REPORT OF THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE. 319 



distribution of plants which in a large degree governs their nature 

 and determines the conditions necessary for their growth. 



The Botanical Magazine still steadily pursues the path it has 

 followed for more than a hundred 3'ears and gives us, every month, 

 faithful portraits of plants, for the greater part new and largely 

 of horticultural interest ; and the youthful Lindenia, Reichen- 

 bachia, and Orchid Album give pictures of new orchids far beyond 

 the means of most of us to buy, but whose beauty as portrayed 

 in these works, must delight every beholder. 



We have numerous monographs of popular families, such as the 

 magnificent work of Elwes on the Lil}', and the even more beauti- 

 ful treatise of Maw on the Crocus. 



But there is no need of argument as to the value of the precious 

 collection for which we urge this increase of storage and consulta- 

 tion room ; a glance around these walls will show an array of 

 works whose equal few libraries in the world can show — whose 

 superior, none. It is likel}' that books will be purchased here- 

 after, perhaps in the next twelve months, as valuable as any we 

 now have, and for many 3'ears to come Mr. Stickney's generosity 

 will continue to draw into this room from the chief book-markets 

 of the world, the choicest treasures of horticultural and botanical 

 literature, both new and old. Shall they be becomingly lodged 

 or shall they not? If to any of us as individuals this bounty were 

 offered there would be no question about it ; we should be only 

 too glad to acknowledge the munificence of the giver by making 

 the best possible provision for the care of his gifts. 



We make this appeal earnestly because we feel the need so 

 keenly, and we hope it may cause a revival of the action which 

 seemed in so hopeful a way a few" years ago. 



We will add but little to this report. The Librarian will, as 

 usual, print a list of this year's acquisitions, enough in themselves 

 to form no mean library : there is, therefore no need of mention- 

 ing any of them here. We announce with much pleasure that a 

 Card Catalogue of our books and pamphlets of the present year 

 has been commenced, which is the beginning of a complete cata- 

 logue of books and subjects. This has been done b}' the libra- 

 rian's assistant, and will be no extra expense to the Society. 



For the Committee, 



W. E. ENDICOTT, Chairman. 



