Polstead, in the same county, is a small brass of a civilian and family, date about 1490, hidden in the same manner; and a figure of a priest in the chasuble, lying loose in the vestry. Also at Little Waldingfield is a brass in memory of Robert Appleton and wife, 1526, of which the male figure is covered by a pew. In Upminster Church, Essex, were found, not very long since, during the progress of some alterations, two loose female figures under the flooring of a pew, which are still left to be tossed about in the vestry. One is an elegant figure of a lady in heraldic mantle and horned head-dress, with a dog at her feet, date about 1450, the other about 1630. At St. James's, Colchester, the head of a figure was long left loose, till at last it has been stolen. And, to conclude, pews have lately been built over two brasses at Margate, one of which is an early example of a skeleton. To these instances, which have fallen under my own observation, I doubt not that every collector can add several others of the same description; but these are sufficient to show the wide extent of the evil, and the necessity of correction. F. G. * * * * * ORIGINAL LETTER OF THE COUNTESS OF BLESSINGTON TO SIR WILLIAM DRUMMOND. MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM DRUMMOND.--The perusal of your beautiful poem _Odin_ has delighted me so much, that I cannot deny myself the gratification of expressing my thanks to its author; and at the same time demanding, why so exquisite a poem remains unfinished? It is cruel to your readers, and unjust to England, to leave such a work incomplete; it is like the unfinished statues of Michael Angelo, which no hand has ever been found hardy enough to touch, for I am persuaded that we have no living poet who could write a sequel to _Odin_. Do not think me presumptuous for venturing to give my opinion on poetry; I have studied it from my infancy, and my admiration for it is so enthusiastic, that I feel more strongly than I can reason on the subject. With this passion for poetry, you can more easily imagine than I can describe, the delight that _Odin_ gave me. I have copied many passages from it in my Album under different heads: such as Contemplation; Love of Country; Liberty; Winter; Morning; Meditation on a Future State; Immortality of the Soul; Superstition; Vanity of Life; Jealousy; and many others too numerous to mention. And they are of such transcendent merit, as to be above all comparison, except with Shakspeare or {269} Milton. In the sublimity and harmony of your verses, you have equalled, if not surpassed, the latter; and in originality of ideas and variety, you strikingly resemble the former; but neither call boast of anything superior to your beautiful episode of "Skiold and Nora." Hitherto, my dear Sir William Drummond, I have looked on you as one of the first scholars and most elegant prose writers of the age; but, at present, permit me to say that I regard you as the _first poet_.