Fig. 102.—Lagore. Carved Bone, showing some of the designs real size.
"A very curious bone was likewise found ([Fig. 102]), and exhibited to the meeting, with a number of devices carved on it, as if by way of practice in engraving; these devices consisted of scrolls and marks precisely similar to those found on ancient Irish crosses, ornaments, and gravestones. There were no crosses, beads, or Christian sacred ornaments found in the excavation: but a number of pieces of stags' horns sawn across, and also pieces of hazel-wood, in great quantity, as if laid up for firewood, were found in one spot near the bottom. Some of the articles exhibited now belong to the collection of the Dean of St. Patrick's: but the greater number were forwarded for the inspection of the Academy by Mr. Barnwall, of Grennanstown, on whose ground the discovery was made, and to whom Mr. Wilde was indebted for the bones, and permission to make any researches he might require."
The late Lord Talbot de Malahide, writing in the Archæological Journal of June, 1849 (B. 10, p. 101), says, in regard to the Lagore find:—
"A great portion of these valuable relics became the property of the late Dr. Dawson, Dean of St. Patrick's; and on his decease were purchased, with the rest of his Irish antiquities, and presented to the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy. Surgeon Wilde also presented to the same institution a valuable collection of the bones found in the same locality. Mr. Barnwall, the owner of the soil, still possesses some remnant of this treasure, after having been plundered to a considerable extent by dishonest servants; and those specimens which I possess, representations of some of which are given in illustration of this paper, I owe to the liberality and kindness of the same gentleman."
Fig. 103.—Lagore. Iron Weapons, a peculiar Iron Pipe, and Ring with portion of Chain attached.
The following list comprises the various antiquities from Lagore then in the possession of Lord Talbot, and laid before the members of the Institute at the monthly meeting on February 2nd:—
