My first visit to M. Barbier was concluded by his begging my acceptance of a copy of the first edition of Phaedrus, in 1596, 12mo.; which contained, bound up with it, a copy of the second edition of 1600; with various readings to the latter, from a MS. which was burnt in 1774.  This gift was expressly intended for Lord Spencer’s library, and in a few months from hence (as I have previously apprized his Lordship) it shall “repose upon the shelves” of his Collection.[119]

It is now high time to relieve you; as you must begin to be almost wearied with BIBLIOGRAPHY.  You have indeed, from the tenor of these five last letters, been made acquainted with some of the chief treasures in the principal libraries of Paris.  You have wandered with me through a world of books; and have been equally, with myself, astonished and delighted with what has been placed before you.  Here, then, I drop the subject of bibliography—­only to be resumed as connected with an account of book-men.

[91] [Because I have said that M. FLOCON was “from home” at the time I
    visited the library, and that M. Le CHEVALIER was rarely to be found
    abroad, M. Crapelet lets loose such a tirade of vituperation as is
    downright marvellous and amusing to peruse.  Most assuredly I was not
    to know M. Flocon’s bibliographical achievements and distinction by
    inspiration; and therefore I hasten to make known both the one and
    the other—­in a version of a portion of the note of my sensitive
    translator:  “M.  Flocon is always at work; and one of the most zealous
    Librarians in Paris:  he has worked twenty years at a Catalogue of the
    immense Library of Ste. Genevieve, of which the fruits are,
    twenty-four volumes—­ready for press.  Assuredly such a man cannot be
    said to pass his life away from his post.”  CRAPELET, vol iv. p. 3, 4. 
    Most true—­and who has said that HE DOES?  Certainly not the Author of
    this Work.  My translator must have here read without his spectacles.]

[92] Editiones Italicae; 1793. Praef.

[93] Vol. i. p. 63-7.  It is there observed that “there does not seem to be
    any reason for assigning this edition, to a Roman press.”

[94] See page 116 ante

[95] See page 139 ante.

[96] See page 145 ante.

[97] [Now the property of the Right Hon. T. Grenville; having been
    purchased at the sale of Mr. Dent’s Library for 107_l_.]

[98] M. Crapelet doubts the truth of this story.  He need not.

[99] [See the account of M. Barbier, post.]

[100] It is on a small piece of paper, addressed to M. Barbier:  “Cherchez
    dans les depots bien soigneusement, tous les ouvrages d’ANDRE CIRINE: 
    entr’autres ses De Venatione libri ii:  Messanae 1650. 8vo. De natura
    et solertia Canum; Panormi,