THE LIBRARY OF THE OF LOS UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA ANGELES y^ History of The Linen Hall Library. TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WISE AND PATRIOTIC MEN OF BELFAST WHO, ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, LAID THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SOCIETY, THIS TRIBUTE OF HONOUR IS NOW GRATEFULLY DEDICATED BY THEIR SUCCESSORS. OO OO CO < < h4 < ¥. rCenrenni.ll Memorial Volume nresented to the Subscribers, 1888.] HISTORY OF The Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE LINEN HALL LIBRARY, Chiefly taken from the Minutes of the Society, AND PUBLISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION in 1888. By JOHN ANDERSON, Hoji. Secretary. iBclfast • M'CAW, STEVENSON & ORR, LINENHALL WORKS. 1888. Preface. IN presenting the following short History of the rise and progress of the Linen Hall Library, the author feels that some apology is due for the imperfedlions of his work When the suggestion was made to commemorate the Centenary of the Library by the publication of an historical sketch, he, amongst others, highly approved of the proposal. But this was under the impression that someone else would be found to undertake the work of compilation and preparation. As, however, none of the gentlemen to whom application was made could see their way to do so, the author was, somewhat relu6lantly, induced to accept the kind invitation of his colleagues to undertake a task which he felt conscious might have been better accomplished by another. Now that the work, such as it is, is completed, he is free to admit that whatever labour its preparation may have cost him has been amply repaid by the pleasure and gratification he has received in tracing the history of one of the most useful institutions of the town, and in having this opportunity of commemorating the noble and generous efforts of the band of men whom we are proud to regard as our predecessors, to whose energy and wisdom the present prosperity of the Library is chiefly due. The History, which is principally drawn from the Minute Books of the Society, will show from what small beginnings the present Library sprung ; and, as we follow its career down through the centurj^, it presents a record of varied progress, until the close of the present Centennial year, when it claims to stand at a point of higher prosperity than it has ever before reached. Apart from its interest as the history of one of our venerable institutions, this record can hardly fail to throw some light on the history and progress of Belfast during the past century. The interests of the Society appear to have been always in the hands of many of the ablest and most public-spirited of our fellow-citizens ; and if we had nothing here but the list of names of those associated from time to time with this Society, 71545G the muster-roll would be found to include many of those to whom Belfast is indebted for its present religious, intelledlual, and material prosperity. The author's original intention had been to prefix to this History a sketch of the state of the town and neighbourhood at the eventful period in which the Society was first established. But it was thought better to confine the work within its proper limits, and only remind the reader, as occasion arose, of the stirring events in which many of its early supporters were themselves participators. The first part of the History, down to 1800, describing the origin and early proceed- ings of the Society, anterior to its settlement in the Linen Hall, has been arranged in short chapters, dealing with the various subje6ls connected with that period. The second part has been arranged in the form of annals, presenting under each year the principal matters recorded in the Minutes. Lists of members have been given at various periods of the Society's history, and a large number of personal notes have been added, although it has been deemed better not to continue these beyond a date where they relate to individuals now living. In the Appendix will be found a considerable amount of statistical and other information which could not be conveniently embodied in the text. In conclusion, the author begs to tender his sincere thanks to those who have assisted him in his labours ; and trusts that the possession of this book by the members of the Society whose history it commemorates may be valued, not for its own merits, but as a record of one of the best and most successful enterprises of our loyal and progressive town. JOHN ANDERSON. Linen Hall Library, Belfast, 13//^ Afaj, 1S8S. Contents PART I. PAGE Chap. I. — The Formation of the Belfast Reading Society, and its Search for Premises ------- 9 „ II. — Notes of the Early Proceedings of the Society - - 14 „ III. — The Formation of the Library and Museum - - - 19 „ IV. — The Early Office-bearers of the Society - - - - 28 PART II. Annals of the Society from iSoo till 1888 - - - - - 36 APPENDICES. A. — Resolutions in Favour of Catholic Emancipation, 1794 - - 91 B. — Do. do. a Free School, 1794 - - - 93 C. — List of Office-bearers from the First - - - - - 94 D. — Table of Receipts and Expenditure, &c. - - - - 97 E. — List of Names of Benefadlors and Gifts - - - - 99 F. — Chronological List of Catalogues since 1800 - - - - 102 G. — Rules and Regulations - - - - - - - 105 H. — List of Proprietors, Members, and Subscribers for 1887-8 - - 112 Index ......-.- 123 Illustrations. View of Linen Hall - - . . . Frontispiece. Autograph Signatures ..-_.. page ii Map of Belfast for 1791 - - - - - - „ 13 Portrait of Rev. William Bruce, D.D. - - - - ,, 30 Do. James M'Donnell, M.D. - - - - ,, 32 View of High Street, Belfast, in 1786 - - - - » 36 Do. Belfast from Paper Mill Bridge - - - - jj 39 Cross Erected at Dr. Jas. M'Donnell's Grave, Layd, Cushendall „ 60 Old Map of Belfast (1685) - - - - - - ,, 90 Do. DO. (1757) - - - - - - „ 105 Modern Map of Belfast (1888) - - - - - „ 128 PART I. EARLY HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY, 1788-1800. I. The Belfast Reading Society : Its Formation and Search for Premises. THE BELFAST READING SOCIETY— of which " the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge " is the outcome — was established on the 13th of May, 1788. Beyond this bare fa6l, appended to a signed copy of the original rules, the Minutes afford no information as to the circumstances under which the Society originated, or the object of its operations. It is not, indeed, until four years later that we find a distin(5l statement on the records of the objedls and aims of the original founders. " The great and first objedl of the Society," it is here stated, " is to form a " Library, which should remain for ever the sole and undivided property of the whole " Society;" and, subsequently, we find that "the obje6l of this Society is the colle6lion " of an extensive Library, Philosophical Apparatus, and such productions of Nature and " Art as tend to improve the mind, and excite a spirit of general enquiry." There is little doubt that these principles, though not formally recorded at the time, adluated the founders in establishing the Belfast Reading Society ; and it will be interest- ing, as forming the first entry in the records, to reproduce here the original rules, with the names appended. 13th May, 1788. Rule i. That the mode of admitting members shall be by ballot, six black beans excluding. 2nd. That every candidate for admittance must be known to one or more of the regular members, or recommended by some person in whom the Society can place confidence, and be proposed one month previous to admittance. 3rd. That each member shall pay monthly the sum of one shilling brittish, as long as the Society shall deem it necessary. 4th. That the sum to be paid by members who shall be admitted one year or upwards after the commencement of the Society, shall be regulated from time to time by a majority of the Society. 10 History of the Linen Hall Library. 13th May, 1788. 5th. That no member shall have the use of any book longer than fourteen days, if called for by any other member of the Society. 6th. That no member shall be at liberty to lend out of his house or family any book or books the property of the Society, and for every such offence when detedled, shall be fined Five british shillings, besides being account- able for whatever Injury such book or books may thereby have received. 7th. That each mem. shall sign an obligation to pay the first the first cost or* value of of any book he may Injure, lose, or not return to the Society, and the full value of any Set he may render Incomplete by so doing. 8th. That any member who does not pay his monthly subscription or cause it to be paid on the day appointed for that purpose shal be fined the sum of three pence. No excuse for failure will be admitted. 9th. That any member who shall be three months in arrears to the Society will not be supplyed with any books from the library untill arrears and fines are paid up. loth. That any member who shall be in arrears to the Society one year's subscription or Twelve shillings brittish shall thereby forfeit his property in the library and privilege in the Society and cannot be restored to either without producing satisfadlory reasons to the Committee and paying his arrears. nth. That the Committee shall consist of (five) members who shall be chosen by ballot, who shall choose and purchase the books for the use of tlje Society, specify the fines and take such steps as may be proper and necessary to enforce obedience to and due observance of the regulations, who shall lay their transadlions, state of the accounts and library quarterly before a meeting of the Society at which meeting the Committee shall be chosen. 1 2th. It being absolutely necessary that the Committee and Sec^- should attend the different meetings of the Society, a fine of one british shilling shall be paid by any member thereof who shall be absent and a fine of sixpence british on not appearing till half an hour after the hour of meeting. 13th. That any member shall have power to sell or bequeath his property in the Lib^- 14th. That if upon enquiry it shall appear that any member died without selling or bequeathing his property in the library, said property shall be transferable to the heir of the deceased member, with this proviso that said heir or person to whom said property may be sold or bequeathed shall be admitted by the same mode and on the same principles as other members are, and if said heir or purchaser be reje6led by the Society they have a liberty of transferring their property ad Infinitum untill there is a person proposed considered as Eligible to be admitted as a member in the Society. /^^^*i^^«>7«.<^^^^ ^^yiaA^^-^^^i'-'^'^^^ ^^^^-yyo \/^ 02^z^^ The Autograph Signatures in Fac-simile ^^^^^^^^^^^^ 'Ci^ck^ 0pyA '^pm^^ — ■ he early Members who signed the Roll. The Formation of the Society. II 13th May, 1788. 15th. That each member shall declare his approbation and bind himself to the stri6l and faithfuU observance of these regulations by subscribing his name. Belfast, i^fh May, 1788, *Robt. M'Cormick *Robt. Gary *Wm. Hamilton *Roger Mulholland *John Rabb *Arthur Quin *Hugh M'Nemara John Scott *James Burgess Wm. Young J. Bradshaw *James Woodburn Jas. Bryson Jas. Kirker John Ireland *James De Butts *Maurice Spottiswood *Jas. Cunningham *James M'Cormick *James Potts *Patk. Connor *Thos. Cruse ■''■James M'Donnell A. Alexander Robt. Callwell Barthw. M. Atkinson ■'^Richd. Murdock Willm. M'Cleery Alexr. Cranston John Spears John M'Crum James Atkins Geo. Black, Jur. Christopher Salmon Clotworthy Faulkner John Haslett Abel Hadskis Geo. B. Madden Alexander Boyd Henry Bell Bryson Thomas Gelston Robert M'Cluney Will. Atkinson Thos. Milliken Rob. Telfair The eighteen names marked with an asterisk in the foregoing list appear to be those of the original founders of the Society. The minutes make no record of their eledion, whereas the others appear to have been duly eledled in accordance with the rules, during and after the year 1791.*" The autograph signatures of the early members who subscribed are given on the accompanying fac-simile. The early proceedings of the Society are enveloped in mystery. No minutes appear to have been kept until the end of 1791. Whether in the interval the progress of the undertakmg had been suspended, or whether the beginnings of the library had been made, meetings held, and fresh members ele6ted, we have no means of ascertaining. Nor are we informed as to the particular place, if any, in which, during the first three years of its existence, the Society had its habitation. The early minutes are, indeed, largely occupied with a record of the efforts to procure suitable premises. A brief account of the migrations which ultimately ended in the satisfadory location of the Society at the White Linen Hall, will not be without interest here. It would appear from the following minute, dated 4th August, 1792, that the first premises, wherever they were, were not considered satisfadory. 4th Aug., 1792. Resolved— That the Secretary call a Meeting of Committee to consider the propriety of an application to the Committee of the Belfast Charitable Society for the use of the Great Room in the Poor House for our Library, and the best means of carrying the measure into effe(5l. (I). The name of /Eneas Lamont, though not among the signatories, should be added to those of the original members ; and appears in the early Minutes as such. Mr. Lamont was uncle to Mr. W. S. Lamont, of Dromore, Co. Down. B 2 12 History of the Linen Hall Library. But although the General Board granted the " Ball Room " to the Society at a nominal rent, the books and other property were not removed there, because, on further consideration, the premises were not considered sufficiently central. After an application in November, 1792, for a room at the Linen Hall, which at the time appears to have had no result, a Committee was appointed to " look out for a place " suitable for the accommodation and purposes of the library," with power " to offer such " terms on behalf of the Society as may not injure the funds of the Society." On the 14th of the same month (November) the Committee report — 14th Nov., 1792. That they have found a house in Fa6lory Row*'' in their opinion perfe61;ly adapted for a repository for the Library and habitation for the Librarian, being 20 feet in front, 3 stories high, new and well-finished. A lease of fifty years or thereabouts may be had at the sum of ;£2^ 1* ann., which your Committee think remarkably cheap. The Committee, therefore, san6tioned the taking of this house, on the longest lease possible, at the rent named. But the negotiations appear to have come to nothing. Overtures were again made to the Linen Hall ; and the Committee of Sele6lion was empowered " to go as far as ;^2o per annum for the rent of the front room." Once more, however, the business fell through, and on the 2nd January, 1793, it was resolved — 2nd Jan., 1793. That it be recommended to the Society immediately to adopt a plan for enabling themselves to build a house convenient for all their purposes, and that they appoint a Committee of five to draw up a plan for that purpose. This recommendation was adopted, and a Committee appointed to carry it out, con- sisting of Messrs. Robert Bradshaw, William Sinclaire, John Holmes, and Drs. White and M'Donnell. At a subsequent meeting, it was decided that the question of the securing of pre- mises was urgent, and it was resolved — 31st Jan., I793. That in the present situation of affairs, it would be a prudent mea- sure to hire Mr. Cary's large Room, to hold the Books and receive the Meetings of the Committee, until the Society shall be accomodated with a house. A sub-committee was appointed to treat with Mr. Cary — the situation of whose house is not stated — and at a General Meeting of the Society, on the 2nd of March, it was resolved — * 2nd Mar,, 1793. That the offer made by Mr. Cary in his letter, of which the following is a copy, be acceded to, with this proviso — That the Society be at liberty to withdraw the Books, &c., at a quarter of a year's notice, and that Mr. Cary fits up his large Room with shelves, &c., for the arrangement of the books : — (i). Now Berry Street. Fac-simile of an Ancient Map showing th< to all the principal Buildings 1 £xcAa/i^e 2 O/dBaytA 3 V \ewjBanA 4 WMteltne/iMrf/ 6 jWuf/^qy/iouse 7 yl^i/ S/iamJb/es 8 C?^s/(mi fiouse S-Anns Oiu/v/i YdJbar-Aouse 11 Academy 12 Barracks 15 Marke^^ouse \S Second J^o XIAew£rec/:wn ^SecedersMe^in^A 19 C/icpe^ extent of Beltast in 1 791. Population, 18,320. The Formation of the Society. 13 2nd Mar., 1793. " To William Clarke and George B. Madden, Esqrs. " Gentlemen— The terms I mean to keep the books on, and what I wish you " would make known to the Society this night, is— For Librarian, 20 guineas ^ year, " commencing the 1st Feb. last; and for the use of my room for Committee Meetings, " 5 guineas ^year. If these terms are acceptable to the Society, they shall be so to, •* gentlemen, your very humble servant, ** Robert Cary. •' Belfast, 2nd March, 1793." This arrangement only lasted a year ; and we find that as early as April, in the same year, the Committee were once more on the look-out for better quarters. Their attention was called to " the Building, formerly the Methodist Meeting House (now vacant)''' ; " but, after inspedlion, they reported the premises unsuitable, on account of its situation and present state, and " not an obje6l worthy of the Society's attention." At the commencement of 1794, the office of Librarian having become vacant, the Committee reported — 6th Jan., 1794. That, agreeably to the direaion of the Society to report our opinion relative to a house for the Library, we report that the house at present in the possession of Robert Telfair is the best calculated for the purpose of any that has yet been proposed to our consideration, which opinion we found on the following reasons— viz. :— The Society may in it be accomo- dated with two Rooms, 19 feet by 12 each, beside a closet for the Museum. The situation is in the highest degree eligible, being in the most central part of the town, within two doors of the Market House, and the chara6ler of the proprietor being unobje6lionable. We conceive it an additional argument in favour of the house that he has proposed himself as a person qualified for the office of Librarian. But at a General Meeting of the Society, held two days later, the choice for Librarian fell upon Mr. Thomas Russell, and it was at the same time decided that " the expense "attending a house for the Library, Museum, &c., and the Librarian's salary, should not " exceed ^30 per annum." Mr. Russell was now entrusted with the duty of seeking a suitable place, and on February 27th reported that he had engaged rooms for the Library in Ann Street, nearly opposite the Discount Office. It was thereupon resolved — 27th Feb., 1794. That Mr. Russell be authorized and requested to prepare one of the rooms for the reception of the Books at the expence of the Society. Here we have the first definite indication of the premises in which the Books were kept. As the Discount Office (or Bank, as it is called) is shown on the accompanying Map of Belfast, 1792, the situation of the Library may easily be determined. The Library remained at Ann Street for several years, although in all respe6ls the premises do not appear to have given satisfa6lion. (i). This Meeting House was in Fountain Street, nearly opposite to College Street. 14 History of the Linen Hall Library. In September, 1799, however, steps were again taken towards a removal, and it was resolved — Sth Sept., 1799* That the situation of the house where the Library is kept is incon- venient and disagreeable to most of the members. That a committee be appointed to find a house which may answer for keeping the Library, and may be more agreeably situate than the present, provided the Rent do not exceed what is paid for the present house. A few days later the Committee reported that they had taken a house in Donegall Street, at ^25 per annum, and that they had sub-let two rooms in it to Mr. Gilbert M'llveen at ;^''8 a year,''* This house was on the site now occupied by the Northern Counties Railway as a parcels office. After two years at Donegall Street a further removal was determined upon. In April, 1 80 1, an offer of premises from a Mr. Carson was decUned, but it was resolved to invite the Society to consider the propriety of removing to another house. No a6lion appears to have been taken till November, when it was reported — 6th Nov., 1801. That the Subscribers of the Linen Hall have made an offer to the Society of the Room over the central part of the Hall for the Library free of all expence. This generous offer was gladly accepted, and on the loth it was decided to transfer the Library accordingly, and resolved — lOth Nov., 1801. That the thanks of this Society be returned to the Subscribers of the White Linen Hall, and that it be published once in the "Belfast News-Letter." A committee was appointed to carry out the arrangement for the transfer of the Society's property. This appears to have occupied a considerable time, as it was not till the 27th May, 1802, that the Society held its first meeting in the White Linen Hall, in which place its head-quarters have continued to the present time. Since this memorable epoch in the history of the Society, it has been found necessary from time to time to apply to the Proprietors of the Linen Hall for additional accom- modation, and it is with the greatest respe6l and gratitude that the Society record that such applications have never been met with a refusal, II. Notes of the Early Proceedings of the Society. HAVING briefly noted the circumstances under which the Society, thirteen years after its establishment, happily found a permanent habitation in the Linen Hall, and before proceeding to give an account of the formation of the Library and scientific collections there deposited, it will be of interest to offer a few notes upon the proceedings and management of the Society during the early unsettled years of its career. (i). As to the taxes imposed at that time, it appears by the accounts that Mr. M'llveen's proportion of the Hearth and Window Tax for tliese rooms amounted to £\ 14s ijd per annum. For the Ann Street premises the Society had paid for the same taxes £^ 6s lid. Early Proceedings of the Society. 15 Reference has already been made to an important early Minute, which states the aims and objeds of the Belfast Reading Society in the following precise terms : — lOth July, 1792. The great and first objedl of this Society being to form a Library, which should remain for ever the sole and undivided property of the whole Society — in order to do away with the possibility of any part of the Society, however great their majority, at any future time disposing of, or dividing, the books contrary to the principles on which the Society was originally formed — it was unanimously resolved — That this Society cannot dissolve themselves, or proceed to a division or disposal of the Library, unless by an unajwnous vote of the whole Society. The early rules, already cited, had reference mainly to the mode of admission to membership, and the condu6l of the periodical meetings of members. To these rules others were necessarily added at a later period, regulating the custody of the Society's property, and laying down conditions for the use of the same by Members. These scattered regulations do not appear to have been systematically codified until 1795, when, on the ist of January, the following important Resolutions and "Laws" were ordered to be placed upon the Minutes : — 1st Jan., 1795. First — That the business of this Institution shall be conduced by a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary, and a Committee of Eleven Members, under the control of the Society at large. Second — That the obje6l of this Society is the colle6lion of an extensive Library, Philosophical Apparatus, and such produ6tions of Nature and Art as tend to improve the mind and excite a spirit of general enquiry. This Society intends to colle6l such materials as will illustrate the antiquity, the natural, civil, commercial, and ecclesiastical history of this country. Provision has been made to render the Institution as permanent as the vicissitude of human affairs will permit, by making the Library and Museum a general and hereditary property. Donations of Books, Models of Machines, Specimens of Minerals, Animals, and Plants will be thankfully received ; and all communications relative to Arts, Natural Philosophy, and Literature, addressed to the Secretary for the time being, will be respecftfully attended to. Following these Resolutions are as many as forty-four Laws for the proper government of the Library, of which the following are among the most interesting : — 7th. That a British Shilling shall be paid by every Member of the Committee who shall be absent from any Meeting of the Society. loth. That Ladies may be admitted Members of this Society, exempt from personal attendance, but in other respedls amenable to the general rules. *'' (i). Among ladies so admitted was Miss M'Cracken, after the death on the scaffold of her brother, Henry Joy M'Cracken, a member of Committee. i6 History of the Linen Hall Library. ISt Jan., 1795- nth. That no person shall be proposed to be balloted for as an honorary Member until he has received the approbation of the Com- mittee. 13th. That the Admission Money be Two Guineas, and Subscription One British Shilling Monthly. 15th. That any Member lending a Book the property of the Society shall be subjecSl to a fine of Ten Shillings. 17th. That Members who shall behave in a disorderly or refra6lory manner, or who refuse submission to the Laws, are to be expelled, on certain conditions stated. 23rd. That a Member may sell or bequeath his property in the Society ; the transfer to be subje(5l to the approval of the Committee. 31st. That no bound books shall be received from the bookseller that have not calfskin backs. 32nd. That no book shall be purchased bound in Leather which can be had in boards or stitched. 35th. That the Librarian shall attend all Meetings of the Society and its Committees under penalty of Double Fines. 41st. That the fine for keeping a book longer than the time limited shall be reduced to one penny per day ; and the Librarian shall be paid the fines incurred on one book before he lends another. 44th. That no Article of the Philosophical Apparatus, nor such books of extraordinary value as may be sele6led by the Committee, shall be lent without their express consent ; and, when so lent, Promissory Notes shall be given for their value, and also for such other Books as may exceed five guineas in price. The original Rules fixed the number of the Committee of Management at Five Members. This number was subsequently increased to Nine, and again to Eleven ; a quorum being Seven in the first instance, but afterwards Five. The fines levied on Members for non-attendance at Meetings, and for the infringe- ment of the Library Rules, appear to have been stri6lly enforced, and to have yielded a considerable addition to the income of the Society.*'* The early Meetings of the Committee and Society were numerous, being generally held on Saturday evenings — at first weekly, afterwards fortnightly, and, later still, monthly. These meetings originally, and for several years, took place at taverns in the town — generally at " Ireland's," but occasionally also at " Brown's," " Drew's," and the "Donegal Arms." A Resolution passed in 1792 shows that this pra(5lice was not generally approved by the Members, who decided unanimously — (i). Fines were on two occasions remitted, viz. :— To the Rev. Hugh O'Donnell, P.P., who resided HI the country ; and to Mr. Job Rider, who was " employed night and day in an important work closely " connected with some of the obje6ls of this Institution." Until the completion of his Steam Engine, Mr. Rider was employed at the Foundry, Donegal! Street ; and on reference to the Catalogue, Early Belfast Printed Books, his name will be found there as an authoi- (1801). Early Proceedings of the Society. 17 15th Aug., 1792. That it is the intention of the Society to remove their Meetings from a Public House immediately, and that this be the first business on the next Meeting of the Society. But the wrath of the members appears to have been satisfied by this formal protest, as the matter was not referred to at the next or many subsequent meetings, and on April 6th, 1793, it was resolved at a General Meeting — 6th April, 1793. That the expences attending our Meeting at the " Donegall Arms " shall in future be paid by the Secretary out of the General Fund. It was not till the Society removed to Ann Street, in 1794, that meetings began to be held in the Library. The original regulation as to the admission of members by ballot, in which six black beans excluded, was subsequently modified so as to require the adverse votes of a quarter of the number present to veto an ele6lion ; and to ensure the payment of the entrance money it was resolved, in 1792, to hold the proposer liable for this sum. What was the amount of the original entrance fee, beyond the monthly subscription of a shilling British, is not recorded. Early in 1792, however, it was decided to raise the terms, and resolved — 7th Mar., 1792. That every new member proposed shall pay on his admission the sum of £2 ss 6d. This rule does not appear to have interfered with the pra6lice, not uncommon among new members, of giving books to the Library in lieu of entrance fee. The rule requiring the quarterly ele6lion of the Committee remained in force till 1 808, and therefore apparently worked well. Although we are led to suppose that a Secretary — James De Butts — was appointed on the formation of the Society in 1788, we find no record of the appointment of a President or Vice-President till 1792, when these officials were duly ele6led for a period of six months, a period which was shortly afterwards ex- tended to a year. