Welsh Journals

75 $bttuatj>. Since the issue of the last Number of the Archceologia Carnhrensis, two well known persons have died. Although at the time of their decease they were not members of the Society, they had been so for years previously. The elder of these two is the late Richard Mason of Tenby, a gentleman as well known as he was esteemed by all classes. In 1850 he undertook the printing and publishing of the Archceologia Carnhrensis at his sole risk, on condition Of receiving half the annual subscription for each Number supplied to the mem¬ bers. The list of subscribing members in that year contained under one hundred and thirty names. In 1855 the Society published on their own account, retaining him as their printer. He about this time commenced, as a private speculation, the Cambrian Journal, and carried it on for some years. Mr. Mason was the author of the popular Guide to Tenby, which reached a sixth edition, and is un¬ doubtedly the most useful handbook of the present day. We believe he was a native of Herefordshire, and engaged in agricultural pur¬ suits ; but seems to have been so charmed with Tenby that he settled there, and became one of the most active and useful members of the local authorities during the space of thirty years. He died in his sixty-fifth year, and is buried in the Cemetery. Mr. Joseph Edwards of Robert Street, London, was born in Mer- thyr, 5 March 1814, so that he was two or three years older than Mr. .Mason. His father, Mr. James Edwards, was a mason, but prin¬ cipally engaged in cutting tombstones. In 1835 Mr. Edwards found his way to London, where he was for some time unable to find employ¬ ment. Before he left Merthyr he obtained a letter of introduction to Mr. Behnes the sculptor, who not being able to give him employment, introduced him to a Mr. Brown, a statuary and marble-mason, who, however, had no opening for him. Having nothing to do, he was permitted to remain during the day in one of Mr. Behnes' rooms, when Mr. Brown, who now wanted a hand, remembei'ed the young Welshman, and inquired of Mr. Behnes where he might be found. Being informed he was at that time on the premises, he found him in an upper room engaged on some modelling which so pleased his future employer that he at once engaged his services at the modest rate of a guinea a week. In 1837, at the age of twenty-three, he entered as a student at the Royal Academy, and carried off the medal of that year for the best antique work. Two years afterwards he obtained the first of three medals awarded. From that time fortune began to smile on him, and commissions constantly follow¬ ing gave him full employment for the rest of his days. As soon as he found himself established to some extent, he became, and conti¬ nued for many years, a member of the Association, and was, with a few other members, remarkable for strict punctuality in his pay¬ ment of subscriptions.