328 Pictorial Historic Becord*. [March 16, 



the hox tomb of our grandfathers' time, there is a progressive story 

 which is clearly discernible in these churchyard memorials. 



If remarkable or special objects are sought for, our cathedrals 

 and the mansions of our old nobility provide endless material. A 

 single cathedral may wholly occupy the attention of a devoted worker 

 for years ; its architectural details, picturesque vistas, monumental 

 effigies, tombs and inscriptions, old and modern alike, are worth notice ; 

 whilst such noble sanctuaries as St. Paul's or Westminster Abbey are 

 of surpassing interest and possess inexhaustible associations. 



In addition to these varied objects of interest, there are scattered 

 throughout the country a great number of historical documents, in 

 the shape of transfer deeds, charters, manuscript letters, and other 

 records of national or local value. As all such precious evidence is 

 liable to destruction by fire or other accidents, it is of the greatest 

 value to duplicate them by photographs. Such desirable work offers 

 a large field to those who have patience to undertake such labour. 



There are innumerable ancient State and Ecclesiastical records of 

 historical interest stowed away in the deed chests of private families 

 which have never been transcribed or copied ; to say nothing of 

 stores possessed by cathedral chapters, by church authorities, and 

 various corporations, the contents of which are absolutely unknown. 

 These, by duplication, by photography, and circulation amongst those 

 who are interested in such matters, would permit of their being 

 carefully studied pending publication, and would throw much ad- 

 ditional light on passages of past history. 



These observations would not be complete without reference to 

 the excellent photographic record work already done in several parts 

 of the United Kingdom. The efforts of the Warwickshire Photo- 

 graphic Survey Council have resulted in making a fine collection of 

 upwards of 2000 pictures of that county, which are now deposited in 

 the Birmingham Reference Library, and the names of Mr. Jerome 

 Harrison, F.G.S., Mr. J. H. Pickhard, Mr. E. C. Middleton, Mr. 

 James Simkics, Mr. C. J. Fowler, Mr. Harold Baker, and others, ara 

 honourably associated with this first distinct effort to collect records. 



The example of Warwickshire has been followed in many parts 

 of the country, and local collections are now in progress in the 

 hundred of Wirrall (Cheshire), in Yorkshire, in Worcestershire, in 

 the Borough of Scarborough, and indeed in many places. 



In conclusion, the National Record Association itself has received 

 help and encouragement from the learned societies and many associa- 

 tions having historical or literary objects in view. It would be 

 invidious to mention the names of those who have so far contributed 

 to make the collection, but the services rendered by Mr. George 

 Scamel, the Honorary Secretary, deserve distinct recognition. 



It is sufficient to say that a most promising commencement has 

 been made towards forming a National Collection, and it is not too 

 much to expect or hope that at some future time this will be one of 

 the most valued possessions of the Nation. 



[B. S.] 