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer were at first held by the same person. In 1794 three Trustees were eledled, in whose names the funds and property of the Society were to be duly vested. But no further a6lion appears to have been taken in this matter. An important change in the name of the Society was effiedled early in its history. In September, 1792, it was resolved — 1st Sept., 1792. That the Name of the Society shall be changed, and that the Com- mittee shall consider a proper appellation for the Society. This serious task does not appear to have occupied the Committee many days, and it was resolved on the nth — nth Sept., 1792. That the Society adopt the following appellation : — " The Belfast " Society for Promoting Knowledge." The following Minutes show that in its early days the Society must have experienced considerable difficulty in providing funds sufficient for the proper carrying on of its work : — l6th April, 1792. That this Society borrow one hundred pounds on their joint security for the purchase of books. 7th Sept., 1792. That the Secretary shall be accountable for the fines incurred by the Members of the Society and of their Committees, or show cause. 6th Mar., I794- That the Society shall not proceed hereafter to Ballot for any person as a Member of this Society until the person proposing him pays down such sum as admission money as is then demanded. 19th Feb., 1795. That the names of twenty or thirty of the principal Books added to the Library within the last Six Months be published in each of the Belfast Newspapers in such a manner that they shall not be charged as advertise- ments. 5th Oct., 1793- That the Revd. Jas. Bryson and Doctor M'Donnell be requested to solicit Donations of Books from such persons as they think proper, and that the thanks of the Society shall hereafter be publickly returned for all Donations. In September, 1792, a proposal was made by the " Belfast Book Society" for a union with the " Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge." Committees were appointed on either side, and a conference and correspondence took place. But the business appears to have fallen through ; as also did a similar negotiation with the " Belfast Library" under the care of the Presbytery of Antrim. The Society does not appear to have confined its proceedings on all occasions to the obje6ls laid down in its Rules, and we find records of at least two important departures from its regular business. The first of these entered into the wider field of politics. The keen political excitement prevailing in Belfast during the early period of the Society's existence is sufficient explanation of the series of remarkable resolutions, passed on the 27th January, 1792, in favour of Catholic Emancipation, and extending the sympathy of the Members to the revolutionary movement at that time exercising so powerful an influence throughout Europe. — (See Appendix A.) The second departure had far more relation to the obje6ls of the Society, and indeed can scarcely be considered as foreign to its general aims. It was the consideration of a proposal by Dr. White, on the 3rd April, 1794, on the subje6l of Free Schools. The Doctor's long and closely reasoned plan is inserted on the Minutes, and will be found at Appendix B., and after hearing it, it was resolved — 3rd April, 1794- That a Committee of ten be chosen for the purpose of considering of the best mode of carrying the scheme into effe6t, and calling on the inhabitants of this town individually for Subscriptions for the establishment of a Free School, and that as soon as they have executed that business, the Committee should be requested to call a Meeting of the Subscribers for the purpose of ena6ling laws for the Government of the Institution. This resolution was afterwards confirmed, and a Committee duly appointed to carry out the undertaking; but there is no further allusion to the subje6l on the Minutes. The Formation of the Library and Museum. 19 III. The Formation of the Library and Museum. IT is hardly necessary to state that no entries in the old Minute Books of the Belfast Reading Society are more interesting than those which relate to the formation of the nucleus of the fine Library which is at present on the shelves of the Linen Hall. The founders of the Society were evidently much in earnest as to their responsibilities in this direction, and went about their work with considerable judgment and care. At the outset of their operations, however, the scheme narrowly escaped shipwreck in con- sequence of the following extraordinary regulation, passed unanimously at a General Meeting of the Society (on the recommendation of the Committee), on March 7th, 1792 :— 7th Mar., 1792. That every future member of their Committee shall upon his admission sign a declaration that while he is in office he will not consent to the choice or purchase of any Book which is not in the English Language, or any common Novel or farce, or other book of trivial amusement. This regulation was in operation for several months, and it was not till the nth September, in the same year, at the same meeting at which the name of the Society was changed, that the following relaxation of the rule was adopted : — nth Sept., 1792. That the Rule preventing the purchase of Antient and Foreign Literature be rescinded. That not more than one-fifth of the Annual Subscription shall be applied to the purchase of Ancient and Foreign Literature. It would appear that the restri6lion respedling " Novels, farces, and books of trivial amusement" still remained in force; and it is due to the Committee of that day to add that they showed no disposition to transgress in that dire6lion. A further initial difficulty was the want of funds. In April, 1792, it was decided to borrow ;^ioo, on the joint security of the members, for the purchase of books. It would seem, however, that the entrance fees, subscriptions, and fines in a short time placed the Society in a position, with the exercise of much caution and economy, to pay its own way without assistance from without. The first Minute on the records relating to the purchase of books occurs on Novem- ber 5th, 1 791, when it was resolved — 5th Nov., 1791. That the Secretary shall purchase Robertson's History of Scotland, Kame's Essays and Sketches of the History of Man, the most approved History of Ireland, and inform himself, previous to the next meeting of the Committee, of the price of Buffon's Natural History, with coloured and uncoloured plates. One of these wants was supplied two meetings later by Mr. Robert Cary, who pre- sented a copy of Dr. Curry's History of Ireland, for which he received the thanks of the Society; and at the first meeting, in 1792, the Secretary was instructed to procure — 20 History of the Linen Hall Library. 2nd Jan., 1792. Buffon's Natural History. Robertson's Disquisitions Concerning India. Encyclopsedia Britannica. Kello Sermons. Analytical Reviews. Anacharsis' Travels. Travels through Greece. Mitford's History of Greece. In March the same year the following important purchases were ordered : — 3rd Mar., 1792. Dr. Gillies's History of Greece. Transadlions of the Royal Society of London. Transadlions of the Royal Irish Academy. Transa6lions of the Bath and Manchester Societies, Dodsley's Annual Register, commencing with the year 1788. With regard to the Transadlions, an instrudlion was added to the agent " to go as far " back in each series as can be gotten complete." At the meeting after this the resolution excluding "Foreign and ancient Hterature and books of trivial amusement" was passed, and the Society proceeded to purchase — lOth Mar., 1792. Transadlions of the Edinburgh Philosophical Society. Lavater's Aphorisms, Dr. Burney's History of Music. It would be impossible in the space at our disposal to give anything like a catalogue of the early purchases of the Society, but we may note the following works of special value or interest : — Johnson's Lives of the Poets, Pope's Works, the best edition. Hume and Smollett's History of England. Observations on the Volcanoes of the Two Sicilies, with coloured plates, Colle6lion of Etruscan, Greek, and Roman Antiquities, 2 vols. An Atlas. Monasticon Hibernicum. Priestley's History of Eledlricity. Asiatic Researches, 14th April, 1792. 5th July, 1792. 22nd Aug., 1792. 22nd Sept., 1792. Boswell's Life of Johnson. Cook's Voyages and Life, to be compleat with his Voyages now in the Library. Evelyn's Sylva. Philosophical Transa6lions of the Society of Philadelphia, Transa6lions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Monro's Treatise upon Fishes. The Formation of the Library and Museum. 21 Ilth Oct., 1792. Memoir of the French Academy of Arts. Transa6lions of the Imperial Academy of St. Petersburg. Transadlions of the Society in London for encouraging Arts, Manu- factures, and Commerce. Biographia Britannica. Sir Joshua Reynolds' Lectures to the Academicians. Walpole's Lives of the Painters. The above sele6lion will give an idea of the comprehensive and wise spirit with which the first members laid the foundation of the Library. It may be mentioned here that the particular obje6l for which the ^100, already referred to, was borrowed, is explained in the following Minute, which is interesting as marking the value at that time set upon the work to which it refers : — l8th April, 1792. Resolved — That the Society purchase the Philosophical Transadions of the Royal Society of London complete, to be sold at Daly's Auction, I St May, and such other scarce Works, and under such restridions, as the Committee may deem necessary. The sum to be laid out not to exceed One Hundred Pounds. That this important order was duly and satisfa<5lorily executed is evident from the following Resolution of June 2nd : — 2nd June, 1792. That the Secretary write a letter of thanks to Mr. Robert Callwell for his care and attention in the purchase of the Philosophical Transac- tions, and for his generous and unsolicited offer of credit to the Society. The acquisitions of the Library by no means consisted only of books purchased. The gifts made by members were numerous, and deserve grateful record in this short History. A catalogue of such donations appears at one time to have existed, but is unfortunately not now to be found. But as these gifts were recorded, from time to time, upon the Minutes, it will be both interesting and proper here to give a list of such during the first ten years of the Society's existence : — 1788-98. Benefactor. Mr. R. Cary ... Mr. Wm. M'Cleery Mr. Jas. Kirker Mr. R. Grueber Dr. M'Donnell Do. Do. Do. Mr. Geo. B. Madden Do. Do. Gift. Curry's History of Ireland. Physical and Literary Essays. The Works of Lord Chesterfield. Elegant Extracfts. Mickle's Translation of the Lusiad. Donaldson's Military Tactics. Sacheverall's Tryal. Kirwan on Acids and Salts. Dacier's Horace, in Latin. Amsterdam in 1735. Very elegant. Hoole's Trans, of Tasso's Jerusalem. Elegant. 22 History of the Linen Hall Library. 1788-98. Benefactor. Mr. Wm. Thos. Atkinson Do. Mr. John Haslett ... Mr. M. Spottiswood... Mr. R. M'CoRMicK ... Do. Mr. John Templeton Mr. Rainey Maxwell Do. Do. Mr. Wm. Sampson ... Do. Do. Do. Mr. Roger Mulholland Do. Dr. B. Fuller Do. Miss Legg, Bridge Street Mr. J AS. Scott Do. Mr, RoBT. Callwell Do. Do. Do. Do. Alderman Boydell ... Mr. Wm. Osborne ... Mr. Charles Lynd ... Miss Eliza Wallace Royal Irish Academy Mr. Thompson Gift. Clayton's Vindication of the New Testa- ment. 3 vols. Cat. of Books Published in London, 1700-1779. Chaucer's Works. Cowley's Works. Keil's Introduction to Nat. Philosophy. His. of Great Britain. By John Speed. Cunn's Euclid. Journals of the House of Commons. Index to Do. — Last xi. vols. — 1763. The British Constitution. Law Catalogue. Dublin, 1790, Cat. of Pi6lures, &c., in the Shakespeare Gallery. Piso's Collection — East and West Indies. Christie's Letters on the French Revolu- tion. Csesar's Commentaries Trans. Duncan. Vitruvius Britannicus. 3 vols. Universal History. 20 vols. Bonham's Chemistry. Grotius. 3 vols. 8vo. Cohausen's Experiments, &c. Dr. Black's MS. Lectures on Chemistry. Burnet's History of his own Time. 6 vols. Beatson's Pohtical Index to His. Britain and Ireland. Marsden's Sumatra. Langhorne on Ancient Italian Republic. Whitaker's Review of Gibbon. 100 Prints. Engraved and Drawn by Himself. On Government. By Algernon Sidney. A Bible in the Irish Language. Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy Against all the Religions and Governments of Europe. Transadlions R.I. A. Tytler's Historical Register. The Formation of the Library and Museum. 23 Another means by which the Library was occasionally recruited arose from the regulation which was in operation from an early date, that new Members might com- mute their Entrance Fee by a gift of books to the Library of the same value. We subjoin a list of books thus received from Mr. Andrew Beard in 1793, which is of special interest, as indicating what in those days was considered fair value for Two Guineas sterling. Books offered by Mr. Beard in lieu of Admission Money (Two Guineas). 2nd May, 1793. A French Translation of Seneca. By Charloit. A Treatise of Geography, from the French. By E. Grimstone. Translation of Polanos' His. Council of Trent. Acts passed from IL to XL Year of Queen Anne. Atkinson's Epitome of Navigation. Historical Essays. By Jerome Alley. Traits de I'Ames des Betes. The Dignity and Honor of the Clergy represented. By John Groome. Remarks on the Characters of the English and French Ladies. By John Andrews, LL.D, Helsham's Le6lures. A Table of Public Statutes from V. to XL of King George. An Abridgement of all the Statutes from the End of Queen Anne to the VL of George. An Abridgement of all the Statutes of William and Mary and of William in. and Anne. Complete Land Steward's Assistant. By Giles Jacob. A similar transa6lion is noted on February 20, 1793, when we find that Mr. Samuel Robinson offered two octavo volumes (a portion of a set) of Curtis's Botanical Magazine in lieu of entrance money. The offer was accepted, and it was resolved that the Society should subscribe for the remainder of the set and its continuation. The early members appear to have kept well in view the special obje6ls for which their Society was founded. Besides the scientific colletftion, to which reference will be made shortly, they exerted themselves to make the Library thoroughly representative of all branches of Literature and Fine Art. Their attention was dire6led in 1792 to the Art publications of the famous Alderman Boydell, of London ; and on Oct. 27 it was resolved — 27th Oct., 1792. That the Secretary be requested to correspond with Alderman Boydell with the view of ascertaining the path the Society should pursue in making Collections of Books relative to the Fine Arts; and the Committee recom- mends to the Society that they shall make a Colledlion of Specimens in the Fine Arts, to commence with the Purchase of Wedgwood's impressions of Antient Medals. 24 History of the Linen Hall Library. The Alderman's reply to this communication was the gift of a book containing loo prints, engraved and drawn by himself, for which he was thanked by the Society, and at once eledled an Honorary Member. Early in 1793 a suggestion was made that the Society should make a special effort to secure various books printed in the Irish Language ; and the following Resolution was passed accordingly : — ■ 2nd Mar., 1793. That Mr. Callwell be requested to write, in the name of the Society, to such gentlemen as he knows to be possessed of Books or MSS. in the Irish Language, intimating the desire of the Society to procure such, and expressing their grateful thanks for all such donations ; and that the Standing Committee be empowered to expend a sum not exceeding Ten Guineas in purchasing such Books and MSS. This appeal may have been suggested by the gift, at the same meeting, of a Bible in the Irish Language, by Mr. Charles Lynd, of Coleraine. This acquisition appears to have been highly prized, as Mr. Lynd was almost immediately afterwards eleiled an Honorary Member. It is to be regretted that Mr. Callwell's appeal does not appear to have resulted at the time in any further donations of Irish books. The Minutes, however, make it evident that everything associated with the ancient inhabitants of Ireland, which was worthy to be admired, was highly prized by the Members, who fully realized the responsibility of the Society in the matter. In proof of this, the following Minutes are of peculiar interest : — 7th Mar., 1793. It having been reported to the Committee that a Colle6lion of old Irish Music, superior to any hitherto published, was made at the late Meeting of the Irish Harpers, at Belfast, Resolved — That it be recommended to the Society to take said work under its patronage; to publish it in London under the name of the Society, with a prefatory Discourse, allowing the Profits derived therefrom to the person who took down the Notes ; and that a letter be written and signed by the Chairman to Mr. Edward Bunting, informing him of the Society's intention. This offer was accepted by Mr. Bunting, and the work undertaken ; and at the Meeting in April, 1794, it was unanimously resolved — 3rd April, 1794. That jQ^o be transmitted to Mr. R. Jamieson, of London, to be expended in the Printing of the Irish Music collected by Mr. Bunting, according to the engagements formerly made by the Society. The Mr. Jamieson here referred to a6led as London agent to the Society, having been appointed to that post in Feb., 1793, for the purpose of transadling business and eflfefting purchases in the metropolis. The last we hear of the business of the Irish Music is in 1798, when Mr. Callwell reported — The Formation of the Library and Museum. 25 l8th Jan., 1798. That he has received from Mr. Edward Bunting jQt,^ : 3 : 4, a part of the money which the Society advanced to Mr. Bunting for the purpose of forwarding the Irish Music,''' The early Committee appear to have exercised a careful oversight of the Books com- mitted to their care. In March, 1793, a set of rules, for the guidance of the Librarian, was dra\vn up for adoption by the Society, which, as they subsequently became part of the Laws of the Society, it will be interesting to summarise here : — l6th Mar., 1793. i- The Librarian, or his Deputy, to attend daily, from ii to 2. 2. The Catalogue to be alphabetical, and to give particulars as to Author, Title, Edition, Case and Shelf No., price. No. of vols., and size. 3. Books only to be delivered on personal application or signed order of Member. No Member to have out more than one vol. at a time. 4. Philosophical Apparatus and Books of great value only to be lent out with the Committee's consent, the borrower to give a promissory note for the full value of same. 5. Stri6l account of books lent, and the condition in which they are returned, to be kept, and forfeitures levied for injuries done. 6. The Librarian responsible for all the property of the Society under his care, and for the enforcement of the rules of the Library. 7. Penalty for not returning books pun6lually must be enforced. The Librarian may renew a loan ; and Members residing more than two miles from Belfast may have 6 days' grace allowed. 8. The Librarian must attend all meetings of the Society and Com- mittee under penalty of double fines. The two following Minutes show that Rule 4 was stri6lly adled upon : — 27th Nov., 1794. That Mr. Job Rider have the loan of the Philosophical Transadlions for 1777, on giving the Librarian a Promissory Note for ;^ioo, to be given up on return of the Book. That Mr. Ferris have the loan of the ist vol. of the Biographia Britannica, on giving a Promissory Note for jQg, to be given up on return of the Book. The term for which books might be borrowed had been fixed in Sept., 1792, viz. : — For an 8vo volume, 14 days; for a 4to volume, 30 days; and for a Folio volume, 2 calendar months. The Minutes bear ample testimony to the jealous care of the Committees for the Society's property. A yearly revision took place, and books which were found wanting were advertised for in the papers. The Librarian was frequently called upon to report (i). Mr. Benn, in the continuation of his History 0/ Be//asf {London, 1880, 8vo), p. 210, gives an interesting sketch of the life and career of this Irish musical enthusiast, supplied to him by our townsman, Mr. C. H. Brett, and states that Mr. Bunting's first volume — probably the one here referred to — was pub- lished in 1796, though not, apparently, in the name of the Society. From this collecflion Moore derived a large number of the most beautiful of his " Irish Melodies." 26 History of the Linen Hall Library. overdue volumes ; and Inspe6lors were appointed to check over the books with the Librarian's list ; also to examine all new purchases, bindings, and estimates. Occasional Minutes are found ordering the binding of particular books ; but in April, 1793, a general regulation dire6led the Librarian 20th April, 1793. To have all the Books in the Library half-bound, with corners and lettered, as speedily as may be consistent with the convenience of members. About the same time, the trouble and delay conne6led with the procuring of books from London and Dublin, as well as a desire to encourage the industry of the town, suggested the expediency of the following resolution : — 7th Mar., 1793. That such books as may be ordered by the Committee shall be pur- chased in Belfast, if possible ; and that such as cannot be so procured shall be ordered through the Correspondents of the Belfast Booksellers. The caution of the Committee with regard to money matters has already been alluded to. We come upon occasional Minutes ordering that, in view of the present condition of the Funds, the " proposal book " shall be shut up, and all purchases sus- pended. As a rule, however, the Committee were in a position to order the purchase of books at most of their meetings ; and occasionally the Secretary's financial report shows a good balance in hand. It is unfortunate that the old financial statements of the Society have not been pre- served; so that the Minute book affords our only means- of judging of the amount of their income and expenditure. We may, however, quote one of these statements, made on April 4th, 1793, as indicative of the funds with which the Society at that period had to deal. 4th April, 1793. The Secretary's report of the State of the Funds this day is — Clear cash in hand ... ... ... ^£6^ o 8 Admission money due ... ... ... iii 9 6 Subscription do 35 8 6 ^213 18 8 Probable amt. of Books ordered ... 100 o o Balance in favour of the Society ... ;^ii3 18 8 The first notice of a Catalogue on the Minutes is on Mar. 28th, 1793, when the Rev. Jas. Bryson and Mr. John Templeton were requested to prepare one. This was done, and at the next meeting following it was resolved — 4th April, 1793. That it be printed under their Superintendence, with an addition, in Italics, of the Books now ordered ; and, as a preface to it, the ist, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Rules of regulations for the Librarian (see proceed- ings of the Committee, i6th March), and the loth, nth, and 15th Rules of the printed Regulations, with such alterations as may seem necessary. It is unfortunate that no copy of this first Catalogue of the Library can be found. It was printed during the summer of the year, and at the October meeting it was resolved — The Formation of the Library and Museum. 27 5th Oct., 1793. That the Secretary be requested to transmit to each member who has not yet paid his admission money a Copy of the Laws, a Catalogue of the Books, and a request that he will, as soon as possible, pay his admission. A second Catalogue was put in hand in November, 1794, of which 400 copies were ordered to be printed, each member to receive one copy gratis. A special Catalogue of the Scientific Books in the Library was also undertaken, under the superintendence of five of the members. These two Catalogues are also unfortunately missing, although it is recorded that the second general Catalogue was complete in April, 1795. The Society do not for a moment appear to have lost sight of that important branch of their duties which consisted in providing a colledlion of scientific and natural history objects, with a view to form the beginning of a Museum for the use of its members. As early as September, 1792, we find this Minute : — nth Sept., 1792. That the Society shall take some immediate steps towards the purchase of a compleat Philosophical Apparatus, and that a Corres- pondence be commenced with Sir William Jones. Of this correspondence and its results we have no formal record, but the Committee proceeded at once to secure copies of scientific works, aiming specially to form a colle6lion of the transadlions of the learned societies. The first purchase of a scientific instrument is noted in March, 1793, when an air-pump, after being carefully inspe6led and reported upon by Mr. Rider, was ordered to be purchased at the price of four guineas.'"' In the same month Mr. John Templeton, an eminent local botanist, who had also served as Secretary to the Society, was requested 2nd Mar., 1793. To superintend the Botanical part of the Institution, and to use every effort in procuring a Hortus Siccus for the Museum, and in this department to attend the Committees in future. At a later meeting Dr. M'Donnell and Mr. Templeton were appointed a sub- committee "for the purpose of ordering a portfolio for the preservation of plants;" also a cabinet fit to contain fossils and curiosities ; and Mr. Templeton was further asked to take charge of Dickson's colledlion of dried plants " until he can get them properly "secured in their places." These purchases were followed up by the acquisition of two barometers, two ther- mometers, and a rain gauge; also a hygrometer and eudiometer; and later on a Wedgwood's pyrometer.*^' A great impetus was given to the Museum of the Society by the gift, in 1796, of a valuable box of fossils from Dr. Forster, of Hamburg. Dr. Forster was immediately made (i). Very shortly after its purchase we find a note that the air-pump had to be sent back to Mr, Rider for repair. (2). Dr. Malcolm, in his History of the General Hospital, Belfast, 1851 (p. 19) speaks of the Society as " chiefly devoted to the accumulation of a library and the record of atmospheric phenomena." "A " register for the weather " was kept by the Librarian. C 2 28 History of the Linen Hall Library. an Honorary Member ; and a suitable cabinet was ordered ^or the reception of the gift.*'' Subsequently the Secretary was " requested to obtain a specimen of Wicklow gold to send " to Mr. Forster, agreeable to his request." The following Minute will show the importance attached by members to the orderly and careful custody of the colle(Slions under their care : — 5th May, 1796. That at the general Meeting of the Society, usually held in May every Year, Three Members shall be chosen by Ballot as Inspe6lors, whose duty it shall be to examine and report as to the state of the stock of the Association ; whether the Books are in good condition, and whether the stock as purchased or possessed by the Society is entire, and to remark whether any Books are lost or unaccounted for ; the state of the Philo- sophical Instruments, of Paintings, Prints, and dry Vegetable and Animal Preparations, every Mineral, Fossil, and other obje6l of Natural History, as well as every other property appertaining to the Society ; and that the said Inspe<5lors do give in under their hands at every general Meeting of the Society, in the months of May and November respe6lively, their written report on these subje61:s for the examination of the Society. The first three inspedlors under this regulation were Drs. Bruce, White, and Stephenson. Their report does not appear on the Minutes. IV. The Early Office-Bearers of the Society. IN our opening note a list is found of the Members of the Belfast Reading Society who attached their names to the original copy of the rules drawn up May 13th, 1788. Of these, eighteen are distinguished as Founders of the Society. Any reader conversant with the history of Belfast during the agitated period covered by the first few years of the Society's existence cannot fail to have observed that the men who took the most adlive part in condu6ling its affairs were also among the most prominent citizens of the town, and a6live participators in the political and social movements of the day. It may be interesting, in closing this first portion of our work, to recall a few of these names, adding such personal notes as are afforded by the best known histories of the town. Presidents. — The Society, as has been noticed, did not proceed to the ele6lion of a President till the meeting of 061. 6th, 1792, when Dr. Alex. Haliday (who, on the previous day, had been admitted a member) was unanimously eledled. His letter accepting the ofifice is recorded on the Minutes, under date nth 061. : — (i). This cabinet (which cost twelve guineas) was the subje6l uf several Minutes at the time of the removal of the Library and Museum to Donegall Street. On the 3rd April, 1800, it was reported that "it could "not be accommodated in the present appartments of the Society." It appears to have been kept in the Academy Library for some time, its key being committed to the custody of the President of the Society. In 1801, another effort was made to get it into the Society's premises, which succeeded, the cost of the removal being noted as 9s gd. It is now in the Museum, College Square. Early Office-Bearers . 29 nth Oct., I792. Sir,— I have this instant received your notification of my being appointed Presi- dent of " The Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge ;" and I beg you may take the first opportunity of expressing my high sense of the Honour they have done me — an Plonour which I very cheerfully embrace. To improve and diffuse Knowledge, is to improve man, and extend those inestimable blessings. Virtue, Order, and Liberty. I sincerely hope and trust this Laudable Institution will be produdlive of all the good the Members have in view. My feeble co-operation shall not be wanting, I beg, Sir, that you will assure the other Gentlemen whose names appear at the foot of your letter, of my particular respedls.