there to furnish its sides, and a sound foot-way to it, so that the young ladies may readily help themselves to a glass of its pure water without difficulty. An hour or two's work would clear it effectually, and then it would deserve the name the Club now give it of "Ffunnon-gwr," or "The Bachelor's Spring." Why should not this be done on the 8th of the Ides of October, the feast of St. Keyne? See to it, oh young men, that the reproach may pass from you! and you will enjoy all the more the contents of the bottles that may still be cooled in the rushes at hand. The view from the summit, on all sides, is very fine. It is said that on a clear day twelve or thirteen counties may be looked upon, besides the Bristol Channel from Swansea nearly to Chepstow; but this day was not particularly clear, and time was short, so let it pass. The descent, as usual, was easily made, and after a photograph had been taken of the waterfall, with a group of the visitors, the carriages were quickly rejoined. Time did not admit of botanising on the mountain; but the most interesting plant found was the Bog Asphodel, or Lancashire Asphodel, as it is called in old books, Narthecium ossifragum, or Llaf-y-bladur, as the Welsh call it. This pretty little plant, with its spike of bright flowersclear yellow within and green without-is believed in Switzerland to be noxious to sheep, whose bones it is imagined to soften-and hence its "break-bone" name. Linnæus, however, showed this to be purely prejudice, for neither sheep nor swine will eat it, though cows and horses do so without the least injury. It was plentiful in some few places on the slopes of the hill. The scenery again made the ride very enjoyable; for when the range of the Epynt hills was hidden, the lights and shadows of the steep northern ends of the Black Mountain ranges were particularly fine. At Christ College, on entering Brecon, the carriages were stopped that the chapel might be visited where the learned Bishop Bull lies buried between two of his predecessors in the See of St. David's (Bishops Mainwaring and Lucy), "within the communion rails, near the place where the high altar formerly stood." Mr. Registrar Jones, in his History of Brecknockshire, speaks of this orthodox divine as the great and immortal George Bull "Cujus niagnum nomen nulla capit tabula nulla delebit ætas "-- and that this verdict is borne out in modern days may be proved by this fact amongst others, that the late Rev. Dr. Hook, Dean of Chichester, in his Serinons on the "Church and her Ordinances" (1876), when referring to a question relating to the Service of the Holy Communion, says (page 180), I shall conclude "in the words of perhaps the most learned divine the Church of England has ever produced, that godly man, Bishop Bull." The modern improvements of encaustic tiles filled up the space pointed out, and no slab indicated the place of burial; but on the south wall, a large white marble slab bore a long Latin inscription in his honour. The most notable feature in the College Chapel are the rows of lancet windows set close together on each side, as is found at Lugwardine Church, and but rarely elsewhere. It is probably a reconstruction on the site of the original church. The Castle Hotel was reached in but little more than half-an-hour after time, and the party left behind were found very wisely to have dined at leisure. It is time to tell of their doings, and Mr. Price's information given during the day, and this may best be done in a connected narrative. The town of Brecon is purely Norman. No Roman coins or other remains have ever been found there. It was founded by Bernard Newmarch, after he had conquered the unfortunate Bleddin ap Maenarch. He razed to the ground the British city of Caer, then called Caervong, or Caervon, which was situated three miles higher up on the banks of the river Usk, and removed all the materials to Brecon. Here he built the Castle, c. 1092-94. Caer, in two or three charters of Bernard Newmarch and Roger, Earl of Hereford, to the monks of Brecon, is called "vasta civitas," and it therefore occupied a considerable space. It was so strongly fortified that Newmarch, when he invaded the district (1091), avoided it, and made a feint by filing off northwards along the ridge parallel to the river Yscir, as if making for the Epynt range of hills. The British ruler, Bleddin, with his brother-in-law, Rhys-ap-Twydwr, led their men along the lane on the other side of the river called Heol-y-Cwmri, from which they watched the Normans. Tradition fixes the site of the battle which decided the fate of Breconshire, at the hamlet of Battle, three miles from Brecon, now a distinct parish. The Normans were crossing the river Yscir by a wood, called from this event, Cwmgwern-y-gâd (now corrupted to Cwmgwingad) meaning the wood of the vale of the battle. Here the British attacked them with great fierceness, but the discipline of the Normans prevailed. The British were driven back with much slaughter, and in their retreat, tradition states that Rhys lost his head on the common above, near a well that has since been called Ffunnon Pen Rhys. Such is the account