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and fifty years old, or one of those
substantial buildings of bright red brick, with stone quoins, and
a little pediment over the door, of the time of Queen Anne—ought
to be photographed. It may not be of sufficient value to be kept
standing, but there are few of these old buildings which have not
something about them worthy of preservation; and if the Members of
this Society, each in his own district, will procure photographs
of any such building or curiosity—and particularly not to allow
changes to be made without first obtaining an accurate photograph
of buildings as they were before the alterations were commenced,
as well as any interesting discoveries made in the process of the
change which future progress may conceal, and at its ultimate
completion, in order to guard against future change—we shall
have such a mass of genuine, truthful, unquestionable archaeological
photographs as the world never before possessed. Photography has
given a new life to Archaeology, and so I trust that this Society
will not fail to make that use of its resources which it would be
a shame and disgrace to it not to do. I now beg leave to move the Resolution
which has been placed in my hands, viz.:—
"That the Honorary Secretary be requested to
solicit Members of the Society, and others distinguished for their
learning in Archaeological science, to contribute original papers,
drawings, etc., with a view to their preservation among the
records of the Society's operations, as well as their publication
and subsequent distribution amongst the Members."
[Carried unanimously.]
The Rev. W. M. SMITH MARRIOTT, in moving the next
Resolution, said:—
Although I cannot pretend to any knowledge of
Archaeology, I have a great respect for all that pertains to "
the olden time," and shall have great pleasure in doing
all that lies in my humble power to assist a Society which refers
so usefully to bygone days. The present are said to be days of
progress. It is impossible to deny it. We boast of " the
march of intellect;" and though far be it from me to
speak lightly of that presumed march, I am not sure that we have
not reason to be afraid that too much of our boasted knowledge is
superficial: just as in. our modern system of travelling we speed
so fast that we miss many beauties which gave great pleasure to
our ancestors.
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