The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-11-14
Libraries. .
Addeville G. IT., Nov. 8.

HO6eU,tte T.. IT,, Nov. 8.
----
Libraries.
We copy the following interesting ar,i-
Gle on Books from the National Intellicen-
Ger. Mr.. G. B. Norton, who has just re-
turned from Europe, where he has been
ransacking old libraries to enrich our own
in America, is one Of the most enterprisino
and energetic men engaged in making up
and importing libraries:
The great aud increasing demand for
books, and the numerous private libraries
which are being formed in our country, are
gratifying evidences Of the intellectual all
vance of the people. 1t is not less gratify-
ing to know that this increase is universal,
and that 1t only creates large demand for
American literature, thereby advancing the
interests OF our native talent, but has also
made a vast market for foreign works. We
learn from Mr.. Norton, of New York, well
known as agent for most Of our large libra
r'es and public institutions, that during his
Recent visit to Europe he ascertaiued that
the prices Of old books aud standard lite
raturc had advanced at least thirty per cent
and that this advance is attributed by deal
crs, in England, France and Germany to
the American market.
Neh have now in this country bibliograph-
Ical collections that bid fair TO rival any
private libraries in Europe; and if our
readers could visit the libraries of some of
our southern planters they would be sur
priSed to learn even the money value of the
books before them, 1t is speciality of
many Americans, and noble object it is
to secure aI Of the early printed works rcl;.-
tive to the early history of our own country.
Others have selected the period of our Revo-
luton us the object of their collections.
Mr.. Norton informs us that he has secured
for various pa'ties may secure books, maps
and autographs; also private papers.
Among these latter, several documents for
merly in the possession Of the Court d'Es-
taing, comprising letters from Generals
Washington, Knox. Moultrio, and siDgu-
lar collection of dispatches relative to ST..
Domingo. These papers with many others,
are for sale, and should he obtained by some
state library.
1t is pleasing to know that, amid the
lclhargy of our public institutions and
! state governments, private enterprise is do
ing SO much for the future history Of our
! nation. Some of our State Historical So
cicties deserve great praise; but it will
hardly be credited that the State Historical
Society Of Washington, SO young sister
in our Confederation, has expended more
money for books the past year that any
other society Of the same character in
the United States. This demand for
foreign publications is by no means confined
to works relating to our own country.
Many gentlemen have large libraries on
special subjects, sucl, as trade and commerce,
II numismatics, agriculture, and in fact almost
every topic has its votary. Mr.. Norton in
stances as q proof, of the increase of his
business that lie has been compelled to re-
linquish, bis copnexion with the Publishers
Circular, of which, ,as the successor to his
long established Literary Gazette, he has
had the charge. Although we regret$he
change, we trust that valuable guide to all
literary men and book-buyers may have a
flong and prosperous continuance. Mr..
Norton is now in u position to attend to- all
orders from public institutions and individ-
uals to consult with him in the selection Of
books for libraries.
DxwDY fEYrvq n oN.-"My dear
Amelia" said the dandy, on bended knee
before his, adorable, II have long wished
for this opportunity, but:Aardy dare speak
now. for fear you will reject me but | love
you---wiH. you ba minei You will be to
ms, everything ;desiraHe-- everything my
heart could wish. 'Yonr smiles would
shcd"-: - d" - .. = :. ~ ~ !: j. =
| Here, dandy 5siick for some big poetic
expression TO help him p'oats----.--.------'-----
I "Ydnrsndilss nould shad'ss- ii, ,siitst
HNevsr mind the ssoslld- -shed,n r sA;d she;
pass on and tiy something elseT % e,
DoINa;lr roo EAsr--Winehell the bu-
|mprist, tells q, story Of = dog, who under
took 10 jump ,actess Will in two jumps,
There are great many people Jus. like
ftbss ,dog--foIks Hho think thny can jump
across q well IN two jumps:s They that un.
dertaksi it, usua,ly das sp down in til.
water -.