DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

( 1) formation of collections of books, began at a much later period. Whatever learning existed in Britain had been acquired from its Roman conquerors ; but when they departed, after the destruction of their Empire in the fifth century, learning was only saved from extinction by the clergy, who were rising on the ruins of heathenism, and in the seminaries which were being gradually established. At this moment, when Ireland attracts our at- tention so largely, it may be interesting to know, as it is agreeable to quote for the sake of any Irish- man who may be present on this occasion, that in those very remote days Ireland was famed as the most learned nation in Europe. Whether the Sister Isle still maintains this reputation is beyond the scope of the present inquiry, but it is unquestionable that some of the greatest poets and writers in the English language in later times have come from the country of St. Patrick. But to revert to the past. For many centuries all learning remained confined to the clergy, and was concentrated in the numerous monasteries and re- ligious establishments which studded the land. It even became a fixed rule in religious houses that some of their inmates should devote a portion of every day to copying manuscripts. The transcription of service-books was entrusted to boys and novices, that of missals and Bibles to the