re platinotypes, and many are of whole-plate size.
The collection will undoubtedly be of service to antiquaries, historians,
architects, geologists, naturalists, photographers, artists, and all
lovers of the beautiful in nature and art, and it will also be of
inestimable value to posterity.

LECTURES, READING-CIRCLES, AND EXHIBITIONS.

For a long period lectures have been regarded as an important part of the
educational or "extension" work of organised public libraries throughout
the country, but in the case of Norwich lectures were instituted as a
means of promoting the extension of the Library itself. As soon as the
first stone of the building was laid the Committee in January, 1855,
authorised the Secretary to make arrangements for a course of lectures at
the Bazaar, St. Andrew's Street, in order to promote the objects of the
Library, and by the April meeting lectures had been given by the Rev. A.
B. Power (twice), the Rev. A. Reed, the Rev. J. Compton, the Rev. J.
Gould, Mr. J. Fox (twice), Mr. J. H. Tillett, and Professor Edward
Taylor, of Gresham College. Charges were made for admission, in aid of
the funds of the library, and the net proceeds amounted to about 10
pounds, the attendances having been "better than usual at lectures in
Norwich."

In October, 1861, a sub-committee was formed to arrange weekly penny
readings, interspersed with lectures, in the large room at the Library on
Thursday evenings, and in April of the following year the Secretary
reported a net balance in hand of 9 pounds : 6 : 0, which sum was spent
on books for the Library. In September, 1863, the Committee evidently
intended to continue the penny readings, as it was resolved that Mr.
Dowson, a member of the Committee, should have full liberty to make
arrangements for conducting the penny readings during the following
winter session.

A course of popular lectures in connection with the Library by
distinguished scientists was inaugurated by Mr. F. W. Harmer, J.P.,
F.G.S., F.R.Met.Soc., in the year of his mayoralty, 1888.
(Parenthetically it may be remarked that he has the distinction of being
the oldest member of the Public Library Committee, he having served on it
continuously since 1880.) Hoping to place the scheme on a permanent
basis, Mr. Harmer suggested the appointment of a Committee of the
Corporation to carry out arrangements for a yearly series of similar
lectures on science by distinguished men, under the provisions of