simple, honest face beaming with joy as Mr. Merwin or Mr. Strebeigh holds aloft some rare scrap of Washingtoniana on which he has just bid, yet trembling as the auctioneer's eye glances inquisitively around the room lest some more powerful sportsman snatch it away from him. There is no boasting patriot who so reveres the name and memory of "The Father of his Country," and it is the passion of his life to gather everything that can in any way throw light upon the character and history of that great man. That is his "weakness," and you have only to present him with a rare Washington eulogy to touch the most tender chord in his heart. How it would have delighted the soul of Dibdin himself, were he living, to greet our bibliomaniac ship-carpenter. He would have enrolled him among the immortal heroes of the "Bibliographical Decameron." All honor to good old father Woodsides, and may he yet live many a year to enjoy communion with the spirit of Washington. "Let useless pomp behold and blush to find A VARIETY OF HOBBIES. It is amusing to notice the various hobbies which our book-collectors affect. When the amateur is first smitten with the disease he flutters around from one class of books to another seemingly undecided in which direction he shall bestow his affections. In fact, he may lavish them indiscriminately for a season, but he ultimately gravitates towards a particular hobby, which often an unerring indication of his character, tastes, and mental disposition. Among the various predilections of our book-men is the piscatorial hobby or the fancy for works on the favorite recreation of Isaac Walton. The late Dr. Bethune stood at the head of this sect of book-hunters, as did old John Allan at the head of our antiquarians. The Doctor after many years of diligent research had brought together the finest collection of Waltoniana ever known in America. Not only did he collect all the known editions of Walton and Cotton, and all the works referred to by them, as well as their various portraits, autographs, biographies, etc., but every work in the ancient as well as modern languages that in any way referred to ichthyology or angling. We have the typographical hobby or the collection of books remarkable as specimens of beautiful printing, such as the Pickering and Chiswick books, and there are not a few local antiquaries whose chief glory it is to gather everything relating to the history and traditions of "Old New York." The late William Jackson Davis was justly recognized as facile princeps in this specialty of the pursuit. There are bibliomaniacs who devote their attention to the drama and dramatic literature, to history and biography, to the literature of the fine arts, natural history, belles lettres, or general literature; to bibliography and literary history, while there are not a few omnivorous collectors who say with the poet : 'A book's a book although there's nothing in it." Sometimes the more opulent collectors unite some or all of these branches of book-collecting, and thus lay the foundation for a good general library. Next to early English literature the most expensive species of books that can occupy the attention of the col lector is Americana, or books relating to the early history and antiquities of America. This is a hobby in which none but the most wealthy can indulge. Comparatively recent in its growth, it probably owes its origin to Obadiah Rich who, as United States Consul at Madrid facilitated the studies in Spanish history of Irving, Prescott, and Ticknor. 66 HONEST RICH." "Honest Rich," says Washington Irving, "was one of the most indefatigable bibliographers in Europe, who for several years had made particular researches after every document relative to the early history of America." In 1828 he established himself in London as an American bibliopole, and as such endeavored to stimulate a love for this class of books among his countrymen. Some idea of the extent to which a collector may go in this branch of bibliomania may be formed from the statement, which, no doubt, is somewhat exaggerated, that Mr. Lenox has expended $30,000 on his collection of De Bry's Voyages, and it is yet incomplete. PROMINENT BOOK-COLLECTORS. Mr. Henry C. Murphy, with the unusual facilities which he enjoyed, has been "hopefully waiting" during a quarter of a century for one or two of the twenty-five parts which make a complete set of De Bry. So it will be seen that but few bibliomaniacs can surround themselves with a choice library of Americana. The prominent collectors of this specialty are James Lenox, Almon W. Griswold, S. L. M. Barlow, and William Menzies, of New York city; J. Carson Brevoort, Henry C. Murphy, and John F. McCoy, of Brooklyn; John Carter Brown of Providence, and Col. Trumbull of Hartford. The American library of the late Peter Force, of Washington, was purchased by Congress for $100,000, and about a year ago that of Mr. Rice, of Chicago, collected in less than six years, brought at auction over $42,000. In From the numerous minor and miscellaneous hobbies we can only select a few for the gratification of our readers. Mr. J. H. V. Arnold, a member of the New York bar, is an enthusiastic collector of dramatic literature, and rare and curious criminal trials. the latter feature his library surpasses any other in the United States. It is not generally known that Mayor Hall, notwithstanding his many duties municipal, editorial, and social, finds time now and then to ramble in the delightful field of bibliomania. His weakness is likewise the drama and