issues during that period are as under, besides Magazines and 

 Periodicals. 



Classification. Volumes ^"'^ ^^"&ge, 



about 



Theology, Morals, and Metaphysics 10483 50 



Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Chemistry, &c 9954 47 



Natural History, Botany, Mineralogy, &c 6211 25 



Science and the Arts, Architecture, Painting, Music, &c. 19906 94 



History and Biography 25018 118 



Topography and Antiquities 4573 ai 



Geography, Voyages, and Travels 19003 90 



Miscellaneous Literature 74683 353 



Jurisprudence, Law, and Politics 1762 8 



Commerce, Political Economy, and Social Statistics 1192 6 



Education, Logic, Language, &c 6704 32 



Poetry and Dramatic Literature 16110 76 



Works of Imagination 9G614 457 



Classical Literature 1286 6 



Heraldry, Encyclopajdias, and Works of Reference 5018 23 



Total 297417 1406 



The daily issues foi- the previous year were 682, shewing an increase 

 of 728. Several circumstances are worthy of note in connection 

 with this tabulated statement. It may be remarked that the issues 

 have more than doubled during the last year. Whilst this has been 

 the case, the proportionate demand for literature of the higher class has 

 steadily increased. 



It is beginning to be admitted by the public that a groat Library, 

 common to all classes, is one of the greatest boons which any com- 

 munity can enjoy. 



The successful study of any subject usually requires access to 

 collections far beyond the reach of persons in ordinary circumstances, 

 and which few, excepting public libraries, could be expected to possess. 

 This is evinced by the demand for high- class works on Practical 

 Mechanics, Railway Engineering, Shipbuilding, Mathematics, and Art in 

 all its branches. Music also has proved a great source of attraction, 

 for copying out and reference. 



The Reading-room, though large, is sometimes overcrowded, from 

 four to five hundred persons being frequently present at one time. A 

 portion of the Reading-room has been set apart for females, the issues 

 being about 40 volumes per day. 



A Room has also been provided for the use of Students who require 

 several volumes at a time. The Patent Specifications, of which the 



