Haybands in Seals, by J. Burtt, &c. 331 North Side of Churchyards, by Rev. W. H. Kelke, &c. 332 The Rolliad, and some of its Writers, by J. H. Markland, &c. 333 Quakers' Attempt to convert the Pope 335 Snail-eating 336 Sir John Davies, Davis, or Davys, by W. H. Lammin 336 Locke MSS., by Thomas Kerslake 337 Replies to Minor Queries:--Defoe's Anticipations-- Epitaph in Hall's Discoveries--Saint Thomas of Lancaster--Francis Moore, &c. 338
Notes on Books, Sales, Catalogues, &c. 341 Books and Odd Volumes wanted 342 Notices to Correspondents 342 Advertisements 342
ON THE PROPOSED SUGGESTIONS FOR PRESERVING A RECORD OF EXISTING MONUMENTS.
The following communications have reached us since the publication of our remarks on the proposed MONUMENTARIUM ANGLICANUM (No. 73. p. 217. et seq.). They serve to show how much interest the subject has excited among those best qualified to judge of the great utility of some well-organised plan for the preservation of a record of our still existing monuments.
MR. DUNKIN'S letter (which was accompanied by a copy of the prospectus issued by him in 1844) claims precedence, as showing the steps which _that_ gentleman has already taken. It is a communication highly creditable to his exertions in the cause, but does not alter our views as to the practicability of any successful attempt to accomplish this object by individual exertion.
In No. 73. Vol. iii. of "NOTES AND QUERIES" you have honoured me by an allusion to the _Monumenta Anglicana_ I have in the press, as "a plan which would have your hearty concurrence and recommendation, if it were at all practicable; but which must fail from its very vastness." It may be so; but the motto of my family is _Essayez_. Every "gigantic scheme" must have a commencement, and this "scheme," I am perfectly aware, is one "that no individual, however varied in attainments and abilities, could without assistance hope to achieve." My father, upwards of half a century since, commenced collecting mortuary memorials; many of the monuments from which he copied the inscriptions have since been destroyed by time, and many, very many, more by the ruthless innovations of beautifying churchwardens. These "very vast" collections--the labour of a life--however, only form a portion of the materials I now posses; for since I issued my prospectus in 1844, I have received many thousands of inscriptions and rubbings of brasses from clergymen and others; and I trust I shall be favoured with still further assistance, as in all cases where information is rendered, the source whence derived shall be most thankfully and freely acknowledged. { 314}