HOLBEIN'S DANCE OF DEATH, with an Historical and Literary Introduction by an Antiquary. Square post 8vo. with 54 Engravings, being the most accurate copies ever executed of these gems of Art, and a Frontispiece of an Ancient Bedstead at Aixla-Chapelle, with a Dance of Death carved on it, engraved by Fairholt, cloth, 98.

"The designs are executed with a spirit and fidelity quite extraordinary. They are indeed most truthful."-Athenæum.

LOWER'S (M. A.) ESSAYS ON ENGLISH SURNAMES. 2 vols. post 8vo. Third Edition, greatly enlarged. Cloth, 123.

BIOGRAPHIA BRITANNICA LITERARIA; or Biography of Literary Characters of Great Britain and Ireland, arranged in Chronological Order. By THOMAS WRIGHT, M.A., F.S.A., Member of the Institute of France. 2 thick vols. 8vo. Cloth. Vol. I. Anglo-Saxon Period. Vol. II. Anglo-Norman Period. 68. each, published at 12s each.

Published under the superintendence of the Royal Society of Literature.

COINS. An Introduction to the Study of Ancient and Modern Coins. By J. Y. AKERMAN. Fep. 8vo. with numerous wood engravings, from the original coins, 68. 6d.

COINS OF THE ROMANS RELATING TO BRITAIN, described and illustrated. By J. Y. AKERMAN, F.S.A. Second edition, 8vo. greatly enlarged with plates and woodcuts, 10s. 6d. cloth.

GUIDE TO ARCHEOLOGY.

An Archæo

lozical Index to Remains of Antiquity of the Celtic, Romano-British, and Anglo-Saxon periods. By JOHN YONGE AKERMAN. fellow and secretary to the Society of Antiquaries. 1 vol. 8vo. illustrated with numerous engravings, comprising upwards of 500 objects, cloth, 158.

"One of the first wants of an incipient antiquary is the facility of comparison, and here it is furnished him at one glance. The plates, indeed, form the most valuable part of the book, both by their number and the judicious selection of types and examples which they contain. It is a book which we can, on this account, safely and warmly recommend to all who are interested in the antiquities of their native land."Literary Gazette.

"A book of such utility-so concise, so clear, so well condensed from such varied and voluminous sources-cannot fail to be generally acceptable."-Art Union.

(THOS.) ESSAYS

WRIGHT'S ON THE LITERATURE, POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS, AND HISTORY OF ENGLAND in the MIDDLE AGES. 2 vols. post 8vo. cloth, 168.

WRIGHT'S (THOS.) ST. PATRICK'S PURGATORY; an Essay on the Legends of Purgatory, Hell, and Paradise, current during the Middle Ages. Post 8vo. cloth, 68.

THE NURSERY RHYMES OF ENGLAND, collected chiefly from oral tradition. Edited by J. O. HALLIWELL. Fourth edition, 12mo. with 38 Designs by W. B. Scott. 48. 6d. cloth.

POPULAR RHYMES AND NURSERY TALES, with Historical Elucidations; a Sequel to "The Nursery Rhymes of England." Edited by J. O. HALLIWELL. Royal 18mo. 48. 6d.

LOWER'S CURIOSITIES OF HERALDRY, with Illustrations from Old English Writers. 8vo. Numerous Engravings. Cloth, 148.

HERALDS' VISITATIONS. An Index to all the Pedigrees and Arms in the Heraldic Visitations and other Genealogical MSS. in the British Museum. By G. SIMS, of the Manuscript Department. 8vo. closely printed in double columns, cloth, 158.

*** An indispensable book to those engaged in genealogical or topographical pursuits, affording a ready clue to the pedigrees and arms of above 30,000 of the gentry of England, their residences, &c. (distinguishing the different families of the same name, in every county), as recorded by the Heralds in their Visitations, with Indexes to other genealogical MSS. in the British Museum. It has been the work of immense labour. No public library ought to be without it.

CONSUETUDINES KANCIÆ.

A History of GAVELKIND, and other remarkable Customs in the County of KENT, by CHARLES SANDYS, Esq., F.S.A. (Cantianus), illustrated with fac-similes, a very handsome volume, 8vo. cloth, 158.

BRUCE'S (REV. J. C.) HISTORICAL AND

TOPOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THE ROMAN WALL FROM THE TYNE TO THE SOLWAY. Thick 8vo. 35 plates and 194 woodcuts, half morocco, Il. 18.

