A list of useful books might be extended indefinitely, especially if brought up to date. Archæology is a cumulative science gleaned from varied sources. The antiquary usually is possessed of more brains than money, but if he is fortunate enough to possess both, a large library will be to him a never-ending source of amusement. [Illustration] CHAPTER XI. OLD LETTERS. There were always two divisions of handwriting: the formal hand, employed for clerk’s work, and a freer, less mechanical, less careful style, used for private correspondence. Writing was a profession, and, as late as the sixteenth century, when it was necessary to communicate with persons at a distance, a professional scribe was employed to write the letter. Even now in slums may be seen the notice of ‘Letters written here,’ though this chiefly refers to it being a shop address to which letters may be directed. But letter-writing was rare, and did not become general till after the sixteenth century; even then it was restricted to the upper classes of society. I have in Chapter IV. given a brief account of the paper used in England. Letter or post paper was made of a square uniform sheet, folded; it was known as ‘Pot paper,’ from its water-mark. This varied slightly, the jug or water-pot being much more elaborate in some examples. It came principally from abroad, either the Low Countries or Germany; each separate factory very likely adopted a distinct shape; the makers’ initials are to be found upon the band across the pot, but are difficult to read, nor so far as I know is anything known about the manufacturers or their names. [Illustration: (1561) (1563) (1623)] The three above marks are taken from some old letters, and are good types of their kind; a more careful study of water-marks would show the dates of undated papers, and be a safeguard against forgery. The writing of old letters I have placed after the chapter on registers, because the latter forms a link between the clerical and personal handwritings. The letters have changed entirely from the old black-letter style to a similar style, like that still in use in Germany, and assuming a distinct character. [Illustration: SOME QUAINT LETTERS FROM OLD PARISH REGISTERS.]