Philadelphia. Sixty-first Annual Report of the Mercantile Library Company. The number of volumes in the library is 147,585, a net gain for the year of 3,025. The total number of members is 5,067. The issues were 139,189, a daily average of 455. The electric arc lamps, having proved unsatisfactory for reading purposes, were discontinued. Out of a total income of $25,956-85, the cash in hand on January 1st, 1884, was $20:32. Borough of Plymouth. Seventh Report of the Free Public Library and News Room Committee. Presented to the Town Council, February 13th, 1884. 1883. Plymouth, 1884. 8vo. pp. 38. The total issues during the year were 179,506 volumes, a decrease of 2,815. The library now contains 17,042 volumes, being an increase of 1,523. Mr. Wright lays great stress upon the need for more accommodation, and submits a scheme for enlarging the present premises pending the erection of a suitable building. The total income of the year was £818. 11s. 5d., and the balance in hand £6 7s. The usual statistical tables are appended, including a classified list of additions. Borough of Reading. Free Public Library and Museum. 1883-84. Reading, 8vo, pp. 24. First Annual Report, The number of volumes in the library is 12,475, 10,450 in the lending library, and 2,025 in the reference library. The total issues for the year were 118,104, of which 106,191 were borrowed from the lending library by 4,637 persons. The percentage of fiction is 652. It is calculated that there is an average daily attendance in the reading and news rooms of 550. Annexed are statistical tables and lists of donations to the library and museum. Record of Bibliography and Library Literature. Authors and their Works, with Dates. Being the three Appendices to "The Reader's Handbook." By the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. London, Chatto and Windus. 1884. cr. 8vo, pp. 1133-1399. Price 2s. Dr. Brewer has reprinted from his well-known Handbook the three Appendices, apparently without making any corrections in the stereotype plates. This we infer from the numbering of the pages being preserved, as well as from the circumstance that the work has not been brought down to date. We observe no books mentioned with a date later than 1881. The book has evidently cost the compiler much labour, but has unfortunately been put together chiefly from second-hand sources, and without much judgment. British Museum. Wycliffe Exhibition in the King's Library. Arranged by E. M. Thompson, Keeper of the MSS. Printed by order of the Trustees. 1884. 8vo, pp. xix, 68. Price 4d. The Luther Exhibition at the British Museum, which attracted so much notice last year, is now followed by a Wycliffe Exhibition, which should prove at least as interesting to Englishmen. The catalogue has been prepared by Mr. Thompson, who has prefixed to it, by way of introduction, an excellent sketch of the reformer's life. (See above, p. 98). Bibliorum Sacrorum Exemplaria, tam manuscripta, quam impressa, quæ in Bibliotheca Lindesiana adservantur. Romæ ex typographia senatus, 1884. 8vo, pp. 28. Only 50 copies printed for private circulation. : This is a list of the first editions and early MSS. of the texts and versions of the Scriptures forming part of the very remarkable collection at Haigh Hall, which so much delighted our members when they enjoyed the Earl of Crawford's hospitality in September last. It has been drawn up by the owner with great care and bibliographical skill, in preparing for an exhaustive account of the whole of the library. The manuscripts are some of the oldest Abyssinian, Armenian, Coptic, and Samaritan copies in existence, and the printed books. include all the rarest and most valuable first editions. Bibliothèque cynégétique d'un amateur, avec notes bibliographiques, suivie d'un supplément armes, animaux, fauconnerie, historie, pièces de théâtre, romans, lois et jurisprudence, le tout relatif à la chasse (catalogué complet des livres de chasse) en vente à Paris: Librairie Firmin-Didot, 1884. Sm. 8vo, pp. 228. Even the best of the English sale catalogues are not to be compared with the most ordinary specimens of French enterprise in the like direction. Here is the catalogue of a small collection of books on the chase, well compiled, tastefully printed, and illustrated with woodcut portraits, representations of dogs, &c. The collection itself is poor enough, and consists almost entirely of modern French books in ordinary condition. The Winter Number of the Bulletin of the Boston Public Library, in addition to the usual accession lists, contains "a List of the Text-editions and Translations of the Eddas," prepared by Mr. Thorvald Solberg, a very interesting Bibliography of " Matthew Arnold," and a further instalment of an "Index of Articles upon American