INTRODUCTION* 
xvi 
stitution, has recently accepted an offer, made by 
the executors of the late Marquis of Lansdown, 
for the purchase of his valuable collection of ma¬ 
nuscripts, and to add it to the several copious 
libraries of the same nature already in the Mu¬ 
seum. The vote for this purpose passed in 
the year 1807 ; and the sum granted, according 
to the best valuation that could be made, amount¬ 
ed to ,£ 4 , 925 . Its merit, very similar to that of 
the Cottonian Library, consists chiefly in original 
and authentic documents relating to the history 
of England, particularly during the reigns of the 
Tudors; besides a number of Collectanea of a 
miscellaneous nature, made by several eminent 
statesmen and learned antiquaries. 
ADDITIONS MADE BY THE TRUST. 
Thus far have we commemorated the muni¬ 
ficence of our late and present most gracious 
Sovereigns individually, and of the Legislature 
collectively, towards establishing and extending 
this national Institution, which will no doubt 
be allowed to reflect great honour upon the 
country at large, and from which men of letters, 
artists, and even mechanics of all descriptions, 
have derived, and continue to derive, most 
essential advantages in their respective pursuits. 
Our 
