No. 13. Another figure with a small animal slung over his shoulder, and holding something in his hand. No. 14. A female figure carrying some animal, apparently a hare, on her shoulder, and leading a goat. No. 15. A venerable bearded figure of Moses, with the "two tables of stone," on which is engraved "Lege Dei.” This is from the north transept. No. 16. A beautiful bracket or corbel, in which the figure of a lizard is elegantly carved. This is from the north transept. Nos. 17 and 18. Two pedestals, from the east end of the choir, over the altar. Nos. 19 and 20. The Annunciation of the Virgin, and an emblematical representation of the Deity; both from panels on the elegant alabaster tomb of Dean Henry Hussee, who died A.D. 1305. No. 21. A head, from the tomb of William de Marchia (A.D. 1302) inserted over the head of the recumbent statue of the bishop. No. 22. Two mutilated figures of angels, and the figure of a headless bishop between, all gracefully draped; from the wall under the canopy at the back of Bishop Marchia's tomb. No. 23. A small figure of a female, in a crouching position, from the tomb of Bishop Beckington. No. 24. From the groined roof of the western cloister, and represents the curious rebus and initial of Bishop Beckington, who died A.D. 1465. The rebus is a flaming becon on a tun, or cask "beacon-tun," in allusion to the bishop's name, Beckington. Nos. 25, 26, 27 and 28. Four demi-angels, each holding a shield; from the chantry chapel of Hugh Sugar, LL.D., who was one of Bishop Beckington's executors. One shield is charged with three sugar-loaves, surmounted by a doctor's cap, in allusion to the founder's name; another with the initials H. S. in a cypher; another with a cross and the Virgin and Child; and the fourth with the lily, emblematical of the annunciation. No. 29. The statue of Athelstan. He is distinguished by a large brooch on the breast, and by this the statue is clearly identified-the name "Athelstan" meaning, literally, the "gem or "precious stone." The statue occupies one of the most prominent positions in the "temporal" or north side of the west front, viz., in the second great buttress from the north-east corner of the front. The figure is 8ft. 4in. high, and, although somewhat stiff and ungraceful in appearance, yet it forms an admirable specimen of English art of the early period at which it was executed. No. 30. The bust of Otho, son of Henry, Emperor of Germany. No. 31. A bust of "Ina," King of the West Saxons. This statue is placed nearly over the central door, on the south or "spiritual" side, the corresponding niche on the opposite or "temporal" side being occupied by his Queen Ethelburga. No. 32. A bust of King Ethelbert, wearing a crown. No. 34. Edward, martyr. No. 35. Bust of King William Rufus. No. 36. From the north side of the north-western tower, the subject is "The Last Supper," and consists of nine figures, described by Mr. Cockerell thus: "John reposes in the bosom of the Saviour; in front is a page kneeling on one knee, as constantly seen in the festive scenes of the middle ages.' No. 37. Christ among the Doctors, consists of ten figures. Nos. 38 and 39. Two statues from the eastern side of the chain gate, built by Bishop Beckington. CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR 1855. History of England, 2 vols, 1732, folio. W. E. GILLETT, Esq. Two wasps' nests.-Rev. O. S. HARRISON. Two pieces of hand-mill, or quern, from Kew-steps.— Rev. F. WArre. Specimen of fossil wood from the Island of Portland, and sheet of metallic oxydes, struck by electricity by the late Andrew Crosse.-Mrs. ANDREW CROSSE. Two specimens of antique carving. W. E. SURTEES, Esq. Specimen of Ostræa.-W. M. KELLY, Esq., M.D. Five photographic delineations of architectural antiquities of Somerset.-B. J. M. DONNE, Esq. Ecclesiastical documents, Camden Society, containing a History of the Bishoprick of Somerset. JAMES YATES, Esq., F.R.S. Specimens of polished madrepores. Mrs. WARREN, and Mrs. CECIL SMITH. Specimen of Travertine, from Pickeridge. Stuffed badger.-Mr. W. FISHER. Rev. H. STRETCH. Collection of shells from the Black Sea.-Capt. ELLIOT. Two casts of ancient British coins, and part of Roman chariot-wheel, found at Hamdon Hill.-R. WALTER, Esq. Churchwardens' account of Parish of St. Mary's, Taunton, 1672, 1673.-Mr. A. C. Cox. Monkland's Literature and Literati of Bath, and Supplement to ditto.-W. E. SURTEES, Esq. VOL. VI., 1855, PART I. C Rotuli Hundredorum; Nonarum Inquisitiones; Inquisitiones post Mortem, 4 vols.; Valor Ecclesiasticus, vol. 5; Parliamentary Writs; Abstract of Poor Returns ; Gordon's Tacitus; Register of Voters; Municipal Corporations; Local Taxation; County Rates; Parliamentary Papers--8 vols.; Report of the Orders of Council on Education; and collection of Railway Prospectuses.- Rev. W. PHELPS. Parts of mummy.-Mr. W. S. LINCOLN. C. WINDLE, Esq. Conversazione Meetings. 5th Season. T the Conversazione Meetings of the Society held at the Museum, in Taunton, during the winter of 1854-55, Papers on the following subjects were read :— 1854, November,-1st Meeting. On Heraldry; by Mr. J. F. Y. Mogg." 察 On a Newly-discovered Roman Villa at Wadeford; by Mr. R. Walter. On Monumental Effigies in Tickenham Church, near Clevedon; by Mr. H. G. Tomkins. ,, December,-2nd Meeting. Observations on a Tour through North America ; by Mr. W. E. Surtees. On Cephalopodes, recent and fossil, illustrative of objects in the Society's Museum; by the Rev. W. A. Jones. 1855, January,—3rd Meeting. On the Life and Times of Roger Bacon; by Mr. On the Luminosity of the Sea; by W. Metford, M.D. On some Recent Discoveries of Roman Remains in the neighbourhood of Bath; by the Rev. H. M. Scarth. "March, 4th Meeting. On the Waters of the neighbourhood of Taunton ; by Mr. W. Price Jones. On the Baptism of Guthorm, King of the Danes, at Aller; by Mr. T. S. Baynes, LL.B. * This has since been published in a separate form, by Mr. May, Taunton. |