Local History in Historical Collections in the Boston Public Library." The May number of the Harvard University Bulletin containing the usual classified list of accessions, and continuation of a "Bibliography of Ptolemy's Geography" of "the Kohl Collection of Early Maps" and the "Classified Index to Maps in Petermann." The seventh number (April 1) of the Bulletin of the Mercantile Library of Philadelphia contains an interesting article, entitled "Reading Notes on Wycliffe," by Mr. John Edmands, the librarian. The June number of the Bibliographer contains the first instalment of a long article on the famous "Fortsas Catalogue," reproduced from the New York Philobiblion (vol. i. pp. 75-84, April, 1863). We gather from a note on p. 10 that the Editor is not aware that this article has appeared in full already. The English edition contains some very bad misprints not to be found in the Philobiblion. It is understood that the article on the Invention of Printing in the forthcoming volume of the Encyclopædia Britannica will be written by Mr. Henry Bradshaw, and the article on the Modern Development and the Practice of the art by Mr. John Southward, author of the " Dictionary of Typography," &c. Another posthumous volume of papers by our late friend and member, Dr. W. Stanley Jevons, has been published. It is entitled "Investigations in Currency and Finance, illustrated by twenty diagrams; edited, with an introduction by H. S. Foxwell” (London: Macmillan, 1884, 8vo, pp. xliv. 414). The volume has a special interest to us from the valuable bibliography of works on currency and finance (pp. 362-414), drawn up by Dr. Jevons himself. In the excellent little volume by the Rev. Prof. John Earle on "Anglo-Saxon Literature" (London: S.P.C.K., 1884, sm. 8vo, pp. vi. 262) just added to the "Dawn of Europe: Literature" series, there appears an interesting account of the chief AngloSaxon MSS. to be found in English libraries. The Deutsche Buchhändler-Akademie, a new organ, published by Hermann Weissbach at Weimar, proposes to advance the efficiency of the German bookseller, and will treat of all subjects connected with his profession. In the numbers already published have appeared articles on "Die Geschichte der Schriftwerke" (The History of Manuscripts), by Franz Thimm of London (based on a lecture delivered at the German Athenæum); on "Die Buchdruckerkunst in Wien von 1482-1682" (Printing in Vienna), by Edward Zernin; on "Buchhändler-Wappen," etc. (Booksellers Arms, etc.), by Max Merseburger; and "Zur Reform Unseres Bibliothekwesens" (Library Reform), by Dr. Ernst Kelchner. The journal is handsomely printed in octavo form, and in a bold type. In Rev. Hilderic Friend's "Flowers and Flower Lore," London: W. Swan Sonnenschein, 1884, 2 vols. 8vo., we notice "A Brief Bibliography of Flower Lore" (vol. i. pp. ix-xii.). Correspondence. AN OFFER. The Rev. T. P. Kirkman, whose offer to present to libraries a copy of his "Philosophy without Assumptions" we announced in our last number (p. 80) desires us to add that he will be glad if librarians writing to him for copies will enclose six stamps for postage of the book. LIBRARY REPORTS AND POST CARD NOTICES. Among the annual reports I have lately received, two or three state that the system they have in operation of notifying borrowers that the books they require are in "continues to give satisfaction." It seems to me that this is not in accord with the name of free libraries, or with the intentions of the chief promoters of them, as it gives those people who are in a position to pay for the necessary post cards an advantage over the poorer borrowers. The fines are a very different thing, as no person need pay them unless he chooses, and some poor borrowers are particularly careful not to do so. Where the above mentioned plan is adopted, those persons who are not able to pay for the post cards are placed at a very unfair disadvantage, and they may try in vain for years for a very popular work, as it would always be secured in advance. I suppose in some cases there must be so many applicants for these books that they are continually bespoken some weeks or even months beforehand. Another objection to this plan is, that it lays the librarian open to a charge of favouritism. I once tried putting aside books for borrowers when asked to do so, but found that some who were disappointed a few times in not getting what they wanted, charged me with favouritism. It also very frequently occurred that the books so put aside were, for several days not called for. For these reasons I discontinued this practice as unsatisfactory. It would be of interest to me, and I think to other members, if one or two librarians who are using these cards would give their experience in the CHRONICLE. I should like