— I am, Sir, with great regard, your faithfull and obliged servant, A. Haliday. Mr. Robert M'Cormick, Secretary of the Society for Promoting Knowledge. loth Oct.. 1792. Dr. Alexander Haliday does not appear to have attended many meetings either of the Committee or Society ; but, on account of his popularity and eminence, he was continued in office till 1798. Of Dr. Haliday, Doflor Malcolm says—" His popularity as a Physician extended "through the entire province of Ulster; and he was no less distinguished for " his elegant accomplishments, his patriotic spirit, and his moral worth."''* Benn numbers him among the literary persons in Belfast in the eighteenth century ; and mentions that he was the author of a tragedy and many poetical pieces. Dr. Hahday's part in the political excitement of the town was of a moderating charadler ; and on the occasion of the invasion of Belfast by the " Hearts of Steel," he adled as mediator between the insurgents and the authorities, surrendering himself as a hostage to the former as an earnest of his good faith. To his efforts was largely due the pacification of this dangerous outbreak. His name appears in conne<5lion with the leading philanthropic and social move- ments of the day. He died, much regretted, in 1802, having bequeathed a very valuable and extensive colle6lion of books to the Library. As a testimony to his reputation for learning and benevolence, may be quoted an extradl from Arthur Young's Toiir Through Ireland, 1779, where he says — "Went to " Castle Hill, Mr. Townley Blackwood's. In the evening, at Belfast, at dinner at Mr. " Blackwood's, a Dr. Haliday was mentioned as a gentleman of general knowledge, and, " at the same time, of a liberal disposition. I determined to make known to this Dr. " Haliday my wants, and beg his assistance in gratifying them." His nephew, Dr. William Haliday, was admitted a member in 1800, and took an a6live part in the business of the Society afterwards. Dr. Wm. Bruce, who succeeded Dr. Haliday as President, had already served the Society four years as Vice-President. He was Minister of the First Presbyterian Church (l). General Hospital, p. S3.— In quoting this authority, it may not be considered out of place to mention that several of the beautiful illustrations which adorn Dr. Malcolm's book are taken from copperplates engraved by the late John Thomson, of Castle Street. This art, which locally had reached to a high degree of excellence, has been sadly interfered with by the Photographer. 30 History of the Linen Hall Library. (Unitarian), Belfast, and Principal of the Belfast Academy, an Institution founded by Dr. Crombie, in 1786, as a seminary for the education of the better classes of citizens. Under Dr. Bruce, who had been a distinguished scholar of Trinity College, Dublin, the school attained its greatest celebrity, and attra6led scholars from all parts of Ireland. His Presidency extended from 1798 till 1817, but he remained afterwards for many years associated with the Society. He died in 1841, aged 84. His family, it is said, claim descent from the Royal family of Bruce of Scotland. The accompanying Portrait of this estimable gentleman is taken from a Painting in oil at the Library, presented to the Society by Mr. William B. Joy. Vice-Presidents. — The first Vice-President of the Society was Mr. Robert Bradshaw, one of the original partners in the Commercial Bank, Belfast, who was appointed on November 3rd, 1792. His name appears for some years as an adlive member of Committees. In 1794 he was succeeded by Dr. Bruce, on whose appointment to the Presidency, in 1798, the Rev. Patrick Vance was ele<5led Vice-President. Mr, Vance, a man who was held in universal resped, was minister of the Second Presbyterian Church of Belfast, where he had succeeded the Rev. James Bryson in 1791. His term of ofifice was a short one, as he died in 1800. ^ His successor, Mr. John Holmes, an eminent banker and member of an old Belfast family, had already served the Society as Treasurer. He only adled as Vice-President for a short time, and was succeeded in 1801 by his kinsman, Mr. Robert Holmes, a merchant. Mr. John Holmes died in 1825, aged 80. In 1802, Mr. Robert Holmes was succeeded in the Vice-Presidency by Dr. S. M. Stephenson, one of the foremost medical practitioners in Belfast, whose name was well known in connexion with the medical and philanthropic institutions of the town in his day. He continued to take a very adlive part in the business of the Society for many years. He died in 1833. Previous to his settlement in Belfast as a physician, he had been the Presbyterian minister of Greyabbey, County Down. Secretaries. — The first Secretary of the Society was Mr. James De Butts, who was one of the original founders in 1788. For some years the offices of Secretary and Treasurer appear to have been combined. Mr. De Butts retained ofifice till 1792, when he went abroad, and was succeeded by Mr. Robert M'Cormick, who, however, only remained in ofifice nine months. He was succeeded by Mr. William Clarke,*'' who a(5ted as Secretary only, Mr. John Holmes taking the duties of Treasurer. Mr. Clarke's period of ofifice was very brief, since, before the beginning of the next year (1794), Mr. Geo. B. Madden's name is found as Secretary. Mr. Madden gave in his resignation in January of the same year ; and in the following August Mr. John Templeton,'^* the celebrated naturalist and (I). He was usually known as Mr. Clarke, " the magistrate," and was father to the late John Clarke, Esq., J. P., Chairman for many years of the Harbour Commissioners, and Mayor of Belfast, 1871-2. (2). Mr. Templeton had taken charge of the botanical colledlions of the Society from the beginning. He enjoyed a European reputation, and for the last thirty years of his life was adlively employed in forming collections for a Natural History of Ireland. He was awarded a prize by the Royal Dublin Society, and v^^9|^ * 1 -:--.^,,, ^^^^-*«i^ ^,_ s The rev. WILLIAM BRUCE, D.D., PRESIDENT, 1798-1817. Early Office-Bearers. 31 botanist, who since January had been discharging the duties of Secretary without appoint- ment, also retired, whereupon Mr. Robert Simms'" was chosen for one year. In February, 1796, the Secretary appointed was Mr. Gilbert M'Ilveen, jun., who adled till August, 1797, when, owing to his absence abroad, his post was taken by Mr. James MuNFOAD, an appointment which evidently gave satisfa6lion, as it was renewed for many years in succession. It will thus be seen that between 1792 and 1797 the post of Secretary changed hands no less than seven times. The work was undoubtedly onerous and responsible, and the Minutes bear ample testimony to the fadl that, during their brief terms of ofifice, most of the Secretaries devoted considerable time and energy to the business of the Society. Two of the above-named Secretaries — Mr. Robert Simmsand Mr. Gilbert M'Ilveen — were among the founders of the idLmoMS Northern Star newspaper in 1792, and were intimately connected with the revolutionary movement which agitated the town during the few years which followed. The latter was one of the early dire(5lors of the first Belfast Bank, known as the Discount Office. Librarians. — During the period before 1800 three Librarians held office under the Society. The first was Mr. Robert Gary, one of the original founders, who was appointed at the meeting of May 5th, 1792, at which it was resolved — 5th May, 1792. That a Librarian be appointed to take care of and deliver the books to the members of the Society. The books, as has been stated, were transferred in the following March to Mr. Gary's house, and kept there until February, 1794, when, he having retired, Mr. Thomas Russell was appointed Librarian. The Library during his time was removed to the house in Ann Street. Mr. Thomas Russell was a remarkable man, who played a memorable part in the politics of Belfast in his day. In 1791 he visited Belfast as an ensign of a regiment of foot. In the same year, quitting the service, he revisited the town with his intimate friend Theobald Wolf Tone, and became a contributor to the Northern Star, and a founder of the Society of United Irishmen. In the troubles which ensued he shared the prosecution and ultimately the fate of some of his friends, and was executed in the year 1803. Benn states of Russell that, " for his literary taste, general deportment, and unbounded love of " liberty, he became a great favourite. So much regard was felt for him that, when it was " feared he might entangle himself beyond recovery in dangerous schemes, every effort " was made to detach him from the United Irishmen."'^' afterwards a medal by the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, for the discovery of the " Rosa Hibernica," which he found, a.d. 1795, on the left of the old road going to Holy wood. This rosd is represented on the seal of the Holy wood Town Commissioners in conjuncflion with a "sphere —the latter being taken from a Treatise by Joannes de Sacro Bosco, entitled De Sphterd Muiidi. (I). Grandfather to Mr. Felix B. Simms, Chamberlain to the Committee of the Proprietors of the Linen Hall. (2). History of Belfast, p. 644.— In Dr. R. R. Madden's account of Samuel Neilson, Editor of the Northern Star, it is recorded that, on the occasion of the arrest of the proprietors in 1796, Neilson " went into the Public Library belonging to the Society for Promoting Knowledge, where Mr. Pollock " and Lord Downshire were in pursuit of something, and gave himself into custody." . 32 History of the Linen Hall Library. Mr. Russell devoted much time and attention to the affairs of the Society, particularly in their difficult search for premises, the negotiations for which he himself conducted. On the abrupt termination of Mr. Russell's duties at the Library in 1796, Mr. John M'Coughtry''' offered his services to the Society "for that duty until Mr. Russell's return," and was subsequently formally installed as his successor. He held office till 1802, when Mr. James Sloan, immediately after the removal of the Library to the Linen Hall, was appointed, and continued to a6l as Librarian for several years. During the period under consideration, seven honorary members were admitted, in the following order : — 1 791 Rev. Jas. Bryson 1792 R. Grueber 1793 Chas. Lynd 1792 John M'Coughtry 1792 Alderman Boydell 1794 Job Rider and 1796 Dr. Forster With regard to the Committees of Management, a complete list will be found in the Appendix. We may, however, mention a few of the principal names on the list in the early years. The first Committee on the Minutes (Nov. ist, 1 791) consisted of five members, viz.: — Robert M'Cormick Robt. Cary James M'Cormick John Rabb Maurice Spottiswood Of these, John Rabb became notorious as the printer of the famous Northern Star, for which he was tried and found guilty, and his entire plant seized and destroyed. In April, 1792, the Committee was increased to nine. Among the early members was the Rev. Jas. Bryson (Honorary). He had been the third minister in succession of the Second Presbyterian Church, and was the first minister of the Donegall Street Presby- terian Church. He was also author of a volume of Sermons and of several Discourses — (see Catalogue, Early Belfast Printed Books, 1787).*''' Dr. James M'Donnell was one of the original Founders of the Society, and an adlive Member of the Committee in its early days. He was an eminent local do6lor and scientist, and was prominently connedled with the founding of the Medical Charities of the town, including the General Hospital, of which he was the first Physician. An interesting account of him is given in Benn's continuation of the History of Belfast, vol. ii., page 157. In recognition of the respedl and esteem in which he was held by the community, and of the eminent services which he rendered in assisting to lay the foundation of the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, a marble bust of him was placed in the Museum, from which the accompanying representation is taken. At a subsequent meeting the number of the Committee was increased to eleven ; and among the new members was Mr. Robert Callwell, a banker, who, perhaps, did more for the Library at the time than anyone else. He not only made advances of money when necessary, but, at a later date, printed one of the appendices to the catalogue (i). Said to be of Wood's and Macoughtry's School, North Street. (See advt. Dr. LowtKs Grammar, 1765). (2). He was great grandfather of Mr. Samuel Bryson, of Holywood. JAMES McDonnell, Esq., M.D., A FOUNDER AND ACTIVE MEMBER OF COMMITTEE, I788-1817. Early Office- Bearers. 33 at his own cost. He also made many valuable gifts of books, and took an a6live and useful part in the deliberations of the Committee. Among the other more prominent members who built up the Library may be mentioned the following : — Rev. John Clarke, Curate to the Rev. Wm. Bristow, Vicar of Belfast, and Sovereign, for many years, of the town : Mr. Clarke was most a6live in the establishment of a Dispensary for the poor. Counsellor Sampson, famous for his defence of the proprietors of the Northerfi Star at their two trials; James Hyndman, grandfather to Hugh Hyndman, LL.D., solicitor: he was a Notary Public, and for some time a6led as Town Clerk ; David Bigger, a merchant in High Street, and regular attendant at Committees till 18 1 3, whose son, Mr. Joseph Bigger, of Ardrie, and two grandsons, Edward Coey Bigger, M.D., and Francis Joseph Bigger, solicitor, are still with us ; Rainey Maxwell, a retired shipowner and merchant, residing at Greenville; Thomas M'Donnell (who afterwards served as Secretary), father of the well-known Counsellor of that name, residing at Eglinton ; John Holmes Houston, ancestor of Blakiston Houston, V.L., Co. Down; Thos. Bateson, grandfather of Lord Deramore ; Thos. B. Isaac, of Holywood House ; John Turnley, of Rockport, and his brother Alexander ; John Gregg, Merchant ; Henry J. Tombe; James Ferguson, of Newforge Bleach Works; Wm. Sinclaire, of the Falls and other Bleachgreens; John S. Ferguson, Linen Merchant, also Bleacher and Paper Manufacturer; William Tennent, Merchant and Banker, father-in-law to Sir James Emerson Tennent, Bart. ; Nicholas Grimshaw, who first introduced Calico Printing into the neighbourhood ; Robert Getty, father of the late Edmund Getty, a well known Antiquarian ; Waddell Cunningham, a conspicuous chara6ler, and frequently Chairman at Public Meetings, which were very common in those days : he was also Captain of the 4th Company of the Belfast Yeomanry Infantry ; Henry Joy and two of his brothers, grandsons of Francis Joy, the founder of the Belfast News-Letter. Henry Joy is described as one of the very few men really acquainted with the history of Belfast. He was the author of a valuable work on the subje6l, pubhshed in 181 7 by Geo. Berwick, and, in conjun6lion with Dr. Bruce, of a series of papers known as Belfast Politicks. He died in 1835. The name of one of the founders of the Library, Roger MuLHOLLAND, must not be omitted. He was in his time an eminent builder and surveyor, and to him — under the dire6lion of Mr. Talbot, agent to Lord Donegal — the town is very much indebted for its wide streets, as it was he who was employed to lay out in streets and squares that part of the town in the neighbourhood of the Linen Hall. He was grandfather to the late Dr. Cunningham MulhoUand, of this town. Not to continue these references much further, it may be stated that the list of Members and Committees shows that a large proportion of the most a6live members of the Society were also the leading men in and around Belfast — the men, in fa6l, who laid the foundation of its present proud position as a mercantile and manufacturing centre, and to whom we are largely indebted for the number and excellence of our Schools, Hospitals, and Charitable Institutions, On the roll of early Members are found the names of the Sovereigns of Belfast — Stewart Banks, John Brown, Edward May, M.P., and Thomas Ludford Stewart. 34 History of the Linen Hall Library. The Clergy are well represented by such names as James Bryson, Dr. Bruce, Sinclaire Kelburn, John Clarke, Patrick Vance, Edward Groves, Hugh O'Donnell. The last- named of these, it may be mentioned, was the highly respe6led and liberal-minded parish priest ; and it is satisfacSlory to be able to record that the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge has always been a neutral meeting-ground for readers of all sedts. The Medical profession claims many distinguished members of the Society. Among others, in addition to those already named, may be mentioned Dr. John Campbell White, a man now almost forgotten in Belfast, but to whose powerful effort, already noted, to establish a Free School for the lower classes, the town owes a great deal of the present efficiency of its elementary school provision. As a token of the troublesome times through which the country had recently passed, it may be mentioned that there is no record of any Meeting of the Society, or of a Com- mittee of the Society, from the 19th of March, 1798, till the 9th of 06lober following. This complete silence, for a period of over six months, tells its own tale, and is sugges- tive of the rigour of the martial law which then prevailed during this period of anarchy. As considerable changes had taken place in the personnel of the members during that eventful time, owing to the disorganised state of society, and the uncertainty and anxiety which existed, it was ordered, in Odlober — 9th Oct., 1798. That a complete List of the present members of the Society be made out by the Secretary, and entered upon the minutes. As this diredlion was duly complied with, we are enabled to give the names of the eighty-nine members who then constituted the Society, which will, no doubt, be of interest, even at this distant date : — A Complete List of the Present Members of the Society, in alphabetical order, Belfast, 6th Dec, 1798 : — L Rev. J. Abernethy John Alexander Wm. Atkinson Rob Bailie And. J. Barnett Thos. G. Bashford Thos. Bateson, Orangefield Thos. Beggs David Bigger Geo. Black, jun. Rob Bradshaw Mrs. Isabella Brown Do6lor Bruce John Caldwell Rob Callwell Miss Clarke Patk. Connor Thos. Cruse Wm. Dinnen Benj. Edwards Jas. Ferguson, B.clare Jas. Ferguson, Town John Ferguson, Mill St. Jno. S. Ferguson Jas. A. Ferris, Larne Dodlor Fuller Thos. Gelston Rob Getty Saml. Gibson Wm. Goyer John Gregg Nichl. Grimshaw John Graham Do6lor Haliday John Holmes Rob Holmes John Houston Jas. Hyndman John Ireland Thos. B. Isaac, H.wood Miss M. Jones Fras. Jordan George Joy Henry Joy James Joy Early Office-Bearers. 35 Jas. Kirker Wm, Owens John Templeton John Knox Jas. Pinkerton Wm. Tennent Wm. Magee Wm. Rainey Joseph Thoburn Rainey Maxwell Christopher Salmon Henry J. Tomb Wm. Moffet Captain Scott John Turnley Jas. Munfoad John Scott, Carrick Alexr. Turnley Richd. Murdock Robert Simms Revd. Pat. Vance Jas. M'Adam Wm. Simms Rob Wallace Saml. M'Comb John Sinclaire Geo. Wells Edwd. M'Cormick Ww. Sinclaire Jas. Whittle John M'Cracken Hon. C. Skeffington Dr. Wilson, N.ards John M'Crum Saml. Smith Dr. Wilson, Parkgate Dr. M'Donnell Hamilton Steele Walter Wilson Thos. M'Donnell Dr. Stephenson John Younghusband # Gilbert M'llveen, i jun Rob Telfair PART II. ANNALS OF THE SOCIETY From 1800-1888. HAVING recorded in some detail the circumstances conne6led with the origin of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, and its progress during the early years of its existence, we shall now present a brief summary, under each year, of its proceedings, from the year 1801 to the present time. 1801. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — John Holmes. Secretary — James Munfoad. C^;;zw///^^<"— John H. Houston, Dr. S. M. Stephenson, Dr. Wm. Haliday, Rob Tel- fair,*"' Gilbert M'llveen, Thos. M'Donnell, Jno. S. Ferguson, Robert Callwell, Christopher Salmon,<3> James M'Cleery,'*> Rev. W. St. John Smyth.'^' During the year the President was dire(5led — 22nd Oct. To write to Mr. John Caldwell, of New York, acknowledging the receipt of sundry skins, of which he had made a present to the Society. In this year also the thanks of the Society, as already recorded, were sent to Dr. Forster, of Hamburg, for his gift of fossils and minerals ; and the President was requested " to obtain a specimen of the Wicklow gold for Mr. Forster, agreeable to his request." Before, however, this resolution could be carried out, intelligence arrived of the death of both Dr. Forster and his son. 1802. On the 4th February, is the following entry : — 4th Feb. This day being the usual day for ele6ling President, Vice-President, and Secretary for the year ensuing, and Committee for three months, the Society was summoned to attend at seven o'clock ; but, as the evening (i). The Committees were elecfled for three months at this period. It would be tedious to give the names at each ele6lion. The names of the then existing Committee will, however, be given at the com- mencement of each period of ten years. A complete list of Members of Committee from the commence- ment will be found in the Appendix. (2). Writing-master at the Belfast Academy, and, although deprived of two fingers on the right hand, he was an excellent writer and a good teacher. Telfair Street was named after him or his son. (3). A Custom-house officer, who, on retiring, had a purse containing lOO guineas presented to him by the merchants of the town. (4). Lagan Canal Navigation Office. (S). Curate at St. Ann's. History of the Linen Hall Library. 37 4th Feb., 1802. was very stormy, few members attended. It was, therefore, thought best by the few members present to postpone the eledling of Officers and Com- mittee to a future day. The ballot took place at the next meeting, when the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and most of the old Committee were re-ele6ted. Mr. Munfoad, however, only held his post till April, when Mr. Thomas M'Donnell was appointed to succeed him. At the same meeting the Society granted the use of their new room at the Linen Hall — " when they got possession of it" — to the Literary Society to hold their meetings in. Dr. Bruce, Mr. Templeton, and Dr. Saml. Smith Thomson were instru6led to revise the Laws of the Society, and to form a new Catalogue of the Books and Inventory of the Cabinet, with power to call in the Books and remove the property of the Society to the New Library. It was also decided to pay the Librarian ;^20 a year after the Library be removed. At the next meeting it was reported — 6th May. That the late Dr. Haliday had transferred to this Society a Legacy of Books bequeathed to him by the late Mr. Dalway. That amongst the books are the Irish Statutes at Large from 1310 till 1762, with an Index, and the Commons' Journals down to 1764, with /Appendix and Index — in all, 24 Folio volumes. The first Committee meeting in the new Library'"' was held 27th of May, when it was reported that Mr. Hill Wilson had lent the Society a set of the French Encyclopedic, for which a receipt was handed him. The first meeting of the Society at large at the Linen Hall took place on June 3rd — twenty-four members being present. Mr. James Sloan was eledled Librarian, and gave security in ;^ioo. Mr. T. M'Donnell agreed to continue as Secretary, provided he be exempt from attendance at the meetings. This was allowed, and Mr. G. M'llveen offered his services as substitute. The complete list of the Rules of the Society, as revised and approved by the Sub- Committee, was ordered to be entered upon the Minutes. Dr. Haliday's gift of books was completed during the year, and contained many valuable works in addition to the Irish Statutes. Several other gifts were received for the Museum and Library ; and, as a proof of the progress which the Library had made, it may be noted that during the year several duplicate volumes were sold. In August, a proposal to reduce the quorum of Committees from seven to five, owing to the frequent difficulty in getting together the larger number, was passed, but, on being submitted for confirmation at next meeting, was negatived. The following letter, dated 06lober i6th, from Mr. Thomas Robinson,'"' is interesting: — (i). It is curious that the Secretary heads the Minutes of this meeting — " Book Society, White Linen " Hall, 27th May, 1802." (2). This gentleman was father to the late Dr. Rumney Roliinson, Iri-l Astronomer Royal .it Armagh. A pidlure ol his (prob;it)ly the one referred to) is in the Board Roo.n of tlie Harbiiur Conimisj-ioner-;. It contains portraits of several of the gentlemen mentioned in these pages, as also that of himself and ol his son Romney. 38 History of the Linen Hall Library. l8th Oct. 1802. Gentlemen, — Being engaged in painting a pidlure of Shipping, and being unable to procure any accurate representation of Ships to assist me in some parts which I have not had an opportunity of seeing, I request the Committee would allow me for a few days Alderman Boydell's Colledlion of Prints. I will be accountable for any damage, and will consider myself under particular obligations to the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge.— Your Humble Servant, Thos. Robinson. Belfast, 1 6th Oct., 1802. Permission was given to Mr. Robinson to have the volume for one week. 1803. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary — Thos. M'Donnell. It is considered that the following entry will be of interest on account of the prices attached to the Books. On January 13th it was resolved — 13th Jan. That the Chairman shall write to our President, now in Dublin, to pur- chase for this Society, out of the Library of the late Lord Chancellor,''' the following books, if to be had at or under the limits annexed to each work : — • No. 139 Stedman's Description of Surinam ... 2 Guineas „ 140 Symes' Embassy to ^va ... ... ij^ „ „ 141 Vancouver's Voyage 5J^ „ „ 227 State Trials. 11 Vols. ... ... ... 11 „ „ 231 Ware's Works. 2 „ ... ... ... 4 „ At the General Meeting it was decided that Honorary Members should have the use of the Library, subje6t to the rules ; and it was stated that at that date the Honorary Members of the Society were Alderman John Boydell, John M'Coughtry, and Job Rider. It was also determined — ' 13th Jan. That in the future every gentleman who proposes a member shall pay the admission money at the time he proposes him. The money to be returned in case the candidate is not admitted. At the next meeting. Dr. Thomson's offer of Baylis Di^ionary, at four guineas, was accepted. The three Inspe6lors appointed in May were Dr. Thomson, Dr. Haliday, and Mr. John Templeton. They were dire6led, in addition to their ordinary duties, to have an Appendix to the Catalogue printed. For three months of this year it was decided to keep the Library open in the even- ings from 6 to 8, with an allowance of 2^^ guineas to the Librarian for this additional attendance. A large number of volumes were purchased during the summer at the sale of the late Mr. Warren's Library — about forty-five interesting works in all, for which the sum of ^11 i2s. ij^d. was paid. 1804. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary — Thos. M'Donnell. (i). This was the Earl of Clare, the first Irishman who held the office. View of Belfast from Old Pap( lill in 1805. Population, 22,000. History of the Linen Hall Library. 39 ist Mar., 1804. On the application of the Literary Society of this place — Resolved — That they be allowed the use of the Drawers in our Bookcases for speci- mens of Fossils, &c. At the sale of Mr. Maxwell's books in March, purchases to the amount of ;^i2 os. 6d. were made by the Society. 3rd May. The President reported that he had called upon Mr. May, their representative in Parliament, to try and obtain through him copies of the Adls of the Imperial Parliament since the Union {1800). That Mr. May said the Society were welcome to his own copies, which were lying in London. Ordered — That the Secretary endeavour to get an order from Mr. May to hand over to our agent in London the said copies, so that the Books might be forwarded to the Society. On July 5th the Inspe61:ors presented a report, showing that a considerable number of books were missing ; while others were in a " bad plight," or needed repair. The Secretary was ordered to call upon one member for the amount of Beckvian's Inventions. Mr. Jamieson, the London agent of the Society, was paid ;^io 6s. od., British, for a pair of globes. The following Minute appears under date December 6th ; — 6th Dec. Resolved — That the Chairman shall write to Mr. Abernethy, inform- ing him that his condudl has given offence to many members of this Society; and that, unless he discontinues his personal attendance at the Library, a meeting will be called for the special purpose of considering the propriety of expelling him. 1805. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary — Thos. M'Donnell. A list of the property of the Society, not included in the Catalogue, is presented as follows : — 6th June. 3 Tables, 2 Reading Desks, 12 Chairs, i Step Ladder, i Pair of Globes and Covers, a Cabinet of Fossils, 6 Maps on Rollers, an Air Pump and its Barometer, a Rain Gauge and Case, Wedgwood's Pyrometer, 2 Barometers, and 2 Thermometers. DRAVi^ERS : — (A) — Several Curiosities from America. (B and C) — Fossils and Lavas from Italy. (D) — Natural Curiosities of Ireland. (E) — Broken — to be Repaired, (F) — American Curiosities of the Literary Society. (G) — Botanic Fasciculi. Maps. 40 History of the Linen Hall Library. 6th June, 1805. Resolved — Mr, Robinson having requested permission to finish his painting in the Library, permission is granted for him to finish the same during Library hours. 