given by Mr. Registrar Jones in his history of the county; and he also states that the existence of a Maen-hir (a long upright stone) just below the church, may serve also to support the tradition. Newmarch set to work to build his castle at Brecon, 1094, and surrounded the town by a wall. He also, in imitation of his master, William the Conqueror, built a church and monastery as a thank-offering for his victory. He attached it as a cell to Battle Abbey, in Surrey, and endowed it with the hamlet of Battle, on which the victory was gained. The Castle Hotel occupies part of the site of the old fortress, and in the garden, one of the towers and some of the old walls remain. The remains of the Ely tower are now in private grounds, opposite the hotel, on a high mound. It takes its name from that able and artful politician, John Morton, Bishop of Ely, who was imprisoned here by King Richard. Henry, Duke of Buckingham, who was Lord High Constable of England, and Governor of all the King's Castles in Wales, claims the Earldom of Hereford from the King, who abruptly refuses, and Buckingham comes to Brecon Castle. "Is it even so? repays he my deep service SHAKESPEARE-Richard III., Act 4, Scene 2. Here he conspires with Morton to dethrone King Richard, and unite the rival Houses of York and Lancaster. The castle was demolished in the time of Charles I. Mr. Price escorted his visitors to the British encampment on Crug-hill, and showed them the Maendu Well, or Blackstone Well, from which the water was conducted by a leaden pipe to supply the castle. Mr. Joseph Josephs sent a section of the pipe for inspection. It was discovered accidentally by a drainer about thirty years since, and he sold a considerable portion as old metal. The pipe was not cast, but was well made from sheet lead, with an enclosing cap over the line of junction. The dinner provided at the Castle Hotel was substantial and good, but the active spirits of the Club, who had been to the Beacon, had but little time to eat. Grace was said when some of the party had but just begun, and the President announced that no more papers would be read, and that all who would visit the noble Priory Church must go there at once. The Rev. Rees Price again kindly led the way, and the locality was soon announced by the projection of fine corbels from old walls, apropos of nothing. The Priory Church of St. John the Evangelist was entered from the north side of the nave, and the effect on entering is exceedingly striking and dignified. There is no Parish Church in the west of England to compare with it. The impression it creates is rather that of a small Cathedral than that of an ordinary Church. Its spacious interior, its excellent proportions, its lofty nave, its central tower and transepts, and its elegant chancel, produce, on the whole, an effect that is not often surpassed. The church is built with cross aisles, "ecclesia sanctæ crucis," but the present church is clearly not the one built by Bernard Newmarch, though the circular bowl of the font, which is extremely richly ornamented, may be as early, or even earlier than his time. It is the most ancient object in the church, and seems to bear an inscription around the bowl, which time did not admit of any careful attempt to decipher. The chancel is one of the finest examples of early English work of the 13th century, the lancet windows being profusely ornamented with slender detached shafts, with a vaulted engroined roof, which, though recently constructed, looks like a true reproduction of the original design. A very large sum has been recently expended on the fabric under the late Sir Gilbert Scott, and the restoration effected may be ranked amongst the most successful of the many churches he has taken in hand. It is pure stone work throughout the interior, here and there exposing remnants of old mural decoration. The transepts are of about the same date as the chancel. The north transept is called "The Chapel of the Men of Battle," and the south transept bears the name of "Cappel y cochiaid," or the red haired men's chapel; but in later years certainly the Normans must have found seats elsewhere, for the monks must have been constantly passing through it—to and fro, for the service. In the angle between the north transept and the chancel is the Havard chapel of the 13th and 14th century, and in the corresponding angle on the south side was a similar chapel, now much altered. The nave and aisles are late 14th century work. Space permits not to tell of the curiously perforated panels of the pulpit, the remnants of carved oak screen; but there is one feature for which the church is especially remarkable, and that is for the highly creditable manner in which the monuments and numerous ancient monument stones have been respected and allowed to remain in situ. It would be difficult to find another church in which so many ancient stones with floriated crosses and inscriptions in bold character are to be found. This remarkable church, in short, presents a grand field for the antiquary. It would take days and weeks to study its details and its many points of architectural interest. The eastern window