Annual report

FOURTH ANNUAL RUrORT

TRUSTEES OE THE PUBEIC LIBRARY

CITY OF BOSTON

BOSTON:
GEO. C. HAND & AVERY, CITY PRINTERS,

No. 3 . (' O R N H I L I, .

1 8 5 G .

City Document, — No. 61.

FOURTH ANNUAL PvEPORT

TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

1S5G

CITY OF BOSTON.

Ifi Common Coi/ticil, Oct. 30, 185G.

Ordered, That the Trustees of the Public Lihraiy be, and
they are hereby autliorized to present their annual report to
the City Council in print.

Ordered, That one thousand additional copies be printed.

Sent up for concurrence.

OLIVER STEVENS, President.

In Board (f Aldermen, Oct. 31, 1856.
Concurred.

PELHAIM BONNEY, Chairman.

Approved, Nov. 1st, 1856.

ALEXANDER H. RICE, Mayor.

PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE CITY OF BOSTON.

In Board of Trustees, Oct. 31, 1856.
Ordered, That the Report of the President be accepted
and signed by the members of the Board ; and that the same
be transmitted to the City Council, agreeably to the requi-
sitions of the city ordinances.

Attest :

EDWARD CAPEN, Secretary.

FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

In obedience to tlie fourth section of the ordinance of the
14th of October, 1852, in relation to the Public Library, the
Trustees ask leave to submit to the City Council their fourth
Annual Report.

In conformity to the provisions of the ordinance, the report
of the Committee of Examination, marked A, is hereunto an-
nexed. This Committee consists — besides a member of the
Board of Trustees acting as Chairman — of five members
appointed by the Trustees from the citizens at large. The
members of the Committee the present year are J. T. Steven-
son, Esq., Rev. Dr. Blagden, F. W. Lincoln, Jr. Esq., Joseph
Story, Esq., and S. J. Thomas, Esq. The Trustees, on behalf
of the public, return their thanks to these gentlemen for the
readiness with which they have attended to the discharge of
the duty devolving upon them as members of the Committee.

The Annual Report of the Librarian, marked B, made in
pursuance of Chapter III., Art. 12th, of the Rules and By-
Laws of the Library, is also submitted.

From these two reports a full knowledge may be obtained
of the present state of the Library, and of its operations
during the past year. In connection with the reports of for-
mer years, they will enable the City Council and the public
to trace the progress of the Library, from its feeble com-

4 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

moncemcnt, in 1852, to its present liiglily prosperous con-
dition.

The Trustees feel warranted, on this occasion, in repeat-
ing the remark made in their last Report, that the institution
is, in all its relations, in a highly satisfactory state. The
resort of the public, both for the purpose of borrowing books
and of using them in the reading room, has continued undi-
minished during tlie year. The books borrowed continue to
be punctually returned, with as little injury as is consistent
with their use. In the purchase of new books the Trustees
have more and more abstained from 1)uying works of mere
amusement, aiming to confine themselves to those of a higher
order ; and they have no reason to suppose that this course
is disapproved by the public. In the first years of its exist-
ence, the additions made to the Library by purchase were
almost exclusively of works in the English language. During
the past year a considerable number of books in the French
language, and a few in the German, have been bought, to sat-
isfy an earnest call for them on the part of readers. It is
obvious that in a free public library this call ought to be met
to a reasonable extent, inasmuch as books in the foreign
languages are less likely than others to be within the reach
of many persons entitled to the benefits of the institution.
The number of volumes, however, in French and German
which have been purchased for this reason, does not exceed a
few hundred.

The increase of the library continues to fulfil the antici-
pations of the Trustees. In their first Annual Report the
whole number of volumes was stated to be a1')0ut ten thou-
sand; in the second Annual Report, 1G,221 volumes, and
about 4,000 tracts; in the third Report, 22,617 volumes, and
6,507 tracts. At the present time the whole number of vol-
umes, exclusive of those already received from the last lib-
eral donation of Mr. Bates, is 28,080, and of tracts, 12,386.
In addition to the volumes standing upon their shelves, not

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 5

less than two thousand have been purchased by Mr. Ticknor,
who is now in Europe, out of the means at the disposal of
the Trustees for the current year. These figures show that
the Trustees were not over sanguine in calculating, from
their ordinary resources, upon an annual increase of about
6,000 volumes, which they have no reason to think will fall
off in future. Of the additions made to the library the
past year, 1,865 volumes and 5,330 pamphlets have been
donations from 126 individuals and institutions, whose
names are given in the Appendix to this Report. Among
these the donation of Dr. Walter Channing, of 786 volumes
and many pamphlets, deserves especial acknowledgment.
Valuable donations have also been received from Dr. H. I.
Bowditch, Rev. Caleb D. Bradlec, Edward Gassett, Esq.,
J. Francis Kimball, Esq., Dr. C. G-. Putnam, Edward A. Snel-
ling, Esq., Dr. S. D. Townsend, and Monsieur Alexander Yat-
temare. The Trustees regard these donations with great
satisfaction, not merely on account of the value of the books
presented, but for the widely extended interest which they
evince in the library on the part of the community.

The rooms in Mason street having become filled in 1855,
it was necessary to remove a portion of the books, which
could best be spared for that purpose, to a place of tempo-
rary deposit in the Quincy Schoolhouse. The same opera-
tion has been repeated during the present year, and may again
become necessary in 1857. This and other inconveniences,
resulting from the limited capacity of the apartments at
present occupied by the library, will terminate, in all proba-
bility, by the end of the ensuing year. The spacious build-
ing in Boylston street will be completed in the course of the
coming year, and will afford the amplest accommodation for
the library, and for any probable increase to it, that may be
made for many years.

The erection of this building being entrusted to another
Board, whose reports are regularly made to the City Coun-

6 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

cil, it may be proper only for the Trustees to state that, it
will, when completed — they are well persuaded — fully jus-
tify the City Council for the liberal appropriations which
have been made for it, and be regarded as a noble monument
to the wisdom and public spirit of the municipal government
of the City of Boston.