1st Aug. Resolved — That the President do apply, in the most respedlful man- ner, in the name of the Society, to the Rev. Rob. Trail, to request that he will favour the Society with some articles of Irish Antiquity, which we understand he is disposed to deposit with some public Literary Body. Dr. Trail responded to this request by presenting an Urn and Bones, and an Ancient Cross found in Scotland. 5th Sept. Dr. Bruce, Dr. Thomson, and Mr. M'Adam were appointed to examine some specimens of stone from the Giant's Causeway which have been brought to town, with discretionary power to purchase them. The specimens were purchased for one guinea, 5th Sept. Resolved — That the permission formerly given to Mr. Robinson for painting in the Library be limited to the ist of November next ; and Dr. Bruce is requested to inform Mr. Robinson of this resolution, A Committee, appointed in August to sele6l such books as (on account of their value, size, or for other special reasons) were not to be lent out of the Library, reported in September, with the following List of Works to be so excluded : — 5th Sept. Bengal Atlas Dickson's Botanic Fasciculi and General Atlas Hortus Siccus, Smith's Do, Beaufort's Memoir and Map Donovan's Inse6ls Boydell's Plates Drury's Illustrations Camden's Britannia Irish Bible Cook's 2nd & 3rd Voyages, 5 vols, Johnson's Di6lionary 4th edition, Latham's Synopsis D'Anville's Atlas Martin's Flora Rustica Plates of Staunton's China Curtis' Botanic Magazine Charts of all Kinds Philosophical Transactions 1806. President — Dr, Bruce, Vice-President — Dr, Stephenson. Secretary — Thos. M'Donnell, A sub-committee was appointed to prepare a further Appendix to the Catalogue. On March 6th the Balance in the hands of the Secretary was ;!^ii5 i8s. lod. 6th Mar. Resolved — That such Books as are marked in the Catalogue with an asterisk shall not be lent without the consent of the Committee, and that the Cyclopaedia shall not, on any account, be lent out of the Library. The chief business of the year was a careful revision of the books, the preparation of the appendix, and the purchase of several important new works. History of the Linen Hall Library. 41 In 06lober we find that Dr. Stephenson was allowed to have the pyrometer for one month; also that permission was occasionally granted for the loan of books or maps on the special list before referred to. 1807. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-Presidetit — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary — Thos. M'Donnell. In the Report of the Inspe6lors, made June 4th, it was stated, among other things, that the Secretary's accounts were corre6l, but they showed arrears due to the amount of j[,io2> I2S, 7^d. They were, therefore, requested — 4th June. To take the trouble of making personal application to the members in arrears for the payment of the same. At the same meeting the Librarian was ordered to replace a missing volume, and the Inspe6lors were requested to settle with another member for a book lost by him. The difficulty of securing as large a quorum as seven regularly at the meetings of the Committee once more occupied the attention of the Society. A second proposal to reduce the quorum to five had been rejected. It was now proposed — with a view to secure a quorum on all occasions — to increase the number of members of the Committee to twenty. This, however, was rejedled ; and the following curious compromise, proposed by the President, was agreed upon : — 6th Aug. That whenever a Quorum of the Committee cannot be obtained, it shall be in the power of the Chairman or Senior Member to invite as many of those members of the Society who shall first appear as may be necessary to make a Quorum, to sit as Members of the Committee for that day, provided there be Four Members of the Committee *present before such invitation be given. 3rd Sept. Resolved — That the Chamber of Commerce*'' shall have permission to lodge their Volumes of A6ls of Parliaments in the Library, for the purpose of their Members referring to them occasionally in the Library hours. 1808. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary — Jas. Munfoad. The thanks of the Society were voted to the late Secretary. On January 7th of this year, Mr. Templeton, Mr. Callwell, and Dr. Haliday were appointed a sub-committee to apply to the Linen Hall Committee for an increase in their room space for books, &c. ; and, at a later meeting, Dr. Haliday reported that the lobby of the Library could be got " so as to enlarge the number of our bookcases." The new space was immediately occupied, and the Librarian's salary raised to Thirty Guineas for all his duties and attendance. It was also decided to have the open part of the landing at the top of the stairs enclosed as a closet for the use of the Library. (i). Established 1800, to guard the mercantile interest of the town, and to act as arbitrators. President this year, Wm. Sinclaire ; Vice-President, Narcissus Batt ; with Council of Fifteen Members. 42 History of the Linen Hall Library. 13th Oct., 1808. The Catalogue of Lord Dungannon's Library, to be sold by audlion, at Belvoir, on the 24th inst., was examined, and several books marked, which the Committee thinks should be purchased for the Library, if they can be got at a moderate price. Dr. Haliday and Robert Callwell are appointed to attend there, and make the purchases. It appears that 91 vols, were secured for the Library at this sale. 1809. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President, — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary — Jas. Munfoad. Among the books purchased this year were — Lay of the Last Minstrel... .. ... 9s. 9d. Marmion ... ... ... ... ... 13s. od. There was little business beyond routine transa6led during the year. 1810. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. Committee : — Dr. Samuel S. Thomson*'' Rev. Edward Groves<"> Dr. Marshall*^' Robert Callwell John S. Ferguson Rainey Maxwell Wm. Tennent Rev. W. St. John Smith<3> James M'Adam'^' John Templeton James M'Cleery The Inspe6lors' report this year specially commended the care exercised by the Librarian, and pointed out that not a single book had been lost since last inspedlion. The following Minutes show that the compromise arrived at with regard to the attendance at Committee meetings had by no means settled the difificulty complained of: — 4th Oct. That whereas great inconvenience and delay have arisen from the non-attendance of members of Committee, the addition made to Rule XV. on the 15th of Feb., 1807, be repealed, and that the following additions shall be made : — And should no Quorum be thus obtained half an hour after the regular time of meeting, then the members present, provided the Presi- dent, Vice-President, or Secretary be one of the number, shall be em- powered to do the business allotted to the Committee. But at the general meeting of the Society in December — which was only attended by members of the Committee — this proposal was negatived, thus leaving the vexed question as unsettled as ever. 1811. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. (i). A well known Physician, and for many years an active Member of the Anacreontic Society. (2). Incumbent of Holy wood. (3). Curate of St. Ann's, afterwards Rector of Ballyphilip, and Chancellor of Down. (4). Grandfather of the Right Hon. A. M. Porter, now Master of the Rolls in Ireland. (5). Father of Robt. M'Adam, Esq., now and for many years a valuable Member of Committee. History of the Linen Hall Library. 43 7th Feb., 1811. Resolved— That the Committee be empowered to lend any single volumes marked thus (t) in the catalogue which may have been published within Five Years past, on the person borrowing (being a Subscriber) depositing treble its value, and that it shall be returned, uninjured, in Four Weeks from the date of its being lent. A further Appendix to the Catalogue was ordered — and was in due time printed by D. & S. Lyons — consisting of ten pages. Complaints having been made of the length of time required, under the present system, for the delivery of books ordered from London through the Belfast booksellers, it was resolved in September — 5th Sept. That for three months ensuing all orders for books shall be given by our Secretary to Messrs. Gilbert & Hodges, Dame Street, Dublin, to be by them purchased and forwarded to us. The following resolution was passed with a view of lessening the inconvenience caused by the frequent want of a quorum at Committee meetings : — 3rd Oct. Resolved — That the following clause be added to Rule XXL : — But should the decision of the Committee respe6ling any book which may have been proposed be delayed by the non-attendance of the members beyond the third Monthly Meeting subsequent to its proposal, then in such case the Secretary may be empowered to order such Book upon a written requisition signed by ten members. On 17th October a list of 49 volumes was presented, and purchased from Mr. C. Lewis. 1812. President— V>x. Bruce. Vice-President— V>\. Stephenson. Secretary atid Treasurer— Jas, Munfoad. 2nd Jan. John Templeton, Dr. S. S. Thomson, and Henry Joy gave in their plan by which the Books in the Library may be better arranged, and that it may be more easily known, when any book is wanted, whether it is or is not in the Library, at the time. This plan is approven, and ordered to be carried into execution. During this year several members, whose subscriptions were in arrear, were threatened with expulsion from the Society, and a list of such defaulters upon the minutes shows that some were as much as five years behind in their payments. It is not recorded whether extreme measures were taken with the defaulters; but the following resolution reads as if some names at any rate had been removed from the list : — 7th May. That from particular circumstances, not to be drawn into precedent, the Rev. Mr. CBeirne'"' be now re-admitted as a Member on paying the Subscription for the present Year from this date. (i). Afterwards Classical Master for the Academical Institution. 44 History of the Linen Hall Library. On the 4th June is entered a list of some 90 volumes purchased at Stockdale's au6lion in the Exchange. Several of these were valuable works, and were marked in the list with an asterisk as books not to be lent out without special permission. The rapid growth of the Library necessitated a further extension of the accommoda- tion, and in July it was resolved — 2nd July. That the recommendation of the Inspe6tors to have the east end of the inner room fitted up for books be adopted. At the same meeting a further Appendix was ordered, to include the recent acquisitions of the Library, and Dr. Stephenson was appointed to examine the Museum and Philo- sophical Apparatus, and report upon their state. The Inspe6lors of the Library reported satisfadlorily during the year, and in August Dr. Stephenson made the following report as to the Museum : — 6th Aug. I examined the Fossils, and find them in the Cabinet agreeable to the original List, and other Fossils in drawers belonging to the " Literary Society," without Lists. Parts of the columns of the Giant's Causeway are in the Library, so are the globes, Wedgwood's pyrometer, and an air-pump. P.S. — 3 Tables, 12 Chairs, a Rain Gauge, a Step-ladder, 2 Rubbers, 2 Basons and i Stand, a Jug, and a Cup for Soap ; 2 Thermometers, 2 Barometers, 6 Maps — i of Ireland, i County Antrim, i Lough Neagh, a Chart of the Levant, a Chart of Biography, and one of History. The Zebra Skins should be washed to prevent or kill vermin. S. M. Stephenson. ISt Oct. The staircase and lobby are ordered to be enclosed, under the super- intendence of Mr. Jno. Templeton. At this time, it appears, the Society was procuring its books — some through the Post Office, some from Gilbert & Hodges of Dublin, and others in Belfast, through Samuel Archer and Robert Callwell. 1813. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. William Drennan.''' Secretary attd Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. 7th Jan. The Librarian is ordered to keep the doors of the shelves where the books are placed * locked ' during the time there is any public meeting held in the Rooms, and not to open them to lend Books until such meet- ing may be adjourned. The other business of the year was wholly of a routine chara(5ler. (i). Physician ; son of the Rev. Thos. Drennan, of the First Presbyterian Church, Belfast; author of several works; and father of our present highly respected Vice-President, John S. Drennan, Esq., M.D. History of the Linen Hall Library. 45 1814. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. This year was notable for the publication of a New Catalogue of the Books, of which, in March, 250 copies were brought from the printer, Mr. Alex. Mackay, of the News- Letter Office, at the cost of ;,^i6 is. 4d. This Catalogue is printed on one side of the leaf only, and the 35 rules of the Society are prefixed, headed by the following declaration : — That the obje6l of this Society is the coUedion of a Library, a Philo- sophical Apparatus, and a Cabinet of Natural History. |^p° Donations of Books, Instruments, Specimens of Minerals, Ani- mals or Plants, Statues, Paintings, and Models of Machines will be thank- fully acknowledged. Charts of all kinds, and Books marked thus (t), except as under Rule XXXIIL, cannot be lent out of the Library. Books marked thus (*) cannot be lent without consent of the Committee. At the end of the Catalogue is a list of " broken sets," with the following notice : — It is requested that the subscribers will make diligent inquiry after the volumes wanting to complete the above-mentioned Broken Sets, and give the earliest notice to the Librarian, in order that they may be procured. 7th July. Thursday, the 7th July, being the day appointed for thanksgiving, the Committee was not summoned.'"' 1815. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. The growing popularity of the Library at this time is marked by the following Minute on the first meeting of the year : — 5th Jan. Resolved — That Gentlemen who were only temporary residents in the town may be admitted to read in the Library by consent of the Com- mittee. This permission was subsequently limited to a period of one month. This year, owing to the ere6lion of a cupola on the buildings of the Linen Hall, immediately over the Library, and to the consequent removal of the books into other rooms, the following notice was ordered to be inserted in the newspapers : — 5th Oct. That, on account of the alterations now making in the Library, the Librarian is only to attend from i till 3 o'clock. The following Minute points to the completion of this stru6lure, which forms an appropriate termination to Donegall Place. (See frontispiece.) (i). This thanksgiving to the Almighty was for the restoration of the blessings of peace. It does not appear to have been publicly observed in Belfast ; but in London there was a grand and most imposing procession through the city to St. Paul's, the Duke of Wellington, who had recently returned from the Peninsular War, being the hero of the day. 46 History of the Linen Hall Library. 7th Dec, 1815. The Librarian is ordered to have the books returned to the Library as soon as in his power, and lay them on the floor. The placing the books in the cases and making a class catalogue is to be under the direc- tion of Mr. Templeton, Revd. Mr. CroUy/'* and Mr. James Ferguson. The Librarian to be allowed two Guineas for his extra trouble. In April appears the first financial statement of the affairs of the Society recorded on the Minutes, embracing the income and expenditure for the past seven years. It is as follows : — 6th April. Statement of the Treasurer's A/c. with UP TO 1ST 1814 Dec. 3i 8i 1815 Jan. Feb. 31 — ToS. Archer and Jas. M'Cleery, since April, 1808... ;,^549 16 ,, To Monthly Reviews, &c. 33 4 To New Books at Au6lions in 5 To Old „ ,, ... 48 o 8 To Gilbert & Hodges ... 51 5 o To Librn.'s Sal., Coals, and Cleaning ... 298 9 10 To New Bookcases, &c... 71 18 7J 10 — To Librarian, due 31st Dec. 17 i 3 To Sweeping Chimneys, &c. 0168 To Magazines ... ... 100 I — To Cash in hands... ... 68 12 3 THE Feb, 1808 Apl. Society, Commencing 4TH April, 1808, , 1815. 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 Feb. 4-By By By By By By By By By By I— By Cash received from T M'Donnell Subscriptions and Ad Gain on Gold sold Cash Last Book Subscriptions and Ad missions since ist Jan £^06 13 3i 84 7 Si 157 S 6 137 10 9J 158 18 9h 191 13 10^ 173 6 11^ 166 9 o o 13 o o 13 6 73 18 9 ;^I2SI 10 II ;^I25I 10 II I816. President — Dr. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. Stephenson. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. Complaints appear to have been again made respe6ling the frequent long delays in the delivery of books ordered from London. It was not uncommon for parcels to be two or even three months in transit. At the December meeting the matter was brought under the notice of the Committee; and as the President was at that time in Dublin, he was by resolution requested to make application to such booksellers as he might think competent to supply the Library on the best terms. Dr. Bruce subsequently reported that Mr. Milliken, of Dublin, offered to supply the books ordered at London prices, and would have them sent to Belfast, free of expense, expeditiously. It was thereupon resolved that all books which could not be procured in Belfast should in future be ordered through Mr. Milliken. (i). Afterwards Do(5lor Crolly, the Rom^n Catholic Bishop of the Diocese, and subsequently Primate. History of the Linen Hall Library. 47 1817. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — James Ferguson. Secretary — J as. Munfoad. 6th Feb. The Rev. Dr. Bruce, who had filled the situation of President for the period of nineteen years by annual ele6lions, signified his intention not to accept the position on the present occasion, as he found it was not in his power to attend the meetings of the Society. The Society received this information with regret, and voted their thanks to Dr. Bruce for the services he had rendered to it, and for the great attention he had paid to their interests and welfare for a series of twenty-five years, having been eledled a member in the year 1792. At the same meeting Mr. Munfoad, in accepting re-appointment, intimated his intention of resigning his post in May. Fortunately, however, he appears to have re- considered the matter, and the Society continued to have the benefit of his a6live assistance and advice for many years. 6th Mar. The stuffed skin of a Rattle Snake having been received from Mr. Magwood, of Charleston, South Carolina, through Cunningham Greg, Esq. ; ordered — That our President write a letter to Mr. Greg, and request he will return the thanks of the Society to Mr. Magwood for his Present. 5th June. It was ordered that a Book be provided and kept in the Library for entering the names of those who are introduced by Subscribers for the purpose of reading there. During the year a Hst of forty-three members, whose subscriptions were in arrear, was presented. Of these, eighteen were in arrears for two or three years. The Society received a gratifying recognition of its importance in the summer of this year from the authorities, which is thus recorded : — 7th Aug. The Secretary reported that on the application of their late President, the Rev. Dr. Bruce, the Society had received as a gift from the Commis- sioners of the Public Records, viz. :— The Reports and Proceedings of the Commissioners of Public Records of Ireland from 18 10 to 181 5, Folio. Dr. Stephenson, our present President, is requested to wait upon Dr. Bruce and return him the thanks of the Society for his trouble in obtaining this book, and request him to return the thanks of the Society to the Commis- sioners for their valuable Present. With regard to this new acquisition, the following instru6lion was recorded: — Note. — This Book is not to be given out of the Library to any person whatever. The Library already appears to have been outgrowing its lately extended premises, and the matter, with suggestions, was laid before the Society in a letter from Dr. Drennan. It was decided, however, that for the present it was "not requisite to make any alterations " in the Library or its Furniture." 48 History of the Linen Hall Library. At the meeting of 4th September, the Marchioness of Donegall was proposed as a member by Dr. Thomson, and immediately ele6led. At the same meeting an Appendix to the Catalogue was ordered to be printed, and Mr. Templeton was requested to prepare the manuscript. A request by the Rev. Samuel Hanna,''' Professor of Divinity to the Presbyterian students, to be allowed six books at a time, from November to May, for the use of his students, was considered by the Society, and on September 4th was reje6led. It was also resolved at the same meeting — 4th Sept. That in future the Secretary post up in the Library, two weeks before next meeting, the names of persons to be Balloted for admission, and also such propositions as may require to be confirmed. This regulation was soon afterwards altered from two weeks to seven days' notice. The Society suffered a loss at the close of the year in the death of the Librarian, Mr. James Sloan, who had filled the office for fifteen years. It was resolved to advertise for a successor, Mr. Sloan's son, Robert, being meanwhile entrusted with the duties. It was resolved at the same time that the Library in future should remain open from 1 1 till 4, and in the summer months from 6 till 8 in the evening. And at a later meeting it was decided that the Librarian, in addition to his other duties, should colle6l the subscriptions. The ele6tion of Librarian took place on December 4th — present, 66 members — when Robert Sloan received 33 votes, and was declared duly eledled. The following Minute occurs on October 2nd: — 2nd Oct. That the Resolution passed on the previous 7th August to allow Members to have any of the Five last Years of the Philosophical Trans- a6lions, with leave of the Committee, be now confirmed. It is worth recalling the fa6l that for the loan of one volume (that of 1777) of these Transa6tions, Mr. Job Rider had, in 1794, been called upon to give a promissory note for ^100. 1818. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — James Ferguson. Secretary and Trea- surer — Jas. Munfoad. At the meeting of the 4th December, Mr. Robert Callwell had been requested to apply for, and if possible obtain, the Votes of the House of Commons for the Library. It would appear that this application was successfully made, as it was ordered — 5th Mar. That the Votes of the House of Commons be left with the News Room at Two Guineas per annum, and the Reports, &c., &c., to remain with the Library at Eight Guineas. It was found necessary during the year to replace the old thermometers and barometers which had been among the first of the " Philosophical Apparatus" acquired by (l). Afterwards the Rev. Samuel Hanna, D.D. ; was Minister for many years in Rosemary Street, and was regarded as a leading man of the Church at a critical time. History of the Linen Hall Library. 49 the Society at the time of its formation. The new purchases were made through Mr. Wm. Sloan, a member of the Society, and are recorded as follows : — 5th Feb. To Wm. Sloan, for a Barometer and 2 Thermometers, £,12 15s. od. English, or ^13 i6s. 3d. Irish, deducing 5 per cent, for prompt payment ; also freight and charges from London, when the amount can be ascertained. The old barometer was subsequently sold to the Librarian for one guinea. The new Appendix to the Catalogue, printed by A. Mackay, and consisting of twelve pages, was laid on the table in April. The severe illness of the Librarian, necessitating his absence during part of the summer, was a cause of considerable inconvenience to the Committee and readers ; and on September loth it was resolved — lOth Sept. That the Library be open to give out and take in books on Tuesday, the 15th inst. ; on Thursday, the 17th inst. ; and on every succeeding Thursday, from 10 till 12 o'clock, until the Librarian is able to resume his duty ; and that the Members of the Committee will attend during that time to do the requisite Work. Resolved, further — That Notice of the above resolution be inserted once in each of the public papers. At the same meeting it was resolved to apply to the Committee of the Linen Hall for the room adjoining the Library on the west end ; and on November 14th Dr. Tennent reported — 14th Nov. That the Committee of the White Linen Hall have acceded to their request ; and Dr. Tennent and Mr. Joy were appointed to have a com- munication made between the rooms, and have bookcases put up, one on each side of the Fire Place. 1819. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — James Ferguson. Secretary ajid Trea- surer — Jas. Munfoad. In January of this year. Dr. Tennent and Mr. Templeton were appointed to prepare a new Catalogue, with the dire6lion that a Scientific Classification of the Books in the Library, as far as may be found pradlicable, be joined to the Alphabetical List. At the February meeting the Committee was chosen by ballot for the usual period of six months. The inconveniences arising from these frequent eledlions had for some time been felt by the Society, and on March 4th it was resolved — 4th Mar. That the Committee who were chosen on the 4th Feb. last shall con- tinue in Office for one Year, and that in future the Committee shall continue in Office during a Year, the same as the officers of the Society. The Catalogue prepared by Dr. Tennent and Mr. Templeton was laid on the table on May 6th. It was printed by David Lyons, at a cost of ;,^26 os. lod. for 250 copies. It contains 119 pages, comprising the Laws (15 pp.), The Alphabetical Catalogue (68 pp.), and the Classified Catalogue — arranged with Index Letters in the margin — {:^6 pp.). To the last named is added the following prefatory note : — 50 History of the Linen Hall Library. 4th Mar., 1819. In order to facilitate the finding of Books relating to particular sub- je6ls, the following classification of a few is submitted — viz. : — Biography, Di6lionaries or Books of Reference, History, Memoirs, Travels, Voyages, and Science — comprehending Astronomy, Optics, Mathematics, Botany, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, Natural History, Geology, Mineralogy, &c. The request for assistance from members in completing " broken sets " was repeated ; and, in addition to the Catalogue of Books, a list of Maps, &c., was given, as follows : — Antrim County By Lendrick. 1780. Churchman's Magnetic or Variation Chart. 1790. Derry County Down Do. Ireland Jamieson's Geographic Chart of Europe. Lough Neagh Poirson's Chart of the Levant. Spain and Portugal United States of America... I Pair of Globes, 20 inches diameter The Terrestrial, to 1799. The Celestial, for 1800. A Cabinet, with a very fine Colle6lion of Minerals. An Air-pump. The Cataloguers appear to have experienced some difficulty in classifying a large number of the books, as will appear from the following curious MS. Table, inserted in the Linen Hall copy — (the only copy known) — of this interesting Catalogue : — By G. V. Sampson. 18 13. By Williamson. 18 10. By Beaufort. 1792. By Williamson. 1785. By Mentelle. London, 1808. By S. Lewis. 18 15. By Bardin, London. Folios. 4to. 8vo. l2mo. i8mo. 24mo. 179 255 HIS 201 3 I Volumes not Classified. 5 30 95 2 Biography. 20 112 5 10 Di6lionaries. 2 12 61 30 Memoirs. 6 56 143 12 Science. 2 67 104 17 Travels. 38 96 425 25 History, 33 48 Voyages. 252 661 1996 297 3 I Sum of each. Total Number of Volumes in the Catalogue, 3,210. History of the Linen Hall Library. 5^ In June the following Minute was inserted : — 3rd June. It being represented to the Committee by Mr. W. Sloan and Mr. James Thomson,'"' of the Academical Institution, that our Rain Gauge is altogether useless, it is, therefore, ordered that a new one be purchased. Mr. Sloan has promised to write to London for it. The cost of the new Gauge is entered as ^6 12s. 6d. 1820. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — Jas. Ferguson. Secretary and Trea- surer — Jas. Munfoad. Committee : — Wm. Tennent Henry Joy Dr. Thomson Jno. Templeton Robt. Callwell Rev. W. Bruce Dr. Tennent<=' Dr. Robt. M'Cluney*-" Wm. Sloan<*> Dr. Knight<3> W. H. Ferrar<5> With the exception of a resolution on July 6th, " that the Philosophical Magazine " be discontinued," the business of this year was chiefly of a routine charadler. 1821. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — James Ferguson. Secretary and Trea- surer — Jas. Munfoad. On the 7th June the Librarian informed the Committee that he intended to leave the country for America in about twelve days, and desired, in consequence, to tender his resignation. Whereupon, it was ordered that an advertisement be inserted in the News- paper for a Librarian on or before the 20th of the month. The ele6lion of a Librarian appears to have been a ceremony of some solemnity in these days, and a short account of the present proceedings may be of interest. A day and hour having been fixed by the Committee, a summons to members to be in their places was inserted in all the newspapers. A preparatory meeting of the Committee was held upon the day appointed, when it was decided that, in order fairly to test the votes of the Society, a second Ballot should be held to determine which of the first two names . chosen at the first Ballot should be elected ; and, further, that the Librarian appointed should give security, to be approved by the Committee, in a Bond of ;^ 100. These preliminaries arranged, the Society assembled, at ten o'clock, on Saturday, June 23rd. Upwards of eighty members were present ; and the list given includes the (I). James Thomson, Esq., LL.D., Prof. Mathematics, Collegiate Dept. Academical Institution- author of several valuable books— father of Sir Wm. Thomson, F.R.S., and of Professor James Thomson, Glasgow. (2). Afterwards President of the Society, and father of Robt Jas. Tennent, Esq., at one time M.P. or Belfast, whose son Robert, of Rushpark, still keeps up the family connecflion with the Library. (3). Wm. Knight, Esq., LL.D., Prof. Nat. Philosophy, Collegiate Dept. Academical Institution. (4). Brother-in-law of the late George T. Mitchell, Esq., Direcfbor of the Belfast Bank. (5). Resident Magistrate, &c. His daughter, widow of the late Robert Patterson, Esq., F.R.S., still survives. (6). Father of John Sloan, Esq., Dire<5lor of the Ulster Bank, and of Garnet Sloan, Esq. 52 History of the Linen Hall Library. names of almost all the prominent past and present members of Committee and other a6live supporters of the Society. Before proceeding to the business of the day, a discussion arose on a claim put for- ward by Mr. Thomas M'Nair to a vote at the present ele6lion. Mr. M'Nair produced a letter addressed to the Librarian by his late brother-in-law, Mr. John Ireland, in 1818, stating that he had sold his interest in the Society to Mr. M'Nair, and requesting that the name of that gentleman should be entered in the books in place of his own. No such transfer appeared to have been made, and despite the fa6l that Mr, M'Nair had paid the subscription and used the Library for two years, his claim to a vote was considered insufficient, and, on being put to the vote, was disallowed. The Society then proceeded to the business of the ele6lion of a Librarian in the room of Mr. Robert Sloan, who had resigned and gone abroad ; previous to which, how- ever, the Society declined to adopt the mode of ballot suggested by the Committee, and decided " that the Ele6lion be by Ballot in the usual way." A ballot was then taken, with the following result : — Wm. M'Clure 46 votes. John Boyd... ... ... ... ... ... 