[30] It is to be regretted that editors of ancient texts, have not more generally extended their care to the preservation of marginal and other adventitious notes, even when they are of comparatively much later date than the texts, which of course are their chief care. Such valuable fragments are in imminent peril at the present day; for whenever a new discovery of ancient books or records is now brought to the notice of the most distinguished experts, the very first piece of advice is that they shall be “cleaned,” “repaired,” and “skilfully” rebound. See, among others, examples in the Historical Manuscripts Commission, _passim_. Why the binding, and even the _status quo_ itself, is a part of the essence of such things, as monuments. But manuscripts, with far less excuse, are following the churches on the broad way to refaction, as it may be mildly called. When the fanciers of books, especially in London, as well as experts in manuscripts, make a fortunate acquisition of anything, both fine and unique; after the usual notes of admiration, such as “truly marvellous,” etc., they go on to say, “but it deserves a better jacket.” And at once order it to be stripped of its monumental covering, and scoured of the autumnal tints of many ages; its pedigree, contained in ancient shelf-marks, and autographs, is discarded; often valuable notarial records of events that have for safety, like monuments in churches, been entered on the covers and fly-leaves, are lost; and it is finally converted into a monument of nineteenth century skill in smooth morocco, “antique style,” &c. All that is really wanted, however, is either a box-case, or other apparatus for protection. Keep charters or papers nearly as you do Bank of England Notes. These are never bound for safe-keeping. On the outsides of these unattached bindings, or other provisions for safe-keeping, can be lavished whatever munificence, or luxury of modern art, may be thought to be a sufficient tribute of admiration to the object contained. [31] Introd. LXVIII. [32] See Strype’s Works _passim_, where above 100 transactions of Heath are referred to, and above 50 of Wotton. [33] Edn. 1587, p. 196. [34] 1607, folio. [35] Oxon, 1659. [36] Cod. Dip., No. LXXXV. [37] Rochester, Num. IV. [38] Chron. of Abingdon. [39] Cod. D., No. CXIV. [40] Chron. Sax. Oxon. 1692. [41] Bæda H. E., cura Jo. Smith, Cant. 722, p. 1748. [42] Concilia, I., 161. [43] Monumenta Hist. Brit. [44] Tanner Bibl. Brit., p. 703. [45] Concilia, 1639, p. 242. [46] Beda, 1838, p. 200. [47] Gloss. Ant. Brit., 1733. [48] Account of Worc. Cath., 1736, p. 120. [49] A.S.K., I. 225. [50] Will. Malm., G.P. 1870. [51] Cod. Dip., 1848. [52] Saxons in E., 1849, I, 191. The _name_, of Tewkesbury is, however, apparently older than even this ancient monastery. [53] Councils, Vol. III., Oxf., 1871, p. 122. [54] Remains, p. 326. [55] A-B. C., I., 224. [56] New edition, by Rev. J. Baron, Oxford, 1850. [57] C.D. CLXXXV.