Li the mean time, the Trustees have been actively and
diligently employed, under the authority conferred upon
them by the City Council for that purpose, in preparing for
the completion of the building and the public opening of the
library. The most important step to be taken, toward that
end, was to give effect to the munificent purpose of Mr.
Bates, made known to the city government the last year, and
recorded in tlic last Annual Report of the Trustees. His
original donation of fifty thousand dollars, for the endow-
ment of the library, was, as is well known, established as a
fund, the interest of which only is to be annually appropri-
ated for the purchase of books. In addition to this act of
distinguished liberality, as soon as Mr. Bates was informed
that the City Council had determined to erect a spacious
fireproof building, he communicated to the Mayor his inten-
tion to present to the city such a number of books, in the
various departments of science and literature, as would ena-
ble the library to commence its operations in the most satis-
factory manner, as soon as the new building .should be com-
pleted.

It has been the pleasing duty of the Trustees, in their ap-
propriate sphere, to give effect to this munificent intention
of Mr. Bates, by preparing, at his request, lists of books
suitable for the library. It is scarcely necessary to observe
that the task of selecting, from the almost boundless mass
of literature, ancient and modern, in our own and foreign
tongues, those works which it would be expedient to recom-
mend to our liberal benefactor for immediate purchase, was
not to be performed without reflection and labor. The

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 7

Trustees, through their committee for the purchase of books,
have given much time, and devoted their best efforts to this
subject. In executing the work in all its branches, they have
had the good fortune to be able to avail themselves of the
services of Professor C. C. Jewett, formerl}^ librarian of
Brown University, and more recently of the Smithsonian In-
stitution at Washington; a gentleman whose bibliographical
pursuits, both in this country and Europe, have been con-
ducted with equal intelligence and success.

The rooms in Mason street not affording sufficient accom-
modation even for the current operations and daily use of
the library, a house has been hired by the Trustees in Boyl-
ston place, under authority from the City Council, for the
reception of the books presented by Mr. Bates, and their
preparation for the shelves in the new building. This prepa-
ration requires a comparison of the volumes received with
the invoice ; the collation of each volume, that is, such an
examination of it as is necessary to ascertain whether it is
perfect in all its parts, and to note the defects, if any; its
entry in the accessions catalogue, that is, the list of books
daily added to the library in the order in which they are
received ; and the copying of the title at length upon a card,
which takes its place alphabetically in the card catalogue.
About eleven thousand volumes have already been received
in Boylston place, and prepared in this way for the shelves,
and others arc constantly arriving from Europe.* Steady
employment in this way, and in other occupations connected
with the library and its catalogues, has been given to Pro-
fessor Jewett, and his intelligent and industrious assistants
in Boylston place, by whom a great amount of labor has been
diligently and skillfully performed.

The Trustees suppose that the new building will be com-
pleted in less than a twelvemonth from the present time.

* The books received in Boylston pla.ce, with those in the rooms in Mason street, and
in the Quincy Schoolhouse, form an aggregate of nearly Forty thousand volumes.

8 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

Thcj are aware that this may seem a long time since it was
commenced; but they have reason to believe that it has been
carried forward as rapidly as is consistent with the solidity
of the work. Composed almost wholly of bricks and stone,
and intended for the reception of books, which suffer greatly
from dampness, it is of especial importance that reasonable
time should be allowed for the gradual absorption of the
moisture inseparable from such a mass of recent masonry.
It may be added that it would not be possible to get ready
for their places on the shelves of the new building the works
already purchased, or in course of being purchased, by Mr.
Bates, at a much earlier period than that assigned for its
completion.

"When the library, greatly augmented in size, shall be
opened to the public in the new edifice, a large increase may
be anticipated in the number of persons resorting to it. A
proportionate enlargement of its operations in all its depart-
ments will take place ; its administration will become more
arduous ; and a re-organization of the plan on which it is
conducted will be necessary. Some amendments of the ordi-
nance of the 14th of October, 1852, will be required for this
purpose, and will form the subject of a separate communica-
tion to the City Council.

The regular operations of the institution in Mason street
have been carried on with the usual success during the past
year, under the librarian, Mr. Edward Capen, and his assist-
ants, to whose diligence in the performance of their respect-
ive duties, and to whose assiduous endeavors to promote the
convenience of those resorting to the library, the Trustees
willingly bear renewed testimony. The number of new
accounts for borrowing books during the past year is 2,371,
making a total of 11,518. The number of names entered in
the reading room in the course of the year is 2,361, making a
total since the opening of the library of 12,856. The num-
ber of books borrowed during the year is 82,661, making a

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT.— No. 61. 9

daily average of 291 volumes for the working days of the
year. As five hours daily arc assigned to the borrowing and
returning of books, it results from these figures, that but a
small fraction over one minute has been required for waiting
upon each individual applicant.

In the course of the year the public has been deprived of
the services of Thomas G-. Applcton, Esq., who resigned his
place as a Trustee on his departure for Europe. Mr. Ap-
pleton has been a member of the Board since its first organ-
ization; and, besides the value of his services in that
capacity, he is entitled to the grateful acknowledgements of
the community for one of the most valuable presents of
books which have been made to the institution, viz : a copy of
Audubon's Birds of America, in the original edition, in four
volumes, of Atlantic size, substantially and handsomely
bound.

The name of Mr. Ticknor not being subscribed to this
Report with those of the other Trustees, it is proper to state
that the omission is caused by his absence from the country.
The library, however, has not been deprived, by this circum-
stance, of the benefit of his services, which, from its founda-
tion have been most assiduously rendered, and of the highest
value. He has, during his absence, been able, in concert
with Mr. Bates, to make arrangements for the purchase of
books, from which great benefit will accrue to the library.
Indeed, the presence in Europe at this time of a person pos-
sessing the entire confidence both of Mr. Bates and the
Trustees, and otherwise so eminently qualified for the duty,
was a piece of good fortune not easily to be overrated.