curious trials, with an occasional penchant for quaint out-of-the-way literature. The cheerful face of our veteran litterateur, E. A. Duyckinck, may often be seen among the old book stores of Nassau street. He possesses a keen scent for such handsome little volumes as "Abelard and Heloise," "Daphnis and Chloe," and the beautiful volumes of poetry that emanate from Whittingham's press. Mr. T. W. Field keeps a sharp look-out for everything relating to the North American Indians, upon which subject he is somewhat of an authority. Mr. Griswold, in addition to his Americana hobby, is a determined sportsman in other fields, one, indeed, with whom it would be dangerous to run a race. Witness his many trophies, among which is the first edition of "Venus and Adonis," a little tome that might be carried in one's vest pocket, for which he paid $1,000; and there is the "Polychronicon" of Master Raulph Higdon, printed by Caxton, for which he laid down the trifling sum of $6,500. As an example of the good fortune which does sometimes befall the bibliomaniac we may mention the fact that this identical copy of "Venus and Adonis" was once bought by a Dublin bibliopole, among some literary rubbish, for one shilling sterling. Mr. Frederickson is an ardent bibliomaniac. Having in his younger days wielded the "composing stick" himself he has a great love for the typographical art, of which he possesses many rare and beautiful specimens. Of the Pickering, Chiswick, and Lee Priory books he has probably the finest collection in America. He has a great admiration for books which once belonged to famous authors, and he manifests no little pride in exhibiting a few which bear traces of once being owned by Lord Byron and Charles Lamb. It is related of De Quincy that he disdained to have his books on shelves, as we usually see them in libraries, but spread them promiscuously about the floor, often keeping his choicest volumes in the family wash-tub. Mr. F. has an excellent library stowed away in hogsheads. would advise him to keep his books in cotton bales. Mr. McCoy has a fine collection of rarities, the binding on many of them costing $100, safely deposited in bank vaults. Very handy, indeed, they must be for reference or amusement. Mr. Harris deserves the gratitude of every patriot in the land for the perseverance he displays in rescuing from oblivion the prolific swarm of American poetry which is to delight the heart of some future Warton. Mr. R. L. Stuart has rather a weakness for works on the fine arts and arts of design, THE HAUNTS OF BOOK-COLLECTORS. We The haunts of our book-collectors are as various as they are numerous, ranging all the way from Mr. Bouton's sumptuous rooms, on Broadway, to the modest box of Mr. Thomas Lawrence, on Nassau street. At Mr. Bouton's the bibliophile may revel among the choicest books in the most elegant bindings, and he must be an inveterate "hobbyist" who cannot find something there to fill a vacant niche in his collection. The store of the late William Gowans was an attractive resort for a certain class of collectors, men who were not afraid of dust and cobwebs while there was a possibility of finding something rare and curious. Then there is Luyster's, Denham's, Morrell's, and many smaller haunts which deserve a passing mention as the resorts of our bibliomaniacs. But the principal haunt is the store of Mr. Sabin in Nassau street. Here may be seen at times some of the rarest books in America, and here, also, we shall find the great book-collectors of the country, and hear them dispute over the rarity of their respective RICHMOND, VA., Jan. 21, 1871. Editor of the BIBLIOPOLIST: In the good old days of Virginia, when Ben Burton's bills were better than bank notes, the slaves on the Virginian plantations at corn shuckings used to chant many simple melodies that have no existence in books. The leader of a gang would sit among his brethren and in the pauses of the refrain improvise song and verse, which he would chant to them. The subject might be the widow Hughes and her cow, which would be extemporised by him as below, the chorus repeating all the way through an invariable refrain: Leader. The widow Hughes she had a cow, Leader. De butchers had her, bless de Lord! Leader. A butchering of her, bless de Lord! Chorus. Leader. Dey took her hide for a wagon kiver. "Fetch" is used above in the old English sense of "go and bring," and "gie" is thoroughly Virginian though it sounds Scotch-like. The negroes of Virginia, when given leave by their masters, used commonly in the night time to hunt with dogs the "coon" and "possum." Nearly every active negro on a plantation owned one or the other of these animals, which were often domesticated in their cabins. The fondness of "cuffee" for the flesh of the opossum is well known. He prefers it even to "pig," of which he is also extravagantly fond. How such an old Virginian melody should have found its way to Australia is surprising enough to induce the archæologist to trace its route thither. Will your correspondent, I. Wilkins, B. C. Q., be so good as to inform us who suggested its origin as Australian? C. M. W. Thomas Landseer, the engraver, has written two volumes of "Life and Letters of William Bewick, the Artist," with a portrait by Sir Edwin Landseer. [For the BIBLIOPOLIST.] MEMOIRS OF EMINENT BIBLIOGRAPHERS. Samuel Egerton Brydges. PART FIRST. And melancholy mark'd him for her own.