4 GENERAL REPORT. 
It is not easy to introduce the picturesque into Library statistics, 
but the remarks of the Librarian in reference to the Botanical 
Library recently handed over to the Library Committee by the Parks 
and Gardens Committee are full of local colour and interest, and 
draw from us our admiration for the noble band of literary 
men, headed by William Roscoe, who did so much just one hundred 
years ago to place Liverpool in the forefront of literary achievement ; 
and suggests the inquiry, have we maintained this high standard ? 
I fear we must confess that the greater part of the intervening time, 
although remarkable for its marvellous commercial progress and 
prosperity, has not been enriched by a similar development of 
literary taste and culture. 
The last twenty-five years have, however, witnessed the establish- 
ment and rapid growth of our University, and have proved that the 
desire of our people for intellectual growth and culture was only 
dormant and was waiting for the opportunity to make itself 
manifest. And can we not claim that in the years preceding the 
University our Free Libraries did something to keep alive the flame 
lt by Roscoe; and may we not also, without presumption, claim 
that our Free Libraries and Museum ought to be the handmaids of 
the University? It would be possible to enlarge upon this mutual 
aspect of Library and University work, but its growth and develop- 
ment will have to be gradual. 
Perhaps no departments of life are more remarkable for their - 
conservatism than literature and science. We do not quarrel with 
this; in Liverpool it will yield to the strenuous hustling atmosphere 
of commerce which surrounds it; and in the meantime we gratefully 
acknowledge the active and valuable assistance we receive in our 
work from Professor Paterson and Professor Elton; and we welcome 
Professor Sir Rubert Boyce as bringing us an intimate knowledge 
and love for antiquarian and archeological research. 
WILLIAM B. FORWOOD, 
CHAIRMAN. 