29 „ John M'Lester 8 „ Mr. M'Clure''' was thereupon declared duly ele6led, and executed the necessary bond for the faithful discharge of his duties. The salary attaching to the post was ^34 as. 6d. per annum. At the same meeting it was resolved — 23rd June. That Mr. Hy. Joy, with Dr. Drummond'^' and the Rev. Wm. Bruce, be appointed Inspe6lors to take an inventory of the books and other property of the Society in the Library, and, to enable them to do so, no books are to be lent out before Monday, the 9th July. 28th June. A letter was received from Mr. Morgan Jellet, a bookseller in town, offering to supply the Society with books as promptly and on as low terms as any other person either in Dublin or Belfast. It was resolved that Mr. Jellet's offer be accepted. 1822. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — James Ferguson. Secretary and Trea- surer — Jas. Munfoad. An Appendix to the last Catalogue was ordered to be prepared by the Librarian early in the year. 250 copies were printed by Joseph Smyth, at a cost of ^£2 os. 4d. The arrangement with Mr. Jellet, the bookseller, appears to have been carried into effedt. Among other works procured through him was Sismondi's History of the Italian (i). Mr. M'Clure— brother of Sir Thomas M 'Clure, Bart. — became subsequently a well known and highly respecfled Presbyterian Minister in Londonderry. In 1847 he was chosen unanimously to the office of Moderator of the General Assembly. (2). W. H. Drummond, D.D., Minister for Fifteen Years of the Second Presbyterian Church, Belfast ; author of a Poem on the Giant's Causeway, and other works. History of the Linen Hall Library. 53 Republics, 16 vols., 8vo, in French, charged jQi i6s. od. When this work was ordered it was described in the proposal book as 11 vols., price ^5 13s. gd., and was thought to be translated into English. The Treasurer, with Mr. Callwell, was directed to apply to Mr. Jellet, and request him to take the work back on being allowed one pound sterling. A relaxation of the rules was made this year in favour of Professor Hincks, President of the Belfast Natural History Society, who applied to have more books out at one time than were usually allowed to a subscriber. It was decided in his case that the Librarian should " permit him to have such books as he might require, agreeable to his request." 1823. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — James Ferguson. Secretary and Trea- surer — Jas. Munfoad. A letter was received from Mr. Munfoad declining re-ele6lion, whereupon it was dire6led that a letter be sent to him, thanking him for his past long and useful services, and requesting him to continue in office. Mr. Munfoad, consequently, in deference to the wish of the Society, remained at his post. The following Minute is of interest, as giving the names of a few specially popular works much in demand at the time : — 2nd Jan. The Librarian is dire6led to inform those persons who may apply for the following books that the time for keeping each Volume is for some time restri6led to one week from this date, in order to accommodate subscribers _viz. :—" Voice from St. Helena," " Bracebridge Hall," "The Court of James the I. and The Court of Elizabeth," by Miss Aikin ; "The Sketch Book," and " Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life." Complaints were once more raised as to the delay in procuring books ordered through the Society's Belfast agent ; and on April 3rd 3rd April. The Librarian was direded to inform Mr. Jellet, bookseller, " that all " orders for Books given to him, and not executed by him on or before the " next ensuing Committee Meeting after that at which the order was given, " shall be withdrawn." The Society was again thrown into difficulty by the resignation of its Librarian. Mr. M'Clure gave notice, in June, that, on account of various engagements, he could not hold the office longer than the end of the second year. The eledion of a successor took place on July 3rd, with pretty much the same cere- mony as that described in 182 1. As the names of all the members attending the meeting are recorded on the Minutes, it will be of interest to give the list here : — 3rd July. Society Meeting, T,rd July, the following Mefnbers being present, to EleH by Ballot a Librarian. Dr. Stephenson John Gregg John Whittle Jas. Ferguson Thos. M'Nair Adam M 'Clean Dr. Tennent Rev. W. Hincks John Templeton 54 History of the Linen Hall Library. 3rd July, 1823. John Ward Mr. Radclifif John Compton Dr. M'Gee Lawson Annesley John Montgomery James Stuart Rev. Dr. Bruce Wm. Suffem Wm. Clarke Mr. Guirini Rev. Mr. Smith Miss Patterson John Gillis A. Kidd Rev. J. Reid James Dunlop J. Thomson Rev. J. Alexander R. Neilson Alex. Orr R. Blackwell Dr. M'Donnell John M'Adam Dr. Thomson Rev. Mr. M'Ewen Alex. Stewart Mr. Moore Mr. C. Thomson Mr. P. Quin Thos. Millar Mr. Harvey Drumraond Anderson Richd. Thomson Hugh Magill And. M'Clean W. H. Ferrar Rev. Mr. Bland Rev. Mr. Bruce John S. Ferguson And. J. Barnett Rich. Ashmore Mr. Shannon Hugh Montgomery Rev. Mr. Craig A. K. Millar Jas. Munfoad Wm. M'Clure There were seven candidates for the vacant office, and the ballot resulted in the election of Mr. Alexander Henderson,'"' who gave the necessary bond. The Library, as before, was closed to the loth of the month, for an inspedlion of the books by Dr. Tennent and Mr. Templeton. A few were reported missing, and others unaccounted for. The new Librarian, being at the time of his appointment a student, received permis- sion from the Committee afterwards to attend Le6lures at the Institution, for one hour in the day, for the present. The President, however, entered a protest against this arrange- ment. 1824. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — Dr. Tennent. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. On January ist, a letter was received from Dr. T. D. Hincks,'*' President of the Belfast Natural History Society, who had already presented several valuable works to the Library, requesting the loan of such specimens of Natural History as the Society was possessed of The consideration of this request was deferred till the next Society meeting, when "the further consideration of the application was adjourned sine die.''' Power was given at the general meeting in February to light the Library with gas.*^' Among the booksellers from whom books were procured during this year were Jellet, Archer, and Hodgson in Belfast, and Bohn in London. A new Catalogue was ordered in May, under the superintendence of Dr. Tennent and Mr. Templeton, as before. It was printed by Joseph Smyth. (i). Mr. Henderson afterwards became Presbyterian Minister at Lisburn, and subsequently a Military Chaplain. (2). The Rev. Thos. Dix Hincks, LL.D., Professor of Hebrew, &c., Academical Institution, and father of the Rev. Dr. Edward Tlincks, of Killyleagh, an eminent Oriental scholar, &c. (3). This permission was withdrawn February, 1825. History of the Linen Hall Library. 55 The question of the Librarian's daily absence at le6lures during Library hours was again raised in 06lober, when a general meeting was summoned, by advertisement in the public papers, to consider the matter. Twenty-four members attended ; and, it having been ascertained that Mr. Henderson would require two hours to attend his different classes, it was resolved — 7th Oct. That Mr. Alex. Henderson, the Librarian, be permitted to attend the Le6lures in the Institution, two hours each day, during Library hours, on his appointing a deputy who shall be approved by the Committee. Mr. Henderson is enjoined to summon the Committee the 21st inst., at 10 o'clock, to take into consideration the fitness of the person he intends to appoint his Deputy, As there was no quorum of Committee on the 21st October, the matter was deferred until November 4th, when Mr. John Arnold''' was accepted as a substitute for the Librarian every day during his absence, from 1 2 till 2 o'clock. Among the books ordered this year was Chemnitz's General System of Conchology. 12 vols.. Royal 4to. Price ;^3o. 1825. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — Dr. Robt. Tennent. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. It was resolved, on Feb. 3rd — 3rd Feb. That a sub-committee be appointed to enquire into the propriety of keeping the Library open longer, and at more convenient times, than at present, and at what additional expense it can be accomplished, and report ; also, the propriety of admitting persons to the use of the Library on their subscribing One Guinea per annum. The idea of admitting subscribers at a guinea per annum, without entrance fee, had already been ventilated, and received strong support in the columns of the recently established Northern Whig newspaper. It met, however, with considerable opposition from the more conservative members of the Society ; so that on the day fixed for the consideration of the proposal (March 3rd) there was a large attendance. After considerable discussion, a motion for adjournment was carried, and the question consequently was shelved. This appears to have occasioned a schism among the members, several of whom interested themselves in the promotion of the " New Belfast Library," which was started with a view to carry into effedl the more popular measures declined by the old Society. The chief features of the New Library were that (i) the entrance fee was to be dispensed with, (2) the class of books sele6led was to be of a more popular chara6ler, (3) and the Library was to remain open till 11 p.m. Despite of the support it received in the Press, and the disparagement cast upon the Society for Promoting Knowledge, the new venture does not appear to have been warmly taken up, and did not succeed. (i). Afterwards woollendraper in High Street. ^6 History of the Linen Hall Library. The new Catalogue, consisting of 72 pages, and dated this year, was laid on the table. An exception to the rules, in favour of the Rev. James Seaton Reid, was made in May in the following terms : — 3rd May. The Rev. J. S. Reid''' is permitted to have as many books from the Library as he wants, not exceeding six books at one time. This permis- sion is to continue for three months. Restricted books excepted. Among the books received during the year was a copy of the Statutes of the Realm from Magna Charta to the End of the Reign of Queen Anne, 1 1 vols, folio ; presented to the Society from Government, through the Speaker of the House of Commons. This gratifying recognition of the importance of the Society was one of many tributes about this time to its rapid growth and the excellence of its management. In November, the Librarian applied to appoint Mr. Solomon Love,'""' of Magherafelt, a divinity student, as his deputy during the hours in which he himself was absent at le<5lures. Mr. Love being considered a suitable young gentleman, his appointment was approved. 1826. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — Dr. Tennent. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. The Society suffered a great loss this year in the death of Mr. John Templeton, whose active work on the Committee for upwards of thirty years had contributed largely to the improvement and extension of its position. He was one of the most regular as well as most industrious of the old members ; and it is at least singular that, with the exception of the following Minute, no mention is made on the records of the Society's loss : — 6th April. Mrs. Templeton, of Malone, was eledled in place of her husband, the late John Templeton. The following Minute reminds us of the length of time still occupied in the transit of books from London to Belfast : — and Nov. Rev. W. Bruce informed the Committee that he expedled a parcel of books from London, by the " Erin," in a few days. The permission to the Librarian to attend leftures was again extended for six months ; and the Committee approved of the appointment of Mr. James M'Knight'^' as deputy during Mr. Henderson's daily absence. On November 7th a meeting was held, agreeable to public notice, to consider the expediency of connecting the News Room in the Linen Hall with the Library of this Society. The proposal met with opposition, and, as on a former occasion, a motion for adjournment was carried, and thus disposed of the question for a while. (l). Afterwards the Rev. James Seaton Reid, D.D., author of the History of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and Prof, of Ecclesiastical History in the University of Glasgow. (2). Ordained Presbyterian Minister at Keady, 1831. (3). Afterwards the well known Dr. M 'Knight, of Londonderry. History of the Linen Hall Library. 57 1827. President — Dr. Stephenson. Vice-President — Dr. Tennent. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. With the consent of the Committee, Mr. Robert Magill'"' was appointed the Librarian's deputy during the absence of the latter in Library hours at le6lures. The business of the year was wholly routine. 1828. President — Dr. Robt. Tennent. Vice-President — Dr. Samuel Thomson. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. It was resolved unanimously — 7th Feb. That the thanks of the Society now be returned to Dr. Stephenson for his great attention to the business of the Society during the time he filled the situation of President. The books of the Society were insured this year with the Atlas Insurance Company for ;ir 2,000. The method of procuring books again came under discussion, and it was resolved, in March — 6th Mar. That if the Books can be obtained from a Bookseller in Town nearly on as low terms as from one in Dublin or London, that a preference be given to our townsman ; and that the Secretary be dire6led to write to the different Booksellers in town, requesting them to state on what terms they will supply the Society with such Books as may be ordered, and in what time they shall be delivered after receiving the order. The Booksellers' proposals were received on April 3rd, as follows : — Mr. Archer (including Periodicals), 12)^ % o^ the Retail London Prices, or charge 10 % on the London Invoice, and pay all expense of Importation ; or 5 % off the London Invoice, the Society pay- ing the expenses. Mr, John Hodgson, for Books and Periodicals, i2>^ % off the Retail London Prices. Mr. Morgan Jellet, Books (excluding Periodicals), 12)^ "/„ off the London Retail Prices. Mr. PhiUips, Books (including Periodicals), 10 % off the London Retail Prices. The terms offered by Mr. Archer and Mr. Hodgson being thus identical, a ballot was taken, and Mr. Hodgson was seledled by 5 votes to 3. 4th Dec. The Librarian is directed to lodge an appeal with the Commissioner of Police against the payment of ^2 5s. od. Police Tax "applotted" on the Library Rooms. (1). Mr. Magill was afterwards well known as an adlive promoter of Sunday School work. • •• £a 4 o I o o 2 o o I 4 o O 12 o O lO o o 15 o o i8 o 5 o o o 6 o ^i6 9 o o 5 o 58 History of the Linen Hall Library. The following list of books, purchased at a sale in town from a Liverpool house, is of interest, on account of the prices affixed : — 6th Mar. Maurice's Hindoostan. 4 Vols., 4to, Bound Hughes' Nat. History of Barbadoes. Folio ... Caulfield's Remarkable Chara6lers. 4 Vols., 8 vo Drake's Gleaner. 4 Vols., Royal 8vo. Boards Annales de I'lmprimerie des Aide par Renouard. 2 Vols. NichoU's Life of Bowyer. 4to. Bound Ryan's Worthies of Ireland. 2 Vols., 8vo. Boards Oxley's Journals in New South Wales. 4to. Boards Swift's Works. By Sheridan. 19 Vols., 8vo Pro6tor's Journey Across the Cordillera of the Andes. 8' Boards Abatement... ;^i6 4 o At the close of this year a full balance sheet of the affairs of the Society was entered on the Minutes, and continues to be thus recorded annually from this date. The accounts of this year showed that there were 152 members of the Society, and that the Income was;,^2i3 19s. 3d., against Expenditure, ^172 i8s. lo^d.*'' 1829. President — Dr. Tennent. Vice-President — Dr. S. S. Thomson. Secretary and Treasurer — Jas. Munfoad. In April the Librarian, Mr. Henderson, signified his intention of retiring, and the Society met, with the usual formalities, on the loth, to ele6l a successor. There were several candidates ; but, as one of these was the energetic and honoured Secretary of the Society, Mr. James Munfoad, he was unanimously ele6led, and hearty votes of thanks were accorded to him for his thirty years' labour on behalf of the Society, and also to the retiring Librarian for his attention to his duties while in office. Mr. Munfoad, who, for twenty-one years, had discharged the double duties of Secretary and Treasurer, consented to retain the former of these offices in conne6lion with his new duties, but resigned the office of Treasurer, which was thereupon given to Mr. Wm. Suffern.'^'* The new Librarian's tenure of office was of very brief duration, as his health broke down two months after his appointment, and made it necessary for him to resign. A fresh ele6lion shortly afterwards took place, when Alexander Neilson was appointed by 51 votes, against 41 cast for George M'Ewen. (i.) A Table is given at the end showing for each year the Receipts and Expenditure, including the separate amount paid for books, till the present time. (2. ) Merchant, father of our respedied townsman, John Suffem, Esq. History of the Linen Hall Library. 59 The following Library regulation was made in July : — 2nd July, 1829. That Members who reside five miles from Belfast will be allowed twice the number of books at one time more than those allowed to Members who reside within that distance. An Appendix of 10 pages to the Catalogue of 1825 was prepared during the year, and printed by T. Mairs. 3rd Nov. Mr. M'Adam, Mr. Montgomery, and the Secretary were appointed to examine the articles of Natural History, supposed to be the properly of the Literary Society,*'' along with Dr. Henry MacCormac,'"' who is to attend and assist on behalf of that Society. Application was made to Sir Arthur Chichester, M.P. for the Borough, through Mr. W. Tennent and the Rev. Dr. Hincks, to know if he could procure for the Society copies of the Statutes as published. The balance sheet for the year showed — Income, ;^2i3 19s. 3d.; Expenditure, ;!^209 17 s. 3j4d. Number of Subscribers, 150. 1830. President— \)x. Tennent. Vice-President— ^x. Thomson. Treasurer— ^m. Suffern. Secretary — James Munfoad. Committee — Wm. Tennent John B. Shannon*^' John Montgomery Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks Robert M'Cluney Professor James Thomson Robert Callwell Rev. Wm. Bruce Professor John Stevelly**' Drummond Anderson*^' James M'Adam'^' We note the following interesting Minutes in reference to the management of the Library : — 4th Mar. Resolved— That any Members, on paying double the usual Subscrip- tion, shall be allowed to have double the usual number of Books, subject to Rule XL 1st April. Dr. James Drummond'^* is permitted to have such Books on Natural History as he may have occasion to consult, he being employed in writing on that subjedl. The Librarian was instrufted not to lend any Books to any member who shall be known after this date to make any remarks, marginal notes, underline any passages, or otherwise abuse any Books belonging to this Library, until he receives further instru6lions from the Co mmittee. (I). Established in iSoi, for reading Papers on Literary and Scientific subjefls. (2). An eminent physician and a voluminous writer; father of SirWm. MacCormac, M.U., 6cc., London. (3). Proprietor of the Belfast Commercial Chronicle, and now represented by his son, John C. Anderson, Esq. (4). Proprietor of Chemical Works, Ballymacarrett. , tt- . j nu-i (5). An eminent local geologist, and one of the Founders of the Belfast Natural History and Philo- sophical Society, (6). Professor of Natural Philosophy, Collegiate Dept. Academical Institution ^ ,, . , y^ f (7). James L. Drummond, Esq., M.D., Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, Collegiate LJept. Academical Institution. E a 6o History of the Linen Hall Library. In consequence of irregularities in the condu6l of the Librarian, Alexander Neilson, an inquiry took place in the autumn, which led to his resignation and the consequent vacating of the office. His accounts were found to hQ -£2,A us. 7d. in default. The ele6lion of a successor took place on 06lober 14th previous to which it was settled that the salary of the Librarian should be ^a^o per annum, and security required for;^2oo, and that the hours of attendance should be from 10 till 4 o'clock daily. As the attendance of members on this occasion was unusually large, and the Hst of names shows many changes in the personnel of the Society, we give it here as it appears on the Minutes : — 14th Oct., 1830. Society Meeting, i^ih OHober, 1830. Present — Dr. Tennent Dr. Drummond R. F. Gordon Dr. Thomson A. G. Wilson Sir Stephen May Joseph Stevenson D. Anderson John Montgomery Jas. Orr, M.D. J. B. Shannon Revd. Mr. Smith Surgeon M'Cluney Revd. Wm. Bruce John S. Ferguson Rob. Simms Wm. Dillon Revd. W. Finlay John Lyle Wm. Suffern Alex. Mitchell Clotworthy Dobbin Wm. Burden Mrs. Templeton Mr. Sneyd Lawson Annesley Jas. Montgomery Geo. Black Rev. Dr. T. D. Hinck: 5 Prof Thomson Thos. Duff Charles Thomson John Kane James Reid John Whittle Miss M'Cance Mr. Vance Alex. Stewart Surgeon Smylie Counsellor Bradshaw Revd. Mr. Porter John Gillis John Compton Francis Turnley Dr. M'Donnell Thos. J. Andrews Hugh Magill Rob. Simms, jr. Henry Rowan Arthur Gamble Arthur Crawford John Black Wm. Tennent Revd. Jas. Seaton Reid JohnMontgomery(Comber)Revd. Dr. Hanna James Lewis Wm, Boyd James Blair Thos. Millar Rob. Gamble Jas. Ferguson Dr. Murray Revd. Dr. Bruce John M'Adam Lewis Reford Rob. Joy Wm. Cairns Henry Joy A. K. Miller Counsellor M'Donnell John Grattan | | Wm. Turner Wm. Ferguson H. M'Comb Rob. Moat Henry J. Tomb John Macartney Surgeon Marshall Rob. Montgomery C. Trevor Thos. M'Clure John Andrews J. D. Cosgrove Valentine Whitla Hugh Montgomery Thos. Sinclair, jr. Henry J. Holmes Dr. Duncan J. T. Tidd Revd. Wm. Cairns Robt. Callwell Jas. M'Adam ■ 1 History of the Linen Hall Library. 6i The ele6lion on the present occasion was conduced on the principle that the person chosen must receise a majority of the votes of the members voting, for which purpose a second ballot might be taken, if necessary. The names of eleven candidates had been before the Committee, of which they sele6led seven for the consideration of the Society at large. At the first ballot, out of 93 votes given, George M'Ewen received 42 ; which not being a majority of members present, a second ballot was taken. On this occasion only 81 members voted, and, as Mr. M'Ewen again received 42 votes, as against 30 cast for Robert Blair and 9 for another candidate, he was declared duly eledled. The new mode of election appeared to have given satisfaction, as it was ordered — 14th Oct., 1830. That in the future appointments of Librarians, the rules adopted at this election should be the guide. It was also resolved, with a view to the further improvement in the management of the Library — 7th Oct. That in future the Committee shall annually print and circulate among the Subscribers a statement of their accounts, with a list of the Subscribers who had paid for the Year ; also, of the Books that had been added to the Library when under their charge. The balance-sheet for 1S30 showed— Receipts, ;^i44 9s. lod. ; and Expenditure, P^i44 5s. ii/2d. But this small balance was accounted for by the late Librarian's defal- cations of ;^3 4 IIS. 7d. For the same reason the number of subscribers only appears as 109, to which must be added 49 whose subscriptions were paid to Mr. Neilson, making 158 in all. 1831. Preside nf— Dr. Tennent. Vice-President— 'Dr. S. S. Thomson. Treasurer— WiWxdiW-). Suffern. Secretary — James Munfoad. The Society received during the year a valuable gift of about 100 works from Dr. Henry MacCormac, for which they voted thanks, and eleded the donor an Honorary Member. The business of the year was wholly routine. The accounts showed — Receipts, ^^^lyi los. 8i^d. ; Expenditure, ^^ 11 4 2s. 9d. Number of Subscribers, 155. 1832. President— Tix. Tennent. Vice-President— V>r. T. D. Hincks. Treasurer— '^\\\\zxa. Suffern. Secretary — Jas. Munfoad. 5th July. Resolved — That all Members of two years' standing be entitled to the use of two additional vols, at a time. The balance-sheet for the year showed— Receipts, ^231 17s. sd. ; Expenditure, ^152 3s. od. Number of Subscribers, 145. 1833. President— Vix. Tennent. Vice-President— Yix. T. D. Hincks. Treasurer— S^xWizxa Suffern. Secretary — Maurice Cross.*'' (i). Head Master of the Lancasterian School, Frederick Street, afterwards Secretary to the Commissioners of National Education, Dublin. 62 History of the Linen Hall Library. Mr. Munfoad, after about forty years' service, during the greater part of which he had adled as Secretary and Treasurer, resigned his position this year ; and, though no special mention of the circumstance is made on the records, a glance through the Minute books, kept for so many years in his familiar handwriting, furnishes ample testimony to the value of his services to the Society, and the loss it sustained in his retirement. At a meeting on July 4th is the following resolution relating to the transference of the scientific colle6lions of the Society, which, in the rapid growth of the Library, had during recent years been somewhat overlooked : — 4th July. That the Cabinet containing the Specimens of Natural History and other Scientific Articles belonging to this Society be given into the custody of the Belfast Natural History Society, and that a receipt be taken from the Society. The balance sheet shows — Receipts, ^2 79 is. yd.; Expenditure, ;^2 14 os. 6d. Num- ber of Subscribers, 156. 1834. President— Br. Tennent. Vice-President— K^-w. Dr. T. D. Hincks. Treasurer — William Suffern. Secretary — Maurice Cross. The following resolution was adopted in February : — 6th Feb. That whereas it has been the pra6lice of this Society at large to ele6l the Librarian by Ballot, agreeable to Rule I., it is now deemed expedient that in future the Power of Ele6lion be confided to the Committee for the time being. A general " call over" of the Library took place during the year, and a new Catalogue was prepared under the superintendence of Mr. Hodgson, bookseller, who, it would appear, was paid for his work. In June, the following interesting letter was read at the meeting of the Committee : — New Boswell Court, Lincoln's Inn, April \']th, 1834. 5tn June. Sir, — it has been suggested to his Majestie's Commissioners in the Public Records Office of Great Britain, That it is expedient that copies of certain of the works published under their superintendence, forming upwards of 50 Vols, in large folio, should be de- posited in a public Library in one of the principal Towns of the County of Antrim for the use of the said County — In consequence, I am instrudled to request you will have the goodness to let the Commissioners know if there is any such Library in any town in the County of Antrim (not already possessed of the works in question), and when such Library was founded, How it is supported, What number of Volumes it contains, and to whom it is accessible; also, whether the contemplated Donation would be accepted. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obt. humble Servant, To the Clerk of the Peace C. P. Cooper. for the County of Antrim, Ireland. 5th June. Resolved — That the offer contained in the above letter be accepted, and that the Society be requested to communicate to S. Darcus, Esq., the information he requires. History of the Linen Hall Library. 63 In December, accordingly, the Society received 51 folio volumes from the Public Records Office. The Society, although it had parted with its Scientific Museum, still continued to interest itself in atmospheric and meteorological observations ; and, during the year, a new Rain Gauge, " of the most approved construction," was procured, and the Barometers and Thermometers were taken by Professor Stevelly in order to have them adjusted by the Instruments of the British Association for the Advancement of Science ; and the Librarian was requested " to keep the Meteorological Register at 9 and 3 o'clock instead of II and 2." At the meeting of June 5th, it was resolved, further — 5th June. That it is the opinion of this Committee, That the Title by which this Society is at present designated shall be changed to the " Belfast Library." At the last meeting of the year the old vexed question of the redudion of the quorum at Committee meetings once more came up, and was quietly disposed of in the following motion : — 4th Dec. That the number of the quorum be changed from seven to five. