[49] It does not represent the Roman Venus, and there is no place named 'Milo.' Were the statue anywhere else than in the Louvre, probably it would be known generally (as it is to scholars) by its proper name—the Aphrodite of Melos.
[50] The writer possesses a copy of the first edition of "Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour," which is a perfect museum. At some period of its existence it was relegated to the harness-room; and its leaves bear the insignia of almost every known preparation used in dressing boots, harness, saddles, buckles, dogs, horses' hoofs, and human hair. Not for all the wealth of the Indies would he remove a single stain. Most of them have been identified by his friends (it is feared with more regard for humour than accuracy) in marginal notes. Sherlock Holmes would certainly have considered it worthy of a monograph.
[51] I will not venture to suggest that you follow the example of a book-collecting acquaintance who has an extra heading for 'Books that I have acquired!'
CHAPTER VII
BOOKS OF THE COLLECTOR
'To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.'—Proverbs, i. 4.