In closing their report, the Trustees feel warranted in
expressing the opinion .that the library is in all respects in a
sound and prosperous^ condition. They acknowledge with
gratitude the liberality manifested by the city government in
the erection of the new building, and in the provision made
to defray the current expenses of the institution. They
2

10 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

have endeavored, by personal attention to its administration,
to give eflfect to tliis enlightened policy and to the munifi-
cence of individual benefactors. Considering the library as
the completion of the system of public education to vrhich
Boston is indebted for so much of her prosperity, they con-
fidently anticipate for it a future of great public utility, and
corresponding favor on the part of the community, and they
earnestly commend it to the continued protection and pat-
ronage of the City Council.

All ^vhich is respectfully submitted, by

EDWARD EVERETT,
JOHN P. BIGELOW,
NATH'L B. SHURTLEFF,
FARNHAM PLUMMER,
OLIVER FROST,
W. W. GREENOUGH.
City Library, Z\st Oct. 1856.

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 11

[A]

The Examining Committee appointed under the provisions
of the seventh section of the ordinance in relation to the
Public Library,

REPORT:

The section referred to provides that " the Trustees shall
annually appoint a Committee of five citizens at large, who,
together with a Trustee as Chairman, shall examine the
library, and make report of its condition to the Trustees.
Agreeably to the requirements of this section, it appears
that three annual examinations, previously to the present
one, have been made by three several Committees, each com-
posed of diflfercnt individuals, as respects those selected at
large. Their reports are on record, and indicate that the
method of examination was alike in the several cases in
regard to the subjects to be specially reported upon. It
seems proper and convenient, that the course of the previous
committees in this matter should be adhered to, because
the results of similar investigations, presented in a similar
manner, render it easy to compare, from year to year, the
state and progress of the institution. The Committee, there-
fore, have examined and report in the usual order :

First, as to the Books : The whole number of volumes in
the library, as reported by the Committee at the last annual
examination was 22,617, and the whole number of pamphlets,
or tracts, was 6,507. There have since been added 5,463
volumes and 5,879 pamphlets, making the present total
28,080 volumes, and 12,386 tracts. Nearly all the tracts and
1,865 of the volumes were presented by individuals or insti-
tutions. Many of the tracts have been classed and bound
into volumes, or so arranged in cases as to be convenient
for consultation. The books, in general, are in good condi-

12 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

tion, and even most of those which have been taken out
many times for home perusal are in as good order as those
in frequent use in private libraries — a fact highly creditable
to the reading habits of our fellow citizens. All the books
are in the English language (with the exception of less than
a thousand volumes, mainly donations,) and seem to have
been selected with especial reference to the literary wants
of the great body of the people. Of many of the books
which are in frequent demand there are not only several
copies, but in all cases of new works concerning which a
strong interest is felt on the part of the public, copies have
been procured to such an extent that many persons have
been enabled to peruse the same work at one and the same
point of time. In this manner the institution is carrying
out a principle, prominently set forth in one of its earliest
documents — '•' to render the pleasant and healthy literature
of the day accessible, as far as practicable, to the whole
people at the time they care most for it, viz : when it is
living, and new." This practice, it is hoped, will be con-
tinued, even to a more generous extent, when the means
of the institution shall be more ample, and the accommoda-
tions more convenient for the taking out of books. During
the annual period of closing the library, its volumes appear
to have been carefully and thoroughly examined and counted
by the librarian and his assistants, and their statement has
been verified, as in previous years, by a subsequent examina-
tion on the part of intelligent and competent young ladies
connected with the Normal School. It appears that 149
volumes are missing ; being rather more than were missing
at the last annual examination. Measures for getting in the
absent volumes, as provided for in the rules of the institu-
tion, under the authority of the city, are in active progress.
Among the missing books are none of rare or costly kind,
or which cannot easily be replaced. Books of that descrip-
tion may be freely consulted at the rooms, but are not

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. Gl. 13

allowed to go into circulation, except by special permission
of the Trustees, and with such conditions as insure their
safe keeping and return. Although the library has been
open for circulation less than two years and a half, the
amount of the circulation during that lime has exceeded two
hundred thousand (200,000) : that is, books have been taken
out at least that number of times. Considering the necessa-
ry exposure to accident in such an extensive circulation, the
losses of the library have been very small, and the cost of all
the missing volumes is more than equalled by the fines re-
ceived for keeping out books over the regulation time.

The library is particularly rich, (probably more so than
any other in the country,) in periodical literature. Upon
the tables of the reading-room are to be found the latest
numbers of all the prominent American, and many foreign,
periodical journals. The number of these, regularly re-
ceived, amounts to one hundred and thirty-eight, (their cost
averaging about $600 per year), and they appertain to all
branches of art, science, and polite literature. They are in
constant use by citizens resorting to the reading-room, and
furnish to the mechanic, merchant and professional man, the
latest information, or the newest lights, in regard to sub-
jects connected with their several pursuits, to say nothing of
wholesome and entertaining reading for all classes.

As to the Catalogues. These are found to be in good order,
and well adapted to the objects in view. They consist of —
Catalogue of Accessions ; Aljjhabctical Card Catalogue ; Alcove^
or Shelf, Catalogue ; and Printed Alphabetical Catcdogue.
The Catalogue of Accessions contains the name of every book
received into the library, from its beginning, in the order of
reception, with its condition at the time, its cost, if purchased,
and the name of the giver, if presented. The Alphabetical
Card Catalogue contains the full title, or transcript of the
title page, of every book, on a separate card, with brief
references on other cards, to all the names or words of the

14 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov,

title under which it is deemed at all likely that the book
will be inquired for. The Alcove Catalogue, attached to
each alcove or range of shelves, contains the names of all
the books in the order in which they belong on each shelf ^
thereby furnishing ready means of knowing, at any time-
the exact condition of the library, in regard to books miss-
ing, etc. Copies of the Fnnted Alphahetical Catalogue, with
abbreviated titles of books, are on the tables of the reading-
room. They are interleaved, and include the name of every
book which has been added to the library since the catalogue
was printed. Besides these catalogues of hoolcs, there are
two folio volumes containing the names (autographs) of all
persons who have claimed to avail themselves of the privi-
leges of the institution. The names are attached or sub-
scribed to an obligation to observe the rules and regulations
of the library, and their number amounts to 12,856. The
books used for charging and crediting the volumes delivered
or received, are arranged on a decimal plan, new and pe-
culiar to this library, which greatly facilitates rapid and
correct delivery and reception. At the re-opening of the
library, on the first instant, more than five hundred volumes
were charged, and given out to as many different individuals,
within the space of five hours, and as many more could have
been given out within the same time, if applied for. There
can be no doubt that with a proper number of assistants^
rightly accommodated, the plan will admit of giving out thou-
sands of volumes in a day, if occasion therefor should ever
occur. For the invention, and practical application, of this
admirable plan, the community is indebted to Dr. Nathaniel
B. Shurtleif, whose zealous and efficient endeavors to pro-
mote the interests of the institution cannot be too highly
estimated.

