SOCIETY

Some of the envelopes are grubby, creased, and stained, but the collection is in good condition overall. Most items are 16mo. The first testimonial (1 page, 16mo), by 'H Smith | Gardener & Bailiff', is dated August 1874. It reads 'John Dale lived under me in the Gardens at The Dale nr Manchester for two years, during which time I found him very steady & industrious & attentive to his duties'. The second testimonial (1 page, 4to, in official envelope addressed to Dale at Petworth Park) is from J. Smith, Curator, Royal Gardens, Kew, and is dated 28 April 1877.

Irish actor (1916-2001). 2 pages, 8vo. In good condition though creased along one edge. Accompanying this item are a typescript (1 page, 8vo, in good condition, annotated in ink) headed 'MASEFIELD READINGS', listing 13 items alternatively allocated to 'O'Conor' and 'Day Lewis', and two typewritten slips of paper listing some of the officers of the Royal Society of Literature, one of which has corrected details of the Don Carlos Coloma Memorial Lecture on the reverse. In the letter O'Conor complains that [Masefield's Collected Poems 'seem riddled with misprints'.

8vo. Pages: xi + 87. One of only a hundred copies, according to the British Library catalogue. In original red cloth binding with short title in gilt on front board (somewhat grubby and stained with stained manuscript title on spine). Tight copy but with front hinge cracked. Bookplate of Howard H. Cotterell of Walsall, and with his ownership inscription on title-page, which is neatly blindstamped with his address in top right-hand corner.

British Labour politician (1865-1944), leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords, 1935-40. 1 page, 16mo. In good condition, although creased and a little worn at head. 'I am sorry that you found it difficult to reach me. I leave here fairly early on the days that the House is in session & I must be there practically all the time.

Historian and essayist (1838-1903). 1 page, 16mo. In good condition, although grubby and glued to fragment of vellum 'Honorary Testimonial' to urice B. Blake, from internal evidence clearly from the Royal Humane Society, and signed by the President, the Duke of Argyll ('Argyll') and the Treasurer and Chairman, A. B. Hawes, 'for having on the 6th., <...> risk gallantly attempted to rescue <...> was unfortunately drowned in the River'. Letter reads: 'Dear Bagnal | I return inclosed with much pleasure.

While Dowsing was a sixteenth-century Puritan iconoclast who kept a journal of his various depredations, this 'account of a similar visitation at some later date' which the editors claim 'has recently come into our hands', would appear to be a spoof, a suspicion perhaps strengthened by the dedication (p.3) to Ronald Knox's brother Wilfred Laurence Knox. In printed green wraps. With pseudo-sixteenth-century title and with the long s used throughout: both features being signal warnings against similar attempts at such whimsy. 12 pages, 8vo.

For Keppel (1809-1904) see the DNB. On a slip of paper, 1 inch by 2¾, probably cut from a letter. Grubby and creased, and docketed in ink 'Admiral Keppel'. Mounted on a long slip, together with the signature of his brother 'Edwd. S[outhwell]: Keppel' (b. c. 1801), Rector Of Quidenham, Norfolk, on a piece cut from another letter, 1¼ inches by 3. This second signature is in better condition and is preceded by "Dear Sir | Yours very truly'. Two items,

English historian and biographer of Pepys (1899-1985). All six letters are 1 page, 8vo. In poor condition: creased, frayed and discoloured, with ruststains from a paperclip. All six are signed 'Arthur Bryant' and three are addressed to Mrs Cecil Roscoe, presumably the recipient's husband's name. Two of the letters are addressed to Roscoe at the Society of Women Journalists, Stationers' Hall. In the first letter Bryant says he would be pleased to address the Society. He might however be forced to cancel, 'owing to my absence from the country on Service duty'.

Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society (1900-68); fascist; writer of thrillers; intelligence officer for MI5 who recruited Ian Fleming, Tom Driberg and Anthony Blunt; jazz drummer; friend of Aleister Crowley; said to have been the individual on whom the M of the James Bond books is based. The forwarded letter is signed 'Angus' and is on letterhead Old Rectory Ashton Northampton. All five items are in good condition, all of one page, the letters 8vo and the cards 16mo. Knight's handwriting is difficult.

