give _Virginia_ as their residence; _Drayton_ names _South Carolina_, the _Dr. Cabell_ plate names _Richmond_, and the _John Walters Gibbs_ names _Charleston, S.C._ The plates used in the West Indies also show the residence quite often. There, too, as well as in the Southern colonies, the profession or position of the owner, as well as the London law school in which he was educated, are often given. Thus we have _William Blanc, Middle Temple, Dominica_; _Chas. Pinfold, LL.D., Governor of Barbadoes_; _Peyton Randolph of the Middle Temple, London_; _Francis Page of the Inner Temple Esqr._; _William Assheton of Gray’s Inn_. In the Northern examples we find _John Gardiner of the Inner Temple_, and _Jonathan Belcher, E Societate Medij Templi_. [Illustration: PETER MIDDLETON. M.D.] We note also in running through the List that the occupations most often noted on the book-plates are those of the medical and the legal profession. Barristers, lawyers, and attorneys are often so named, and the initials _M.D._, or the full word _Doctor_, are seen. The abbreviations of other degrees are found also, and the plates of clergymen are not uncommon. Several plates remain unnoticed in the following pages, which are probably American, but which, for lack of positive information, it is thought best not to include. Among these is an early Dutch plate which, if it could be accurately traced to its original owner, might prove to be one of the earliest plates used in America. [Illustration: Harrison Gray Otis.] It seems that a word is needed in defence of the perfectly legitimate and gentle pursuit of collecting book-plates. A great deal of sarcasm and indignation have found their way into the columns of periodical literature, particularly in England, the especial purpose of which is to trouble the humble collector, and to discredit him in the eyes of the world. He is pointed out as a destroyer of valuable books, as an animal so greedy in the pursuit of his insignificant prey as to ruin elegant bindings that he may secure worthless bits of paper, and as actually so devoid of good sense as to remove such of these as are interesting--for it is reluctantly admitted that some interest does attach to the plates used by certain men of fame in historical annals--from their rightful place within the covers of the very books read and handled by these illustrious owners. [Illustration: Lieut. E. Trenchard]