xix 



lamented that they do not appear under conditions as favourable for their 

 exhibition as in justice to them is to be desired ; however, the acquisition is 

 so novel to some, and awakens sensations of admiration in so many, that the 

 general wish to have them displayed in a building more suitable for their 

 reception may lead to such provision being made at no very distant day. 



What you have seen forms but a small part of what the collection will 

 be the remainder, which has not yet arrived, consists of objects of equal 

 interest. It embraces, moreover, many remarkable illustrations of works of 

 artistical excellence, which the ingenuity and felicity of modern scientific invention 

 have multiplied, to lend their charms to those denied the opportunity of dwelling 

 on the sublime originals. 



Thus far, Sir, we have proceeded in the willing discharge of the duties with 

 which we have been honored. 



Ours is the silent pleasure of ministering to those wants and those aspirations 

 which it should be the endeavour of every just Government to supply and to 

 cherish. 



Ours the solid satisfaction that we are helping to make good citizens, useful 

 and faithful subjects of Her Most Gracious Majesty, the Anniversary of whose 

 Birth we this day celebrate with genuine loyalty a loyalty which is on this 

 occasion moderated in its expression by a chastened respect for her exemplary 

 affections, now clouded by the event which has cast a passing shadow over the 

 fortunes of her illustrious house. 



HIS EXCELLENCY SIB HENRY BABKLY 

 Replied in the following terms: 



Sir Redmond Barry and Gentlemen, Although no inattentive observer 

 of the rapid progress of the Public Library, I am equally surprised and delighted 

 to learn from the statistics just quoted, that during the brief space of two 

 years, which has elapsed since I had the pleasure of opening the Queen's Reading 

 Room, the collection of Books upon its shelves has been more than doubled, 

 whilst the number of Readers has increased in an even larger proportion. 



I cannot doubt that the official announcement of such facts will lead to your 

 speedily obtaining from the guardians of the public purse the funds so evidently 

 requisite to provide extended accommodation, as well as to carry out the 

 enlightened yet practical view which the Trustees entertain of rendering this 

 the central source of intellectual development for the Province at large. 



To cramp such a noble Institution by withholding the few thousands 

 necessary for its completion, whilst tens of thousands are appropriated to less 

 important or less worthy objects, must, I am confident, strike all who have the 

 welfare of the people at heart, as poor economy. 



With regard to the particular ceremony which we are assembled on this 

 festal anniversary to perform, there can be no question that the Trustees have 



