Sketched during one of his less cantankerous moods by F. Walter Taylor. While I was debating whether I could afford to buy this portrait, my son secured it and sent me the bill, thus relieving me of the difficulty of coming to a decision

is 56 years old to-day." Then suppose that we surround the man with his works first editions, autograph letters, souvenirs, etc., if available; and if they are not in stock, perhaps, if we are in Philadelphia, and on good terms with the owner of such a superb collection as Ellis Ames Ballard's, we may secure the loan for a day or two of a few items that will cause the initiated in such matters to rub his eyes in amazement.

The idea may be expanded, and details added, to such an extent that, in course of time, that constantly changing exhibit will be a liberal education. It will have a drawing power that people will be unable to resist. They will cross the street to look at it; they will think of it and speak of it, and be glad to establish relations with its owners. How pleased we are when the head waiter of a well-established restaurant addresses us by name when we enter! A bookshop may hold the same thrill for us.

But you may say, "All this costs money and takes time; I have no one available for such a job." My reply is that such work could be syndicated and its cost divided among many. Miss Bessie Graham, already an honorary member of the American Booksellers' Association and well known by reason of her classes and papers on Bookselling, is admirably fitted to superintend the preparation and distribution of such suggestions as would be timely, stimulating, and helpful.

Bookshops can and should furnish a sort of postgraduate course in literature. Let the campaign of

education go forward: and let us so carry it on that every he or she who reads may run to the nearest bookshop. I am not an advertising agency. Dr. Johnson called advertising a trade; I should call it a profession, rather. The subject should be carefully studied by someone of special aptitude and training.