As to the Library Rooms. The books occupy the same
rooms as those specified in the report of last year, viz : the
lower story of the Normal schoolhouse, and the two cham-

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT.— No. 61. 15

bers iu the Quiiicy sclioolliouse. These latter are used as
store-rooms for a portion of the books, (about 6,000 in num-
ber,) which do not go into circulation, and for consulting
which there are no adequate facilities. Indeed, the inade-
quacy of accommodations, and the inconveniences attending
the operations of the library, so fully set forth in the reports
of our predecessors, have seriously increased — iu view of
which it is highly creditable to the librarian and his assist-
ants, that the varied, extensive, and constantly augmenting
business of the library has been carried on with promptness
and efSciency. But the evils and embarrassments which
have hitherto surrounded the institution in regard to locality
and narrowness of its borders, are, thanks to the judicious
and munificent provision of the municipal government, soon
to pass away. Upon the completion of the edifice designed
for its use, its operations will be conducted on an enlarged
scale, and its privileges be enjoyed by great numbers of citi-
zens, to whom, thus far, they have been practically denied.
The institution has accomplished much good under many
difficulties ; from small beginnings it has become, within a
brief space of time, one of the principal libraries in the land ;
and, if continued to be wisely managed, it is safe to predict
for it a long and prosperous career, extending its blessings
to remote generations of our descendants.

JOHN P. BIGELOW,
J. THOMAS STEVENSON,
G. W. BLAGDEN,
F. W. LINCOLN, Jr.,
JOSEPH STORY,
SETH J. THOMAS.
Boston, November 5, 1856.

16 PUBLIC LIBRAKY. [Nov.

[B]

To the Trustees of the Public Library :

Gentlemen, — In accordance with Chapter III. Article 12,
of the Rules and Ilegiilations, I hereby respectfully submit a
report on the condition and increase of the library for the
period that has elapsed since the 30th of October, 1855,
being my third annual report.

The number of volumes then belonging to the library was
22,617, and the number of pamphlets 6,507. There have
been added, during the past year, 5,4G3 volumes, 5,879
pamphlets, two maps, a large number of unbound newspapers,
and several manuscripts. Of these 1,865 volumes, 5,330
pamphlets, and all the maps, newspapers, and manuscripts
have been received from the donations of one hundred and
twenty-six persons, whose names are printed at the end of
this report, and 3,598 volumes and 549 pamphlets have been
purchased by the Trustees. By referring to the list, it will
be seen that the donation of Dr. Walter Channing, is con-
spicuous in tlie number of volumes, and it certainly is a very
valuable addition to the department to which it mostly
relates.

The number of volumes in the library, as exhibited in the
accessions catalogue, to this date, is 28,080, and the number
of pamphlets is 12,386.

The library has been open to tlie public 284 days. During
this period, 2,361 inhabitants of Boston registered their
names, — and thus bound themselves to observe the rules
and regulations prescribed by the Trustees, — and 2,371 ac-
quired the right to borrow books. The whole number of
signers is now 12,856, and the whole number of borrowers,
11,518. To the latter, as the record shows, 82,661 volumes
have been delivered and charged in their respective accounts.
The average number of books issued daily has been 291.
The highest number in one day was 647, on the 23d of Feb-

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 17

ruary. The greatest average per day for one week was 385,
in February. The smallest was 194, in October. The Read-
ing Room has furnished about the same list of periodicals to
those who have made it a place of resort, and it is believed
that there hag been no material increase or diminution in the
number of readers.

Should it occasion remark that, while the number of sub-
scribers has increased by two thousand three hundred, there
has been no corresponding increase in the daily issue of
books, two reasons may with candor be ofiered ; — First, and
chief, the failure of applicants to procure books repeatedly
sought for in a favorite department ; second, the limited ac-
commodations furnished in the rooms now occupied by the
library for the large numbers in attendance.

In the report of last year, it was said that " the books had
been used with remarkable care, cases of accidental injury
only, and these of rare occurrence, having come to our no-
tice." After the experience of another year, I sec no occa-
sion to qualify this statement. Not a fine has been exacted
or called for on account of damage to a book caused by abuse
or. carelessness. In two or three instances, one has been
tendered in payment for loss or accidental damage. There
are thirty-six volumes laid aside as worthless or imperfect,
most of them as imperfect. It is probable that some of our
losses may be attributable to the fact that the borrower,
having lost or injured a book, is deterred by the penalty
from returning it, or making his loss known, — a statement
based upon an examination of the binder's schedules, wliich
show the titles of several books that are still charged on
our loan books to the borrower, and, having been returned
in an irregular way, have not been duly accredited. We
hope, for the credit of all concerned, that the fear of no
penalty whatever will deter a subscriber upon our list from
pursuing the straight-forward and manly course of account-
ing in some way for every borrowed book. The course

18 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

adopted by the Trustees lias not been one of exaction. The
good of the institiitionj prudent management of its business,
the comfort even of the borrowers themselves, demand that
some method shall be adopted that shall prove a motive of
sufficient power to induce the borrower, within a given, -rea-
sonable period, to return his book. Having broken a rule
which in the beginning he promised to observe, it is salutary
that he should suffer the consequences, or give a sufficient
reason in extenuation of the offence. He will thus have put
himself right with the Trustees, and, in all probability, any
fine incurred would be remitted.

