Several kinds of Memorial to our first Printer have at various times, during the present Century, been proposed to the Public; and certainly the want of variety has not been the cause of their failure. There was to be a Tomb-stone Memorial to perpetuate Caxton's name and merits; and a Poetical Memorial of a fountain and a light to symbolize the effect of his Art-each of which it was proposed to erect in Westminster Abbey: then there was what may be called an Ideal Memorial in the shape of an Iron Statue; and the Literary Memorial, which should perpetuate both the Printer's Name and Writings. Others there were, but all met the same fate, with the exception of the simple Tablet in St. Margaret's, Westminster, erected in 1812 by the Roxburghe Club. Nor need we search far for the cause of failure: these projects were all based on sentiment divorced from practical good. But when the sum subscribed for the "Iron Statue," falling far short of the requisite amount, was by general consent handed over (in 1854) to the PRINTERS' PENSION SOCIETY, to form a nucleus for a

Capton Pension/

every one felt that sentiment and practical benevolence here went hand in hand. The Fund grew year by year, until now (1861), for the first time, it is sufficient to yield 10s per week as an Annuity to some old and indigent Printer, worn out in the exercise of that Art which has made Caxton's name famous among us, and called in memory of him "THE CAXTON PENSIONER."

The chief enemies of the working Printer are Consumption and Loss of Sight; to relieve these sufferings, to provide for the aged and infirm, and to smooth as far as may be the down-hill journey of life, is the object of the Printers' Pension Society; and the long list of applicants, and the sad tale of distress which accompanies each, show how great must be the benefits conferred by this Charity. To increase its field of operation, especially in connection with the name of Caxton, is the object of these remarks.

The interest felt in the early history of the Typographic Art, in this Country, is very general among educated classes; and should any reader of "The Life and Typography of William Caxton" feel inclined to give such interest a material shape, it is respectfully suggested that, by assisting the Fund for another Pensioner, he will be contributing to the relief of some deserving follower of Caxton's Craft, and at the same time promote the most appropriate Memorial of the worthy Printer, by extending the operations of THE CAXTON PENSION.

The Collector is Mr. C. POPE, 14, Derby Street, Argyle Square, W.C., to whom Post Office Orders may be sent, payable at the Chief Office, 126, High Holborn.

W. B.