4 GENERAL REPORT. 



journals and periodicals make constant use of it, and many original works 

 of scientific and historical importance owe their existence to the researches 

 made in this Library ; and it is something gained in this city of " market 

 reports and nautical intelligence " that we should have a band of original 

 workers in literary and scientific subjects, and we may hope that in time 

 Liverpool may take a position in literature and in science, as we believe it 

 has already done in art. 



The extension of the Winter course of lectures to the outer districts has 

 met with great success. Fifty-one lectures were delivered, with an average 

 attendance of nearly 1,000. The living voice is an educational power 

 perhaps even greater than books, and enlists the attention of those who 

 have not the faculty for serious reading of any kind. The Committee are 

 careful that their lectures, while being entertaining, are at the same time 

 instructive. 



The Museum has been well attended, and it is gratifying to record that 

 the numbers exceeded those of the British Museum. The scientific staff are 

 still fully occupied in classificatory work, in order to have the exhibits ready 

 for the new galleries when completed. 



In conjunction with the authorities of the British Museum, the Committee 

 took part in an expedition to Socotra, under the charge of their Director, 

 Dr. Forbes, which has recently returned, after a very successful journey. 

 The Committee welcomed this opportunity of co-operating with the British 

 Museum, as it may lead to reciprocal advantages of great value. 



The Autumn Exhibition of Pictures was a brilliant success. The pictures 

 were of an unusual high character, and the hanging exceptionally good, 

 and although the attendance was rather disappointing, the sales made of 

 pictures were considerably above the average. 



The Permanent Gallery continues to grow, and further accommodation 

 must be shortly provided. 



WILLIAM B. FORWOOD. 



Chairman. 