-Gray. There were comparatively few of those who visited Geneva forty years ago whose attention had not been in some manner at tracted to an eccentric Englishman who, "endeavoring to forget a world which once had troubled him," lived there as a voluntary exile" in the company of departed poets and sublime and tender moralists." A casual observer would have taken him for a gentleman of fortune who, well advanced in life, was resolved to pass his few remaining years in ease and retirement. There were few men of his years, however, that led a more active life, and yet few who seemed to have more time to devote to social intercourse and the en joyment of the magnificent scenery which nature so profusely spread around the beautiful lake. Intelligent Englishmen on their arrival at Geneva would of course inquire for Lausanne and Diodati, for the homes of Calvin and Rousseau, and for the chateaux of Madame de Stael and Voltaire; and not a few of them 'tis said, would have returned to England disappointed had they not made a pilgrimage to Campagne Gros Jean to greet the venerable author of "Mary De Clifford." Literary celebrities from all parts of the world received from him an affectionate welcome, and at his "humble campagne" experienced that genial hospitality which an English gentleman of the old school was so well qualified to dispense. Here one might have talked of philosophy with Pictet, or of literature and politics with Sismondi. Here he might have discussed the science of legislation with Dumont, or have listened with rapt attention to the eloquent Bonstetten as he expatiated upon his friend-the immortal. author of the Elegy. Early Jisappointment, added to a sensibility almost morbid in its intensity, had cast a pensive sadness over his life, and many, consequently, on first. approach were chilled and repulsed by the apparent reserve and coldness of his manner. But there were few whose first impressions. were not dispelled on a further and more intimate acquaintance. However eccentric he might appear,they found him, nevertheless, a man of a warm and tender heart, fine feelings, va ried accomplishments, and great intellectual attainments. Such was Samuel- Egerton Brydges, a man who in his day occupied no small portion of public attention and to whom. the lovers of English literature throughout. the world are indebted for the revival and diffusion of some of the choicest pieces that adorn the English language. Spanning as he did the interval between Goldsmith and Tennyson he lived during one of the most remarkable periods of England's political and literary history. He was contemporary with all the curious phases of English social life recorded in the writings of Madam D'Arblay. He was a connecting link, as it were, between the age of Grub Street, the age of literary hacks, and theage when authorship, emerging from the A garret, became a profession of respectability and profit. He witnessed the establishment of the Edinburgh Review, and saw it fearlessly batter down one after another the innumerable barriers which injustice and tyranny had set between the upper and lower classes. Already a veteran in literature himself he saw the world dazzled with Don Juan and the Waverly Novels. During his life-time a brood of poets, such as England never produced but once before, had sprung up, accomplished their mission, and died. Born years before Scott, Byron, Keats, Shelley, Coleridge, Lamb, and Hazlitt, he saw them all, one by one, precede him to the grave. He saw the American colonies throw off their allegiance to Great Britain, and witnessed the days of the Regency; he saw Europe trembling at the spread of the French Revolution, and all England arming to resist a threatened invasion by Napoleon. Well known, however, and respected as he was during the past generation, we doubt if there are many at the present day whose knowledge of him is not quite limited. A few of our literary antiquaries A few of our literary antiquaries it it true, know that he is responsible for the "Censura Literaria," the "Restituta," and the "British Bibliographer," but there are not many who recognize him as the his author of some of the most beautiful specimens of imaginative poetry, as the editor of one of the most valuable and scholarly editions of our great epic poet, as a critic who has given us, among multifarious productions in the department of literary jurisprudence, a genial and discriminating series of letters on the character and genius of Lord Byron, and as a patron of elegant literature who, from his private press, has given to the literary student correct and beautiful editions of works which before were accessible only to a few of the more favored sons of fortune.* *O thou, to whom I feel as if allied, Whose voice has cheered my lonely pilgrimage, Samuel Egerton Brydges, the descendant of an ancient and illustrious family, wa born on the 30th of November, 1762, at the Manor-house of Wootton, situated not far from the cathedral town of Canterbury, in one of the most delightful regions of England. His father, Edward Brydges, a man of some talent, lived in the happy retirement of the country, on a moderate fortune, which was afterwards considerably augmented by numerous legacies. His mother belonged to the celebrated house of Bridgewater, so eminently identified with the extension and improvement of canal navigation in England, and to a remote branch of the same family as that from which sprung that ornament of his age-Sir Philip Sidney. Like most persons of illustrious birth Brydges was proud of his noble ancestry, but he was not blinded with the pride and vanity of mere birth; he believed with the poet