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^262 19s. yd. ; Expenditure, ;!£"232 17s. 2d. Number of Subscribers, 168. 1835. President — Dr. Tennenl. Vice-President — Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks. Treasurer — Wm. Suffern. Secretary — Maurice Cross. At the meeting on January ist, it was resolved — 1st Jan. That the Committee shall be authorised to appoint an orderly, and that Dr. Tennent shall be orderly for next month. A new Catalogue was ordered, which was ready about the end of the year, and cost ;^i6 13s. 6d. No copy appears now to be in existence. In December it was resolved — That Rule XIV. be printed in the New Catalogue, with the addition recommended by the Committee, viz. : — The Society pledges itself to each individual member not to dissolve, or proceed to a division of the property, without the unanimous consent of two General Meetings convened for that purpose. This rule not to prevent the exchange of imperfe6l copies for such as are perfe6l, or the sale of duplicates. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^^215 los. 5d. ; Expenditure, £,t^^ 8s. id. Number of Subscribers, 169. 1836. President — Dr. Tennent. Vice-President — Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks. Treasurer — Wm. Suffern. Secretary — Dr. Kidley.''' (i). A well-known Medical Dodlor at that time. In the year 1834 he was presented with a service of plate for his zeal and efficiency during the recent outbreak of Asiatic cholera in the town. 64 History of the Linen Hall Library. 4th Feb., 1836. Resolved — That the Library in future shall be open Six days in the Week from 1 1 till 4 o'clock, and on the evenings of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from the hour of 6 till 8. The time for opening was subsequently changed to 10 a.m., and in the evenings from 7 till 9, and it was resolved — 2n(i June. That as long as the Library shall be open from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., and in the evening from 7 till 9, the Librarian's salary shall be ^45 per annum. Mr. M'Ewen resigned his post as Librarian towards the close of the year. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^2'jo i6s. id.; Expenditure, ^ 1 7 7 os. 8d. Number of Subscribers, 178. 1837. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson.*'' Treasurer — Wm. Suffern. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. It being reported that several subscribers were desirous of having works of science in the Library, chiefly foreign, and having agreed to subscribe an additional guinea each for the purpose on certain conditions — 5th Jan. Agreed — That the principle be adopted, and that three members of the Committee be appointed to confer with three of the proposed Sub- scribers to settle the conditions. The six appear to have been — Mr. Drummond Anderson Mr. Wm. Thompson Dr. M'Cluney Mr. James M'Adam Dr. Kidley Dr. Thomas Andrews, F.R.S.'^' On February 2nd, the following resolutions were adopted : — 2nd Feb. That the name of the " Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge " be changed to that of " Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge." That the Committee meet twice in the month in future — that is, on the first and third Thursday — instead of once in the month, as heretofore. That should any member of the Library wish to have a restricted book at a time when it is not convenient to wait for the next meeting of Committee, the Librarian shall be empowered to lend not more than two vols, to such member, on his depositing the full value of the entire Work to which such vols, belong, as is marked in Librarian's List. At the Committee meeting of August 4th — 4th Aug. Mr. Wm. Thompson reports having obtained Twenty-one Subscribers to the Scientific Fund of the Library on the terms agreed to at the Annual Meeting in February last, viz. : — That the Society subscribe an equal (l). William Thompson, Esq., was one of the most distinguished of Irish Naturalists. He was author of the Natural History of Ireland, and from 1S43 to 1852 was President of the Natural History and Philosophical Society. (2), Professor of Chemistry, and first Vice-President, (^)ueen's College, Belfast. History of the Linen Hall Library. 65 4th Aug., 1837. amount. Resolved — In conformity with the same, that the Treasurer be ordered to advance to Wm. Thompson, Treasurer to the Scientific Fund, the sum of ;^2 2 is. od. 6th Oct. The Committee for the first time exercised the power recently conferred upon them by the Society of appointing the Librarian, and ele6ted Mr. James Stewart to that office this day in place of Mr. M'Ewen. A set of the Belfast Neivs-Letter from the commencement having been offered by Mr. Henry Joy to be deposited in the Library, on condition that he should be at liberty to re-claim the same should he settle at any time in the North of Ireland, it was resolved — 7th Dec. That the above offer be accepted, and that the News-Letter be kept in the Library, and not allowed to be lent out without the joint permission of Mr. Joy and the Committee. The balance sheet showed —Receipts, ;^292 6s. lod.j Expenditure, ;2^2 2 7 ids. rod. Number of Subscribers, 177. 1838. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Rev. Wm. Cairns.''' Treasurer — W. T. Harvey.'-' Secretary — Dr. Kidley. On the I St February the following letter was ordered to be addressed to Mr. Joy : — Dear Sir, — By order of the Committee of the Belfast Library, I return you their thanks for the copy of the Belfast Nezus-Letter which has been deposited by your order • in the Library. The Committee desire me further to say that they will take all possible care of your valuable loan, but that they cannot be responsible for the completeness of the Volumes at present, nor for any injury that may be sustained from Fire or otherwise. They have entered into the following Resolution for the greater security of the Books : — 7th Dec. Resolved — That it (the Neius-Letter) be kept in the Library, and not lent out without the joint permission of Mr. Joy and the Committee. 19th April. Resolved — That temporary residents in Belfast or the neighbourhood may be permitted in the usual form to the use of the Library for one year on payment of Thirty Shillings Subscription ; the proposer becoming responsible for any loss which the Library may sustain. Balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^272 6s. iid.; Expenditure, ^^ 2 83 4s. iid.; paid Mr. W. Thompson towards Scientific Fund, included in above, ^21 ; number of Sub- scribers, 179. 1839. President— ^^v. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Rev. Dr. Cairns. Treasurer — W. T. Harvey. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. An Appendix to the Catalogue was ordered to be printed this year, but no copy of it is at present known to exist. (l). Professor of Logic, &c.. Collegiate Department, Academical Institution. (2). Grain merchant and Insurance agent, Ritchie's Dock (now Corporation Square), 66 History of the Linen Hall Library. l6th May, 1839. ^ porter was engaged to call for and deliver Books " within the I.amps." 5th Sept. Ordered — That the person who stole the Books and Librarian's cash be prosecuted. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^195 los. ; Expenditure, ^154 i6s. yd. ; to Mr. Thompson, for Scientific Fund, included in above, ;^2i. Number of Sub- scribers, 176. 1840. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wra. Thompson. Treasurer — W. T. Harvey. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. Committee — Drummond Anderson Rev. Dr. J. Seaton Reid Jas. M'Adam Dr. William M'Gee<'' Rev. Dr. Cairns Wm. Sinclair'^* Rev. Dr. Bryce<'' Rev. John Porter'^' Wm. Bottomley**' Wm. Suffern Wm. Webb'^' A statement having been prepared by Dr. J. S. Reid on the Use and Advantages of the Library, the same was ordered to be printed. 5th Mar. Resolved — That temporary Residents, on depositing Two Guineas as a security for Books, be admitted to the Library at the usual Subscription of One Guinea per annum. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^245 3s. 5d. ; Expenditure, ;^252 5s. id. ; to Mr. Thompson, for Scientific Fund, included, jQi"] iis. lod. Number of Sub- scribers, 178. 1841. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — W. T. Harvey. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. 6th May. A reward of ^5 offered for the discovery of the person who injured Wilson^s Ornithology. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^i74 os. id.; Expenditure, ;!^ 133 19s. id.; to Mr. Thompson, for Scientific Fund, included, £,\^ 9s. 6d. Number of Sub- scribers, 165. 1842. Preside7it — Rev. Wm. Bruce, Vice-President— Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. The year's proceedings were wholly routine. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^239 6s. 3d. ; Expenditure, ;^27o 3s. 5d. ; to Mr. Wm. Thompson, for Scientific Fund, included, ;^i4 14s. Number of Sub- scribers, 189. (i). Afterwards Vice-President and President of this Society. (2). The Rev. R. J. Bryce, LL.D., Principal of the Belfast Academy, and Minister of the United Presbyterian Congregation, York Street ; also, author of several valuable books. (3). Minister of the Second Presbyterian Church (Unitarian). (4). Cotton yarn merchant, &c. (5). Linen manufacturer and merchant. (6). Wholesale warehouseman, Callender Street (Day & Bottomley). History of the Linen Hall Library. 67 1843. President— Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President— \Nm. Thompson. Treasurer— \Yu\. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. An important movement in the diredion of admitting to membership on a wider basis than had hitherto obtained was made this year. On a recommendation by the Committee to reduce the entrance fee from two guineas to one guinea, it was resolved 2nd Feb. That the recommendation of the Committee be agreed to with this understanding — That the new members who are admitted at the reduced entrance fee shall not have the power of transfer. N.B. — Those admitted under this Resolution to be called "Members." 20th April. Resolved— That a new Catalogue, 8vo, be printed, agreeably to the plan of the Catalogue of the Dublin Society's Library — Dodors M'Gee and Burden''' to have charge. On 15th June the Earl of Enniskillen was eleded an Honorary Member of the Society. In November a deputation from the Law Society, consisting of Messrs. Garrett and Smith, waited on the Committee to propose terms for a jundlion with the Library. A sub-committee was appointed to confer; and on receiving their report it was resolved — 7th Dec. That this Committee cannot dispense with the usual entrance money received from the Subscribers. In December a sub-committee was also appointed to wait upon the Committee of the Linen Hall to ask for additional space for the books. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^i 95 14s. gd.; Expenditure, ;,^ 23 2 3s. 8d.; for Scientific Fund, included in above, £2^ 12s. 3d. Number of Subscribers, 180. 1844. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. The negotiations with the Linen Hall Committee were reported in March in the following terms : — 7th Mar. Reported — That the Committee of the Linen Hall had consented to give for the use of the Library the two rooms [adjoining these], at present in occupation of the Linen Hall Committee, with the understanding that the Committees of the Linen Hall and Botanic Gardens should have the privilege of meeting in the Library. The liberality of the Linen Hall Committee still further manifested itself during the year in conne6lion with the following proposal, recorded 22nd June : — 22nd June. Resolved — That it is extremely desirable that the Committee room, Mr. Simms's room, the lobby, and the lumber room be thrown into one room, and the ceiling raised to the same height as the centre room, and that Mr. Thompson and Dr. M'Gee be requested to confer with the (i). William Burden, Esq., M.D., Prof. Midwifery, Queen's College, and father of Henry Burden, Esq., M.D., a Member of Committee. 68 History of the Linen Hall Library. 22nd June, 1844. Committee of the Linen Hall to carry out the plan ; and that a copy of this resolution be signed by the Chairman, and transmitted to the Com- mittee of the Linen Hall. To this request the Committee acceded, on the understanding that the cost of alterations should be borne by the Society; and it was resolved — 3rd Jan., 1845. That the thanks of the Belfast Library be returned to the Committee and Proprietors of the White Linen Hall for their liberality and public spirit in providing additional accommodation for the Library, by which it is now rendered, in a much greater degree, commensurate with the wants of this town and neighbourhood. . The arrangement with the Law Society, granting them the use of the Library under certain conditions, was also carried to a conclusion during the year. The heads of arrangement, five in number, were entered on the Minutes, and duly signed, i8th July. It was also resolved on the same date-^ l8th July. That the Curator to the Belfast Museum shall in future have access to this Library. The additional cost of shelving the new rooms was partly raised by subscription, ;^28 being contributed during the following year by members. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^219 7s. (which included ^^32 iis. from the Law Society, according to agreement); Expenditure, ^203 iis. 2^d. ; amount paid towards Scientific Fund, ;^24 i8s., included ; number of Subscribers not given. 1845. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm, Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. The business of the year was wholly routine. The balance sheet showed — Receipts (including the amount subscribed for new shelves), ^218 19s. 5d. ; Expenditure, ^218 19s. 3}^d., leaving a balance on the right side of ij^d. ; for Scientific Fund, included in above, ;£iS 4s. 6d. 1846. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. Dr. Hincks, whose a6live interest in the Society during the five years he had already served as Vice-President, has frequently been noticed, made a valuable gift during this year of a Set of Valpy's Delphin Classics, in 157 volumes. The Society showed its appreciation of this generous donation — by no means the first it had received from Dr. Hincks — in the following resolution : — 2ist May. That in future the Rev. Dr. Hincks and his two daughters, and his son the Revd. Dr. Edward Hincks shall be Honorary Members of this Library, with the privilege of taking out Books. History of the Linen Hall Library. 69 The following Minutes relate to the recent regulation respe(fting strangers : — 15th Oct., 1846. That the Rule for admitting strangers to the Library does not apply to Students coming in from the country for half a year. That the admission of Students has been found to interfere with the rights and convenience of Subscribers to such an extent that it is now necessary it should be refused. That copies of these resolutions be sent to the Professors at the Royal Academical Institution, and be posted on the door. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, jQi^S ^^s. 6)^d.; Expenditure, ^206 iis. yd.; for Scientific Fund, included in above, JQl^ 17s. 1847. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. Routine business only was transa6led. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^i9i 19s. 6d. ; Expenditure, ^198 9s. i>^d.; for Scientific Fund, included in above, ^\^ 15s. 1848. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley, Routine business only transa6led. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^192 12s. yd. ; Expenditure, ;^i93 i6s. 3d. ; for Scientific Fund, included in above, p^ii iis. 1849. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. The Library was ordered to be kept closed on the evenings of Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the summer months. 2nd Aug. No books to be entered in the proposal book but by a6lual Subscribers. 6th Oct. Application to be made to the local Corporate Bodies for copies of their A6ls of Parliament relating to the town. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^210 2s. lod. ; Expenditure, ^172 los. id. ; for Scientific Fund, included in above, ^10 los. 1850."' President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-Presidetit — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. Comtnittee — Jas. M'Adam Dr. Drennan Wm. Simms Dr. Hodges Wm. Ferguson Dr. Bryce Dr. M'Gee Wm. Suffern Thos. Chermside Geo. K. Smith Dr. Andrews (i). Personal Notes are discontinued after this date, many Members being still alive. «o History of the Linen Hall Library. 7th Feb. 1850. Ordered — That no child whatever be admitted into the large room, and that none but Subscribers be allowed to take books from the shelves. In April an arrangement was come to with the President and Professors at Queen's College, Belfast, as follows : — 4th April. i- That the President and Professors of Queen's College be admitted to consult any Books in this Library. 2. That, with a written order from any of the above persons, students may be admitted if engaged in the study of any particular subje6l, but only two at a time. 3. That the President and Members of Committee of the Belfast Library be admitted to the Queen's College Library, 4. That the other members of the White Linen Hall be admitted to Queen's College Library on producing a line from any office-bearer of that Library. Application was ordered to be made to the Academical Institution for the Maps of the Ordnance Survey lodged there. Those valuable maps, on the 6-inch scale, of the whole series for Ireland, were after- wards deposited in the Library, a special case being prepared to contain them. The balance sheet is not given. 1851. Preddent — Rev. Wm, Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. A new Catalogue was ordered, and was printed by R. & D. Read at their contradl price, ;^i9 is. 6d. The balance sheet is again omitted. 1852. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Wm. Thompson. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Dr. Kidley. It was resolved, in February, to increase the insurance of the Library by ;!£'8oo. Tenders were again invited from Belfast booksellers for supplying the Society with books and periodicals required; and Henry Greer, having offered to allow 15 per cent, from published prices, was chosen to supply the Library for one year. The Society experienced a serious loss in the death of its worthy Vice-President, and passed the following resolution : — l8th Mar. That we desire to record our deep regret at the death of our late Vice- President, William Thompson, Esq.; our strong sense of the value of his ser- vices, not merely to this Institution, but to the cause of Literature and Science; and we heartily sympathise with the affliction of his bereaved relatives. On 6th May of this year Mr. Robert Gray was requested to act as Secretary in the place of Dr. Kidley. The balance sheet of this year showed — Receipts, JQ20Z is. 6d.; Expenditure, p£"i88 19s. 9d. History of the Linen Hall Library. yi 1853. President— ?^&v. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President— Vix. Wm. M'Gee. Treasurer— ^m. Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. 3rd Feb. Resolved — That any officer of the Belfast Garrison, on being intro- duced by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, be admitted to read in the Library during his stay in town on entering his name in a book to be kept for that purpose, and that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Commanding Officer. 5th May. Resolved — That Petitions be sent to Parliament, through our member, Mr. Richard Davison, and to Lord Dufferin, for copies of the Reports pre- sented to the House. The balance sheet showed— Receipts, ^220 12s. yd,; Expenditure, ^212 4s. 6d. 1854 President — Rev. Wm, Bruce. Vice-President— Hx. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. Routine work only was transa6led. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^216 12s. iid. ; Expenditure, ;^2oo 12s, 1855. President — Rev, Wm. Bruce, Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasiirer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. An Appendix to the Catalogue was printed during the year. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;!^2 12 9s. iid.; Expenditure, ^^2 23 19s. yd. 1856. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. Routine business only was transadled. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^^239 i6s. 6d.; Expenditure, ^244 2s. 9d. 1857. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The question of admitting certain members without entrance fee once more came to the front, and the following important resolutions were come to : — lOth Jan. That for the year ending 31st December, 1857, Subscribers, on being balloted for, shall be admissible by paying One Guinea, without entrance fee ; such Subscribers to have the use of the Library (to the same extent as members), with power to propose books, but no other privilege. That the Committee shall have the power of withdrawing or suspending any or all these privileges from any individual on finding that they have been abused by him. 5th Feb. That persons in the employment of Proprietors or Members may become Subscribers on receiving a guarantee from their employers, and on 72 History of the Linen Hall Library. 5th Feb., 1857. being balloted for and paying Half a Guinea per annum ; such persons to have permission to read in the Library, and take out one volume at a time, but to possess no other privilege, and to be subje6l to such other regulations as the Committee shall from time to time ena(5t. Thus, after long hesitation and many heart-burnings, this vexed question was brought to a satisfactory settlement, and the basis of the Society was broadened to adapt it to the circumstances of almost all for whose benefit it was established. A proposition to appoint the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer as Trustees for the Library property was deferred. It was also resolved — 5th Feb. That henceforth any Proprietor or Member who may be desirous of perusing at his own residence any printed book, the circulation of which has been singly restricted by the Committee, shall have the power of pro- curing the same by order from any Member of the Committee on depositing in the Librarian's hands the full value of the work, if required, and giving him a written acknowledgment for the book. That any person wishing to become a Subscriber, if balloted for and approved of, shall be admitted at any period of the year on paying one year's subscription, together with any part of the current year still unexpired. The balance sheet is omitted. 1858. President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. John Graham was appointed Assistant Librarian. The balance sheet is omitted. 1859- President — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. In relation to the recent decision to admit apprentices as readers at a reduced sub- scription, it was agreed — 20th Jan. That in future any Proprietor or Member of the Library be competent to be a guarantee of half-guinea subscribers, whether the latter be in his employment or not. The balance sheet is omitted. i860. Preside fit — Rev. Wm. Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. Committee — Dr. Bryce James M'Adam Wm. Browne Dr. Drennan Joseph J. Murphy Wm. MTlwrath Rev. James Young Wm. Simms Robert Young Dr. Hodges A. C. Weir History of the Linen Hall Library. 73 2nd Feb., i860. Resolved — That the Rev. W. Bruce, Rev. James Young, and Mr. Bottomley be appointed a sub-committee to draw up a circular stating the advantages to be derived from being members or readers in the Linen Hall Library, and that said circular be printed and placed in merchants' offices. A copy of the circular is entered on the Minutes on May 15th. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^323 19s. 6d. (including ;j^4 7s. 6d. for books sold to Queen's College, Belfast) ; Expenditure, ^255 14s. 1861. President — Rev. William Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The death of an old supporter of the Society is noted as follows : — 15th May. Resolved — That the Committee desire, on the occasion of their first meeting after the decease of Mr. James M'Adam, so long a valuable member of our body, to give expression to the deep regard and sincere respe6l which they entertained for him personally, to the high appreciation in which they held his Literary and Scientific acquirements, and the regret which the announcement of his death elicited; and, further, that our chairman. Dr. M'Gee, be requested to convey to his relatives the expression of our condolence on the bereavement which they have sustained. On August I St, Dr. Bryce and Mr. J. J. Murphy were nominated to attend the meeting of the National Association for Promotion of Social Science on the 14th instant. 17th Oct. Ordered— That Dr. W. B. Ritchie be allowed out the Ordnance Maps of County Donegal, no sheets, on liis depositing £\o with the Librarian. A new Catalogue was printed this year by Mr. Alexander Mayne, under the direction of the President. This Catalogue was sold at one shilling each (500 copies issued). Balance sheet omitted. 1862. Presideni—Kev. William Bruce. Vice-President— Tfr. M'Gee. Treasurer— WiXYizm Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. 2nd Oct. It was resolved that the Committee be authorised to make arrange- ments with the London Library Company, Limited, for a supply and return of books. Owing to a difference of opinion regarding the management of the Society's affairs, a Sub-Committee was appointed to inquire into the general state of the Library, and report thereon. This they did on i6th 06lober. The report states that they find, during the past five years, a gradual decrease in the number of Subscribers, until, in the present year, there is a falling-off of thirty-one guinea Subscribers and twenty-six half-guinea, causing a decrease of ^45 3s. in the funds of the Library. The Sub-Committee proceed to set forth the causes for the decline, the chief of them being — 74 History of the Linen Hall Library. 6th Oct., 1862. I. The difficulty of obtaining new books. 2. The want of that class of books most in request {i.e., the light literature of the day). 3. The terms of admission. 4. The advantages possessed by the Library not being sufficiently known to the public. These points were left for the consideration of the Society. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^219 iis. yd. ; Expenditure, ;^220 is. 3d. 1863. President — Rev. William Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The unfavourable report of the Sub-Committee in the preceding year appears to have suggested a pretty thorough reorganisation of the affairs of the Society, and the following Minutes indicate the dire6lions in which it was hoped the reform might be effe6led : — 5th Feb. Ordered — That the Committee have a statement of accounts published and sent out to each Shareholder or Proprietor one week before the Annual Meeting. That the Committee be empowered to conne6l this Library for one year with the London Library Company, Limited, under such restri6tions as they may find judicious. 5th Feb. Notice of motion for an adjourned meeting in March was given by Dr. Ritchie — That the Committee shall consist of twelve members, and that three retire in rotation and be not eligible for re-ele6lion for one year. Notice of motion by the Rev. J. Scott Porter — That the Rule admitting Members and Subscribers without the full admission fee of Two Guineas be rescinded, reserving to existing Members and Subscribers any rights which they may have already acquired. The two orders as above were a6led upon; and ;£"] 15s. was allotted for the purpose of obtaining 30 volumes of books from the London Library Company, Ltd., under the diredlion of a Sub-Committee. The two notices of motion, however, as well as a third, which also threatened to disturb the arrangement which had been come to in reference to the enlargement of the membership of the Society, were defeated, as will appear by the following Minutes : — At an Adjourned Meeting of Shareholders and Members, held ]\Larch 19th — 19th Mar. L Dr. Ritchie's motion was reje6led. IL Proposed by Robert Patterson, and seconded by Stephen Archer — That the two classes of Members, those paying an entrance fee of One Guinea and those paying an entrance fee of Two Guineas, be continued as heretofore, and that the admission of new Annual Subscribers at the rate of One Guinea, without an entrance fee, be discontinued at the end of the present year, and that half-guinea Subscribers be continued under the same regulations as at present. History of the Linen Hall Library. 75 19th Mar., 1863. This proposal was lost by a majority of one. III. Proposed by the Rev. John Scott Porter, seconded by Dr. W. M'Gee — That those portions of the existing laws which san6lion the ad- mission of Members paying an admission fee of One Guinea, and of Guinea Subscribers not paying any admission fee, be and the same are hereby rescinded. Provided always, that persons who have already been admitted as Members, or as Guinea Subscribers under the regulations which are hereby rescinded, shall possess and enjoy all the privileges to which they are now entitled so long as their respe6live subscriptions shall continue to be paid. Lost by the casting vote of the Chairman. Here it will be observed that two attempts made to diminish the usefulness of this Library were defeated —one by a very narrow majority, and the other by the casting vote of the President. Had the President voted on the other side the consequence would have been that in a very short time, instead of the flourishing Society of to-day, numbering 836 Subscribers, it would have dwindled down to 64 Proprietors, a number considerably less than that first recorded. The memory of the late Rev. Wm. Bruce should therefore be regarded with the greatest respeft and esteem as that of one who saved this Library from such an unenviable fate. 5th Mar. Resolved unanimously— That the engraving of the late Dr. Bruce, presented to the Library by Dr. M'Gee, be accepted, and hung up in the Western Room. He was a Member for twenty-five years, and for nineteen years President of the Society for Promoting Knowledge. The balance sheet showed— Receipts, ^'2 2 5 9s. Sd ; Expenditure, ^226 9s. 4d. (including ^7 7s. 3d. for books on loan from the London Library Company, Limited). 