemen and men in high places take a personal interest in such matters-an interest in which we all participate-I am sure that the importance of such an institution as this must be clearly apparent to all. I second this Resolution with the more satisfaction, because I see that these Rules have been very carefully considered. They define, clearly and satisfactorily, both the scene and the scope of the Society's operations; and they provide in an eminently satisfactory manner for those operations being duly carried on and consistently sustained. In these Rules it is clearly laid down that we trench on no other Society: that is an important element in our constitution-one which, while it has doubtless had no slight influence with those noblemen and gentlemen who are prepared to give the Society their support, will no less certainly contribute in a great degree to its ultimate success. Any collision with kindred societies already in existence would have been both injudicious and improper, and must have injured our Society. Our sphere of action is an absolutely independent one: we can do our own work without any collision with other societies, and without in any respect or degree intruding upon their province; and the Rules and Regulations which I now advise you to adopt provide expressly for our independent action, and they will secure us from all such collision as I have specified. It is much to be regretted that, in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, there should be present with us to-day a much smaller number of friends and supporters than had been expected: still I anticipate for this Society a rapid progress; and I feel assured that the record of this Inaugural Meeting of the London and Middlesex Archæological Society will be regarded with the utmost satisfaction, and that it will form the commencement of a series of publications second in interest and value to none which are produced by institutions.

connected with the study of antiquities. I will close these observations with the expression of my conviction that we all hail with gratification the formation of this Society, and with again. repeating my own satisfaction with the Rules and Regulations, which I confidently recommend for your adoption."

The proposed Rules and Regulations were then read by Mr. George Bish Webb, at the request of the Chairman, who subsequently said,

"Gentlemen, these proposed Rules and Regulations having been read, I have now to request from you any suggestions which you may be disposed to offer for their alteration or improvement."

Mr. ELT having then expressed his entire general approbation of the proposed Rules and Regulations, as they had been read, a highly interesting conversation took place upon some matters of detail, and also upon the manner in which the Rules themselves should be grouped. Amongst the gentlemen who took a part in this conversation, were the Chairman, Mr. G. G. Scott, A.R A., Mr. Deputy Lott, Mr. Arden, Rev. Charles Boutell, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Dennes, Mr. Ashpitel, Mr. Elt, and Mr. Butterworth; the result was, that a few alterations were introduced, including the addition of three trustees to the list of officers, and a better form of arrangement adopted: after which the Rules and Regulations following were unanimously accepted by the Meeting, as

THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE LONDON AND MIDDLESEX ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

I.-The Title of this Society shall be

"THE LONDON AND MIDDLESEX ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY."

II.—The Objects of this Society shall be—

1. To collect and publish the best information on the Ancient Arts and Monuments of the Cities of London and Westminster, and of the County of Middlesex ;—including Primeval Antiquities; Architecture, Civil, Ecclesiastical, and Military; Sculpture; Works of Art in Metal and Wood; Paintings on Walls, Wood, or Glass; Civil History and Antiquities, comprising Manors, Manorial Rights, Privileges and

Customs; Heraldry and Genealogy; Costume; Numismatics; Ecclesiastical History and Endowments, and Charitable Foundations, Records, and all other matters usually comprised under the head of Archæology.

2.—To procure the careful observation and preservation of antiquities discovered in the progress of works, such as Excavations for Railways, Foundations of Buildings, &c.

3. To make, and to encourage individuals and public bodies in making, researches and excavations, and to afford them suggestions and co-operation.

4.-To oppose and prevent, so far as may be practicable, any injuries with which Monuments and Ancient Remains of every description may, from time to time, be threatened; and to collect accurate drawings, plans, and descriptions thereof.

5. To found a Museum and Library for the reception, by way of gift, loan, or purchase, of works and objects of Archæological interest.

6.-To arrange periodical Meetings for the reading of papers, and the delivery of lectures, on subjects connected with the purposes of the Society.

III. The Constitution and Government of the Society shall be as follows:

1. The Society shall consist of Members and Honorary Members. 2.-Each Member shall pay an Annual Subscription of not less than Ten Shillings, to be due on the 1st of January in each Year, in advance, or £5 in lieu thereof, as a Composition for Life.

3.-The affairs of the Society shall be conducted by a Council of Management, to be elected by the Society at their Annual General Meeting, and to consist of a Patron, a President, Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, Trustees, an Honorary Secretary, and Twenty Members, eight of whom shall go out annually, by rotation, but be eligible for re-election. Five Members of this Council shall form a quorum.

4. All payments to be made to the Treasurer of the Society, or to his account, at such Banking-house in the Metropolis as the Council may direct, and no cheque shall be drawn except by order of the Council, and every cheque shall be signed by two Members thereof, and the Honorary Secretary.

5.-The property of the Society shall be vested in the Trustees.

6.-The Subscriptions of Members shall entitle them to admission to all General Meetings, and to the use of the Library and Museum, subject to such regulations as the Council may make, and also to one

copy of all publications issued by direction of the Council during their Membership.

7.-No Member whose Subscription is in arrear shall be entitled to vote at any Meeting of the Society, or to receive any of the Society's publications, or to exercise any privilege of Membership; and if any. Member's subscription be twelve months in arrear, the Council may declare him to have ceased to be a Member, and his Membership shall thenceforth cease accordingly.

8. Every person desirous of being admitted a Member must be proposed agreeably to the Form annexed to these Rules; and this Form must be subscribed by him, and by a Member of the Society, and addressed to the Honorary Secretary, to be submitted to the Council, who will ballot for his election: one black ball in five to exclude.

9.-Ladies desirous of becoming Members will be expected to conform to the foregoing Rule, so far as relates to their nomination, but will be admitted without ballot.

10.-Persons eminent for their literary works or scientific acquirements shall be eligible to be associated with the Society as Honorary Members, and to be elected by the Council.

11.-The Lord Lieutenant of the County, the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the High Steward of Westminster, Members of the House of Peers residing in, or who are Landed Proprietors in the County; also all Members of the House of Commons representing the County, or the Metropolitan Cities and Boroughs; and such other persons as the Council may determine, shall be invited to become Vice-Presidents, if Members of the Society.

12.—An Annual General Meeting shall be held in the month of June or July, at such time and place as the Council shall appoint, to receive and consider the Report of the Council on the proceedings and state of the Society, and to elect the Officers for the ensuing twelve months.

13.-There shall be also such other General Meetings in each year as the Council may direct for the reading of papers and other business: these Meetings to be held at times and places to be appointed by the Council.

14.-The Council may at any time call a Special General Meeting, and they shall at all times be bound to do so on the written requisition of Ten Members, specifying the nature of the business to be transacted. Notice of the time and place of such Meeting shall be sent to the Members at least fourteen days previously, mentioning the subject to be brought forward; and no other subject shall be discussed at such Meeting.