The Great Celtic Deities Still Existing In Great Britain.

been loosely attributed to the monks of the middle ages , simply because the oldest traditions of those localities give no indication of the date of their formation , coupled ivith tho fact of their being in tho vicinity of ancient monkish residences ; and those

who gave it as their opinion that they Avere antecedent to mediaeval times , and of Celtic origin , only attempted to support such opinions by conjecture . In a paper lately read before tho Eoyal Institute of British Architects , in London , Mr . Phene ' shoAved

reasons against their origin being monkish , as Avell as in favour of their being Celtic creations ; and hi consequence of this paper , the Sussex Archaeological Society , with the approbation of the Duke of Devonshire , AVIIO headed the list of subscribers , determined to take measures to avert the

obliteration by time of the outline of tho "Wilmington Giant . " Mr . Phen 6 has pointed out that this vast representation is not only in the attitude of the Colossus of Khodes , but that its proportions are just double those of that statue ; that it is

unlike any other representation , either in barbarous or classical device , except an almost exact delineation on one of the ancient Gnostic gems ; and that , Avhile the last figure is accompanied by solar and lunar emblems , both the carving at Cerne Abbas ,

and also that at "Wilmington , have , in their vicinity , British earthworks of a lunar form . The descriptions by Cresar and Strabo of the Celtic deity to Avhich human sacrifices Avere offered , refer to a gigantic effigy of the human figureAvhich Mr . Phen 6 argues

, could not have been as has been supposed , a great wicker idol , but rather an idol in that form , and surrounded by a palisade , or ( contexta ) " interwoven" barrier , and that in such area the Avild beasts and cattle

mentioned by Strabo Avere placed Avith human victims , The Sussex figure has moreover two staves , as indications of travelling , and Caesar refers to a Celtic deity as a god of journeying , of Avhich many images or representations then existed . The fact that a number of curious bronze

celts , and ancient cinerary urns filled Avith bones , have been found in the vicinity of this figure , Avhich is incised in the chalk elifl " , on the range of doAvns connected Avith Beach y Head , gives support to the idea of its Celtic origin . A further corroboration exists in the adjoining heights being occupied by British tumuli . But apart from

such evidences , one of the great points on Avhich Mr . Phene rests for these figures not having been made by the monies is , that they aro not such as Christian men of a religious calling Avould have made , they being nude , and otherwise totally unlike

early Christians' art , Avhile that they aro very ancient Avorksis unquestionable . Those Avho have suggested their mediaeval origin have imagined the one at Wilmington to represent a religious devotee , or pilgrim , but it need hardly be observed that this

only increases the improbability . That early Christian art should descend to such representations is a proposition Avithout example , Avhile that it should so represent a devotee is impossible ; Avhereas it is just Avhat Avould be expected in the cruelty of a

religion Avhich tolerated human sacrifice . If , as Dr . Beddoe suggested , the explanation given in this paper may probably be the

correct one , it solves a difficulty over which more than one antiquary has stumbled , as Ave find the historian of our OAVU tOAvn , Mr . John James , F . S . A ., getting over the improbability of great Avicker idols by suggesting that the victims Avere put into " largo

Avicker baskets , and thrown into the fire . " Those Avho have the restoration in hand desire to excite a general , and not a local interest in this great monument of the past , and for that reason Avish for a Avidely-spread subscription of half-a-crown , rather than

large amounts from individuals . The Vicar of Glynde , Sussex , is appointed treasurer . Operations have commenced , and the first sod Avas toned by Mr . Phen 6 just before the meeting of the British Association , but Arork has been suspended for a time to give an opportunity to any AA'I IO may bo interested in this relic of antiquity to see it in its present condition .

MARITIME DISASTEES . —The Committee of Management of the Bureau Veritas has just published the list of maritime disasters , reported during the month of November , 1873 , concerning all flags . The list gives the following statistics : —Sailing vessels totally lost , 217—viz ., 83 English , 26 German , 24 French , 19 Norwegian , 15 Italian , II Dutch , 11

Danish , 7 American , 7 Greek , 5 Kussian , 3 Swedish , 1 Spanish , 1 Portugese , 1 Austrian , 1 Turkish , 1 Guatemala , 1 Nicaraguan , and 1 Belgian . In this tolal number are included three sailing vessels reported missing . Steamers totally lost 21 , viz . —11 English , 5 German , 1 American , 1 Spanish , 1 French 1 Bepublica Argenta , and 1 Turkish .