4 
posed advantages which the system was 
invented to attain at times very different from 
the present, and under circumstances totally 
dissimilar. 
The Trustees are at present engaged in en- 
larging the building by an addition of a wing, 
which will give an extension of ninety-five feet 
to the principal reading-room up stairs, making 
the whole length two hundred and forty feet, 
and afford space in the apartments on the 
ground floor for the more convenient display 
and illustration of the works of art in the 
museum. 
When this wing is finished the arrangements 
may be rendered more in harmony with the 
contemptated plan of distribution of the 
various branches of literature in different pa^ts 
of the reading-room, and a chamber may be set 
apart for the use of these desiring to make ex- 
tracts, etc., etc., and for professional men and 
students of art to investigate and take conies 
from the valuable collection of works in the 
possession of the Trustees. 
. In like manner memb;rs of the other learned 
professions will have their places of study free 
from the interrupt : on of such persons as would 
only inspect the professional works from 
motives of purposeless curiosity. 
Substantial proofs of the soundness of the 
principles by which the Trustees have been 
guided are afforded by the numbers of readers 
iu the library, and visitors to the Museum of Art 
(the latter of which is still in a rudimentary 
state, crippled through want of space) by the 
constant and increasing demand for works of a 
high class in art and science, by the uniform 
regularity of conduct and propriety of de- 
meanour on the part of those who frequent the 
institution, by the rare and exceptional instances 
of the abuse of the privileges of which the 
public is invited to partake, by the trifling 
injury to the valuable property, which durmg 
seven years does not exceed in money value ten 
pounds, and by the avidity which is displayed 
by the inhabitants of the inland towns to take 
advantage of the loan system, under the regula- 
tions of which three or four hundred volumes are 
lent for three or four months to Mechanics’ and 
Literary Institutions, on condition that the 
same freedom of access to them is afforded in 
the buildings of the borrowers as in the parent 
establishment. 
This latter mode of proceeding has in a 
degree materially improved the sympithy of 
residents at a distance for the library, as they 
can now participate directly, without leaving 
tneir homes, in the benefit-* which formerly 
couid only be gained by a visit to the capital. 
It has moreover associated these different insti- 
tutions with that of Melbourne, like (as it were) 
adult colleges for voluntary self-instruction in 
affiliation with the central adult university. 
I 1 or my own part I am deeply impressed 
with the great importance of such institutions, 
judging from the short retrospect, it may well 
be hoped that they will insensibly produce that 
self- asserting influence which flows naturally 
from the acquisition of sound learning, high 
mental culture, and the consequent refinement 
so indispensable to regulate the mobility and 
fickleness of young communities. A proper 
direction being given in them to public thought, 
instruction is imparted without obstruction, 
dictation or interference with the natural bent 
of miud, or peculiar inclinatioa of indivi- 
duals. 
From these foregoing remarks you may ex- 
pect to hear that the rules published by the 
trustees are few and simple, and you will find 
them in the preface of the catalogue, a copy of 
which I forward to you. 
It will give me much satisfaction to hear that 
a public library is established in Queensland ; 
it will reflect much honour upon your Philo- 
sophical Society if it be instrumental in per- 
suading the Government to devote a portion of 
the revenue to a purpose so legitimate, so en- 
lightened, an! one so likely to be productive of 
the best practical results. 
It will be provident (if I may be permitted 
to make the suggestion) to request if it be not 
already too late, that a piece of land of moderate 
size be reserved for the erection of a suitable 
building ; four or six acres would suffice ; and 
in selecting the situation, regard should be had 
to central position, convenience of access, eleva- 
tion of site, freedom from noise and dust, and 
attention paid to other considerations relating 
to drainage and health which your acquaintance 
with the locality will indicate. 
If at any time you desire any further infor- 
mation in ray power to impart, I will be ready 
to reply — meanwhile wishing you the fullest 
measure of success. 
I have the honor to be, 
Sir, 
Your obedient servant, 
REDMOND BARRY. 
One of the Trustees of the Melbourne 
Public Library. 
Mr. Coxen moved, and Mr. A. Rapp 
seconded, that the thanks of the Society be given 
to Sir R. Barry for his valuable communi- 
cation. 
The Rev. J. Bliss, Secretary, then read the 
Repoet. 
In presenting the Annual Report in thisthe fifth 
yearof the Society’s existence, the Council trust 
that it may now be safely looked upon as one of 
the permanent institutions of the colony. There 
ire many dingers to which all so- 
cieties are exposed in their earlier 
stages, and particularly is it so 
with our own, for in a population so small and 
widely scattered the number of persons likely to 
take an active part in its proceedings mu3t 
necessarily be limited. 
During the year, the number of members has 
increased, and the monthly meetings have been 
