_Dates of Maps_ (Vol. ix., p. 396.).--I think the answer to MR. WARDEN'S
very just complaint respecting maps not being _dated_ is easily accounted
for, much more easily, I fear, than reformed. The last published map is
considered the most exact and useful; it, therefore, is the interest of the
map-seller to sell off all of the old ones that he can; hence it is
difficult, unless some pains are taken, to ascertain which is the last. A.
publishes a new map of France, B. then publishes one; but _both_ avoid
putting the date, as the oldest date would sell fewer, and the newer map
proprietor expects a still newer one soon to appear. By A. I do not mean to
allude to Mr. Arrowsmith in particular, who is one of the best, if not the
best, map-seller we have. But why are large military map-sellers so much
dearer with us than on the Continent? I must except the Ordnance map, which
is now sold cheaply, thanks entirely to Mr. Hume's exertions in parliament.