practical investigation. Although records of discoveries and finds are wanting, I know from navvies who have worked on the spot for many years past that the soil was exceptionally rich in Roman "spoils," which my own experience during the last thirteen years confirms. I have lost no opportunity, so far as has been in my power, to rescue and record whatever could be found, and with a view to preserve from loss or indifference any evidence left of Roman Manchester I have spared no time or labour to rescue them for the town. I may say that I have collected numberless objects and fragments, too large and varied for classification; part I have already given to the Grammar School, the Geographical Society, Peel Park, and Oldham, but the main bulk of my collection is awaiting still a proper home,[1] for which, above all, the Town Hall should be the most suitable centre.
Finally, I have to acknowledge the great help received from many quarters during these arduous labours; without the intelligent help of contractors, foremen, and navvies I should have made little progress or result; their assistance and interest, at all times, has been unsparing and valuable. I have also to thank Professor F. Haverfield for much help and information; to Mr. Thomas Rogers, Mr. Charles Bailey, and others for the naming of botanical and other specimens; and particularly to our esteemed member Mr. J. J. Phelps, who later on joined me in work, and who not only has prepared all the splendid drawings and sketches, but has given a great amount of labour and devotion
- ↑ For want of a proper municipal historical museum most of the rare and priceless treasures and relics of Manchester have become dispersed or lost, as will be seen in the appendix from the list of the older finds from Castlefield and elsewhere. Chester, Liverpool, Warrington, and Preston have set a better example, and greater public appreciation has been shown in these places for the preservation of local antiquities.
