lar to
those which have just been imperfectly described from the
_Bibl. Farmeriana_, will be disposed of at similar prices.
The young collector may indulge an ardent hope; but, if
there be any thing of the spirit of prophecy in my humble
predictions, that hope will never be realised. Dr. Farmer's
copies were, in general, in sorry condition; the possessor
caring little (like Dr. Francis Bernard; vide p. 316, ante)
for large margins and splendid binding. His own name,
generally accompanied with a bibliographical remark, and
both written in a sprawling character, usually preceded the
title-page. The science (dare I venture upon so magnificent
a word?) of bibliography was, even in Farmer's latter time,
but jejune, and of limited extent: and this will account for
some of the common-place bibliographical memoranda of the
owner of these volumes. We may just add that there are some
few copies of this catalogue printed on _large paper_, on
paper of a better quality than the small; which latter is
sufficiently wretched. I possess a copy of the former kind,
with the _prices_ and _purchasers' names_ affixed--and
moreover, _uncut_!]

A poor eulogy, this, upon Farmer!--but my oratory begins to wax faint.
For this reason I cannot speak with justice of the friend and
fellow-critic of Farmer--GEORGE STEEVENS[409]--of Shakspearian renown!
The Library of this extraordinary critic and collector was sold by
auction in the year 1800; and, being formed rather after the model of
Mason's, than of Farmer's, it was rich to an excess in choice and rare
pieces. Nor is it an uninteresting occupation to observe, in looking
among the prices, the enormous sums which were given for some volumes
that cost Steevens not a twentieth part of their produce:--but which,
comparatively with their present worth, would bring considerably
higher prices! What arduous contention, "_Renardine shifts_," and bold
bidding; what triumph on the one part, and vexation on the other,
were exhibited at the book-sale!--while the auctioneer, like Jove
looking calmly down upon the storm which he himself had raised, kept
his even temper; and "ever and anon" dealt out a gracious smile
amidst all the turbulence that surrounded him! Memorable aera!--the
veteran collector grows young again in thinking upon the valour he
then exhibited; and the juvenile collector talks "braggartly" of