l
of merit. There are many excellent models of classic sculpture,
including the group of the Laocoon. Some choice water-colors interested
us, and there were some meritorious pieces of sculpture by native
artists. One or two unselfish and devoted friends of art in Sydney have
given the most of their time and much of their pecuniary means for years
to promoting the interests of this collection, which under their
fostering care has already reached a high intrinsic value, and is full
of promise of future permanence and still greater excellence.

On the way back to our hotel from visiting the Art Gallery we stopped at
the Free Public Library, which contains over one hundred thousand
volumes arranged after a most admirable system. Not only do the
immediate residents of the city and its environs enjoy the advantages of
this collection, but the books are sent all over New South Wales, upon
application from local authorities, in boxes containing one hundred
volumes each, free of transportation. To secure this privilege in any
instance, it is only necessary for the town authorities to sign a bond,
making themselves responsible for the return of the books within a given
period, or agreeing to pay for any that are lost. This system of
distribution, we were told, worked admirably, involving no loss and no
more wear and tear than any other consistent use of the books, while the
benefits of the library are thus extended to half a million of people.

Another circulating library, known as Maddock's Select Library, was
found in George Street, after the style of Mudie's in London, or
Loring's in Boston, the object of which was to supply its patrons with
the best books and serial publications as soon as published. Besides the
periodical literature of the day, this establishment contains thousands
of standard books, which are constantly lent for a moderate sum to the
reading public. This library, we were told, has been established for
twenty years, and has really become a city institution. It is only upon
visiting places which do not possess such convenient literary resorts
that one can properly estimate their public value and importance.

Walking about the wharves in the early morning we one day saw and
awaited the mooring of the incoming boat from Parametta. It was crowded
with merchants' clerks, shop-keepers, and business people generally who
are employed in the city during the day, but who return to their
suburban homes to sleep. Amon