BOSWORTH'S (REV. DR.) COMPENDIOUS ANGLO-SAXON AND ENGLISH DICTIONARY. 8vo. dad printed in treble columns, cloth, 12s.

"This is not a mere abridgment of the large Dictionary, but almost an entirely new work. In this compendious one will be found, at s very moderate price, all that is most practical and valuable in the forme expensive edition, with a great accession of new words and matter."Author's Preface.

ANALECTA ANGLO-SAXONICA.

Selections

in Prose and Verse from Anglo-Saxon Literature, with an Introductory Ethnological Essay, and Notes, critical and explanatory. By LOUISE. KLIPSTEIN, of the University of Giessen, 2 thick vols. post svo. cloth, 12s. (original price 188.)

A DELECTUS IN ANGLO-SAXON, intended as a First Class-book in the Language. By the Rev. W. BARNES, of St. John's College, Cambridge, author of the Poems and Glossary in the Dorset Dialect. 12mo. cloth, 2s. 6d.

"To those who wish to possess a critical knowledge of their own native English, some acquaintance with Anglo-Saxon is indispensable; and we have never seen an introduction better calculated than the present to supply the wants of a beginner in a short space of time. The declensions and conjugations are well stated, and illustrated by refer ences to the Greek, Latin, French, and other languages. A philosophical spirit pervades every part. The Delectus consists of short pieces on various subjects, with extracts from Anglo-Saxon History and the Saxon Chronicle. There is a good Glossary at the end."-Athenews, Oct. 20, 1849.

FACTS AND SPECULATIONS ON THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF PLAYING CARDS. By W. A CHATTO, Author of "Jackson's History of Wood Engraving," in one handsome vol. 8vo. illustrated with many Engravings, both plain and coloured, cloth, 17. 18.

"It is exceedingly amusing."— Atlas.

"Curious, entertaining, and really learned book."- Rambler. "Indeed the entire production deserves our warmest approbation."— Literary Gazette.

"A perfect fund of Antiquarian research, and most interesting even to persons who never play at cards."-Tait's Mag.

BIBLIOTHECA MADRIGALIANA: a Bibliographical account of the Music and Poetical Works published in Eng land in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, under the Titles of Madrigals, Ballets, Ayres, Canzonets, &c. By DR. RIMBAULT. 810. cloth, 5s.

A DICTIONARY OF ARCHAIC AND PROVINCIAL WORDS, Obsolete Phrases, Proverbs, and Ancient Customs from the reign of Edward I. By JAMES ORCHARD HALLIWELL F.R.S., F.S.A., &c. 2 vols. 8vo. containing upwards of 1,000 pages closely printed in double columns, cloth 17. 18.

It contains about 50,000 Words (embodying all the known scattered Glossaries of the English language), forming a complete key to the reading of the works of our old Poets, Dramatists, Theologians, and other authors, whose works abound with allusions, of which explanations are not to be found in ordinary Dictionaries and books of reference. Most of the principal Archaisms are illustrated by examples selected from early inedited MSS. and rare books, and by far the greater portion will be found to be original authorities.

A LITTLE BOOK OF SONGS AND BAL LADS, gathered from Ancient Musick Books, MS. and Printed. By E. F. RIMBAULT, LL.D., &c. Post 8vo. pp. 240, half-bound in morocco, 68. Antique Ballads, sung to crowds of old, Now cheaply bought for thrice their weight in gold. GUIDE TO THE ANGLO-SAXON TONGUE, with Lessons in Verse and Prose, for the Use of Learners. By E. J. VERNON, B. A., Oxon. 12mo, cloth, 5s. 6d. This will be found useful as a Second Class-book, or to those well versed in other languages.

by six led horses. At Temple Bar, the city officers took their places in the procession. Upon arrival at the cathedral, they entered by the west gate and the great west door, ranging themselves according to their ranks. The seats were as follows: under the dome, in each archway, in the front of the piers, and in the gallery over the choir. The form of the seats under the dome took the shape of the dome, namely, a circular appearance, and calculated to hold 3056 persons; an iron railing was also placed from the dome to the great western door, within which persons were allowed to stand. The body was placed on a bier, erected on a raised platform opposite to the eagle desk. At the conclusion of the service in the choir, a procession was formed from thence to the grave, with banners, &c. The interment being over, Garter proclaimed the style; and the comptroller, treasurer, and steward of the deceased, breaking their staves, gave the pieces to Garter, who threw them into the grave.