Naturalist, Fellow of the Royal Society and Scientific Director, the Zoological Society. The fragment is approximately two inches by five, good condition. It reads 'Yours sincerely, | Edw Hindle | (Edward Hindle) | Scientific Director.'

Naturalist, Fellow of the Royal Society and Scientific Director, the Zoological Society. The fragment is approximately two and a half inches by five: paper slightly discoloured. It is mounted on a piece of paper and reads 'With kind regards, | Yours sincerely, | Edw Hindle | (Edward Hindle) | Scientific Director.'

The Egypt Exploration Fund, now the Egypt Exploration Society, was founded in 1882. 2 pages, 8vo, on the last and first pages of a bifoliate, attached by pin to an envelope which was originally 16mo but has been cut open and is now 8vo. In good condition despite pin holes. 'Gentlemen - | Our financial year ends on July 31st so that shd. your client wish to receive the book of the Current year a subscription must be paid before the 1st Aug: next. It is not, however, essential thhat the subscription for 1901-2 should be paid in Aug: 1901, shd.

Canadian geologist (1826-92), Fellow of the Royal Society. 2 pages, 8vo, in good condition but with minor loss to one corner resulting in loss of part of one word of text. The recipient Moigno has been described as a mathematician and scientific vulgariser. Sterry-Hunt received Moigno's note the previous morning and regrets that he will be unable to meet him as he leaves on Monday for a 15-day tour of the Rhine and Alsace.

Historian of music and critic (1814-1887). Three pages, 8vo. He is finding prior engagements preventing his viisiting. He then discusses his researches into the life of Incledon (vocalist) including early memories (in discussion of first names), tombstone information, and the inaccuracy of a predecessor. The letter has been annotated by a few words (perhaps Marshall), in the most significant entry, giving Grove references.

One page, 12mo, with mourning border. "Sir / I enclose a cheque for 3£ the amount which I have subscribed during the last 2 or 3 years to the Lichfield Diocesan Church of England Temperance Society. As however Derbyshire is no longer in the diocese of Lichfield I cannot undertake to subscribe to the Society in future. / Yr obedt Servt / Devonshire".

The Elder. Quaker grocer and philanthropist (1801-1859). The first letter, 4 pp, 8vo. "I want thee to help me in Sarah Sanderson's affairs which seem to require some little arrangement. The poor woman died, or rather was burned to death at New castle". As one of the trustees of her property, along with John Sanderson and Jonathan Brushman, he explains how he wishes to settle the problem of the distribution of £1200 of shares in the Stockton & Darlington railway among her children. With small closed tears along two creases, but otherwise in good condition.

Baron Home of the Hirsel. Conservative prime minister (1903-95). Both letters one page, 12mo. In the first he says he will accept Barling's invitation to the Autumn Dinner as long as "nothing prevents me from being with you that evening". In the second he thanks Barling for further details of the dinner, and reiterates his hope "that nothing will crop up in the House of Commons that evening which might prevent me from attending". Both letters have two punch holes from previous keeping in a ring binder. Two items,

Diplomat and Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland (1752-1825). 2 & 4pp., 8vo. (1820) He expresses gratitude for Mahon's part in getting him membership of the Society of Antiquaries, and discusses his future resolves in its regard. (1822) He renews a request for a portrait of Sir Walter Scott to hang at Knole, and goes into some detail. 2 items,

Founder-member of the Fabian Society (1857-1955). 12pp. total, 8vo (3) & 4to (1), (1891) He asks Grinling to work with Henry Snell (M.P. for Woolwich) on preparing a Fabian Tract, suggesting a draft could be shown to the S.E. Committee, outlining what they should say. He also wants a leaflet for "the Guardians Elections", and announces that Sidney Webb on Poor Law will be Tract 17. (1901) His opinion on the "Housing Loan question", a meeting on Boards of Guardians, and the disordered office.

Prime Minister 1846-1852 and 1865-1866 (1792-1878). Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He "requests the President of the Royal Society to obtain the opinion of some of the members of the Society conversant with the Science of Botany, whether it may be advisable, with a View to extend the knowledge of Botany, that a Charter of Incorporation should be granted to the Royal Botanical Society (Regents Park.