METALLIC IMPLEMENTS.

Notwithstanding the tendency of iron to oxidize, several weapons made of this material, and used by the Romans, have come down to our day. Their general character and form can be better learnt from an inspection of the drawings which depict them than by verbal description. On Plate X. are shewn two spear or javelin heads, and on [Plate XVII]. the iron points of some arrows.

Vessels of cast-metal, fitted for domestic use, are occasionally met with. On [Plate XVII]. fig. 2, is a specimen of a pot or boiler, closely resembling those in modern use; it was found in cutting the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, near Haydon Bridge.

Bronze vessels are occasionally found. The utensils depicted on [Plate XVI]. are of this metal. Fig. 1, is a pan, evidently intended for culinary purposes. The use of the other vessel, fig. 2, so nearly resembling a modern coffee-pot, is not so apparent, though several of this form have been found in the Roman stations in the north of England. Is it a decanter—a sort of wine flagon? Both of these vessels were found on the line of the Wall, but at what point I have been unable to learn.

Near to Whitfield, were recently found three camp-kettles, of peculiar make, which are now in the Museum of Antiquities at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. They are formed of bronze, but of exceedingly thin metal; they have evidently seen much service, and are patched in several places. Owing to the thinness of the metal they would very readily feel the fire. In Italy, where during a great part of the year a fire is only lighted when indispensable, similar vessels are still in use. These three vessels vary in size, so as to allow of their being placed one within the other. The smallest of them is shewn on Plate XVII. fig. 3. The strainer, fig. 1, also of bronze, and very finely and tastefully perforated, was found with them.

The boss of a shield, having something of the appearance of the head of a snake, [Plate VII]. fig. 2, is also of bronze. It is preserved at Chesters.

Fibulæ or clasps, for fastening the loose robes worn by the Romans, are, as may be supposed, of ordinary occurrence. The one represented, of the full size, [Plate XIV]. fig. 2, was found at Carvoran. It is of bronze, and is of a form of which there are many examples. The tongue is wanting, but the spiral spring to which it was attached, and the groove which caught it, are distinctly observed. The small pair of bronze shears or scissors, which are shewn of their full size, [Plate XIV]. fig. 1, were also found at Carvoran.

PLATE XV.

J. STOREY DEL ET LITH.PRINTED BY A. REID.
Samian Ware, from Wallsend and Lanchester

PLATE XVI

J STOREY DEL ET LITHPRINTED BY AND^w REID.
Bronze Vessels

PLATE XVII.

J STOREY DEL ET LITHPRINTED BY AND^w REID.
Iron Pot, Bronze Vessel, Tongs, etc.

PLATE XVIII

J STOREY DEL ET LITHPRINTED BY AND^w REID.
Soles of Sandals, etc.