They are in one of Wordsworth’s glorious “Sonnets to Liberty” (the sixteenth), and belong to us, and not to the New-Englanders.

G.N.

Countess of Desmond (Vol. ii., pp. 153. 186.).—­In reply to K., I have an impression that Horace Walpole has a kind of dissertation on the Old Countess of Desmond, to whom his attention was directed by her being said to have danced with Richard III.  Having no books at hand, I cannot speak positively; but if K. turns to Walpole’s Works, he will see whether my memory is correct.  I myself once looked, many years ago, into the subject, and satisfied myself that the great age attributed to any Countess of Desmond must be a fable; and that the portrait of her (I think, at Windsor) was so gross an imposition as to be really that of an old man.  I made a “Note”—­indeed many—­of the circumstances which led me to this conclusion; but they are at this moment inaccessible to me.  I venture however, now that the question is revived, to offer these vague suggestions.  By and by, if the subject be not exhausted, I shall endeavour to find my “Notes,” and communicate them to you.  I wonder the {220} absurdity of the kind of death imputed to the imaginary lady did not reflect back a corresponding incredulity as to the length of her life.

C.

Yorkshire Dales (Vol. ii., p. 154.).—­No guide or description has been published that would serve as a handbook to the dales in the West Riding of Yorkshire between Lancashire and Westmoreland.  Should A PEDESTRIAN wish to explore the beauties of Teesdale he will find a useful handbook in a little work, published anonymously in 1813, called A Tour in Teesdale, including Rokeby and its Environs.  The author was Richard Garland, of Hull, who died several years ago.

[Greek:  Delta].

The Yorkshire Dales (Vol. ii., p. 154.).—­In answer to a recent inquiry, I beg to state that a guide to the above dales is in preparation.  It will be edited by your humble servant, illustrated by a well-known gentleman, and published by Mr. Effingham Wilson.

J.H.  DIXON.

Tollington Villa, Hornsey.

    [We are glad to hear that such a Guide is preparing by Mr.
    Dixon, whose knowledge of the locality peculiarly fits him for
    the work he has undertaken.]

Sir Thomas Herbert’s Memoirs (Vol. ii., p. 140.).—­The information MR. GATTY wishes for, he will find in Dr. Bliss’s edition of the Athenae, vol. iv. p. 18.  He will perform an acceptable service to historical inquirers, if he will collate the printed memoir with the MS. in the possession of his friend, and give to the world such passages, if any, as have not been hitherto published.

[Greek:  Delta].