206 
thofe obftacles wo others had found i in- 
vincible. 
At firft the ane es was flow ; many 
dif: pproved of the icheme ; others thought 
it unneceflary : at leogth, however, after 
much time and attention had been be- 
ftowed upon it, it was fanétioned by 270 
of the principal 1 inhabitants. 
The object then feemed to be accom- 
plithed, and a meeting of the fubfcribers 
was called, to make arrangements for 
carrying it into execution, when a motion 
was made and carried, that the number of 
proprietors fhould be increafed from three 
to four hundred, and the fubfcription 
from toirteen to twen'y guineas. 
Thete augmentations were objeted to 
by a majority of thofe who had put down 
their names, many of whom withed the 
number rather to have been diminifhed 
than increafed ; and, being contrary ts 
the terms originally propofed, they were 
of courfe at liberty to withdraw their fig- 
natures. The coniequence was, that the 
{cheme was frutrated, and the time and la- 
beur lot. 
We now vegan’ to defprir of fuccefs. 
Indeed, knowing the dilfticulty there had 
becn in prevailing upon 270 perfons to 
fubferibe thirteen guineas each, the prac- 
ticat 
fcribe twenty guineas each did aot appears 
very evident. It was determined, how- 
ever, to make another effort ; and for this 
purpofe two books were provided, (one of 
which was kept by “Mr. Robinfen, the 
other by myfelf, and is now in ny poflef- 
fion) ; and that no opecrtunity of for- 
warding the meafure might be lot, we 
generaily carried them tn our pockets. 
The terms of admiffion were again fix- 
ed at thirteen guinezs ; but in order, if 
poffible, to meet the ideas of all parties, 
a claufe was inferted in the preliminary- 
rules, ftipulating that two guineas more 
fhould be paid inadvance of the annual 
fubfcrivtion, which it was underfiood 
fhould be regularly paid until the comple- 
tion of the edifice. By this means up- 
wards of two thoufand pounds have. been 
added to the fund, in a way lefs objec- 
ticnable than if the whole had béen called 
for at cnce. 
Stil farther to expedite the bane 
and to equalze the labour, a few gentle 
men were 2 ppo'nted to colieé fabicriptions 
in par: icular diftrifis cf the town ; but 
in this inftance, alfo, the burden fell 
chiefly spon Mr. Robinfon, whofe atten- 
*3>n was unremitting, until ail dpubt as 
to the ultimate fuccefs of the meafure had 
been removed ; for, principally through 
New Library at Manchefter.—The Antiquary. 
bility of prev ailing upon 4co to fub- - 
[April S 
his exertions, the affair had by this time 
become fo far popular, that though many 
were wanting to complete the number of 
fubfcribers, the difficulty of obtaining 
them was trifling, compared with what it 
had been. 
In this ftage of the bufinefs feveral 
gentlemen (particularly Mr. William 
Henry,) exerted themfelves fo effe&tually 
as f{peedily to increafe the number from 
about 250 to 360. The fubfcribers then 
met, (this was about the middle of 1802,) 
and appointed a committee, who were 
authorized to carry the fcheme into effect, 
which has been performed in a ftyle that 
does credit to the architect,* the builder,+ 
and the managers : the expenee incurred 
in erecting the ftruéture, and providing 
furniture for the news-room, (exclufive of 
books,) having fomewhat exceeded feven 
thoufand pounds. t 
The dimenfions of the building are as 
follow. Length 106 feet ; width 49 3 
height 45. The eoffeesroota ts 66 feet Ey 
42 5 and 38 feet high to the fpring of the 
dome-cei jane the dimentions of the li- 
brary are the fame as the coffee-room. 
The gallery is fapported by reeded pillars, 
which admit warm air. The reading- 
room and card-room are 30 feet by 16 
each. The two principal fronts are con- 
fructed of ftone in the Ionic order. 
Tam, &c. MicHaEL WARD. 
Manchefier, Fan. 20, 1806. 
4 a 
For the Montily Magazine. 
THE ANTIQUARY. 
NO. VII. 
MONG the fugitive memoranda 
A which it may be the bufinefs of she 
Antiquary to preferve, the Jerters of his 
correfpondents form a portion; and 
though neither their length nor their con- 
tents may entitle them to occupy a whole 
Nomber, if they have intrinfic merit they 
are not on fuch accounts to be excluded 
from infertion. The firft of che two fol- 
lowing forms an excellent appendage to a 
former letier. The jaf contains fome cus 
rious cbiervations. 
To the Aatiquary.. 
SIR, 
THE Memoir which I read in your 
third Number, on the Hiltory of Private 
Libraries, has induced me to forward fome 
particulars which appear to have efcaped 
your correfpondent’s notice. 
Hearne, f2ys Mr. Gough, in his work 
* Mr. Harrifon, of Chetier. 
+ Mr, Bellhoufe, 
on 
ee 
