libraries in 1800 down to
forty-nine. In 1776 twenty-nine were in existence, and from that time
the growth has been as follows:

_Libraries formed._ _Number._ _Present size._

From 1775 to 1800 30 242,171 vols.
" 1800 to 1825 179 2,056,113 "
" 1825 to 1850 551 2,807,218 "
" 1850 to 1876 2,240 5,481,068 "

This little table brings out very strikingly the distinctive peculiarity
of libraries in this country. Their strength does not lie so much in the
importance of individual collections as in the existence of a large
number of young, active, and growing institutions which are unitedly
advancing to a future that must evidently be tremendous. More than
seventy per cent. of our existing libraries have been formed within the
last twenty-five years, and contain about 2,500 volumes each. Of the
older libraries those which were founded in the last quarter of last
century have an average of about 8,000 volumes, those of the following
quarter about 11,500 volumes, and those of the third quarter about 5,000
volumes each. It is plain that library work has been remarkably active
since 1850. In fact it has been so active as to open a new profession to
the educated classes of this country. A large number of highly trained
men are engaged in library work, and the discussion of library science
is carried on with energy. It is quite probable that a few more years
will see the introduction of this study into American colleges, as a
preparation for a promising branch of industry. But let us return to our
classification, which covers some interesting points.

_Educational_ libraries are of three kinds:

1. Academy and school 1,059, with 1,270,497 vols.
2. College 312 " 1,949,105 "
3. Asylum and Reformatory 206 " 223,197 "

District school libraries form a very modern part of the general system,
having been first suggested by Governor Clinton of New York in 1827, and
introduced by law in 1835. Since then twenty other States have adopted
the plan, but some, like Massachusetts, have abandoned it for that of
town libraries. The greatest difficulties it labors under are found in
country districts, where the funds are applied to other purposes, and
the books are recklessly lent out and lost, both evils being due to the
fact that few persons can be fou