kind ought also to comprise works, which, like those of Bouterwek, Denina, and others, treat of Spanish literature or history, as also Grammars written in various languages for the purpose of teaching Spanish, and comparative Dictionaries, in which that language has a place. Though my stock of books consists chiefly of such works as have been above described, it contains also a good collection of Greek, Latin, French, and Italian Classics, and I have annexed to the present Catalogue a specimen of its rarer contents in those languages.

The works have been arranged alphabetically, according to the surnames of their acknowledged writers. To this rule the Books of Chivalry form an exception, whose titles have been preferred as more generally known than the names of the authors.-Whenever the author has two names, I have arranged the work under that by which he is more commonly known, taking care, at the same time, to place the corresponding reference under the appellation by which he is occasionally quoted.--Authors whose surnames are similar, are distinguished by their christian names, or by a sc cond appellation.--The first substantive or adjective in the title is to be considered the leading word for anonymous works. The Fathers are classed by their names.

For the benefit of those who are not conversant with the Spanish language, it is necessary to observe that the signs CH, LL, and Ñ are not formed by the union of

two letters, or of a letter and an accent, but are distinct letters that have an appointed place in the Spanish alphabet; the first after C, the second after L, and the last after N. Consequently, in a Dictionary, or any work alphabetically arranged, Chaves should be placed after Cueva, Gallardo after Galvez, and Cañes after Cantos, whereas, according to the alphabetical order of other European languages, their situation would be reversed. As in copying or extracting the titles of works (and especially those of any antiquity) the original or thography has been preserved, the C will be occasionally found instead of Z, as it was formerly considered equivalent to that letter.

These observations, and the Index at the commencement, arranged according to the prevailing taste in Spanish literature, including the works which are comprised in the Supplement to the Catalogue, are inserted with a view of facilitating as much as possible the finding of any particular work, so that every one may readily meet with the books adapted to the nature of his studies.

Spanish Bibliography is so little known, and the materials relating to it are so irregularly scattered in several works, that a few remarks on that topic will not, it is hoped, be unacceptable to the public. I have not confined myself to observations on the rarity of the books, or the peculiarities of the edition, but have often endeavoured to discover and correct the errors of Nicholas

Antonio, Latassa, Ximeno, Pinelo, Mendez, Pellicer, Mayans, Diosdado, La Serna Santander, and other Spaniards who, either professedly, or incidentally, have treated on this subject. Such notes are intended as a temporary guide, till the publication of a work on Spanish Bibliography, in which I am now engaged. It will suffice for the present, to describe the editions in a manner that may prevent mistakes: the state of the copy on sale, and its price, are annexed. The quality of the binding is also expressed whenever it increases the price of the books: when the binding is not mentioned, the reader is to understand that the work is merely sewed, and covered in the manner which the Spaniards call rústica ; or that the binding does not deserve notice.

I have also taken the liberty to recommend the literary merit of some modern Spanish writers which are little known out of their country. The exclusive attention which has been given of late, throughout Europe, to the ancient Spanish literature, seems to prevent adequate justice being done to the individuals, who, from the middle of the last century, have successfully revived the pure style of the Granadas, Leons, and Argensolas, and have made it the vehicle of Religion, Natural Philosophy, History, and sound Criticism.

The terms scarce, rare, and very rare, have been affixed according to the result of my studies, the information I have acquired during my visit to foreign countries, and the experience I have gained as a bookseller.

Modern works, of which there is no stock in the European market, are specified as scarce. Such, either modern or ancient, as from the limited number of copies of the original edition, or some other accidental cause, are seldom met with, 1 have called rare. Anxious to avoid the suspicion of describing any books in my possession with a view of enhancing their price, I have been extremely cautious in applying the note very rare, and have every reason to trust that it will seldom, if ever, be found inaccurate. Though there is a possibility of such errors, I can with the greatest confidence assure the public that they will never be traced to want of diligence, or of candour. My readiness to correct any inaccuracies which may be found in this Catalogue, will prove the deep sense of respect which I entertain for the knowledge so generally diffused throughout this country. If any one should take the trouble of pointing out my errors, it would add to the debt of gratitude I already owe, and which I take pleasure in acknowledging, for the encouragement I have met with since the political changes of Spain in 1823 drove me for shelter to this happy land of Civil and Religious Liberty.

LONDON, May 1, 1826.

V. SALVÁ.