24 JUNE 1899, Page 33

DEDICATIONS AND EPITAPHS.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Six,—May I be allowed to suggest that the best instances of the lapidary style in English are to be found, not in epitaphs, but on the fly-leaves of volumes by English classical writers? The characteristic reserve of our race, which breaks down into hysterics over tombstones, finds often fine expres- sion in the dedication of a book to a literary patron, and shows to advantage the sinewy strength and suggestive subtlety of our mother-tongue.—I am, Sir, &c.,

BRITINNICUS.