The lower compartment of this splendidly illuminated page differs materially from that of Mr. Hibbert’s copy.  There are two figures kneeling, apparently portraits; with the sea in the distance.  The figure of St. Louis appears in the horizon—­very curious.  To the right, there are rabbits within an enclosure, and human beings growing into trees.  The touch and style of the whole are precisely similar to what we observe in the other copy so frequently mentioned.  The capital initials are also very similar.  It is a pity that, during the binding, (which is in red morocco) the vellum has been so very much crumpled.  This copy measures thirteen inches and seven eighths, by nine inches and three eighths.

I must now lay before you a few more Classics, and conclude the whole with miscellaneous articles.

TERENTIUS. Printed by Ulric Han.  Folio. Without date.  In all probability the first edition of the author by Ulric Han, and perhaps the second in chronological order; that of Mentelin being considered the first.  It is printed in Ulric Han’s larger roman type.  This may be considered a fine genuine copy—­in old French binding, with the royal arms.

ARISTOTELIS OPERA. Printed by Aldus. 1495, &c. 6 vols.  Would you believe it—­here are absolutely TWO copies of this glorious effort of the Aldine Press, printed UPON VELLUM!?  One copy belonged to the famous Henri II. and Diane de Poictiers, and is about an eighth of an inch taller and wider than the other; but the other has not met with fair play, from the unskilful manner in which it has been bound—­in red morocco.  Perhaps the interior of this second copy may be preferred to that of Henri II.  The illuminations are ancient, and elegantly executed, and the vellum seems equally white and beautiful.  Probably the tone of the vellum in the other copy may be a little more sombre, but there reigns throughout it such a sober, uniform, mellow and genuine air—­that, brilliant and captivating as may be the red morocco copy—­he ought to think more than once or twice who should give it the preference.  The arms of the morocco copy, in the first page of the Life of Aristotle, from Diogenes Laertius, have been cut out.  This copy came from the monastery of St. Salvador; and the original, roughly stamped, edges of the leaves are judiciously preserved in the binding.  Both copies have the first volume upon paper.  Indeed it seems now clearly ascertained that it was never printed upon vellum.[78] The copy of Henri II. measures twelve inches and a quarter, by eight and an eighth.

PLUTARCHI OPUSCULA MORALIA. Printed by Aldus. 1509.  Folio. 2 vols.  Another, delicious MEMBRANACEOUS treasure from the fine library of Henri II. and Diane de Poictiers; in the good old original coverture, besprinkled with interlaced D’s and H’s.  It is in truth a lovely book—­measuring ten inches and five eighths, by seven inches and three eighths; but I suspect a little cropt.  Some of the vellum is also rather tawny—­especially the first and second leaves, and the first page of the text of Plutarch.  These volumes reminded me of the first Aldine Plato, also UPON VELLUM, in the library of Dr. W. Hunter; but I question if the Plato be quite so beautiful a production.