convoluted interlacements, the escaping bands of which connect them together, so that they fill the upper part with a pattern suited to the space. The lower part is filled with a still more complicated series of interlaced work symmetrically arranged in triangular figures, each figure being formed as well as filled by the interlacements. The stone has a flat

raised edging, which is decorated on one side by an interlacing border, and on the other by a border of double scroll-like spirals. The spaces on either side of the cross are divided into panels. Two of these contain winged figures, apparently of angels; others, the figures of beasts, which are full of character, although they are incapable of recognition or description as those of any known animals. The reverse is bordered by the bodies of two serpentine creatures, whose open mouths are directed towards a human-like face between them. Below are two figures seated on chairs, and between them a cross on a pedestal; over the cross is the crescent symbol, over one of the seated figures the double disc symbol, and over the other the beast symbol. Below is a figure on horseback, with two of the symbols repeated, and underneath a hammer, anvil, and tongs incised.

A very remarkable group of monuments occurs at Meigle in Perthshire. This group comprises a larger number of complete specimens than any other, and exhibits perhaps more distinctly than any other a series of characteristics which may be taken as transitional. One of the largest is a slab over 5 feet high and 3 feet broad. It bears on the obverse a cross of Celtic form, extending the whole length of the stone, and elaborately ornamented with interlaced work. The spaces on either side are filled with figures of animals. The reverse of the monument is wholly occupied by figuresubjects and symbols. At the top is a fish; below it the serpent with the bent rod, a beast specially conventional in

form, distinguished by its lengthened snout and scroll-like projections instead of legs, a triquetra, a mirror, and comb, and the head and neck of an animal resembling that which accompanies the spectacle-like form on the leaf-shaped silver plate from Norrie's Law. Underneath these is a camel-like creature kneeling at one side, and a deer-like animal at the other. In the lower part of the stone are five horsemen and a beast of attenuated form convoluted into a scroll, which resembles a common ornament in the Book of Kells.

Another monument of this group, measuring about 5 feet high and 3 feet broad, bears on the obverse a cross of Celtic form, ornamented with interlaced work, spirals, and fretwork of great beauty. The spaces on each side are occupied by groups of animals, forming symmetrical patterns by the interlacement of their bodies and limbs, in the usual style of the manuscripts. The reverse of the stone is filled with figure-subjects and symbols. The figure-subjects are men on horseback-one with sword and shield. a stag, a griffin, serpents, and various nondescript animals of attenuated form, twisted and interlaced. The symbols are the crescent and bent rod with floriated ends, and the beast with the long jaws and scroll-like feet.

A third monument of smaller size bears on the obverse a cross of the usual type, ornamented with interlaced work, spirals, and fretwork. The cross is enclosed within a border of interlaced work, and rises from a pedestal, the corners of which are ornamented with beasts' heads in a manner which is characteristic of Celtic work, as we have seen both in the manuscripts and the brooches already described. Four beasts occupy the vacant spaces between the borders and the cross, above and below its transverse limbs. The reverse of the stone exhibits a single panel containing the figure of a horseman. On one of the edges of the stone are two symbols--the mirror and the beast with the long jaws and scroll-like feet.

A fourth monument (now no longer in existence) bore the representation of a chariot. The driver sits on a seat above the pole, which passes between the two horses, and two figures appear inside. In one corner of the slab a wild animal, with short and powerful limbs, suggestive of those of a bear, is in the act of devouring a prostrate human figure, while a smaller animal appears in front, and behind it a man is fitting an arrow to a bow.1

In these monuments the same general character is apparent, though they differ considerably in their details. It would be tedious to continue such minute descriptions for each of the remaining monuments of the group. They are altogether upwards of twenty in number, and it will suffice for the present purpose that the description which has been already given establishes the general relations of the group, by showing that its prominent features are those that are also prominent in the monuments of the other groups already described, -the cross on the obverse, figure-subjects and symbols on the reverse, and the ornamentation composed of interlaced work, spirals, and fretwork.

But we have seen that while in each group this is the prevailing character, each also contains specimens that deviate to a greater or less extent from the general rule, and thus form links or stepping-stones towards the alteration of character that constitutes a difference of type. In this Meigle

1 This monument is figured, and further referred to in the Lecture on the Symbolism of the Monuments (see Fig. 103).

2 Since the delivery of these Lectures, the stones at Meigle (with the exception of those standing erect in the churchyard) have been brought together into the old schoolhouse, which has been acquired by public subscription through the exertions of the late Sir George Kinloch of Kinloch, Bart., and fitted up as a kind of local museum for their reception. By this means they are preserved from dispersion and weathering. But in such local arrangements there is no adequate recognition of their permanent interest as National Monuments, and their public utility as art-materials.

group, for instance, there are monuments which have interlaced decoration, but present no spirals and no fretwork. There are others which not only want the spirals and the

Fig. 42. At Meigle, Perthshire (obverse, 8 feet high).

fretwork, but want the interlaced work and the symbols of unknown meaning. One of these (Figs. 42, 43), the largest monument in the group, is especially remarkable in this respect. It stands 8 feet high, and 3 in breadth. It bears