There is some uncertainty as to the date of the earliest of Lord ARUNDEL’S many visits to the Continent. According to Sir Edward WALKER, he was in Italy in 1609. But that statement is open to doubt. There is proof that in 1612 he passed some time in Florence and in Siena. With Siena, as a place of residence, he was especially delighted. Of the foundation of his collections—to which his Italian journeys largely contributed—there are no distinct records until the following year. [Sidenote: Arundel to Rochester, MS. Cott. Titus, B. vii, f. 463.] The tour of 1613, followed immediately upon the marriage of the Princess ELIZABETH with FREDERICK, Count Palatine of the Rhine. The royal pair were escorted into Germany by both Lord and Lady ARUNDEL, who soon left the Rhine country on a new visit to Italy, and remained there until nearly the close of 1614. [Sidenote: BEGINNINGS OF THE ARUNDELIAN COLLECTIONS.] During that long residence the Earl established a wide intercourse with the most distinguished artists and archæologists of Italy, and made extensive purchases. The fame of his princely tastes was spread abroad. It soon became notorious that by this open-handed collector marbles, vases, coins, gems, manuscripts, pictures, were received with equal welcome. And from this time onwards many passages occur in his correspondence which indicate the keen and minute interest he took in the researches of the agents who, in various parts of the Continent, were busy on his behalf. The pursuit did not lack the special zest of home rivalry, as will be seen hereafter. Not the least singular incident in the early part of Lord ARUNDEL’S life was his commitment to the Tower, at a moment when his favour with King JAMES was at its height. [Sidenote: 1621, May.] [Sidenote: THE QUARREL BETWEEN LORDS ARUNDEL AND SPENCER.]