also to ask how it is that so many reports have no financial statements? I suppose there must be some good reason for this, but it appears to me that one of the most important and interesting items, both to the ratepayers and librarians, is in such cases omitted. B. Y. AN ACROSTIC. Let love of books and books' acquaintance spread; But not in stinted wise bestow the bread (Rich food to modern minds the muses give) A mong the hundred hungering crowds that cry, Clamouring the crowds have knocked at learning's door, Room now is made; the poorest of the poor Of desert hall have made a crowded home; Now the old keeper, warming with new toil, In his full heart feels youth's impassioned glow; Free Public Reference Library, Nottingham. J. J. OGLE. Printed and published for the Library Association of the United Kingdom by J. DAVY & SONS, at the Dryden Press, 137, Long Acre, London. Annual Subscription, post free, 6s. LONDON: GEORGE REDWAY, YORK TO LIBRARIANS. W. GLAISHER'S Catalogue of Remainder Books Will be sent Post Free upon application. W. G. having just bought the ENTIRE REMAINDER of the New Edition of LL. JEWITT'S ERAMIC ART OF GREAT BRITAIN, royal 8vo, with 2000 Engravings, published at 25s., is now offering it at 16s. nett. W. GLAISHER, Remainder Bookseller, 265, High Holborn, London. ENRY N. STEVENS (son of Henry Stevens, of Vermont), American and Antiquarian Bookseller, recently established at 115, St. Martin's Lane, Charing Cross, London. Stock comprises early voyages and travels, books relating to America, English Literature, &c. Catalogue in preparation. Names and addresses solicited. Curious, Old and Rare Books. OREIGN ANTIQUARIAN CATALOGUES, issued by the Principal Booksellers on the Continent, are to be obtained, by stating the Class of Books required, on application to H. GREVEL, Foreign Bookseller, 33, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C. ERCY HOLMES, Dealer in Novels, Modern Biography, Voyages and Travels, has REMOVED from No. 6, Booksellers' Row, Strand, to No. 41, OPPOSITE. THE ONLY HOUSE IN THE TRADE for the supply of threevolume Novels on the day of publication. STREET, COVENT GARDEN. OOKS.-Just Published. CATALOGUE No. 42 of SECOND-HAND BOOKS, some scarce and curious. On Sale by J. ASTON, Bookseller and Bookbinder, 49B, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. May be had on application. BOOKBINDER BY APPOINTMENT TO THE HONORABLE SOCIETY OF GRAY'S INN. NEW BOOKS. PWARDS of 25,000 VOLUMES in Stock, at 3d. in the Is. discount, at FOWLER'S Great Midland Book Mart, Loseby Lane and Silver Street, Leicester. Established 1816. OOKS, DRAWINGS and PAINTINGS FROM THE SAM. LAURANCE COLLECTION (Painter of the well-known Portrait of Thackeray), Catalogue of which will be ready shortly. It includes some good Portraits. CATALOGUE OF AUSTRALIAN BOOKS, Topography, in preparation. CHARLES HINDLEY, 41, Booksellers' Row, Strand, W.C. FOR SALE. Vols. of Parliamentary Papers, prior to 1500 the year 1861, separately or otherwise. Brayley's History of Surrey, 400 plates, 5 vols. royal 4to. £3. 38.-Apply to The Librarian, London Institution, Finsbury Circus, E.C. The Library Journal, OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. A Monthly Index is supplied to the Current Numbers of (Fifty-six) leading American and English Periodicals, compiled on the co-operative plan of Poole's "Index" by a number of Librarians, and Edited by WILLIAM I. FLETCHER, the Associate Editor of Poole's "Index." Published Monthly. Subscription £1. per Annum; Single Number 2s. PUBLISHED BY MESSRS. GEORGE BELL & SONS. 1 vol. imperial 8vo. 17. 11s. 6d. Demy 8vo. 218. A Dictionary of Artists who have Folk-Etymology. A Dictionary exhibited Pictures in the Principal London Exhibitions of Oil Paintings from 1760 to 1880. Compiled by ALGERNON GRAVES. This Volume contains a list of about 16,000 artists, giving their place of residence, special class of art, the dates, Exhibitions, and number of works exhibited. It will be found valuable to collectors of works of art, and all those who are interested in the history and progress of art. New Edition, thoroughly Revised and greatly Enlarged. of Corrupted Words which have been Perverted in Form or Meaning by False Derivation or Mistaken Analogy. By the Rev A. S. PALMER. Author of 'A Wordhunter's Note Book.' "Most interesting, instructive, and valuable contribution to the study of language."-Athenæum. "As a whole, the work has been admirably performed, and, strange to say, though it takes the form of a dictionary, it can be read straight through as it stands with interest and pleasure."