^* The following is the letter referred to by Lord Carnarvon :—

31, Spring Gardens, London, S.W.,

June 25, 1878.

My dear Sir,—I understand that a further Report, dealing especially with the western portion of the roof, is thought desirable. As this had already been dealt with by my father, I did not include it in my former letter. I have to-day been at St. Albans, and made myself fully acquainted with its condition. It had been most minutely examined previously by my father and his assistant, who was with me to-day. Exact notes were taken of the state of each of the main beams, and the special treatment each required was determined on. I need not say that my father's object mas twofold: to preserve the old roof as an interesting portion of the Abbey, and to render it sound and serviceable.

The rafters, purlins, and other minor timbers, are in a fair state of preservation, and require about the usual amount of reparation. Some of the tie-beams, however, are in a bad condition, and need much more doing to them than those farther east. The treatment of each was laid down separately, scarfing, bolting together, and plating with iron being adopted as their varying defects suggested. No doubt a sound roof would thus be obtained, but, as so much has in some cases to be done, the question arises whether in these cases it would not be more satisfactory to substitute new oak tie-beams. The cost will be greater, but if the Committee should decide to do this I shall not feel disposed to raise any objection. There are in all seven tie-beams which this applies to.

A few words are necessary to make what I have said about the ceiling boarding clearer. In order to renew the joists and bearers which carry the boarding, and which are so defective, the boarding must be taken down; such parts as are thoroughly sound and of oak will be resquared, and then supplemented by, I fear, a large proportion of new wood. The whole, when refixed, must be decorated afresh. This relates to the ten western bays, the remaining three having been already repaired and repainted.

Believe me, my dear Sir,

Yours very faithfully,

John Oldrid Scott.

Rev. W. J. Lawrance.