32 J\CCOUNTS, ETC., OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 



at Belgrade; and four smaller MSS. of the IGth century, 

 containing canon-law tracts, &c. 



In English literature by far the most interesting purchase 

 was the autograph MS. of Keats' " Hyperion," with numerous 

 cancellings, emendations, and additions, all in his own hand. 

 None of the poet's editors or biographers had known of its 

 existence ; and fortunately it was found in the possession of 

 a lady. Miss Alice Bird, who was willing to part with it on 

 reasonable terms in order that it might be preserved in the 

 national library. The continual rise in prices during recent 

 years makes it now extremely difficult with limited means to 

 secure MSS. of this class or illuminated MSS. of the highest 

 quality. The increase of the Museum collections must there- 

 fore largely depend in the future upon a similar willingness 

 on the part of patriotic owners, and upon actual donations or 

 bequests. During 1904 the original MSS. of most of Herbert 

 Spencer's philosophical works, comprised in fourteen volumes, 

 were bequeathed by the author ; and thirty-one volumes 

 of musical compositions, mostly autograph, of Sir H. E. 

 Bishop were also acquired by bequest of Edward Wrey 

 Whinfield, Esq. 



Among other additions, by purchase, donation or bequest, 

 the folloving may be specified : — 



Psalter, &c., in Greek : with eight full-page illuminations 

 (defaced), and headings in gold. Written about A.D. 1090. 



Collection of Latin sequences, tropes, &c., accompanied by 

 music; written chiefly for the Nativity, and including 

 a curious poem for the Feast of Fools, 1 January. 12th cent. 



Psalter, &c., in Latin ; in a fine Irish hand of an antique 

 type, with elaborate interlaced and zoomorphic initials in 

 various colours. Written by one " Cormac," in the 13th 

 cent. 



" Liber de victoria Christi contra Antichristum," by Hugh 

 of Newcastle, an English Franciscan ; with other Latin 

 theological tracts. 14th cent. 



Palamedes, or Guiron le Courtois : a compilation of 

 Arthurian romance, in French prose. 14th cent. 



Two treatises on music in Latin and Italian by John 

 Hothby (/.. 1470), an English Carmelite settled at Ferrara. 

 Written in Italy, about 1500. 



A collection of English poems, including the Cursor Mundi, 

 the Destruction of Jerusalem, Chaucer's A. B. C. and Ballad 

 of Truth, the Dialogue of Hadrian and the Wise Child, &;c., 

 together with the Legend of the Three Kings, the Abbey of 

 the Holy Ghost, &c., in prose. Written in or about A.D. 

 1442. 



Graduale Romanum, from Advent to the 3rd Sunday in 

 Lent ; with miniatures and initials of Italian style. Early 16th 

 cent. Presented by the Hon. Lionel Walter Rothschild, M.P, 



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