he purpose, has the duty before
him of forming a Public Library, sets forward on a pleasant task. He has
the catalogues of all kinds of libraries to guide him, and he will be able
to purchase the groundwork of his library at a very cheap rate, for
probably at no time could sets of standard books be bought at so low a
price as now. Many books that are not wanted by private persons are
indispensable for a Public Library, and there being little demand for them
they can be obtained cheap. When the groundwork has been carefully laid,
then come some of the difficulties of collecting. Books specially required
will not easily be obtained, and when they are found, the price will
probably be a high one. Books of reference will be expensive, and as these
soon get out of date, they will frequently need renewal.

FOOTNOTES:

[15] _Library Journal_, vol. ii. p. 70.

CHAPTER IV.

PRIVATE LIBRARIES.

Treating of private libraries, it will be necessary to consider their
constitution under two heads, according as they are required in town or
country. In London, for instance, where libraries of all kinds are easily
accessible, a man need only possess books on his own particular hobby, and
a good collection of books of reference; but in the country, away from
public libraries, a well-selected collection of standard books will be
necessary.

1. _Town._

Every one who loves books will be sure to have some favourite authors on
special subjects of study respecting which he needs no instruction
farther than that which is ready to his hand. Books on these subjects he
will need, both in town and country, if he possesses two houses. Some
collectors make their town house a sort of gathering-place for the
accessions to their country libraries. Here a class is completed, bound,
and put in order, and then sent to the country to find its proper place in
the family library.

This is an age of books of reference, and as knowledge increases, and the
books which impart it to readers become unwieldy from their multitude,
there are sure to be forthcoming those who will reduce the facts into a
handy form. I have gathered in the following pages the titles of some of
the best books of reference which are to be obtained. Many, if not all of
these, are to be found in that magnificent library of reference--the
Reading Room of the British Museum. In some cases where the books are
constantly being reprinted, dates have been omitted. There are, do