_MSS. of the Wycliffite Translations of the Scriptures_.--The Add. MS.
15,521., in the British Museum, contains a copy of Lewis's edition
of the _Wycliffite New Testament_, printed in 1731, with manuscript
notes by Ames and Lewis, and the former has transcribed into it some
_additional prologues_, prefixed to each book of the New Testament,
which had not been printed by Lewis, and were taken by Ames from a MS.
of the New Testament, written in 1424, and in 1731 in the possession
of Thomas Granger. It would be very desirable to learn what became of
this MS. subsequently. Granger died in the following year, but the
MS. does not appear in the sale catalogue of his library, nor is it
found in the catalogue of Ames's own library, dispersed in 1760. Any
information relative to this remarkable copy of the New Testament,
would be very acceptable to the Editors of the _Wycliffite Versions
of the Scriptures_, who are now, after a literary labour of more than
twenty years, about to bring the work to a conclusion. They would
also feel much obliged by the communication of any notices of MSS. of
the Wycliffite versions, _existing in private hands_, exclusive of
those copies of which they already possess descriptions, existing in
the libraries of the following individuals:--Mrs. Allanson of Farn,
Flintshire, the Earl of Ashburnham, Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bart., Sir
Peregrine Ackland, Bart., Sir David Dundas, H.M. Judge Advocate, Dr.
Cardwell, Principal of St. Alban's Hall, Oxford, and Thomas Bannister,
Esq.
F. Madden.
British Museum, March 28.
_Why are Gloves not worn before Royalty?_--Can any of your readers
inform me what is the origin of the custom observed at Court, of
persons in the royal presence not wearing gloves? Is it a matter of
pure etiquette, or does the observance of it derive its origins from
barbarous times, when chivalry was little else than barbarism in
armour?