The binders schedules show that 1,561 volumes have been
bound at an expense of $701.64; and $26.87 have been paid
for binding catalogues. A large part of this has been incur-
red for binding the periodicals regularly received and used
in the reading room, and in making the condition of all vol-
umes received by gift or purchase suitable for general use
and circulation. Eight hundred and sixteen volumes have
been bound after use in the library, and thirty-five have been
twice upon the list.

The examination of the shelves with the alcove catalogue
shows that the number of losses has been materially in-
creased. But this subject will be carefully considered by
the Examining Committee, and it is not possible to make a
full statement until all the returns have been received.

The amount collected for fines is $262.13, which will cover
the expense of binding in the circulating department, and
leave something as an offset to damage and loss.

Appended to this Report will be found the amount received
from the invested funds of the institution, the list of donors,
with the number of volumes presented by each, and the finan-
cial statement for the year.

Respectfully submitted,

EDWARD CAPEN, Librarian.

Public Library, Oct. 31, 1856.

BENEFACTORS

TO THE

PUBLIC LIBRARY,

FOR THE YEAE, 1855-56.

And the member of Volumes, Pamphlets, Maps, ^c, received from

each.

Bates, Joshua, London, interest,
Bigelow, John P., Hon. "
Phillips, Jonathan, Hon.

Adams, Nehemiah, D. D. -

Allen, Edward, London,

Amer. Antiquarian Society, Worcester,

Amer. Tract Society, -

Andrews, Joseph, . . . .

Anonymous,

Appleton, Thomas G.

Appleton, William, Hon.

Balfour, David M. -

Ball, William T. W. - . -

Ballou, Maturin M.

Barker, James M. ...

Batchelder S., Cambridge,

Bates, Isaac C. -

Bishop, Nathan,

Bond, William C, Cambridge,

Vols.
1

- 1
1

- 1
1

1 Map, 19
1

- 1
4
2
4

- 1

5,000 00

GO 00

600 00

Pamph.

11

20 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

Vols. Pamph.

Boston, City of, - - - -

3

Boston Prison Discipline Society,

- 6

Boston Young Men's Christian Union,

-

3

Boutwell George S., Hon.

-

1

Bowditch Library Proprietors,

7

Bowditoh, Henry I., M. D. - - ■

- 14

4G9

Bradford, Thomas G. - - -

1

Bradlee, Caleb Davis, Rev., North Cambridge, 59

142

Bradlee, Samuel, . . - -

7

Brown, William S. - - - ■

- 1

Buck, Ephraim, M. D.

2

Buckley, Joseph, ....

- 4

Buliinch, Thomas, - - - -

1

Gary, Thomas G., Hon.

- 1

Chandler, George, M. D., Worcester,

1

Channing, Walter, M. D.

- 78G

3089

Channing, W. P., M. D. - - -

-

1

Chesbrough E. Sylvester,

- 7

101

Chickering, C. F. -

2

Christern, P. W., New York,

- 6

1

Clark, John,

1

Cogswell, Joseph G. - - - ■

-

1

Colman, Henry, . . . .

1

Consolations of Solitude, Author of,

- 1

Cummings, A. I., Roxbury,

-

1

Curtis, Josiah, M. D. -

- 3

1

Danforth, Hannah G., Mrs.

3

Derby, E. Hasket, ....

1

Dudley, Dean,

2

Dupee and Perkins, ....

• 1 Map

Durkee, Silas, M. D. ...

14

Eliot, Samuel A., Hon.

- 33

Endicott, Charles M., Salem,

-

1

Everett, Edward, Hon.

A large collection of Papers,

97

77

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 21

Vols. Pamph.

Fernald, Woodbury M., Rev. ... 1

Flint, Charles L. 13 2

Foster, E. B. 2

Fox, William L., Dorchester, ... 4 14

Frothinghain, Nathaniel L., D. D. - - 10

Gassett, Edward, - , - - - - 79 76

197 papers and several MSS.,
Gray, John C, Hon. ----- 1

Green, Samuel A., M. D. - - - - 1 13

Hewins, James M. ----- 1

Hooper, Samuel, - - . . - 1

Hunt, Harriot K., M. D., Miss, - - - 1
Jackson, Samuel C, Rev. .... 1 8

Kcyes, Frederic J. ..... 1

Kimball, J. Francis, - - - - 59 2

Lee, Thomas J. - - - - - - 1

Library Company of Philadelphia, - - 1

Longfellow, Henry W., Prof. - - - 7

Loring, James S. - - - - - 4 32

Lothrop, Samuel K., D. D. - - - - 1

Lowell, Charles, D. D. - - - - 2

Lyman, George H., M. D. . - - -1
McMullen, John, New York, ... 1

Means, James, Rev. .... - 1

Medford, Selectmen, .... l

Merriam, Joseph W. ... - - 1

New Bedford Free Library, Trustees of, - 1

New York Mercantile Library Association, - 1

New York Uuiversit}^, Regents of, - - 7

Norwood, Samuel, 5 19

N. P. G. 6 58

Odiorne, James C. ----- 1

Peabody Institute, Danvers, ... l

Perabeau, H. ----- - 3

Prescott, William H. - - - - 2

22 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

Vols. PampL.