with five lancets, has been recently filled with stained glass to the officers and men of the 24th Regiment, who fell in the South African campaign, and a large brass plate sets forth the names of those who fell so nobly in their country's cause. Such are the imperfect notes that a visit of less than an hour enabled the Club to make. The last minute that could be given was spent there, for the carriages were ordered to be at the gate; and thanking very much the Rev. Rees Price and Miss Morgan for all the information they so kindly gave to the members, a rush was made to catch the train. On the road, however, a couple of pictures were called for—one of the good Bishop Bull, and another, on mahogany panels, a portrait of Caractacus, (auction, guaranteed!), The discussion on the authenticity of the likeness of the British chieftain enlivened many a mile as the train sped on, when the cry of a station porter-Aiy! Aiy! Aiy!-was heard (it is difficult to express in type the peculiar phonetic expression used). The cry was meant to announce the arrival at the ancient border town of Hay, and gave rise to a discussion on the use and misuse of the letter H. Worcestershire, it seems, is remarkable for variations with regard to it; and a gentleman present quoted the following petition which is old enough and clever enough to be published again: THE PETITION OF THE LETTER H TO THE INHABitants of WORCESTERSHIRE. As since by you I have been driven From "house," from "home," from "hope," from "heaven," And placed by your most learn'd society In "Exile," "Anguish," and "Anxiety," And used without one just pretence In "Arrogance," and "Insolence," I think I need full restitution And beg you'll mend your elocution. But Worcestershire was equal to the occasion, and said in answer Since we have rescued you, Ingrate, From "hell," from "horror," and from "hate," From "Horse-pond," "Hedge," " Hill," and "Halter," And consecrated you in "Altar," We think you need no restitution And shall not mend our elocution. So has passed off into history, with many pleasing recollections, another ladies' day of the Woolhope Club. The day was not long enough, and indeed, there is so much of interest-historical, archæological, antiquarian, and scientific-in and around Brecon, that it would require many days to investigate at leisure. The very walls in Brecon itself so teem with ferns and wild flowers, which seemed all blossoming at once, that it would occupy a full half day's pleasant work to any botanist, though it would require a long ladder to get at some of them. Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club. AUGUST 22ND, 1882. IVINGTON CAMP. "Go call a coach, and let a coach be called." THE situation of Ivington Camp is so very secluded and so difficult of approach, that, in all the years of its existence, the Woolhope Club has never found it con venient to get there. It was resolved this year to visit it, and it was proposed to make the advance from Ford Bridge Station. The railway authorities, however, are just now so happy and contented with the crowds of travellers that fill their trains that they could neither set us down, nor pick us up, at any convenient time. The old "four-in-hand was resorted to, and the Club resolved to inspect the churches on the way, and here are the critical comments of the passers by : HOLMER CHURCH was the first to be visited. It is dedicated to St. Bartholomew, and has the great peculiarity of a detached tower. There are six other churches in the county similarly circumstanced, those of Ledbury, Bosbury, Pembridge, Yarpole, Garway, and the neighbouring one of Marden was so originally. The lower portion of the square tower is stone work, upon which an upper story of timber and plaster was erected in the 16th century, to make room for the peal of five bells. The earliest bell bears the date 1609, with the inscription, "God bless our noball king Jamese," and the tenor bell also bears this inscription: "My roaring sound doth warning give The church itself has been well restored within the last few years by Mr. Seddon. It is early English in character, and above the average size. The roof is very good, with projecting hammer beams of excellent construction. The three small detached lancet windows in the chancel were filled with stained glass in 1865, to the memory of Mr. Charles Bulmer. The earliest entry in the existing register bears the date of 1712. There are the remains of an old stone cross in the churchyard, and the pretty churchyard should not be left without the remark that it was the first in the county to be decorated in the pleasant way now so common, and there were those present who could remember nearly 50 years back how the honeysuckles and roses flourished under the fostering care of that kind-hearted but eccentric lady the late Mrs. Pearce. PIPE AND LYDE CHURCH was next visited. This church, with the exception of the chancel, was entirely rebuilt, at a cost of nearly £2,000, during the years 1873-75. It was chiefly done under the personal superintendence of the late Vicar, the Rev. F. T. Havergal, and it is therefore scarcely necessary to state that it was |