1864. President— Kt^. William Bruce. Vice-President— Tir. M'Gee. Treasurer— ^WXizm Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The amount set aside for procuring books on loan from the London Library Co., Ltd., this year was ;^i5. The question of the subscription fees was again raised, and resulted in the following compromise : — 15th Feb. Adjourned meeting— Moved by Dr. M'Gee, seconded by Dr. Br>'ce, and resolved— That, to annual Subscribers hereafter to be admitted, the sub- scription shall be twenty-five shillings instead of one guinea as heretofore. To this an amendment was proposed by the Rev. Dr. M'llwaine and seconded by the Rev. James Young — That it is inexpedient to raise the rate of subscription for Annual Subscribers, and that it shall continue at the present sum of One Guinea ; but that in future the privilege of such Annual Subscribers be limited to reading in the Library, and being permitted to borrow two vols, at a time. The amendment was adopted. F 2 76 History of the Linen Hall Library. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^222 iis. iid. ; Expenditure, ;^2o6 6s. 6d. Treasurer — William Rev. W. C. M'Cullagh Dr. Samuel Browne, R.N. Rev. Robt. Workman 1865. President — Rev. William Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray, As on the present occasion a large proportion of new members were elected on the Committee, we subjoin the list : — Committee — Rev. Jas. Young Rev. W. M'llwaine A. C. Weir John Workman Henry Reid John Anderson J. J. Murphy Robert Young. 2nd Feb. Resolved — That there be a thorough revision of the laws, for the purpose of making such additions, retrenchments, and alterations con- sistent with the fundamental constitution of the Society as existing circum- stances may to them appear expedient. This task occupied a considerable time, and when completed, 300 copies of the new Laws were ordered to be printed and circulated. — (See Appendix.) The arrangement with the London Library Co., Ltd., appears to have given place to a similar arrangement with Mudie's Library, to which a subscription of ^14 14s. for the current year, was paid for the loan of such books as should be sele6led by a Sub-Committee. The venerable rule cJf the Society excluding fi(5lion and books of trivial amusement was found at last to require some modification, and a cautious beginning was thus made in the dire6lion of supplying a class of literature which had attra6lions for a considerable number of the Subscribers. On December 6th Dr. James Moore, having presented the Society with eight parts of the Transa6lions of the Royal Irish Academy, and offering to continue to send further publications of the same body, was eleded an Honorary Member. The balance sheet of this year gave an encouraging proof of the fresh vigour which had been infused into the Society by recent changes, and showed — Receipts, ;^3o5 i is. 4d.; Expenditure, ^244 13s. od. (including ^16 4s. 5d. for books on loan from Mudie's, London). 1866. Fice-President- -Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William President — Rev. William Bruce. Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. At the first meeting of the year a report was presented showing a balance in hand of ;j^66 13s. 9d, "a considerable portion of which consists of entrance fees paid by annual subscribers on becoming Proprietors and Members." It was thereupon resolved— History of the Linen Hall Library. 77 15th Feb., 1866. That the amount to be applied to the procuring of books on loan from Mudie's or other party be left to the discretion of the Committee for the time being, but not in any case to exceed ^50. The amount a6lually subscribed to Mudie's under this resolution was ^4$ 2s. 4d. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^383 los. 2d.; Expenditure, ;;^338 12s. 6d. 1867. President — Rev. William Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The business transadled was wholly routine. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^i']'^ 13s. 3d. ; Expenditure, ^^339 is. 8d. (including ^^58 paid to Mudie's). 1868. President — Rev. William Bruce. Vice-President — Dr. M'Gee. Treasurer — William Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The Society was deprived this year of its Librarian, Mr. Stewart, who for thirty-one years had filled the post ; and the following resolution was placed on the Minutes : — 6th Aug. Resolved — That the Committee have heard with much regret of the death of Mr. James Stewart, who for a period of thirty-one years filled the responsible office of Librarian to this Society ; and that they now feel it to be their melancholy duty to place on record this memorial of his long and faithful services, and of their high esteem for him as an upright and honourable man. At the same meeting Mr. James Stephens, who had a6led for six years as Sub- Librarian, was appointed Librarian. A still more heavy loss befell the Society in the death of its honoured and worthy President, the Rev. William Bruce, who for fifty-two years had devoted unceasing time, attention, and judgment to the interests of the members. The following resolution was passed on 5th November : — 5th Nov. Resolved— That the Committee of the Belfast Society for the Pro- motion of Knowledge feel called upon to express to the family of the late Revd. Wm. Bruce, their President, their high estimate of the valuable ser- vices rendered by him to this Society during a very lengthened period, and their deep sympathy with them under their late heavy bereavement. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^3 5 5 17s. iid. ; Expenditure, ;!^2 88 7s. id. (including jT^^^ i8s. 8d. paid to Mudie's). 1869. President — Dr. Wm. M'Gee. Vice-President — Joseph John Murphy. Treasurer— Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The following letter was received from Mr. W. B. Joy, of Dublin, in 061:ober, and entered on the Minutes : — yS History of the Linen Hall Library, 2ISt Oct., 1869. London, October 21st, 1869. Sir, — In my house in Dublin, which I am on the point of giving up, I have a large full-length portrait of the late Dr. Bruce, who took a great interest in his day in the formation of your Library, as did his son, the late Rev. Wm. Bruce, in its subsequent management. If it were acceptable to your Committee, I should be happy to present it to the Library if you have any suitable place for hanging it. I would have it forwarded to them free of all expense. An early reply — if possible by the beginning of next week, as I have to give up my house immediately — would much oblige. Yours, dear Sir, truly, Wm. B. Joy. The Librarian, Belfast Library, Linen Hall, Donegall Square. This generous offer was suitably responded to by the President in the name of the Society; and this portrait (which, however, is not corre6lly described as full length) now adorns the Western Room. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, £,m los. 4d. ; Expenditure, ^341 os. 5d. (including ^57 15s. subscribed to Mudie's for " works of light and popular literature.") 1870. President— Tir. M'Gee. Vice-President—}. J. Murphy. Treasurer— ^^m.. Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. Committee — Rev. Dr. Porter John Workman Wm. Simms W. E. Crothers Wm. Browne A. C. Weir John Anderson Rev. W. C. M'Cullagh John Corry Henry Reid W. D. Henderson The report presented at the commencement of this year mentions the gratifying fa6l, that more books had been added during the past year to the Library than in any one during the last fifteen years, the total number of volumes now amounting to 16,000; also, that the number of books in circulation during the year had greatly exceeded those of any former year. The Insurance on the Library was increased to ;^4,ooo. The following interesting correspondence speaks for itself : — otn Jan. Linen Hall library, 8M January, 1870. Sir, — The Committee of the Linen Hall Library beg leave to offer to your Com- mittee the accompanying engraved portrait of the late Dr. Bruce, in the hope that it may be placed in youi Committee room, or some other room in your building. Dr. Bruce long took very much interest in your Institution, and was for many years a zealous and watchful member of its Committee. Yours respe(?tfully, W. M'Gee, President. To the Chairman and Committee of the Belfast Charitable Society. History of the Linen Hall Library. yg nth Jan., 1870. Belfast Charitable Society, wthjan., 1870. Sir, — The Committee of the above Society have received your letter of the 8th inst., with the accompanying portrait of the late Dr. Bruce, which has been so hand- somely presented. Resolved — That the thanks of the Committee of the Belfast Charitable Society be given to the Committee of the Linen Hall Library for the gift of the portrait of the late Dr. Bruce, and that it will be hung in the Board-room. Edwd. Despard, Hon. Sec. A new Catalogue was ordered to be prepared under the superintendence of Messrs. Murphy, Anderson, MacAdam, and the Rev. Dr. Porter. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^364 8s. 11 d.; Expenditure, ;^3i9 15s. 11 d. (including £,']i los. od. to Mudie's). 1871. President — Dr. M'Gee. Vice-President — J. J. Murphy. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. The amount placed this year at the disposal of the Committee for procuring books from Mudie's was ^85. The following Minutes are interesting as pointing to the first steps taken by the Com- mittee in the dire6lion of a local Bibliography, an undertaking which during the past few months has been brought to a successful termination : — • l6th Feb. Resolved — That the Committee do consider the propriety of making a small colle6lion of early-printed books, especially those printed in Ireland, and more particularly in Belfast. 6th April. That a circular approved by the Committee be sent out, requesting aid in the formation of a colledlion of Books printed in Belfast. 20th May. Resolved — That the tender of the Neivs-Letter be accepted for printing the new Catalogue, and that Messrs. John Anderson and Robert MacAdam correal same for the press, and see it through, and that 750 copies be struck off. The Librarian, Mr. Joseph Stephens, tendered his resignation in September, which was accepted ; and the Assistant Librarian, Mr. Joseph Watson, was appointed his successor. Permission was given to Subscribers to take out periodicals from closing hour at night to opening time the next morning. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;!^36o is. iid. ; Expenditure, ^338 17s. od. (including ;^84 is. od. to Mudie's). 1872. President— Dr. M'Gee. Vice-Presidetit—]. J. Murphy. Treasurer— 'Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — Robert Gray. Mr. Gray, early in the year, gave notice of his intention to resign, after nearly twenty years' service. The Society received the announcement with regret, and voted their thanks to Mr. Gray for his valuable services. Until the appointment of a successor, Mr. William Browne undertook the duty. 8o History of the Linen Hall Library. 15th Feb., 1872. Thanks of the Society voted to Messrs. Robert MacAdam and John Anderson for their valuable aid in the preparation of the MS. Catalogue, and in the subsequent revision of the proof sheets. The last appointment to the Librarian's office not proving satisfa6lory, a further change was made, resulting in the appointment of Mr. Francis A. Maitland to the post on 06lober 17th, In December an arrangement was entered into with the Proprietors of the Linen Hall for the use of the large room adjoining the Library to the east, known as the News-room, which is to be added to the Library ; and Messrs. Simms, Anderson, and MacAdam were appointed a Sub-Committee to make the necessary alterations. On the motion of Mr. W. E. Crothers, the following six Sub-Committees were appointed in December for the better working of the Library : — i, Repairs ; 2, Librarian's Duties ; 3, Mudie's ; 4, Finance ; 5, Classification ; 6, Purchase. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^4oi i8s. 4d.; Expenditure, £,2>^() 12s. 3d. (including ;^84 is. od. to Mudie's). 1873. President — Dr. M'Gee. Vice-President — J. J. Murphy. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — John Anderson. On February 20th, the sum of ^^85 was voted 20th Feb. For procuring works of light literature or of fiction, and that in expending this amount, the Committee are hereby empowered to purchase works of this class, where they may find it cheaper to do so than to obtain them on loan. The amount to be spent in the purchase of novels was at a subsequent meeting fixed ^t ;^35, and at the same time it was agreed to discontinue the subscription to Mudie's. A Proposal Book for the purchase of light literature was ordered to be kept. It was resolved to appropriate the new room as a Reading Room. It was also agreed that books should in future be purchased from W. H. Smith & Son instead of from Mr. Henry Greer; and further, it was ordered that the Times newspaper be taken in. A Sub-Committee having reported in favour of a subje6l classification of the books, it was resolved — 25th June. I St. That the entire Books of the Library be classified and shelved under fifteen compartments, viz. : — A. Theology and Biblical Litera- H, Political and Social Economy ture J. Fine and Industrial Arts B. Logic and Metaphysics K. Poetry and the Drama C. Science L. Fi6lion D. Biography M. Classics and Philology E. History N. Miscellaneous F. Geography and Travels O. Books of Reference G. Law P. Periodicals (Bound) The details of this important re-arrangement were left to the Sub-Committee, who were empowered to a6l with the authority of the Committee. In November the Library received a legacy of ;,^io, bequeathed by the Rev. Wm. Breakey, of Lisburn, who died on the 6th April, 1872. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^445s los. 3d. ; Expenditure, ;!^43S 13s- 6d. (included ;^ii3 on account of the new room). 1874. President—']. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Wm. Bottomley. Secretary — John Anderson. The death of Dr. M'Gee was felt to be a serious loss to the Society, who placed on record their appreciation of his services as follows : — 19th Feb. Resolved — That this meeting hereby expresses its sense of the great loss the Society has sustained by the death of the President, the late Dr. William M'Gee. Having been a member of the Society^for nearly forty years, and having been successively a Member of Committee, Vice- President, and President, he was thoroughly conversant with its operations, and, by the warm interest that he took in its affairs, contributed largely to its present prosperity. The regularity and pun6luality of his attendance, the wisdom of his counsels, the impartiality and dignity with which he discharged the duties of the chair, were often the subje6l of general observation ; and now that he is gone, the Members of the Society would record the obligations under which they have been placed by the variety and value of the services he so long and so cheerfully rendered. 19th Mar. Letter read from Robt. Joy, Esq., Craigavad, presenting the Library with a copy of Horc^ Otiosce, written by his father, and referring to the loan of the Belfast News-Letter. Ordered— That the Secretary thank Mr. Joy for his gift ; also, for the favour conferred on the Library by the loan of the valued copy of the News-Letter referred to. Counsel's opinion was taken during the year as to the propriety of appointing Trustees of the Society's property, and being held to be adverse to the proposal, the matter was allowed to drop. 2nd April. Resolved— That in consideration of the long and honourable con- ne6lion of Mr. Henry Greer with the Library, he be in future admitted to the privilege of an Annual Subscriber. l8th June. Ordered— That the Executive Committee appointed to make arrange- ments for the meeting of the British Association in Belfast, in August next, be informed that the Belfast Library will be open free to the members of the Association during their stay in Belfast. 15th Oct. The question of lending out the Neivs-Letter having been considered, Resolved unanimously— That the Committee decline to entertain any application for its loan. The balance sheet showed— Receipts, ;^45 7 i8s. 5d.; Expenditure, ^45 1 2fi- 4d- 82 History of the Linen Hall Library. 1875. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Jas. T. Bristow. Secretary — John Anderson. The Society was called upon to lament a double loss this year — one in the death of its late Secretary, Mr. Robert Gray ; the other in the retirement of its Treasurer. The following resolutions stand on the Minutes : — l8th Feb. The death of Mr. Robert Gray since last meeting of Committee having been mentioned, the following resolution was passed unanimously : — That the Committee enter on their Minutes their sincere regret at the death of Mr. Robert Gray, who was for many years conne6led with the Library as its Secretary and a Member of Committee, and who in both capacities zealously promoted its objedls and the interests of the Share- holders, Members, and Subscribers. The foregoing resolution to be signed by the President and Secretary, and communicated to Mrs. Gray. Mr. Bottomley having resigned his office of Treasurer, Resolved — That the best thanks of the meeting are due, and are hereby tendered, to Mr. Wm. Bottomley for his long and faithful services as Hon. Treasurer. The following resolutions relating to the extension of privileges to apprentices and young persons in the use of the Library were passed at a special meeting in November : — l8th Nov. Meeting— That the following be substituted for Law 8 :— That apprentices and other young persons under twenty-one years of age, on a satisfa6lory guarantee, shall be eligible for admission to the Library on payment of half a guinea per annum, and shall have the right to take out one book and to read in the Library, but without further privilege. This privilege will require renewal annually. The Committee shall also have power to admit other persons, under special circumstances, to the same privilege, on the same conditions as to payment, guarantee, and renewal. All 10/6 Subscribers are eligible to become 21/- Subscribers without a new Ballot. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^458 3s. 6d. ; Expenditure, ;£m^ 12s. id, (including Novels purchased, ^^26 7s. 6d.). 1876. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Jas. T. Bristow. Secretary — John Anderson. The Report for this year gives the following account of the state of the Library : — As the Library at present contains upwards of 17,000 vols., many of which are valuable as works of reference, and as the lighter literature of the day is well represented, and includes the more prominent Reviews and Illustrated Papers, and as the accommodation is now ample and con- History of the Linen Hall Library. 83 1876. venient, it is desirable that a much greater number of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood should seek admission during the current year. It was agreed, on a recommendation of the Committee, to increase the amount allowed for the purchase of Novels, &c., to ;^5o. The total sum for which the property of the Society was insured this year was ^6,000. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^489 is. 4d. ; Expenditure, ;^ 461 19s. 3d. (including Novels, ;^34 7s. id.). 1877. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Jas. T. Bristow. Secretary — John Anderson. The business of the year was almost wholly routine. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^515 i6s. 5d. ; Expenditure, ;^498 4s. 2d. (including Novels, ^40 2s. 3d.). 1878. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery. Secretary — John Anderson. A revision of the Library took place during the year. It was reported that a certain number of volumes, of which a list was presented, were missing. Mr. George Benn, the venerable historian of Belfast, being engaged, despite his failing eyesight, in colle6ling materials for the continuation of his history, made applica- tion to be allowed to have out the Belfast News-Letter, a volume at a time, as he may require it. It was thereupon resolved — 3rd Oct. That Mr. Benn's request, under the circumstances, may be complied with, his case being an exceptional one.*'' The balance sheet showed— Receipts, ^515 17s. 3d.; Expenditure, ^492 3s. id. (including Novels, ;^22 15s. 7d.) 1879. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Thomas Mont- gomery. Secretary — John Anderson. In April the Committee subscribed for a copy of the Minutes of the General Synod of Ulster, 1691-1820, edited by Dr. Killen and Rev. J. H. Orr, now being prepared for publication. 4th Dec. Mr. W. Edmund Crothers having resigned his seat at the Board, the Committee resolved — That they desire to place upon record their high appreciation of his valuable services, and the great interest which he invariably took in the management of the Society's affairs, during the long period of fourteen years, in which he uninterruptedly sat as a Member. (I). Mr. Benn's Continuation (Vol. II.), here referred to, owing to his infirmity, was only partially accomplished. His History of Ihe Town of Belfast from the Earliest Times to the Close of the Ei^^'hteenth Century, with maps and illustrations. Vol. I., 8vo. was published by Marcus Ward & Co., London and Belfast, in 1877, and contains much interesting information concerning the town and its inhabitants. 84 History of the Linen Hall Library. A Supplement to the Catalogue was ordered. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^557 los. od.; Expenditure, ;!^ 5 39 7s. gd. (including Novels, ;^ 2 9 iis. 9d.) 1880. Preside7it — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery. Secretary — John Anderson. Committee — Dr. Drennan R. MacGeagh W. A. Robinson Dr. Hodges Rev. W. C. M'Cullagh W. Simms W. D. Henderson W, H. Patterson John Workman R. MacAdam H. Reid A new 5-inch Rain Gauge was ordered to be purchased in January. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^578 14s. gd.; Expenditure, ^^ 561 2s. iid. (including Novels, ;,^38 3s. 6d.) 1881. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery. Secretary — John Anderson. In February it was agreed that Mr. Samuel A. Stewart, Scientific Curator of the Belfast Museum, should be admitted free to the Library. The business of the year was wholly routine. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^608 19s. gd. ; Expenditure, ;^ 5 92 4s. lod. (including Novels, ^^36 17s. od.). 1882. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery. Secretary — John Anderson. A new Catalogue was ordered to be prepared, under the dire6lion of Messrs. R. MacAdam, J. Anderson, and J. Wilson. In view of the large increase of the Library, and the consequent tax upon the shelf space, Dr. Drennan and Mr. Robert Young were appointed to withdraw useless works from the shelves and Catalogue. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, £61'] 15s. id. ; Expenditure, £$<)(> 13s. od. The sum expended on Novels during the year was only ^20 iis. lod. 1883. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — A. C. Weir. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery. Secretary — John Anderson. Early in the year the death of the Vice-President, Mr. A. C. Weir, occurred, and the following resolution on the event was recorded : — 1st Mar. Resolved — That at this the first meeting of the Society since the death of our respe6led Vice-President, A. C. Weir, we desire to express our great regret at that event, and the loss the Library has sustained by the death of one of its most respe6led and useful members. During the many History of the Linen Hall Library. 85 1st Mar., 1883. years Mr. Weir filled the offices of Member of Committee and Vice- President, we found in him a most efticient assistant in conducting its affairs, and a most courteous colleague. On 5th April Dr. J. S. Drennan was appointed Vice-President in succession to Mr. Weir. Instead of setting aside a fixed sum, as heretofore, for the purchase of Novels and light literature, it was this year ordered — 15th Feb. That the Committee be allowed discretionary power to purchase such Novels annually as, in their opinion, may be required, without restridlion. In conne6lion with the adoption of the Free Libraries' A6ls, and the proposed establishment of a Public Library in Belfast, suggestions were made and strongly sup- ported at meetings of the Town Council, that the Belfast Library and Society for Pro- moting Knowledge should hand over its books and other property to the town authori- ties, to be converted into a Free Public Library for the use of the inhabitants. In view of these suggestions, the Committee considered it desirable to make known their ideas on the proposal, and on April 5th it was accordingly moved by the Secretary, seconded by the Vice-President, and resolved unanimously, that — 5th April. As the Free Library Acts have been adopted, and are likely soon to become operative in Belfast, and as it has been openly proposed that the books and other property belonging to this Society should be handed over to the Free Library, the Committee think it right to slate that no such power as that suggested is vested in them. In any case they consider that the Free Library will not interfere in any way with the working of this Library, and that within their respe6live lines there will be found ample room for both institutions in this town and neighbourhood. It is, there- fore, their intention to give a cordial welcome to the Belfast Free Library as a fellow agent and helper in the cause for which this Society was founded ninety-five years ago — viz., " that of Promoting Knowledge." At the same meeting it was 5th April. Ordered — That one copy of any book in great demand be retained in the Library, and lie upon the table for reading by the Members as long as it remains in special request. It was decided to print 500 copies of the new Catalogue, and sell the same at 2s. 6d. The cost of each bound copy to the Society was stated to be 2s. lo^d. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^64i 53. 8d. ; Expenditure, ^619 15s. 5d. Under the new arrangement the amount expended on fidlion this year was ;!^ 40 i8s. 1884. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — Dr. Drennan. Treasurer — Thomas . Montgomery. ^Secretary — John Anderson. 15th May. Ordered — That the members of the British Medical Association, on the occasion of their Thirty-second Annual Meeting, to be held in Belfast in July next, be allowed Free Admission to this Library. 86 History of the Linen Hall Library. A presentation by Members and Subscribers was made to the Assistant-Librarian, Mr. Francis W. Knox, on his resigning his post ; to which the President, Vice-President, and Secretary were dire6led to attach their names in token of the esteem in which he was held. An application from the Bank of Ireland to have fifteen of their employes admitted to the privileges of Subscribers to the Library, on an annual payment of ^lo, was received ; but the Committee, after deliberation, considered that the Rules of the Society precluded them from accepting the proposal. The matter was referred to a meeting of the Society at large, but, opinion being divided, no a6lion was taken. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ;^654 2s. lod.; Expenditure, ;^6o7 6s. od. (including Novels, £,2"] i8s. 8d.) 1885. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — Dr. J. S. Drennan. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery. Secretary — John Anderson. On April 2nd it was resolved — 2nd April. That ;^ 10 be contributed towards the illumination of the Linen Hall on the occasion of the intended visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Belfast. In July it was reported that one of the weights of the clock in the tower, weighing 5 cwt, had fallen through the upper floor; but, as the accident occurred at night, no one was injured. 17th Dec. Ordered — That the improvements suggested by Messrs. Young and Patterson regarding the ventilation of the rooms be carried out. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^734 4s. id.; Expenditure, ;^6 54 los. gd. (including Novels, ;^53 iis. od.) 1886. President — J. J. Murphy. Vice-President — Dr. J. S. Drennan. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery. Secretary — John Anderson. l8th Mar. Ordered — That the name of the donor of any book presented to the Library be entered in such book, and that so far as possible in similar past presentations, the name of the donor be entered in the same way. The large increase in the number of members and the rapid growth of the Library were found to involve a considerable increase of work on the part of the Committee, whose meetings had hitherto been held fortnightly. It was, therefore, resolved that in future the Committee should meet weekly, every Thursday, at eleven o'clock. The new books, which, in accordance with a resolution of April, 1883, had hitherto lain on the table a fortnight before being put into circulation, were, in consequence of this new regulation, ordered to lie one week only, and then to be circulated. The importance of preserving a record of the produ6lions of the Presses of the Early Belfast Printers had for some time been recognised; and, in response to suggestions from various quarters, the Secretary this year undertook, with the co-operation of Hiatory of the Linen Hall Library. 