, 1877-01-20
a lsonlun Eoruln ExhU,n",i ia
Hampshire, EnglnnL.

rnr Forunl, the visitor comes unexpect.
rdly upon the foundation of circular
ar rather polygonal (SiX sidedD temple.
sixty feet in diameter II is surrounded
hy nm ambulatory, and the foundations
Of the inner ms well rs the outer walls
are still visible; but no trace appears of
the columns which are usually found in
temples of this construction Neither
has any altar, statue, or inscription been
discovered, nor any other Indication of
the god in whose honor it was erected,
or the purpose to which it was dedicated.
\ few coins were turned up in the course
nl the excavation worn coin OF Yes.
pasian, and perfectly fresh one Of Sep
timius Scvcrus, to which latter reign the
dates of its erection may with some
probability be referred. In report of
the Oxford Historical and Architectural
Society to Silchcstcr, the Forum, the
chief object Of interest, is described ms
occupying an area of three hundred
and thirteen by two hundred and seven
ty-tive feet. and nearly surrounded by nm
ambulatory or portic0 piuzaa,' The
entrance was from the east, and the re.
mains Of Il sewer were found beneath
the ancient gateway. Shops were ranged
along either side of the gateway and
along the northern side of the courtyard
toward the Basilica. I'm one of the
shops a large number of oyster shells
were found; in another number of
hooks belonging to stcelyards, and sug.
costing the idea ota butchers shop; in
another the spurs of game cocks, in some
instances supplemented with steel spurs
in another q small bur of silver, showing
II jeweler or money changer. The Basil
lea was II noble building, with well
defined apsdal end on the south, but
that on the north appears to have been
somewhat altered. The wall which sup
ported the tribunal on the south still
exists and the substructurc of row nj
tall and handsome columns which had
ioliated caps approaching the Corinthian
order, extends along the eastern side. "
On the west there is series of rooms,
the specific object OF which can be but
subject of conjecture but there seems
little doubt that they were all de' otcd
TO public use. In one was found le-
gionary eagle OF bronze. The floor OF
this room was covered deeply with the
remains Of burnt wood, and wes markeu
with black stripes showing the position
of beams. In another was found an i'm.
perial bulla or seal. One of the apart
ments, too, was distinguished from the
rest 10y the superior style of its pave.
ment, and is supposed to have been the
council chamber The only indications
that might fix date are those found on
the coius that have been disinterred, but
which have broad range from the time
Of Calgula, A. d. 81 to A. u. 410. The
height Of the roof, as indicated by the
outer portions of the building, is sup
posed to have been fifty feet. The in.
terror WAS in all probability furnished
with galleries, and although no trace
appears Of foundation OF dividing
wall, it is likely, from various indlca.
tlons, that tribune existed at the north
ss we'll as at the south end of the Basil
lea, 80 as 10 afford provision for two
courts within the building The work
OF excavation has been done so thor.
oughly that the ground plan is at once
Ineligible even to an unprofessi0nal
visitor; and while by an easy effort of
Imagination he recalls in fancy the scene,
such rs 1t mag have been In the days OF
Honhn mastery, hc can not but be viv.
'niy impressed with the energy and
magnificent conceptions of that eEtaraor.
"lnSfy people, thus carrying to the
feMotcst extremeties Of their inSular
dominion not alone the municipal, civil
and military institutions of the mother.
country, but embodying them in the
same grand and imposing form under
winch they flattercd the national pride
:" the Roman beneath the shadow OF the
Capitol itself.