I greatly rejoice that you are about to propose our friend Panizzi for election at the Athenæum. I know few persons for whom, if on the Committee, I should have voted with a more clear conscience, or with more earnest desire for success. As a man of letters I know few persons with a more extensive knowledge of literature; as an author, his introduction to the edition of Bojardo and Ariosto, containing a most masterly view of Italian poetry, is, I believe, his chief claim. But I have read other scattered works, perhaps less generally known, which I hold in high estimation. As to his public services, his long and most useful connection with the British Museum, cannot be more justly or fully appreciated than by yourself, and I am sure that we should entirely agree on this subject; above all, the great national gift of the Reading-Room, the envy and admiration of Europe, is, as you well know, almost his entire creation, from the original design to the most minute detail, from the dome to the inkstands and book-shelves. I most heartily, my dear Murchison, wish you success, and remain ever most truly yours, H. H. MILMAN.” The answer to Sir Roderick’s letter was this:— “31, Bloomsbury Square, February 6, 1866. “My dear Murchison, Many thanks for the trouble you have taken in my behalf. The result is what I expected, and I am not in the least affected by it. I am only sorry for the pain that I know it must have given you. I am proud of having received on this occasion additional proofs of regard and friendship from you, from the Dean of St. Paul’s, and from Mr. Grote. This outweighs the unpopularity to which your colleague in the Committee says I am obnoxious on the part of some unknown members of the Athenæum, who certainly do not know me as well as you and the other Trustees of the British Museum do. Believe me, &c., A. PANIZZI.” In the summer of 1861, Sir G. Cornewall Lewis, then Home Secretary, sought to confer another honour on Panizzi in offering him knighthood, which, however, he declined in these terms (July 23rd, 1861):— “I can hardly find words to acknowledge as I ought your unexpected communication of to-day. Her Majesty’s approbation of my humble services at the Museum is the highest reward I ever desired to receive for them. I can only regret my inability adequately to express my dutiful gratitude for Her Majesty’s condescension.