The procession, arranged by the officers of arms, then returned.

For a few days after the public were admitted upon a shilling fee, and permitted to enter the enclosed spot directly over the body, looking down a distance of about ten feet, and were gratified with a sight of the coffin, placed upon a sort of table covered with black cloth. OBSERVATOR.

CUSTOMS DUTIES.

I send a few extracts from the schedule to the act of 12 Charles II. c. 4., being "A Subsidy granted to the King of Tonnage and Poundage and other Sums of Money, payable upon Merchandize exported and imported." Some of them are curious, as showing the demand for articles for which there is now no sale; and many names are mentioned which are now unknown. I should be glad to know what are the various articles which are marked by an asterisk: at present I can only guess:

:

of the fathers and schoolmen furnish admirable precedents: the three indices attached to St. Thomas's Summa, for instance, afford a fair summa in themselves, supposing one never read a line of the work. The value of a good index, whether as regards time saved, or information gained that might otherwise be lost, cannot be too highly estimated.

2. Some writers rely too much on the knowledge of their readers; one form of this error is that of giving quotations without references.

In certain cases the giving name, place, &c. for each quotation might be objected to in the text, or even in a note; well, let them appear in any case in the index. If Milton be quoted in the text, and you object to giving the reference in the same place, see that the index mentions Milton quoted, Par. Lost," for instance, such a book and line. Let not the Dictionary of Hackneyed Quotations induce a violation of this rule. In some works a separate "index of authors quoted" (giving exact references) would be desirable; but in every case, if the reference be not given in text or note, it should be given in the index.

3. In making a quotation, use the very words and orthography of the writer cited, giving an accurate reference to volume and page, and, unless the work be a very common one, edition, date, and place of publication should be added. Do not give quotations second-hand if possible.

4. Omission or insufficiency of dutes is a common defect and a great source of confusion. Some writers are satisfied with giving a date at the commencement of a chapter, and referring to it, perhaps, throughout the book as "this year." Dates should be printed at the top of every page, and in the margin whenever they change.

5. Running titles are very useless; either have the subject-matter of the current page as the title, or none at all.

6. In mentioning a nobleman or bishop, give the personal as well as the title or official name. The not observing this rule causes much inconvenience.

7. In quoting from foreign writers or the dead languages, as a general rule translate the passage in a note, unless the work be expressly intended for the few.

8. Books should be made as suggestive as possible, and the reader put into possession of all the available sources of information on the subject treated of, so that he can follow it up if so inclined.

In many cases it would be very desirable to append a list of all the books which treat or throw light on the subject; with short notes, if possible, respecting the character and value of each work

in the list.

9. In reprints no alteration should be made without full mention; in every case an account

of all the former editions should be given, and in some instances the number of copies in each edition, and even the month of publication. An author should be preserved in his full integrity, and any the slightest alteration strictly accounted for. The system of suppression and mutilation cannot be too severely reprehended.

Setting out with the principle that as much as possible should be worked up in the text, yet in many cases notes cannot be dispensed with. The matter, however, in these notes ought to be carefully indexed.

10. The days of patrons and fulsome prefaces are gone by, but we still meet with whining prefaces deprecating criticism, and making all sorts of excuses, "hoping the indulgent public will take the writer's peculiar circumstances into consideration," and so forth. The absurdity of this proceeding is evident, as a book stands or falls on its own merits. As a man will not buy bad bread for himself or his family, though the baker “labours under peculiar and unfortunate circumstances," no more will he buy a book, though the author “labours under" an itch for writing, and the "peculiar circumstances of having nothing to say. It is often said that the preface is the most difficult part of the book to write (even still more so than the title-page), and I think it partly arises from the supposed obligation of writing one in every case, whether wanted or not.

11. I much regret the ancient colophon, and would gladly see it revived.

12. Book margins I have already spoken of (Vol. vi., p. 73.), and need only add that the most important are those in the breadth, viz. the back and front margins.

13. How full of repose and grateful to the eye is the toned and mellow paper of books of the olden time! How painful is the dazzling white of the present day! Surely toned paper could be produced as cheaply as the other, and brought into common use, to the great saving of the eyes and comfort of the mind.

