44 'The Library. town. When such libraries become say a quarter as numerous as public-houses are at present, may I hope that this plan or something like it will be in operation in many towns ? A County Councillor of philanthropic leanings might do worse than commence an agitation in his own district to induce the adoption of the Public Libraries Acts in such a district as referred to, and if he were a wealthy man, might stimulate the people to a trial of the scheme by one of those generous offers, which are the glory of wealthy Americans, and too seldom reported on this side of the Atlantic. Am I too hopeful in saying : Once the plan is set agoing in any suitable circuit of villages, it would recommend itself and " win its widening way " to general favour in rural districts. J. J. OGLE.
