The subject of the following pages, it is well known, for many years engaged theattention of the late Mr. John Gough Nichols, who desired to give an exhaustiveaccount of one of the most ancient and interesting festivals of ourforefathers—interesting on many accounts, but particularly so from its bearing uponthe education of our early choristers. Unfortunately Mr. Nichols did not live tocarry out his intentions. Had he done so, the members of the Camden Society wouldhave been in possession of a far different work from that now presented to them.

The particulars of Dr. Leighton's life are scanty and doubtful. He issaid to have been born in Edinburgh about 1568. After having takenorders in the Scotch Church, and holding a professorship of moralphilosophy in his native city, we are informed that he proceeded toLeyden, studied physic there under Heurnius, and obtained the degreeof Doctor of Medicine.

The notes of Croke's judgment in the Hampden case, for thepublication of which the Society has to thank its President, aremuch more brief than either of the two reports printed in the StateTrials, but have the advantage of autograph corrections by Crokehimself. The judgment attracted considerable attention at the timeas being the first delivered in favour of the defendant. Wordsinserted by Croke are printed in italics. Words scratched out withthe, pen are given between brackets in the notes.

Gustavus Adolphus is a hero of every nation, and it is unnecessary toapologise for the publication of a series of papers which bring himbefore us as painted by a writer so observant and intelligent as SirThomas Roe. The two papers added in the Appendix complete theportrait by strokes from his own hand. I have so recently given anaccount of the negotiation out of which they sprung that it would beneedless to repeat here what I have said elsewhere. But even ifthese two papers stood alone they would be sufficient to establishthe greatness of Gustavus's character. Their weight, firmness, andcircumspection stand out in bold relief if they are contrasted withthe diplomacy of James and Charles; but I should fancy that theyhardly need that foil to attract the attention which theydeserve.

In page 86, line 3, for “yourself” read “himself.”

The following account of the receipts and expenses in the rebuildingof the parish church of Bodmin was accidentally discovered in an oldchest, in the parvise over the church-porch, early in the presentcentury. It is neatly written in a book now severed into loosesheets, which, although preserved with great care, is becomingrapidly reduced to dust. There are discrepancies in the sums of theitems, owing probably to the defective state of the manuscript. Withthe exception of the extension of the contractions, in italics, thewhole is given as it was found, without any attempt atcorrection.