less oval in shape, with ends rounded, slightly expanded, and perforated with a circular opening for an enamel disc. The decoration usually takes the form of three convex and parallel bands ornamented with trumpet-shaped elevations and connected by oblique ridges, (See Scotland in Pagan Times, by Dr. J. Anderson.)
From what we have said it will be seen that the distribution of Late Celtic antiquities embraces a large portion of Great Britain and Ireland. South Britain, however, being its primary home, has proved to be richer in examples of its best style of workmanship, such as the two magnificent shields found in the rivers Thames and Witham, various enamelled horse-trappings, mirrors, brooches, bracelets, torques, etc. From the fact that no settlements or cemeteries of the period have, as yet, been found in Britain north of Yorkshire, nor in any part of Wales or Ireland, it has been suggested that the products of this special art first reached these regions by means of commercial intercourse, rather than by an immigration of new settlers. At the same time, there is evidence to show that it continued to be practised both in Scotland and Ireland, without any break of continuity, till the introduction of Christianity into these regions. There the adherents of the new faith utilized its designs, in conjunction with interlacements and fret-work, to ornament their illuminated manuscripts, sculptured stones, and metal-work. On the other hand, the