Putnam, Charles G., M. D. - - - - 151

Qiiiml)y, J. A. _ . . _ - 1

Quincy, Eliza S. - - - - - - 2

Quincy, Josiali, Hon. . _ . . 16

Randall, John W. 4

Raymond, Samuel M. - - - - 7

Rich, Brothers, London, ... - 20 1

Richardson, James B. - - - - 2

Robbins, Chandler, D. D. - - - - 3

Shattuck, George C, Jr., M. D. - - 7

Shurtleff, Nathaniel B., M. D. - - - 2

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, - 7

Snelling, Edward A. - - - - - 77 9

Spencer, William V. - - - - 1

Spurr, Oliver H. 22

Stevens, Benjamin P. - - - - 4

Stone, James W., M. D. - - - - 13 834

Stuart, G. Okill, Mrs., Quebec, ... 1

Sumner, William H., General, Roxbury, - 1

Thorington, J., M. C. - - - - 1

Thornton, J. Wingate, . . . _ 2 1

Thwing, Thomas, . . - - _ 2

Ticknor, George, 48 155

Townsend, Solomon D., M. D. - - - 24 109

Tuckerman, Edward, ----- 3
United States, Bureau of Indian Aflairs,

George W. Manypenny, - - - 1
United States, Navy Department,

Charles W. Welsh, - . - - 3

United States State Department, - - 46 2

United States Treasury Department, - - 2

United States War Department, - - 2

Vattemare A., Paris, International Exchange, 71 29

Walley, S. H., Hon. - - . . 2

Ware, John, M. D. - - - - - 1

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 23

Vols. Paraph.

Warren, John C, M. D. - - - - 2

Welsh, Cliarles W., Washington, - - - 1 1

Whitney, Frederic A., Eev., Brighton, - 1

Whitney, Henry A. ----- 1

Wilkins, John H., Hon. - - _ . 8

Willis, Nathaniel, . . . _ . 1

Wilson, John, ----.. 2

Winthrop, Robert C, Hon. - - - - 22 6

Wise, John, Lancaster, Pa. _ - - i

2 Maps, 1865 5330

FINANCIAL STATEMENT,

For One Year, from November 1, 1855, to October 31, 1856.

Binding books, - - -
Blank books, stationery, &c..
Books, _ - - -

Construction, repairs, &c..
Expresses, cartage, <fcc..
Freight, customs, wharfage, &c.,

Fuel,

Furniture, tools, &c..
Gas, - - - - -
Insurance, _ . . .

Periodicals, - - - -
Porter, for fires, cleaning, etc., -
Postage, ....
Printing and paper, -
Salaries and extra help.

$728

51

1G9

95

5,529

24

16

71

103

25

41

44

271

90

222

43^

253

19

■ 383

25

630

62

58

20

61

02

• 155

60

3,034

27^

$11,659 59

DONORS AND DONATIONS.

Appleton, Samuel, ll^OOO 00

Bates, Joshua, Fund, 50,000 00

Bigelow, John P., Fund, 1,000 00

Bowditch, J. Ingersoll, 300 00

Bowditch, N. I. Services valued at - - 200 00

Brown, James, 500 00

Nightingale, James, ------ 100 00

Phillips, Jonathan, Fund, - . . . 10,000 00

Shepard, Mrs. Sally Inman Kast, - - - 1,000 00

Vols. Paraph.

Adams, George, 22 3

Adams, Nehemiah, D. D. - - - - 5

Albany Young Men's Association, - - 1

Allen, Edward, London, ... - 1

Allen, John Fiske, Salem, .... 1
Allen, William, D. D., Northampton, - 1

American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, - 1
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign

Missions, by Prudential Committee, 32

American Tract Society, - - - - 74
Anderson, Paul, Cincinnati, ... 3

Andrews, Joseph, ..... 1

Anonymous, .... 1 Map, 55 26

Atliena3um Club, London, .... 2

Appleton, John W. M. - - - - 2

Appleton, Samuel, ..... 1

Appleton, Thomas G. - - - - 10
4

26

PUBLIC LIBRxYRY.

[Not.

Applcton, William, Hon.

Austin, Edward, - - . .

Austin, James T. - . . -

Balch, Thomas, Philadelphia, -

Balfour, David M. - . . .

Ball, William T. W.

Ballard and Prince, . - _ .

Ballou, Maturin M. -

Barker, James M. ....

Barnard, Henry, Connecticut, -

Batchelder, S., Cambridge, -

Bates, Isaac C. - - - -

Bates, Joshua, Mrs., London,

Bigclow, Henry J., M. D. - -

Bigelow, Jacob, M. D. -

Bigelow, John P., Hon. -

Binney, C. J. F.

Binney, Horace, Hon., Philadelphia,
Bishop, Nathan, . - . - .
Bolles, John A, - - - -
Boltwood, Lucius M., Amherst,
Bond, William C, Cambridge, -

Boston, England,

Boston, City of, - - - -
Boston Mercantile Library Association,
Boston Prison Discipline Society,
Boston Society for Medical Observation,
Boston Society of Natural History, -
Boston Young Men's Christian Union, -
Boutwell, George S., Hon., Groton, -
Bowditch Library Proprietors,
Bowditch, Henry L, M. D.

Bowditch, J. I.

Bowditch, N. I. - - -

Vols.

Pamph.

27

3

23

2

1

86

6

2

11

1

10

1

1

1

1

2

2

6

1

534

625

1

2

4

12

24

3

2

1

343

40

1

6

4

12

4

1

4

/

1

7

20

470

4

1

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 27

Vols. Pamph.

Bradford, Charles F. 1

Bradford, Thomas G. - - - - 1

Bradlee, Caleb Davis, Rev., North Cambridge, 74 175

Bradlee, John N.

55

Bradlee, Samuel, ------

7

Brooks, Peter C.

144

40

Brown, Obadiah, Trustees of, - - -
Brown, William S.

12
1

Buchanan, A., by Munroe and Co.

4

Buck, Ephraim, M. D. -

2

Buckley, Joseph,

Bulfinch, Thomas,

4
1

Burnham, Mrs. E. J. -

3

Burnham & Brother, . - . -

1

Cambridge, City of,

Capen, John,

Cary, Thomas G., Hon. - - - -

1

4
1

Cass, Lydia A. Mrs. - - - .
Chandler, George, M. D., Worcester, -
Channing, Walter, M. D. -
Channing, W. F., M. D.

5

1
786

1
3092

1

Chesbrough, E. Sylvester,

Chickering, C. F.

Chickering, Jesse, M. D. -

7
2
1

101

Christern, F. W., New York,

6

1

Cincinnati Young Men's Library Association,

Clapp, David,

Clapp, Otis,

Clapp, W. W. - - - - . -
Clark, Luther, M. D.