At the conclusion of these rambling "hints," let me crave a receipt for varnishing old books. For instance, when one does not wish to cut down an old tome by rebinding it, and the ordinary means of brightening and polishing fails to affect the worn leather, a varnish is sometimes applied, and with good results. I have some books done in this way, and should be glad to get the receipt for making it.* MARICONDA.

* Mr. Pickering's admirable press anticipates most

of my observations, but my wish would be to have many such as his. I had intended to have said something about book ornaments, initials, head and tail

pieces, borders, &c., but must defer it to another time.

GUANO AND THE LOBOS ISLANDS.

P. C. S. S. presumes that at a time when the Lobos Islands and their product are so much the subject of discussion, it may not be altogether uninteresting to the readers of "N. & Q." to ascertain the date when the knowledge of Guano and its fertilising properties was first introduced to the English public. He believes that the earliest English mention of that substance was in 1670; and that it is to be found in a little work then printed, called the Art of Metalls, translated from the Spanish. Although the title-page of that edition does not mention the name of the translator, he is known to have been Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich. The title was thus:

"The First Book of the Art of Metalls; written in Spanish by Albano Alonzo Barba, Master of Art, born in the Town of Lepe in Andalusia, Curate of St. Bernard's Parish in the Imperial City of Potosi, in the Kingdom of Peru in the W. I., in the Year 1640. Translated into English in the Year 1669: Lond., sm. Svo., 1670."

At p. 16. is the passage to which P. C. S. S. alludes, viz.:

«Cardanus, amongst his curiosities, makes mention of another kinde of earth, anciently called Britannica (from the country where it is found); they were fain to dig very deep mines to come at it. It was white; and after they had separated the plate it contained, they manured their tilth-fields with the earth, which were put in heart thereby for 100 years after. Out of islands in the South Sea, not far from the city of Arica, they fetch earth that doth the same effect as the last afore-mentioned. It is called Guano (i. e. dung); not because it is the dung of sea-fowls (as many would have it), but because of its admirable virtue in making ploughed ground fertile. And that which is brought from the island of Iqueyque is of a dark gray colour, like unto tobacco ground small. Although from other islands nearer Arica they get a white earth, inclining to sallow, of the same virtue. It instantly colours water whereinto it is put, as if it was the best ley, and smells very strong. The qualities and virtues of this, and of many other simples of the new world, are a large field for ingenious persons to discourse philosophically upon, when they shall bend their minds to the searching out of truth, rather than riches."

P. C. S. S. would be glad of any further information respecting the Terra Britannica to which, in the above passage, Cardanus is said to refer.

P. C. S. S.

The subject of the communication is very interesting, and might lead to the inquiry as to where the medals are now preserved. Perhaps they may yet turn up; and in that case the letter will not only be interesting but valuable, as a history of the coins in question. I shall therefore ask whether the subsequent history of these medals is at all traceable ? and whether it should not be given to the world in your pages?

"Sir,

KENNETH R. H. MACKENZIE. "Wye, October the... 170..

"I had not heard of your indisposition till by the return of my servant last Thursday, and indeed I should have been extremely concern'd for itt, had he not inform'd me that you are recouer'd again; I most heartily wish'd you a re-establishment of your good health. I have for some-time design'd communicating to you a surprizing account (at least it is so to me) of some medalls which my Lord Weymouth purchased last winter in town. Not of them, I wrote to my lord, and had the following knowing what credit to give to what I had heard account:-Two amongst them, the most remarkable, are these: A medal of gold (weighing aboue twenty-two ounces, the gold worth 5 lb. ounce) per of Joannes Palæologus, Emp. of Constantinople. On the Reverse is written: 'Opus Pisani pictoris. This I believe you will allow may probably be a true one, Pisani being famous for hauing engraved very large'

of

of seueral great persons, and particularly one of that Empereur; besides that my lord assures me itt is not cast, and is of the finest gold, and not being very ancient itt might easily be preserued. But that which startled me was the account of an Antoninus, whose diameter is four inches, half an inch, and a twentieth part an inch; weighing twenty-one ounces, twelve pennyweights, at 4 lbs. 10s. per ounce. On one side are the heads of Antoninus and his Empresse Faustina; on the other Cybele in a chariot drawn by lyons. In the Exergue'ÆTERNITAS.' My lord says, that beside their being of so extraordinary a size, and of the finest gold, that of Antoninus and Faustina is most exquisitely stamp'd: the other by Pisani, rude in comparison of the former. He said that my Lord Pembrook, who is

Here a word seems to have been accidentally

omitted.