that, after all, "The mind's the standard of the man.” Indeed, throughout his entire life he maintained it as an axiom, that without great talents unselfishly devoted to the service of the human race, a man's birth and rank, however exalted, constituted but empty and trivial distinctions. To use the elegant words of Gibbon, he would “pro nounce the descendant of a king less truly noble than the offspring of a man of genius." The following lines from a sonnet written by him in his twenty-fifth year, notwithstanding the pleasant vein of clearly indicative of his ideas and feelings egotism which runs through them, are so on this subject, grossly misunderstood as both appear to have been during his life, that we cannot resist the pleasure of transcribing them: "Though in my veins the blood of monarchs flows- Sentiments such as these are certainly honorable, alike to the head and heart of one who could trace his ancestors back to Charlemagne, and in whose veins mingled the blood of almost every royal family in Europe.* At a later period of his life he The very ancient family of Brydges deduces its descent from Sir Simen de Brugge, of Herefordshire, who flourished in the reign of Henry III, and who discovered that he was a kinsman of the author of the "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," a relationship which he esteemed with no little complacency. The early years of his childhood were passed amid the charming scenes of his native county of Kent; and no doubt the close proximity of the celebrated cathedral, with its great historical associations and wealth of tradition, contributed largely towards fostering that intense love and rev. erence for the glories of the past which he bore with him through life. One of the strongest feelings of his bosom seems to have been a deeply cherished love for the scenes of his youth; he never refers to them but with the most touching eloquence. His education up to his ninth year seems to have been entrusted, partly to his grandmother Egerton, but principally to his eldest sister, a woman of exquisite taste and rare judgment. With an almost passionate love for fine poetry (more especially for that of our earlier English poets) she possessed no inconsiderable talent as an amateur, and at an early day she sought to cultivate similar tastes in her brother. Nor were her efforts altogether fruitless. At four years of age he was able to read, and at eight he emulated her fondness for poetry. He tells us, himself, that at the tender age of fourteen, his happiness was seriously disturbed with the dream of authorship. He never seems to have forgotten the debt of gratitude which he owed this loving sister. In one of the volumes of Censura Literaria" he has given us a very eloquent biographical sketch of her, and her memory was tenderly cherished by him through the many vicissitudes of his unhappy life. "For well, my sister, claim those boyish days In his ninth year he was sent to school at Maidstone, and in his thirteenth was removed to a school at Canterbury prepar seems to have been a branch of the old Counts de Rethel, in the province of Champagne in France, princes of the first distinction in that kingdom, Sprung by various alliances from the house of Charlemagne and afterward memorable in the Crusades.-BURKE, atory to his entering college. Here he was placed under the care of Dr. Osmund Beauvoir, who, his pupil tells us, "was an excellent classical scholar, of fine taste and some genius." Applying himself while here with great diligence he made rapid progress in his studies, so much so, indeed, that on his entry into Queen's College, Cambridge, in the latter part of 1780, he bore the reputation of a good classical scholar, and wrote English poetry with facility. He speaks, indeed, in glowing terms of the inestimable advantages which he derived in after life from his arduous classical studies at this time, regretting, however, his subsequent neglect of them. While still at school in Canterbury he began to manifest a taste for bibliography; for we find him making a collection of the various editions of Horace, his favorite classic, and noting the different collations. Brydges, while by no means remarkable as a precocious boy, was yet distinguished above his fellows for his extremely thoughtful turn of mind and his richly cultivated taste in literature. Among the earliest of his favorite books were Walton's Lives, Robinson Crusoe, Sidney's Arcadia, the poems of Milton, Waller, end Collins, and the Latin poetry of Buchanan. The Biographia Britannica and Bayle's Dictionary he devoured with the utmost avidity, and the fruits of his passion for them may be seen in the numerous pieces of tasteful biographical criticism that are scattered through his various works. Soon after his entry into Cambridge he cast aside the severe mathematical studies for which that university has ever been famous, and relinquishing all ambition for academical distinction, gave himself up to the luxuries of old English poetry. "I read nothing at college," he says, "but English poetry, and thus effaced much of my classical knowledge. Mathematics I hated, and indulged against it not a very decent scorn." Remaining at college but two years he withdrew without, of course, taking a degree, and in the Spring of 1783 occupied chambers in the Middle Temple, as a law student. With the hope of eventually emulating the brilliant career of his great ancestor, Lord Chancellor Ellesmere, he embraced the profession with enthusiasm. For a time he pursued his studies |