Beowulf - Autotypes of the Unique Cotton Ms. Vitellius a XV in the British Museum; With a Transliteration and Notes #270801

Further losses have been put a st0p to by the new binding; but, admirably as this was done, the binder could not help covering some letters or portions of letters in every back page with the edge of the paper which now surrounds every parchment leaf. I grudged no pains in trying to decipher as much of what is covered as possible. When, in my notes, I simply state that something is covered, I always mean to say that, by holding the leaf to the light, I was able to read it nevertheless. In case I could not make out what is covered distinctly, I always add a remark to that effect. Both in the front pages and in the back pages transparent paper was employed by the binder, which, although it does not prevent the reader of the ms. From seeing what is under it, was yet very often the cause of some letters or parts of letters being reproduced in the Facsimile indistinctly or not at all. In such cases I have not thought it necessary to add notes.