Whatever hope the projectors of the approaching Exhibition of Works of Ancient and Mediæval Art entertained of forming such a collection of objects as might deserve the attention of the public generally, and accomplish the great end in view, have been more than realised. Thanks to the liberality with which the possessors of works of early art of this description, from the most distinguished personages of the realm, have placed their stores at the disposal of the committee, the very novel exhibition which will open to the public on Thursday next, will be as remarkable for its intrinsic beauty, as for its instructive and suggestive character.
We need scarcely remind lovers of fine editions of first class books that Messrs. Sotheby commence the sale of the first portion of the extensive stock of Messrs. Payne and Foss, of Pall Mall, on Monday next.
We have received from Mr. Straker, of 3. Adelaide Street, his Catalogue of English and Foreign Theology, arranged according to subject, and with an Alphabetical Index of Authors: and also Parts I. and II. of his Monthly Catalogues of Ancient and modern Theological Literature. Mr. Lilly, who has removed to No. 7. Pall Mall, has also forwarded Nos. 1. and 2. of his Catalogues of Rare, Curious, and Useful Books. Mr. Miller, of 43. Chandos Street, has just issued No. 3. for 1850 of his Catalogue of Books, Old and New: and Mr. Quarritch (of 16. Castle Street, Leicester Square) No. 14. Catalogue of Oriental and Foreign Books: and, though not least deserving of mention (by us, at all events, as he has the good taste to announce on his Catalogue "Notes and Queries SOLD"), Mr. Nield, of 46. Burlington Arcade has just issued No. 2. for 1850, in which are some Marprelate and Magical Books worth looking after.
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.
E. VEE. "When Greeks join Greeks," &c. is a line by NAT. LEE. See No. 14. p. 211.
K.D.B. The following—"In Flesh-monger-street, Siward the moneyer (renders) to the King 15d. and to William de Chesney houseroom, salt and water"—is a literal translation. Correspondents must be careful not to omit letters or contractions in extracts from original records. It would in this case have been difficult correctly to render "monet" without a contraction; and "Flemangerstret," as our correspondent wrote it, might have been changed into "Fell-monger-," instead of "Flesh-monger-street." The service of "house-room, salt, and water," seems a singular one; it was, of course, a kind of entertainment, or a contribution to entertainment. If the Liber Winton contains no other notice of similar services, "H.D.K." will find the subject illustrated, though not the particular tenure, at pp. 260-267. of the first volume of Sir H. Ellis's Introduction to the Great Domesday.
Rue Strewed before Prisoners at the Bar of the Old Bailey. This custom originated in the fear of infection, at a period when Judges, &c. were liable to fall victims to gaol fever.
Erratum. No. 19. p. 307. col. 2., for "Plautorum Abbreviatis" read "Placitorum Abbreviatio."