_Parochial Libraries_ (Vol. viii., p. 62.).--There is an extensive, and
rather valuable, library attached to St. Mary's Church, Bridgenorth,
presented to and for the use of the parishioners, by Dean Stackhouse
in 1750. It comprises some eight hundred volumes, chiefly divinity.
There are two or three fine MSS. in the collection, one especially
worthy of notice. A splendidly illuminated Latin MS., dated about 1460,
engrossed upon vellum, and extending to three hundred leaves (C. 62. in
the Catalogue). I noticed many fragments of early MSS. bound up with
Hebrew and Latin editions of the Bible; and a portion of a remarkably
fine missal, forming the dexter cover of a copy of Laertius _de Vita
Philosophica_ (4to. 1524). Surely a society may be formed, having for its
object the rescuing, transcribing, and printing of those scarcely noticed
fragments. MR. HALES' plan appears perfectly feasible. I am convinced
much interesting matter would be brought to light, if a little interest
was excited on the subject.