Any person might naturally be led to suppose, on seeing the many costly and learned works which, within the last few years, have appeared on the subject of monumental brasses, that their value was now fully appreciated, and that all due care was taken to ensure their preservation, or at least prevent their wanton destruction. But, unhappily, such is far from being the case; and though rubbings of brasses are to be found in every antiquarian society, and in the possession of very many private individuals, the churchwardens and other parties on whom their preservation principally depends, are for the most part wilfully blind to their importance as historical memorials, and with impunity allow them to be mutilated or stolen. In many of our country, and I may also add town churches, are these interesting records of the dead stowed away as useless lumber in the vestry, or hidden by some ugly modern pew. The writer wishes to make known, through the medium of your valuable journal, some instances which have fallen under his own observation, in the hope that those who read may make some exertions to rectify such acts of desecration were they have already occurred, and to prevent their future recurrence. To begin, then, with the most important as regards the loss incurred by the antiquary, though all show an equal want of good feeling and neglect of things sacred, I will first offer the substance of a few notes taken during a recent excursion to Cobham, Kent. The brasses in this church have long been noted as presenting some of the most interesting early examples of this species of monument, extending from the year 1320 to 1529. They exemplify almost every variety of costume that prevailed during that period, executed with the most artistic skill, and accompanied with the most elegant accessories in the shape of canopies, brackets, and allegorical designs. Imagine, then, the feelings of the antiquary, who, upon approaching the chancel where most of these brasses lie, finds that it is flooded with water! The roof has gradually fallen to decay, and the Earl of Darnley, whose property the chancel is, has refused to repair it. And yet this same nobleman can spend thousands of pounds in adorning his seat, Cobham Hall, the ancient domain of the family, in whose commemoration most of these brasses are laid down. I may also here mention that part of the rood-screen which forms the back of the earl's pew has been glazed, in order, I suppose, to keep out the damp of the chancel, while a portion on the other side has been entirely cut away. This is by far the most flagrant case of neglect which I have ever witnessed; but there are several minor instances which well demand exposure. At Mendlesham, Suffolk, is a fine large figure of John Knyvet, Esq., in armour, almost entirely concealed by a pew passing up the whole length of the brass. Now, for a very little expense, the slab might be removed and laid down again the chancel. At