Finsbury.
_Book Plates._--I have been some years collecting book plates with a
view latterly of writing _A History of Book Plates_, if I can find time
to do so. Several years ago, in a paper which was printed in the _Oxford
Heraldic Society's Report_, I suggested 1700 as their earliest known
date. I am glad to have an opportunity of mentioning that paper for the
sake of saying, that I made some mistakes in it. Mr. Burgon on seeing it
said, in a following report, that he had seen a book plate dated 1698. I
have since obtained one or two dated in that year. I am anxious to know
from any of your readers whether they have seen any English book plate
dated before 1698. I am inclined to think that foreign book plates are
to be found of an earlier date. I have some, unfortunately not dated,
which I think are earlier. There is no doubt, however, that in this
country at least they did not become general till after that date. If I
live to publish the little work which I meditate, I will give all the
information which I can produce on the subject.