Description of the Plates.

   PLATE I.—Figs. 1 to 4 afford good examples of varieties of Anglo-Saxon fibulae of the circular class. A comparison with those represented in plates ii. and iii. of the ' Inventorium Sepulchrale' is requisite in order to understand the original condition of the fibula, those of the Faussett collection being in a perfect state, while most of the Faversham specimens have lost their central setting. This was probably an umbo of mother-of-pearl, set with a small garnet,
   PLATE II.—Fig. 1 exhibits one of the highest class of Saxon fibulae, of which the large example from Kingston-down (Invent. Sepul. pl. i. fig. 1) is the richest and most elegant: it is also the most perfect, retaining the settings of all the cells, which are wanting in the fibula before us. It is probable that, like this, the cells of fig. 1 were filled with turquoises, garnets,  and mother-of-pearl. Figs. 2 and 4, Gold Pendants. The surface of Fig. 2 is punched with small concave dots, and crossed by bars of an elegant cable pattern, surmounted by a boss in the centre. Fig. 4 is covered with small semicircular coils with inverted volutes, and set with fine triangular garnets placed crossways from a circular central stone, which, is wanting. In the loop of Fig. 2 is a gold pin or plug, which it is stated was in it when discovered. These pendants or bullae are varieties of those in the Faussett collection, as well as of several in the collection of Lord Londesborough, from graves at Wingham.¹  Fig. 3, Girdle Buckle, in bronze gilt, or covered with, a plate of thin gold punched with rows of minute circles and triangles. Figs. 5, 6, and 7, are other examples of buckles appertaining to female costumes. Figs. 6 and 7, in bronze gilt, are particularly remarkable for the intricacy and elaborate work of the patterns, which the artist alone can properly describe, although the practised eye is familiar with similar designs in Saxon and Frankish works of art. Fig. 7 may be compared with fig. 22, plate xi., of the ' Inventorium
Sepulchrale.'
   The modes of construction of these fibula may be thus described:—Fig. 1, Plate II., was composed of two separate plates of gold enclosed by a band round the edges. In the other classes (Plate I.), the fibulae are formed of a slightly hollowed plate, either of bronze or of silver, upon which is laid a disk of gold with cells' of varied arrangement, interspersed with slightly raised chased works and scrolls of- corded gold wire; or they are fabricated out of one piece of metal .only, the cells and chased work being cast, together with the frame, in one piece.
   PLATE III. represents the richly embossed plates which are presumed to have formed the ornaments of horse furniture. They are of bronze, with some slight insertions of silver. Fig. 6 is a fragment of a circular plate, such as Fig. 1, but larger, Fig. 2 and 3 are copper-gilt flat ornaments. Fig. 2 has been furnished with a loop for fastening to a ring. They are engraved of the actual size.
   ¹ Remains of Pagan Saxondom, pl. ix