quities._

This comprehended a great number of curious and valuable
productions, relating both to foreign and domestic
transactions.

8. _Heraldry and Genealogy._

An equal number of curious and scarce articles may be found
under these heads.

9. _Antient Legends and Chronicles._

To the English antiquary, few departments of literature are
more interesting than this. Mr. West seems to have paid
particular attention to it, and to have enriched his library
with many articles of this description of the rarest
occurrence. The lovers of Caxton, Fabian, Hardyng, Hall,
Grafton, and Holinshed, may be highly gratified by
inspecting the various editions of these old chroniclers. I
entreat the diligent bibliographer to examine the first 8
articles of page 209 of the catalogue. Alas! when will such
gems again glitter at one sale? The fortunate period for
collectors is gone by: a knowledge of books almost every
where prevails. At York, at Exeter, at Manchester, and at
Bristol, as well as in London, this knowledge may be found
sometimes on the dusty stall, as well as in the splendid
shop. The worth of books begins to be considered by a
different standard from that of the quantity of gold on the
exterior! We are now for "_drinking deep_," as well as
"_tasting_!" But I crave pardon for this digression, and
lose sight of Mr. West's _uniques_.

10. _Topography._

Even to a veteran like the late Mr. Gough, such a collection
as may be found from p. 217 to 239 of the catalogue, would
be considered a very first-rate acquisition. I am aware that
the Gothic wainscot and stained glass windows of _Enfield
Study_ enshrined a still more exquisite topographical
collection! But we are improved since the days of Mr. West;
and every body knows to _whom_ these improvements are, in a
great measure, to be attributed! When I call to mind the
author of "_British Topography_" and "_Sepulchral
Monuments_," I am not insensible to the taste, diligence,
and erudition of the "par nobile fratrum," who have
gratified us with the "_Environs of London_," and the three
volumes of "_Magna Britannia_!" Catalogues of Mr. West's
library, with the sums for which the books were sold, are
now found with difficulty, and bring a considerable price.
The