The Pulaskian., 1919-05-09

library, but originally sucn restrictions were imposed as to make its use al- most inaccessible. In the first place, it was announced that the library would be open except Saturday and Sunday of each week, except Christ mas day and one week after, except the week after Easter Sunday and the week after Whitsuntide, and except Good Friday, and all days which now or shall hereafter be specially ap- pointed for Thanksgiving or feasts by public authority"
 If prospective student were able to master the mathematics of these re- strictions, he then presented himself at the porters lodge where he was obliged to give his name, condition and address, to be entered in the register. This accomplished the volume was laid before the librarian to decide whether the person so applying was entitled to admission. If the question were settled in the affirmative on a second visit the applicant might re eeive his ticket. Having secured the precious card, he would then present himself for admission, but. as there was restriction that not more than ten persons should be admitted for each hour the museum was open, it was still problematical whether he would be successful. If so fortunate as to be member of one of these groups of ten he was then escorted around the library by guide, with a limit placed upon the time. and with every element created to destroy the pleasure of literary communion with the volumes.
 Later, important additions to the Cottonian, Harleian, and Sloane col lections include the Royal library of 12000 volumes, which was eventually turned over to the British museum by George II; the Thomson collection of Kings Pamphlets" the da Costa col lection of Hebrew books and manu- scripts; the Birch collection of biog- raphy; David Garrick's library of Eng fish plays; Musgrave's collection of biography and manuscripts; the Cracherode collections of books and prints.
 Some Great Acquisitions.
 All these collections were acquired previous to the year 1907 with no ex- pense whatever to the government but at this time a grant of approximately Eo,OOO was made for the purchase of the Lansdowne manuscripts. Tn 1913 another f80O0 was appropriated for the Hargrave Legal library, and. in 1921, some f13,500 was granted to secure the classical library of Dr. Charles Burney. Two years later the splendid Royal library acquired by George III became part of the British museum, This necesSitated larger quarters, and was the beginning of the reconstructed museum. George HTS library contained no less than 84,O0O volumes. George " tried to dispose of the collection to the emperor of Russia to enrich his own private cof fers, but this plan was frustrated. and the voldmeS were saved to the British nation.
 Francis Egerton was a later bene- factor of the Museum library. He be- queathed to it the famous Egerton manuscripts, together with f12.OOO. the interest on which to be devoted to in. creasing the collection and maintain ing custodian. Three years later. in looZ, the autograph collection of the museum was enriched by the acauisi- ton of the Arundel manuscripts: and in l847, the Rt. Hon. Thomas Gren- Vile presented to the museum his mag. nincent library, which is still preserved as unit under the donors name.
 No library is geographically situ- ated more favorably to be available to the world than the British museum A famous American collector some years ago pequeathed to it an extraordinary eoiection he himself had made. which seemed from patriotic motives should have been turned over to soma American institution. After havino worked in the British museum how. eVer' and after seeing the cosmonoli- 'ah nature of those who visit and make use Of it's treasures. one is forced to adinit that this collection will accom-. pnsh It's highest good by being where II IS rather than consigned to the geo efaphical limitation of any one of the Ainerlcan libraries. In this case tbe American donor considered his lovalt, 'e .eEters beyond the demand of ar nationality.