1

11

5

7
38

60

41

2

Clarke, John, - -

1

Coffin, Admiral, Sir L - - - -

6*

Cogswell, Joseph G., New York, -

7

3

* A very early donation to the city.

28

PUBLIC LIBRARY.

[Nor,

Colman, Henry,

Consolations of Solitude, Author of,

Vols.

2

- 1

Pamph.

2

Copcland, Elislia,

Cornell, William M., M. D. -

15
- 5

79
9

Couthouy, J. P.

Cummings, A. I., Roxbury, -
Curtis, Josiah, M. D.

4
41

1
4

Dall, William,

- 70

150

Dalton, J. C,

5

Danfortli, Hannah G., Mrs. -

- 10

Davis, David E.

2

Dearborn, Nathaniel, - - - -

- 21

Dench, Lawson B.

3

Dennet, C. F.

-

2

Dennct, W. H. . _ . . .

Denton, William, ....

1

- 23

22

Derby, E. Hasket, - - . . -
Dillaway, Charles K.-
Dixon, B. Homer, _ . . . .

1
11

2

Dodd, William,

- 1

8

Dudley, Dean, . . _ - _
Dupee, James A. . . . .
Dupee and Perkins, _ . - -
Durkee, Silas, M. D. -

2

- 1
1

- 15

Map.

Dwight, Louis, Rev. ....

4

Eastburn, John H. - - - -

- 1

67

Eliot, Samuel A., Hon. - - . -

118

2

Endicott, Charles M., Salem,

-

1

Eolopoesis, Author of, -

Eustis, William T. - - - -

1

- 4

Everett, Edward, 1755

1 Statistical Table, 27 Maps and Charts,

937

and a large collection of papers.
Fernald, Woodbury M., Rev.
Flint, Charles L.

30

1
3

1856.

CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61.

29

Vols.

Pamph.

Forbes, R. B.

2

10

Foster, E. B.

2

Foster, F. E., Miss

1

Fox, William L., Dorchester, - - -

4

14

French, B. F., New Orleans, La. -

3

French, James, and Co. - - - -

2

Frost, Oliver, - - - . .

10

Frothingham, Nathaniel L., D. D. -

10

Gait, J. M,, Virginia,

14

Garrison, William L. - - - -

1

Gasking, Samuel, ------

1

Gassett, Edward,

79

76

197 Papers and several Manuscripts.

Gilbert, A., New York, ....

1

Girard, Charles, Philadelphia, -

1

Gould, A. A., M. D.

1

Graham, Major George, Registrar General,

London, by Josiah Curtis, M. D. -

8

Gray, Asa, M. D.

2

Gray, Francis C, Hon. - . . -

57

Gray, John C, Hon.

1

Green, Samuel A., M. D. ...

1

13

Greene, C. W., Greenwich, R. I. -

33

Griswold, Almon W. - - - -

1

Guild, Albert, M. D.

9

Guild, Benjamin,

3

Guild Hall Library Committee, London,

2

Hale, Nathan and Charles,

1

Hartshorn, Eliphalet P. ... -

99

98

Harvard College, President and Fellows of,

5

Hastings, Mary Ann, - - - - .

1

Haven, S. F., Jr., M. D. - - . -

1

Hayward, George, M. D. -

1

Herrick, E. C, Yale College, -

1

Hewins, James M.

1

30 PUBLIC LIBRAI

^Y.

[Nov.

Vols.

Pamph.

Higginson, T. W., Rev., Worcester, -

1

Hillard, George S. - - -

- 202

1

Hills, George, . . . .

3

Hooper, Robert C. Subscription for

work of

Prof. Agassiz.

Hooper, Samuel, - - - .

- 1

Howe, John, Jr. - - - -

1

Hunt, Harriot K., M. D., Miss

- 1

Ingraham, Mary S., Mrs. -

37

3

Jackson, Abby C. - - -

- 1

Jackson, Francis, - - - .

1

Jackson, James, M. D. - -

- 129

600

Jackson, Samuel C, Rev.

1

8

Jarvis, Edward, M. D., Dorchester,

-

65

Jones, J. S., M. D. -

2

Keyes, Frederick J. - - -

- 1

Kimball, J. Francis,

59

2

King, Mrs. Gedney,

- 7

Kingman, Charles B. - - -

3

Kittredge, Edward A., M. D.

- 128

13

Kneeland, Samuel, Jr., M. D. -

2

Lamb, Anthony, ... -

- 1

Lambord, William, - - - -

8

Lawrence, Abbott, Jr. -

- 14

Lawrence, T. Bigelow,

4

Lawrence, William R., M. D.

- 2

Lee, Thomas J. - - - -

2

1

Leeds, Charles H., New York,

- 1

Library Company of Philadelphia, -

1

Lincoln, Frederic W., Jr.

- 2

2

Livermore, George, Cambridge,

4

Liverpool, Mayor and Corporation of,

-

1

Longfellow, Henry W., Prof. -

7

Loring, Ellis Gray,

- 3

Loring, James S. - - -

12

254

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 31

Vols. Pamph

Lothrop, Samuel K., D. D. - - - - 1

Lowell, Charles, D. D. - - - - 2

Lowell, John, 89 2

Lunt, William P., D. D., Qiiincy, - - 9

Lyman, George H., M. D. - - - - 1

McCleary, S. F. 1 250

McCleary, S. F., Jr. 1

McMahon, J. B., M. D., Rev. - - - 19

McMullen, John, New York, ... 1

McVey, 1

Manchester City Library, Trustees of, - - 1
Manypenny, George W., U. S. Com. of Indian

Affairs, ..... 3

Maryland Historical Society, ... 3

Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, 8 2
Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, 9

Massachusetts, State of, - - - - 40

Means, James, Rev. ..... 2

Medford, Selectmen of, - - - - 1

Merriam, Joseph W. ..... 1

Merrill, Elizabeth L. - - - - 23

Merritt, Mrs. J. 13

Middlesex Mechanic Association, Lowell, - 1

Montagu, A. de, 1

Munroe, James, ..... 3

Munroe, James and Co. .... 1

Munsell, J., Albany, .... 1

Murray Fund, Trustees of, - - - - 2

New Bedford Free Library, Trustees, - 1

New York Mercantile Library Association, 2

New York Society Library, .... 1

New York, State of, ... - 1

New York University, Regents of, - - 16 1

Norton, Charles B., New York, - - 1 1

Norton, Charles E., Cambridge, . - - 6

32 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

Norwood, Samuel, _ - - . .

