120 



could be rolled up and hidden away at a moment's notice. The 

 monks seem indeed to pride themselves on the fact that it was their 

 Order (the Benedictines) that was turned out of Westminster Abbey. 

 Among other things notable vras a painting by Corregio (a Christ's 

 head) ; a very fine ivory crucifix of early date, presented by Admiral 

 Sartorius (this had formerly belonged to some Spanish church); an old 

 deed by one of our earliest printer?, dating from Boston in Lincolnshire, 

 making over some property to the Order — and which they lately sent 

 for inspection to the Bristish Museum, an ofi'er by the authorities of 

 £25 for it being refused. One of the curiosities shown was a marvel 

 of calligraphy, it was apparently a pen and ink etching of the 

 Crucifixion, nor would anyone with the best eyesight believe it to be 

 anything more ; but on inspection with a very powerful glass it was 

 seen to be composed of the most minute writing it is possible to 

 conceive. The monks claim, I believe, to be in possession of a large 

 piece of the true cross. The Libraries were very rich in books, many 

 thousands of volumes ranged in bookcases according to subject, and 

 Bome valuable editions of the " Fathers." 



The Museum was richly stocked with geological specimens, fossils, 

 shells, minerals, stuffed birds and fishes, and articulated skeletons 

 of various small animals, forming a veiy fine collection in Natural 

 History. It was in this part of the building we were joined by the 

 Prior Father Ford, who received us very hospitably. In this room, 

 too, were shown us some good rubbings of early English brasses. 



The arrangements connected with the school seemed to be very 

 perfect. The Dormitories were divided into " stalls," each containing 

 a bed — a row on each side ef the room, with a wide space — warmed 

 with pipes, and thoroughly ventilated in the roof. Besides the school 

 room, the boys have a large playroom, with a few simple gymnastic 

 appliances, or if they want to be quiet dui'ing play hours, there are 

 small studies provided for them ; each filled with light reading, story 

 books, &c. In the oiit-buildings is a steam laundry and a silo, the 

 grass of which obtained the first prize last year for condition ; there 

 is also a bathing pond, flagged with stones. 



At about 12.30 we were shown into the Refectory, where we all sat 

 down to bread, cheese and beer, and having thanked the Prior in the 

 name of the Club for his courtesy and hospitality, to which he replied, 



