It should be the object of antiquaries to illustrate "the history of former times"—as we read in a royal charter—not to substitute fiction for history. Now, it is admitted by MR. BOTFIELD that there is "no authentic portrait of Caxton." How then, he must allow me to ask, can it be assumed that the picture by Maclise is truthful? It may be much otherwise. Modern artists are no guides for antiquaries.

It is with statues as it is with medals. The first and most obvious use of them, as Addison remarks of the latter objects, is "the showing us the faces" of eminent persons. Even Horace Walpole, who has misled so many with regard to Caxton, has expressed himself very forcibly on the value of real portraits. If a statue fail in that particular, it is worthless; and should my own project find no favour with the public—a fountain by day—or, a light by night—or, an inscribed obelisk—or, even an inscribed tablet—would be far preferable as a monument.

If the dean of St. Paul's should resolve to place in other hands the sum which has been collected for this purpose, he may justly insist on the proper application of it; and as the Society of Arts may be induced to take charge of it, I must remind them of the circumstance under which the subscriptions were formerly obtained. It was assumed that a likeness of Caxton had been preserved. I transcribe from The Times:—

The meeting, [12 June, 1847] appeared to have been gratified with what they had seen and heard, and he [lord Morpeth] had only now to say to them, and to their fellow-countrymen in every part of the world, 'Subscribe.' (Applause.)

"A miniature portrait of Caxton, painted upon enamel by Mr. Bone, was handed to lord Morpeth, who stated that it had been copied from a likeness of Caxton, in an old illuminated MS."

His lordship was misinformed as to the authenticity of the portrait, it being copied from the Lambeth Ms.—but that circumstance does not affect the argument.

It is manifest, therefore, that a fictitious statue of Caxton, objectionable as it would be on other accounts, would also be very like a breach of faith with the original subscribers.

BOLTON CORNEY.

LADY FLORA HASTINGS' BEQUEST.
(Vol. iii., pp. 443. 522.; Vol. iv., p. 44.)

[MR. E. P. RICHARDS presents his compliments to the Editor of "NOTES AND QUERIES," and will thank him to insert the accompanying statement by the Marchioness of Bute, in respect to the lines said to have been written by her sister, Lady Flora Hastings, in the next number of his paper.