-Pall Mall Gazette. Post 8vo. 58. Bryan's Dictionary of Painters Synonyms and Antonyms of the and ENGRAVERS. Edited by R. E. GRAVES, of the British Museum. Imperial 8vo, in Monthly Parts, 58. eacli. Parts I, II, and III ready. With a Supplement, bringing the Work down to 1883. Cooper's Biographical Dictionary. Containing Concise Notices of Eminent Persons (upwards of 15,000) of all Ages and Countries, and more particularly of Distinguished Natives of Great Britain and Ireland. By THOMPSON COOPER, F.S.A, Editor of 'Men of the Time,' and Joint Editor of Athena Cantabrigienses.' 1 vol. 8vo. 1431 pages 158. The Supplement separately, 3s. 6d. "Mr. Cooper takes credit to himself, and is, we think, justified in doing so, for the great care bestowed upon the work to insure accuracy as to facts and dates; and he is right, perhaps, in saying that his dictionary is the most comprehensive work of its kind in the English language."-Pall Mall Gazette. Richardson's (Dr.) Philological DICTIONARY of the ENGLISH LANGUAGE. Com- ENGLISH LANGUAGE. Collected and Contrasted. New Edition, Revised and Enlarged, 8vo. 14s. Synonyms Discriminated. A Catalogue of Synonymous Words in the English Language, with their various Shades of Meaning, &c. Illustrated by Quotations from Standard Writers. By the late Ven. C. J. SMITH, M.A. In 2 vols, 5s. each. A Dictionary of Obsolete and Dictionary of Quotations from the English Poets. Arranged according to Subjects. By An 8vo. Edition, without the Quotations, 15.; half-russia, Handbook of Proverbs. 20s.; russia, 248. "In conclusion, I would recommend your correspondent to consult that inestimably valuable book, Dr. Richardson's 'Dictionary,' where he may satisfy his doubts on this occasion, as well as all others which may arise of a like kind. It is a book which no Englishman who loves his noble native tongue should be without, and it will be beneficial to countless millions in ages yet to come." Mr. S. W. Singer in Notes and Queries, Dec. 29, 1855. USED IN THE POSTAL TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT. Con taining an entire Republication of Ray's Collection of English Proverbs, with his Additions from Foreign Languages and a complete Alphabetical Index; in which are introduced large additions as well of Proverbs as of Sayings, Sentences, Maxims, and Phrases collected by H. G. BOHN. Post 8vo. 5s. Webster's Dictionary. New Edi- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs. tion, with Supplement of over 4600 New Words and Meanings, 1628 pages, 3000 Illustrations, 4to. cloth, 218. The Complete Dictionary, containing the above matter, with valuable Literary Ap-A pendices and 70 extra pages of Illustrations, grouped and classified. 1919 pages, 31s. 6d. "Certainly the best practical English dictionary extant." Quarterly Review, October, 1873. Prospectuses, with Specimen Pages, sent post free on application. Comprising French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Danish. With English Translations and a General Index by H. G. BOHN. Post 8vo. 58. Dictionary of the Noted Names of Fiction. Including also Pseudonyms, Surnames bestowed on Eminent Men, and Analogous popular Appellations often referred to in Literature and Conversation, By WILLIAM A. WHEELER, M.A. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged, 6s. A Supplementary English Glos- Epigrammatists (The). A Selec sary, Containing 12,000 Words and Meanings occuring in English Literature not found in any other Dictionary. With Illustrative Quotations. by T. LEWIS O. DAVIES, M.A. Vicar of St. Mary Extra, Southampton, Author of 'Bible English.' Demy 8vo, 16s. "Those who are acquainted with the little volume of Davies on Bible English,' will open his larger work with eagerness, and will find their expectations more than satisfied."-Pall Mall Gazette. Bible English. Chapters on Words and Phrases in the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures and the Book of Common Prayer no longer in common use. Illustrated from contemporaneous writers. By the Rev. T. LEWIS O. DAVIES, M.A. Vicar of St. Mary Extra, Southampton. Small crown 8vo, 58, tion from the Epigrammatic Literature of Ancient, Mediæval and Modern Times. With Introduction, Notes, Observations, Illustrations, an Appendix on Works connected with Epigrammatic Literature, and Three separate Indices. By the Rev. HENRY PHILIP DODD, M.A. Oxford. Lowndes's Bibliographer's MANUAL of ENGLISH LITERATURE. Containing an Account of Rare and Useful Books published in or relating to Great Britain and Ireland, from the Invention of Printing. With Bibliographical and Critical Notices, Collations of the Rarer Articles, and the Prices at which they have been sold in the present century. Enlarged Edition, by H. G. BOHN. Parts I. to X. (A to Z) 3s. 6d. each. Part XI. (the Appendix volume) 5s.; or the 11 Parts in 4 vols. half morocco, 21. 28. LONDON: GEORGE BELL & SONS, 4, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN. |