r the expenses of the Circus,
however little our judgment approves of this institution.'

[Notwithstanding some absurdities, the above description of the Circus
Maximus (which I have attempted to translate in full) is of great
value, being, after that given by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, our
chief authority on the subject. The accompanying plan (taken, with
some slight variations, from Smith's 'Dictionary of Antiquities'),
will, I trust, render it intelligible.

[Illustration: Plan of Ancient Circus.]

It is well illustrated by the recently excavated 'Stadium of
Augustus,' on the Palatine; but perhaps even better by a beautifully
executed gem lately found at Chesters in Northumberland, on the site
of the Roman station at Cilurnum. By the kindness of the owner, Mr.
Clayton, I am able to give an enlarged copy of this gem, which is
described in the 'Archaeologia Aeliana,' vol. x. pp. 133-137.

[Illustration: The Circus Maximus, a magnified engraving of an
intaglio on a carnelian signet-ring found at Cilurnum (Chesters in
Northumberland) in 1882.]

The reader will easily discern the _Spina_ with one obelisk (not two,
as described by Cassiodorus) in the centre, the high tables supported
by pillars on which the Ova and Delphini are placed, the three
spindle-shaped columns which formed the _Meta_ at each end, and the
four quadrigae (four was the regular number for each missus) careering
in front.]

52. KING THEODORIC TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS CONSULARIS.

[Sidenote: On Roman land surveying.]

'We are sorry to hear that a dispute (which is on the point of being
settled by arms instead of by the law) has arisen between the
Spectabiles Leontius and Paschasius as to the boundaries of their
properties[320]. If they are so fierce against one another here in
Italy, where there are mountains and rivers and the "arcaturae"
[square turrets of the land surveyor] to mark the boundaries, what
would they have done in Egypt, where the yearly returning waters of
the Nile wash out all landmarks, and leave a deposit of mud over all?

[Footnote 320: 'Casarum.' Casa is evidently no longer a cottage;
perhaps the estate attached to a villa. There is probably still a
flavour of rusticity about it.]

'Geometry was discovered by the Chaldaeans, who perceived that its
principles lay at the root of Astronomy, Music, Mechanics,
Architecture, Medicine, Logic, and every science which deals with
generals. This science was eagerly welcomed by the Egy