N. P. G.

Odiorne, George, - - . . _

Odiorne, James C.

Otis, Harrison Gray, Mrs.

Paine, Martyn, M. D., New York, engraved
Portraits,

Paris, City of,

Parker, Henry T.

Parsons, Usher, M. D.

Pcabody, Augustus, Mrs.

Peabody Institute, Danvers,

Pennsylvania, State of, -

Perabeau, H. ----- -

Phillips, Jonathan, Hon. - - -

Phillips, Sampson and Co. - . - -

Picard, William, valuable collection of News-
papers,

Piper, Solomon,

Poole, William F.

Potter, E. R., R. L -

Prescott, Frederic W.

Prescott, William H. - - - -

Pulsifer, David,

Putnam, Charles G., M. D. - - -

Quimby, J. A.,

Quincy, Eliza S.

Quincy, Josiah, Hon.

Randall, John W.

Raymond, Samuel M.

Reed, Sampson,

Reed, Hiram A.-
Rhode Island Historical Society,

Rich, Brothers, London, - . . .

Richardson, Benjamin P. -

Vols.

Pamph.

12

124

6

58

22

61

1

1

7

178

39

7

1

90

383

2

26

3

315

790

1

1

1

10

10

99

20

2

1

481

166

1

2

18

4

7

33'

2

2

1

24

25

31

29

1856.]

CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61.

33

Richardson, James B. -

Richmond, John W., Providence,

Riddle, Edward, .--..-

Rohbins, Chandler, D. D. - r

Roelker, Bernard, .....

Ruggles, S. B., New York,

San Francisco Mercantile Library Association,

Sawyer, F. W.

Sears, David, .... Medals,
Seaver, Benjamin, _ . - - .
Shattuck, George C, Jr., M. D.-
Shaw, G. Howland, - . - - .
Shimmin, William, _ . . . .
Shnrtlefif, Nathaniel B., M. D. - - .
Sinclair, A. D. -
Smith, Elbridge, Cambridge,
Smith, J. V. C, Mayor, ...
Smithsonian Institution, ....
Suelling, Edward A. -
Snow, Herman, Rev. ....

Southey, Thomas, England, -
Sparks, Jared, .....

Spear, Charles, Rev. . - . _
Spencer, William Y. . . . ,

Spurr, 0. H.

Stevens, Benjamin F. - - -
Stodder, Charles, ....
Stone, James W., M. D. -
Stuart G. Okill, Mrs., Quebec,
Sumner, Charles, lion. ....
Sumner, William H., General, Roxbury,
Sunderland, La Roy, - . _ .
Symonds, Sarah W.-
Thayer, Gideon F.

Thayer, S., Col. U. S. E.
5

Vols.

24

2
1

7
2

Paraph.

1
1

1

7
1
3

25

5

1

132

7

77
2
3
1
6
1
6
4
4

13
1

3

20
10

227

9
22

834

7
2

201

34 PUBLIC LIBRARY. [Nov.

Vols. PLiinpli.

Thompson, Louisa, Mrs. - - - - 32
Thorington, J., M. C. - - - - - 1

Thornton, J. Wingatc, - - - - 15 1

Thwing, Thomas, , . - . . 17

Ticknor, George, - - 14 Charts, &c. 1294 225
Tickuor, Reed & Fields, - - - . 3

Torrey, Henry W. 1

Townscnd, Solomon D., :\r. I). - - - 24 109
Tuckerman, Edward, - - ... 3

Turner, J. W. 1

United States, ...... 145

United States, Bureau of Indian Affairs,

George W. Manypenny, ... 1

United States, Navy Department,

Charles W. Welsh, ' . . . 3

United States Patent Office, - - - 3

United States State Department, - - 140 2

United States Treasury Department, 10 Charts, 2
United States War Department, - - 18
Vattemare, Alex., International Exchange, 71 29

Vermont University, .... l

Wales, George W. 8

Walker, Amasa, 1

Wallcy, S. H., Hon. 2

Ward, Samuel G. - - - - - 5

Ware, John, M. D. 239 308

AVarren, John C, M. D. - - - - 7

Warren J. Mason, M. D. - - - - 30
Warren Street Chapel Library, - - 12

Webb, Thomas H., M. D. - - - - 1

Webster, Daniel, 6

Webster, George W., Rev., Wheeling, - - 1
Weld, Moses W., M. D. - 1 Crystallotype,

Wells, E. M. P., Rev. 1

Welsh, Charles W., Washington, - - 22 3

1856.] CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 61. 35

Vols. Piiiiiiili.

West, E. L., Mrs. 2

Wetherbce, Moses H. - - - - 3

"Wetmore, Thomas, . . . . . 8
Wliipple and Black, - 20 Crystallo types,

Whitney, Frederic A., Rev., Brighton, - - 31

Whitney, Henry A. - - - - - 1

Whitwell, Samuel, 68 112

Wilkins, John H., Hon. - - - - 77

Willard, F. A., M. D. 2

Williams, Henry W., M. D. - - - 1 1

Williams, John D. W., Roxbury, - - - 303 26

Willis, Nathaniel, 35

Wilson, John, 4

Winthrop, Robert C, Hon. - - - 310 6

Wise, Henry A., Lieut. .... 1

Wise, Isaac K. 1

Wise, John, Lancaster, Pa. ... - 1

Withino'ton, William, Rev. . , . 1

Woods, Charles, 1

Wright, Ephraim M. - - - - 10

FIFTH ANNUAL EEPOET

TEUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

CITY OF BOSTON

BOSTON:
GEO. C. HAND & AVERY, CITY PRINTERS,

No. 3, COKNIIILL,.

1857.