i8 



the idea of a National Library. There are three large Reading Rooms, 

 one for the working classes, where 20,000 popular volumes may be con- 

 sulted ; the great "Salle de travail," where in the y< ar 1890, 99,112 

 leaders consulted 398,166 books ; and an inner manuscript room, where we 

 saw some forty or fifty students reading and copying manuscripts, many of 

 which were so pre< ious that they were only issued in carefully locked cases 

 with glass fronts. The Library is not yet fully catalogued, but the work is 

 being rapidly proceeded with. The annual State grant is ^3 1,000, which 

 covers all expenses. 



Friday was devoted to miscellaneous sight seeing, and I renewed my 

 acquaintance with s veral of the churches and picture galleries, and saw the 

 new galleries of the Luxembourg for the firrt time. On Saturday, a pleasant 

 visit was brought to a pleasant close, by a journey to Chantilly. The Due 

 d'Aumale had kindly invited the Association to visit his splendid palace, and 

 inspect his art treasures. I le himself did us the honour of personally point- 

 ing out the principal objects in his magnificent collection, and very hand- 

 somely entertained us. 



The visit on the whole, was a very successful one, and must be pro" 

 ductive of good to those who used their eyes and ears. We were treated 

 throughout with utmost courtesy and consideration ; a representative of the 

 French Government, and also one fr >m the National Libary being present 

 at all our meetings, while H s Excellency the British Ambasssdor, Lord 

 Dufferin, was twice present, although very unwell, and made a charming 

 little speech. On all hands, the greatest cordiality was manifested, and 

 everything was done to make our visit pleasant. The many " receptions " 

 differed considerably from similar functions as understood in England ; to 

 put it plainly, there was more speechmaking, and less bodily refreshment. 

 But " oiher lands, other manners," and the genuine heartiness of the wel- 

 come we everywhere received, could not possibly be disputed. I am per- 

 suaded that the visit will be productive of much good to all those who took 

 part in it ; and one result will be to draw more closely together, those who, 

 although belonging to different nationalities, are alike striving, by means cf 

 the institutions under their charge, to spread instruction and refinement 

 among the people. 



I remain, Gentlemen, 



Yours obediently, 



WILLIAM CROWTHER, 

 September 26th, 1S92. Librarian. 