87 collecflors and others interested in the matter, to prepare a List of Early Belfast Books, printed previous to the year 1751. His invitation for assistance was largely responded to, especially by the local librarians and colle6lors ; and in 06lober he was able to lay on the table the proof sheets of the Catalogue. The investigations necessary for the accomplishment of the work brought to light many interesting details conne6ted with the old Belfast Printers, and revived to some extent an old controversy respe6ling the first Bible printed in Belfast, regarding which a copious note was appended to the Catalogue. A hundred copies of the list were printed by order of the Committee, and sent to those who had assisted in the work, and to the newspapers. A second List was then commenced. The balance sheet showed — Receipts, ^tS^ 4s. 5d. ; Expenditure, ^^696 9s. lod. (including Novels, ;£44- os. rod.). 1887-8. President — Joseph J. Murphy, F.G.S. Vtce-Prestdefit — John S. Drennan, M.D. Treasurer — Thomas Montgomery, J. P. Secretary — John Anderson, J. P., F.G.S. Covwiittee — Henry Burden, M.D. Wm. H. Patterson, M.R.LA. James Wilson, M.E. John F. Hodges, M.D., J. P. Travers B. Smith John Workman, J. P. Robert Mac Adam Wm. Swanston, F.G.S. Robert Young, C.E. James O'Neill, M.A. D. B. Walkington A Sub-Committee was appointed to ascertain from the Proprietors of the Linen Hall if they could give or let to the Committee a portion of the adjacent buildings on either side, the Society being considerably hampered for room in their present premises. The Society had to lament the death of two of its adlive supporters during this year, and recorded the following resolutions on the Minutes: — 3rd Mar. Owing to the sudden death of the Rev. W. C. M'Cullagh, a much esteemed member of this Committee, it was resolved — That this meeting stand adjourned till this day week, and that the Secretary be instru6led to communicate to the bereaved family a copy of this resolution. lOth Mar. That the Committee, having heard of the death of their fellow- member, Mr. Robert Jamieson, desire to place upon record their high appreciation of his services as a thorough worker in the interests of this Library, and their deep regret at the loss of one so much esteemed and respe6led by them all. That a copy of this resolution be sent to his widow, and that the meeting stand adjourned till this day week. In response to an application from the Library, the Trustees of the British Museum presented the Society with a valuable package of books, containing twenty-eight volumes, three autotypes, and excerpts from their General Catalogue. In May the following resolution was passed : — I2th May. As a pra^lice had recently been introduced of proposing for purchase, time after time, books and periodicals that had been again and again I2th May, 1887. reje6led by the Committee, and as such pra6lice has given rise frequently to very unpleasant and unprofitable discussions, wasting time and obstrudl- ing business, Resolved — That in future, after the second reje6lion of any book or periodical by the Committee, should such be again proposed during the year, the proposal be treated in the same manner as books now are treated that are proposed, " to be ordered out of course" — that is to say, if ordered, it must be by the unanimous vote of the Members of Committee present and voting. In view of the approaching Centenary of the Library, a feeling was expressed that some Record of its History would be appropriate to the occasion. It was suggested that such a work would be well done by the Rev. George Hill, of Holywood, who was accordingly requested to undertake it ; but as he was unable to comply with the wish of the Committee, the matter was referred to the Secretary. The Society having received the offer of a further gift of Publications from the Record Office Commissioners, it was resolved — lOth Nov. That the Secretary be requested to write to the Lords of her Majesty's Treasury, thanking them for the grant to this Library, through Sir W. Ewart, Bart., M.P., of the whole or a part of the English and Irish Records Office PubUcations, and stating that the Committee would be glad to pay any expenses that may be incurred in forwarding to Belfast the packages containing the Books, and in returning the cases. The Secretary (Mr. Anderson) was able, before the close of the year, to lay on the table the second and concluding part of his Catalogue of Early Belfast-Printed Books, bringing up the work to 1830. It was decided that the two parts be incorporated into one ; and 300 copies having been printed, it was agreed to send copies, as before, to all who had assisted in the work, as well as to the leading papers and pubHc libraries — the remaining copies to be sold at one shilling each. It may be stated that this Catalogue records the titles of 1,155 books printed in Belfast between 1694 and 1830, of which number 938 have been inspe6led. The Committee are glad to be able to point to the following Balance Sheet for this year as evidence that the last year of the first Century of the Society has been the most prosperous in its history : — Balance Sheet, ist January till 3xst December, 1887. December 31st. January 31st. To Books and Periodicals purchased £a,9^ 13 3 By Balance ... £&7 14 7 ,, Binding, Printing, &c 82 10 3 ,, Subscriptions for the Year ... 709 IS 4 ,, Salaries and Gratuities... 185 12 6 ,, One Life Member II II ,, Insurance ; also, Coal and Gas 37 18 I ,, Admission Fees... II II ,, Repairs, &c. 25 10 10 ,, Periodicals, &c., Sold ... 26 19 10 ,, Balance 22 18 II ,, Interest from Bank 3 12 I ;^85i 3 10 £&Si 3 10 History of the Linen Hall Library. 89 IN concluding this brief record of the rise and progress of the Library, a few observations on its present condition may not be out of place. After a century of varied growth, the Society of to-day is able to claim the possession of one of the most important public Libraries in Ireland. Science. — Thanks to the wise policy of the original promoters, the foundation of the present colle6tion was laid in works of sterling worth and solid value, without which no Library worthy of the name can claim to be complete. The Scientific portion of the Library, particularly, owes its excellence largely to the discrimination and judgment with which, in the early days of the Society, this department was attended to, and later on to the establishment of a special " Scientific Fund." Besides the Transa6lions of the learned Societies, and standard works representative of all branches of science, every effort was made to keep pace with the rapid advance of science by the purchase of modern books and editions; and the Committee hope that, should it be found possible to throw open this portion of the Library with fewer restricStions, it will be found fully adequate for all purposes of general reference. Fine Arts.— In works relating to and illustrative of the Fine Arts, the Library, thanks also in no small degree to the wisdom of our predecessors, is well furnished. Among many treasures, we may be permitted to refer to such works as the fine set of Ruskin's works, Rowlandson's Caricatures, Bewick's illustrated works, Japanese orna- ments and designs by Cutler, the choice specimens from Claude's " Liber Veritatis," and other pidluresque and rare works. In this department also the Committee are alive to the importance of adding to their colledion copies of the numerous finely illustrated works in which the Art of the present day is represented. Irish Books.— A highly important and valuable portion of the Library is that devoted to books on the History and Literature of Ireland. The foregoing record contains several allusions to the interest which this branch of their coUedion excited in the minds of the early members, and it is gratifying to be able to point to the considerable and representative colleaion of works on Ireland at the present time on our shelves. The 300 or 400 Irish publications comprise almost all the important historical works relating to our own island, from the Annals of the Four Masters to the Transadions of the Archaeological and Celtic Societies of recent years. In addition to these, the student of the Irish language is well furnished with grammars, didlionaries, &c., besides the best specimens of the native literature. It is hoped that, in view of the increasing rarity of books of this class, the colledion already made may scon become still more complete. 90 . History of the Linen Hall Library. Early Belfast Books. — In this conne6lion attention may be once more dire6led to the rapidly increasing colle6lion of locally printed books, which, as a result of the interest created by the recent publication of the Catalogue of Early Belfast Printed Books by this Society, has lately received special attention. In the Appendix to the Library Catalogue the titles of all such works in the possession of the Society have been colle6led in an easy form for reference, and it is not too much to hope that the Linen Hall Library may in the course of time become the repository of a copy of most, if not all, of the works bearing a Belfast imprint. Meanwhile, special attention is direded to the securing of works dealing with our local manufa6lures and industries. Law, History, &c. — In works of History, Law, &c., the Library is amply pro- vided, and here again the necessity of keeping pace with modern progress and ideas is fully recognised by the constant purchase of recent editions. Books of Reference. — It has been the consistent poUcy of the Society to gather together a complete and comprehensive Reference Library, and in books of this nature the Library to-day is perhaps as well equipped as most of its kind. Standard works of reference on almost every subje6t are at the service of members, from the EncylopcBdia Britannica downwards. Certainly not the least valuable works in this department are the complete files of our principal local newspapers, one of which at least — that of the News-Letter — is (though not absolutely complete) believed to be unique. Belles Lettres. — Turning now to the less serious and more popular fields of litera- ture, it may be stated that the Belles Lettres are fully represented, and occupy a large amount of space on the Society's shelves. All the chief classical works of English literature, in prose and verse, from Chaucer to the present day, are to be found there — many of them in several editions. Fiction. — With regard to Fi6lion, it is only necessary to refer to the Catalogue and Appendix to see that in this department the Library is well and liberally supplied. The old stoutly-maintained rule of the Society against the introdu6lion of all works of " trivial amusement " was slow in giving way to the demand from readers for works of this kind ; but now the members have access to the best works in the whole range of imaginative and recreative literature. Various Works. — In conclusion (without referring particularly to the other departments of literature and art — as, for instance. Travels, Politics, Foreign Writers, Biographies, &c.), the Committee feel that they have reason to be proud of the colle6lion of books — now exceeding 25,000 Volumes — under their care ; and their desire is that every one of the 836 Members of the Society may be induced to avail himself more fully of his privileges, and acquaint himself with the extent and value of the Library whose Centenary is this day celebrated. Linen Hall Library, Belfast, 13M May, 1888. Ground Plan of Belfast 1685. Population, 2,000. Appendix. g i Appendix A. Copy of the Resolutions in favour of Catholic Emancipation, passed by the Society on January 17th, \'i(^2. — (Extract from MimUes.) IN consequence of a requisition from several members, a meeting of the Society was called on Thursday, January 26th, 1792 — the Rev. James Brvson in the chair. A motion was made and carried on the propriety of their publicly declaring their sentiments on the great and important question of admitting the Roman Catholics to a full and immediate participation of the rights enjoyed by their fellow-citizens and countrymen. 26th Jan., 1792. Resolved — That the Rev. James Bryson, Robert M'Cormick, James M'Cormick, ^Eneas Lamont, and James De Butts, as Secretary, be ap- pointed a Committee for the purpose of writing a paper expressive of our desire that such a measure may be carried into effe6l. Resolved — That the Society meet To-morrow Evening, in Brown's, to hear the report of their Committee. At a meeting of the Society on Friday evening, January 27th, 1792, the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to : — 27th Jan., 1792. ist. Resolved — That civil and religious liberty is the birthright of every human being; that Governments were formed to secure them in the possession of these rights, and that States should be regulated so as to prote6l them in the exercise of it. 2nd. That do6lrines of faith and modes of worship can neither give nor take away the rights of men; because opinion is not the Obje6l of Government; because the mode of expressing Religious Worship ought to be left to the judgment of God and the decision of conscience; and because persecution, however it be disguised, is destructive of the equality of men and the most sacred laws of nature. 3rd. That, while we rejoice with every virtuous and enlightened mind at the rapid progress which these principles have lately made, and the Illustrious events to which their happy Influence has given birth — Events which are the proudest boast of human nature, and which will supply history with ornaments unknown to former ages*'' — it is with inexpressible regret that we behold their circumscribed operation in this our native land. 4th. That Ireland can never deserve the name of a free State while a great majority of her Inhabitants enjoy the rights of citizens in so partial a manner; while they are totaly Governed by the will of others; in a word, (i). Referring evidently to the recent American and Fiench Revolutions. G 2 92 Appendix. 27th Jan., 1792. while they are unjustly excluded from all share in the making and the administration of the laws under which they live. 5th. In fine, it is our most fervent wish that the nation would call for their deliverance with a voice so temperate as to excite no tumult; so affedlionate as to conciliate the hearts of all ; but so United and so power- full as to carry convi6lion to every source of legislation. Resolved — That the above resolutions be published in the Belfast Papers. James M'Cormick, Chairman. Appendix. 93 Appendix B. Copy of the Resolution in Favour of a Free School, passed unanimously by the Society on April 3rd, 1794, on the motion of Dr. White : — 3rd April, 1794* The importance of Education to every member of society is so obvious to the most superficial observer that it appears altogether unnecessary to use any arguments to enforce its utility. Nevertheless, by far the greater part of every society is totally deprived of the slightest advantages of education, and consequently, though essential to the well-being of all Ranks of Mankind, have it not in their power to contribute so much to the general good as could be wished and might be expedled. To impress on the mind in the early period of life sound principles of morality, habits of application, and a desire of information (among the lower order of society), would, in an eminent degree, contribute to the welfare and happiness of the individual, and of the community to which he belongs. The number of people in this town who have it not in their power to obtain the slenderest rudiments of education is very considerable, and the feeble attempts which have been made here, as well as in other places, to remedy this evil by the Institution of Sunday Schools appears to have been totally inadequate. One day in the week spent in education would enable the brightest genius only to make a slow and inconsiderable progress in literary acquirements, and as superior capacity falls to the lot of few, those of common abilities would scarcely receive any benefit. Besides, the view of the institution of Sunday Schools seems generally to have been limited to reading only. The obje6l of this Society is to embrace a plan of education of infinitely more extent and importance, viz. : — Reading, Writing, Spelling, Arithmetic, and possibly in some cases a portion of Mathematics. How important such an establishment might be to society it is hardly necessary to say; it would produce useful mechanics and artificers of all sorts ; it would furnish a useful nursery for sailors ; it would produce such a change in morals, such diligence, application, and abilities in every pursuit, that it would bid fair eventually to supersede some of the other charitable institutions of this town, which are infinitely more expen- sive. It might in the end untenant your poorhouse. This Society does therefore resolve, agreeably to the spirit of its association, to use its influence and patronage in establishing in this town a " Free School " on a liberal principle for the purpose above mentioned, and they entertain no doubt that an adequate fund may be raised from the well disposed and wealthy inhabitants of the town of Belfast to enable them to carry the scheme into execution. 94 Appendix. Appendix C. A List of the Officers and Members of Committee of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, from 1788 to i\ (The date indicates the year when each person was first appointed.) 1792 1798 1817 1792 1794 1798 1800 1801 1802 1813 1788 1792 1793 1793 1794 Presidents : Dr. Alex. Haliday 1828 Dr. Robert Tennent Rev. Dr. Wm. Bruce 1837 Rev. Wm. Bruce Rev. Dr. S. M. Stephenson Vice-Presidents : 1814 Rev. Dr.S. M.Stephenson 181 7 James Ferguson 1824 Dr. Robert Tennent 1828 Dr. Saml. S. Thomson 1832 Rev. Dr.T. D. Hincks Rev. Dr.S. M.Stephenson 1837 William Thompson Dr. William Drennan Secretaries : 1794 Robert Simms 1796 Gilbert M'llveen, Jr. 1797 James Munfoad 1802 Thomas M'Donnell 1808 James Munfoad Robert Bradshaw Rev. Dr. Wm. Bruce Rev. Patrick Vance John Holmes. Robert Holmes James De Butts Robert M'Cormick William Clarke Geo. B. Madden John Templeton 1793 John Holmes 1808 James Munfoad 1829 Wm. Suffern 1792 Robert Gary 1794 Thomas Russell 1796 John M'Coughtry 1802 James Sloan 1817 Robert Sloan Treasurers :''' 1838 Wm. T. Harvey 1842 Wm. Bottomley Librarians : 1 82 1 William M'Clure 1823 Alexander Henderson 1829 James Munfoad 1829 Alexander Neilson 1830 George M'Ewen 1869 Dr. William M'Gee 1874 Joseph John Murphy 1838 Rev. Wm. Cairns 1840 William Thompson 1853 Dr. William M'Gee 1869 Joseph John Murphy 1874 Arthur C. Weir 1883 Dr. J. S. Drennan 1833 Maurice Cross 1836 Dr. Kidley 1852 Robert Gray 1872 William Browne 1873 John Anderson 1875 James T, Bristow 1878 Thomas Montgomery 1837 James Stewart 1868 Joseph Stephens 1 87 1 Joseph Watson 1872 Francis A. Maitland (i). At various periods in the early history of the Society the duties of Treasurer were undertaken by the Secretary. ~ Appendix. o^ Members of Committee : 1791 Robert M'Cormick 1794 Counsellor Sampson 1802 David Bigger James M'Cormick Thomas Cruise 1803 James M'Adam Maurice Spottiswood James Ferguson James Orr'^' Robert Cary 1795 Samuel M'Tier'" Dr. Blackwood John Rabb John M'Coughtry Rev.Dr.W.H.Drummond 1792 Rev. James Bryson Samuel Neilson Valentine Jones'"*' Dr. M'Donnell John Templeton 1805 Wm. Auchinleck's' James Cunningham Henry Joy M'Cracken Wm. Tucker Hugh M'Nemara Gilbert M'llveen, jun. Wm. Clarke John Bradshaw Rev. Hugh O'Donnell, 1806 Rev. Edward May'*' ^neas Lamont P.P. John Sinclaire''' Robert Call well Wm. Tennent 1807 Rainey Maxwell John Haslett 1796 Thomas Biggs Dr. Purdon William Hamilton Dr. Scott Wm. T. Harvey Alexander Boyd James Hyndman 1808 Dr. William Drennan 1793 Rev. Dr. Wm. Bruce 1797 James Munfoad 1809 Rev. Edward Groves Rev. John Clarke 1798 Robert Telfair 1810 Dr. Marshall Henry Joy John Houston Rev. W. St. John Smith George B. Madden John S. Ferguson Alex. Mitchell Robert Simms 1799 Robert Bailie 181 1 Robert Tennent 1794 Dr. John C. White Thomas M'Donnell 181 2 Wm. H. Ferrar Robert Holmes 1800 James M'Cleery 1813 Rev. Dr.Wm. CroUy, P.P. Robert Getty Dr. Wm. Haliday Hugh Magill Rev. Sinclaire Kelburn Rev. Robert Acheson Peter M'Gouran Rev. Patrick Vance Rev. W. J. Smyth William Sloan Robert Bradshaw 1801 Christopher Salmon Robert MacAdam Dr. Moore 1802 Dr. Saml. S. Thomson 1814 Rev. Mr. O'Bierne Wm, Sinclaire John Gregg''' 181 7 Rev. Wm. Bruce (i). Was called to the chair at a meeting of the inhabitants in 06lober, 1792, at which a series of resolutions was passed expressive of sympathy with "the French National Convention." In the evening the town was illuminated. (2). Had been Clerk to the Irish House of Lords till the Union. A liberal contributor to the local charities. He was supposed to be the donor of two ;i^5oo notes put upon a plate after a charity sermon by Dr. Hanna, in Rosemary Street, on the agth Odlober, 1820. (3). Diredlor of the Northern Bank; father of Lady Cranbrook. (4). West Indian and wine merchant; an adive and generous supporter of all the charitable institu- tions in the town. He died at the great age of 94. (5). Author of Interest Tables and other mercantile works. He was a kinsman of our respedled townsman, W. A. Robinson, Esq., J. P., stockbroker, Si.c. (6). Brother to the Marchioness of Donegall, and father of the present Lord Chief Justice May. He was originally agent for the Donegall estate, and subsequently took orders, and became Redlor of Belfast. (7). Linen merchant and bleacher, and an ardent lover of field sports; one of the first Volunteers of the eighteenth century. He died at the great age of 94. ^ 96 Appendix. Members of Comra.\tttt.—( Contmtied. ) 1817 William Boyd 1838 Rev. John Porter 1862 Robert MacAdam Francis Johnson Arthur K. Miller Dr. R. F. Dill Rev. W. D. H.M'Ewen 1839 Rev. Dr. J. Seaton Reid 1863 Thomas L'Estrange Rev. Saml. Hanna, D.D. James M'Adam, jun. 1864 Rev. Dr. Killen 18 18 Dr. William Knight 1840 William Bottomley Dr. Robert M'Cluney 1841 Thomas M'Clure'^' i 1823 Lawson Annesley Rev. Dr. Robert Wilson 1824 Rev. Prof. Wm. Cairns 1842 William Dunville Prof. James Thomson John Grattan 1825 Rev. Dr. R. J. Bryce Dr. Burden 1826 Dr. Young 1843 Edmund Getty 1827 Rev. A. C. Macartney''' 1845 Henry Garrett 1828 Drummond Anderson 1847 William Ferguson John B. Shannon William Turner William Suffern John M'Adam John Montgomery Valentine Whitla'^"' Robert Simms, jun. 1830 Professor Stevelly 1832 Dr. Kidley John Macartney 1834 William Sinclair 1835 William Thompson T836 William Webb Robert Jas. Tennent 1837 Samuel G. Fenton Dr. Wm. M'Gee Dr. John S. Drennan Dr. T. Andrews, F.R.S. Thomas Chermside 1848 Dr. John F. Hodges 1849 George K. Smith 1 85 1 Professor Craik 1852 Robert Gray 1853 Rev. Dr. M'Cosh 1854 Robert Taylor 1855 Joseph John Murphy 1856 Dr. Dickie Alex. Montgomery 1858 Arthur C. Weir 1859 R^v- James Young William Browne William M'llwrath Dr. Jas. L. Drummond i860 Robert Young, C.E. Henry Reid Rev. Wm. Macllwaine, D.D. John Workman John Anderson Rev. W. C. M'Cullagh Rev. Robert Workman Dr. Saml. Browne, R.N. 1866 William D. Henderson Wm. Edmund Crothers Dr. J. Leslie Porter 1869 John Corry 1873 Charles Druitt 1874 W. H. Patterson 1S75 James T. Bristow 1878 Thomas Montgomery 1879 ^- A. Robinson Robert MacGeagh 1883 D. B. Walkington James Wilson 1884 Geo. T. Glover 1885 Robert Jamieson T. B. Smith 1886 William Swanston 1887 James O'Neill, M.A. Dr. Henry Burden (i). Vicar of Belfast for many years; previously served as a Captain in the Royal Artillery throughout the Peninsular War. (2). For many years Chairman of the Harbour Commissioners. He was also Founder of Stanhope Street Schools, Incorporated 1887. (3). Now Sir Thomas M'Clure, Bart., formerly M.P. for Belfast and for Londonderry County; also, V. L. for County Down. Appendix. 97 Appendix D. Table showing the Receipts, Expenditure, Amount Paid for Books, and No. of Proprietors, Members, and Subscribers during the years in which a financial report was presented. Also, amount paid towards Scientific Fund and for Books had on Loan : — No. of Pro- prietors, Year. Receipts. Expenditurt Paid for Books. Members and Subscribers, if noted. £ s. D. £ s. D. £ s. D. 1828 213 19 3 172 18 10 66 4 3 152 1829 213 ig 3 209 17 3 113 18 II 150 1830 144 9 10 144 5 1/2 69 12 3 158 i83i"> 171 10 s'A 114 2 9 51 10 3 155 1832 231 17 5 152 3 79 19 8 145 1833 279 I 7 214 6 123 2 I 168 1834 262 19 7 232 17 2 157 7 5 1835 215 10 5 155 8 I 73 b 4 169 178 1836 270 16 I 177 8 94 3 1837 292 6 10 227 10 10 146 It) 4 177 1838 272 6 II 283 4 II 140 19 4 179 176 178 165 1839 195 10 154 16 7 47 2 7 1840 245 3 5 252 5 I 132 15 2 1841 174 I ^33 19 I 38 4 10 1842 239 6 3 270 3 5 129 lb 189 180 1843 195 14 9 232 3 8 73 17 1844 219 7 203 II 2/2 56 I 6 1845 218 19 5 218 19 3 69 16 II 1846 195 18 6 206 II 7 73 6 3 1847 191 19 6 198 9 I 77 6 2 1848 192 12 7 193 16 3 85 8 1849 1850 1851 1852 210 2 10 172 10 I 73 9 2 199 208 I 6 188 19 9 73 9 3 1853 220 12 7 212 4 6 117 17 2 1854 216 12 II 200 12 92 3 5 1855 212 9 II 223 19 7 126 17 3 1856 1857 239 16 6 244 2 9 134 I 6 (I). Receipts diminished by £34 lis. 7d., the defalcations of the late Librarian. 98 Appendix. Year. Receipts. £ 1858 1859 i860 323 19 6 I86I 219 1862 II 7 1863 225 9 8 1864 222 II II 1865 305 II 4 1866 383 10 2 1867 373 13 3 1868 355 17 II 1869 377 10 4 1870 364 8 II I87I 360 I II 1872 401 18 4 1873 445 10 3 1874 457 18 5 1875 458 3 6 1876 489 I 4 1877 515 16 5 1878 515 17 3 1879 557 10 6 1880 578 14 9 I88I 608 19 9 1882 617 15 I 1883 641 5 8 1884 654 2 10 1885 734 4 1 1886 784 4 5 1887 851 3 10 Expenditure. £ S. D. 255 14 220 I 3 226 9 4 206 6 6 244 13 338 12 6 339 I 8 288 7 I 341 5 319 15 1 1 338 17 3^9 12 -? 438 13 6 451 3 4 437 12 I 461 19 3 498 4 2 492 3 I 539 7 9 5^1 2 II 592 4 10 596 13 619 15 5 607 6 654 10 9 696 9 10 828 4 II Paid for Books. £ 127 13 105 91 68 86 127 122 103 131 97 97 93 136 156 177 201 223 232 230. 253 310 212 273 317 336 352 496 IS 6 8 9 2 16 o 7 16 17 2 16 19 6 4 10 o 6 iS 5 2 13 o 7 8 13 II 1 1 2 5 9 10 II 7 o 10 6 10 6 10 8 7 1 1 5 6 3 7 10 10 I No. of Pro- prietors, Members and Subscribers, if noted. ^ZZ' 402' 836'3' Amount paid towards Scientific Fund, 183 7- 1849 Do. by Special Subscription, 183 7-1 849 ;^^2io 3 I 210 3 r Amount paid by the Society for Books had on Loan, 1863- 187 2 ^420 6 2 . 483 19 8 (i). Proprietors ... Members Annual Guinea Subscribers (for the first time recorded) (2). Proprietors ... Members Annual Guinea Subscribers Do. Half Guinea do. (3). Proprietors ... Members Annual Guinea Subscribers Do. Half Guinea do. 67 67 99-233 65 87 189 61 — 402 64 199 sss 18—836 Appendix. 99 Appendix E. List of the Principal Benefactions to the Library since 1800/'^ 1803 Nicholas Grimshaw... 1805 Major Thompson ... 1807 John Templeton 181 1 Dr. Anderson, Edinburgh ... 181 2 Wm. H. Ferrar 181 7 Record Commissioners 181 9 Wm. Sloan ... 1823 Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks ... 1824 George Ensor 1830 Royal Irish Academy 1 83 1 Dr. Henry MacCormac Do. Do. Do. 1832 Anna Maria Winter Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks . . . 183s Dr. S. S. Thomson 1836 Dr. Bruce ... 1837 C. Howard (Secretary to Admiralty) 1838 Record Office Commissioners Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks ... 1839 Captain Portlock ... 1840 T. D. Wyse, M.P 1 84 1 Earl of Enniskillen 1845 John Henderson, Glasgow... 1846 Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks ... 1848 Dr. John S. Drennan 1849 Sir H. De la Beche 1851 Rev. W. Bruce 1852 Rev. Dr. T. D. Hincks ... Do. Do. Do. Six copies of his Pamphlet. Code des Loix. Index to Ten volumes Botanical Magazine. His Life of Smollet. History of Limerick. By J. Ferrar. Reports, &c., 1810 to 1825. Map of the County Londonderry. Reports on Bogs of Ireland, 3 vols. Seven volumes, 8vo, useful Books. Transa6lions, 16 vols. 102 volumes, various. Pamphlets on various subje6ls. File of Sierra Leone Newspapers. File of miscellaneous American Newspapers. Thoughts on the Moral Order of Nature, 2 copies. Statistics of Roscommon (Griffiths), Tyrone, and Antrim Collieries. A lot of Pamphlets. Two volumes of his Works. Books. Several valuable Works, His Works. Surveys and Address to the Geological Society. Speech on Education. Parliamentary Reports. On Christian Union. Valpy's Delphin Classics, 157 vols. His father's Fugitive Pieces. Memoirs, Geological Survey of Great Britain. Two Greek Books. Royal Irish Academy's Proceedings, Vol. IV. Journal of the Statistical Society of London. Neilson's Irish Grammar. Jukes' Excursions about Newfoundland. (i). A List of Benefacflors prior to iSoo is given at pp. 21-22. 1853 Rev, Dr. Edward Hincks ... 1854 Rev. Dr. Abraham Hume ... 1855 Sir Roderick Murchison ... 1859 Jas. Alex. Henderson 1 86 1 Sir James Emerson Tennent 1865 Rev. Dr. Reeves ... Dr. Young (American Consul) George Hughes Dr. James Moore ... 1867 Dr. Wm. M'Gee 1868 James Greaves Wm. Steele Nicholson Dr. Wm. M'Gee Colonel Smy the 1869 Thomas M'Clure Surgeon-Major Bacot J. S. Bateman 1870 The Meteorological Society A. Fitzgibbon, Stoneyford ... 187 1 Miss Cunningham, Macedon Dr. James Bryce ... Rev. G. T. Payne Rev. Dr. A. Hume... 1872 W. H. Patterson Dr. Wm. M'Gee 1873 Henry Bruce 1875 George Hughes The Royal Irish Academy.. Robert Young His Works on the Assyrio-Babylonian Phonetic Chara6lers. Proceedings of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Several Scientific Works. News-Letter ior ye2LXS 1835, 1838, 1839, 1840. Publications of the Meteorological Department. His Work on the Culdees of the British Islands. Diplomatic Correspondence. O'Reilly's Irish-English Di6lionary. Proceedings Royal Irish Academy, 8 parts. Text Book to Turrets and Tripod Systems. By Cole, Religious Works, 46 vols. Life of St. Patrick. Life of Thomas D'Arcy M'Gee ; and a Pamphlet on Specie in Canada, by Hon. Isaac Buchanan. A Notice of the New Church of St. Patrick, Jordanstown. Genesis of the Angels. (Secretary instructed to acknowledge the receipt of. By whom pre- sented not mentioned). Commission Report on the Established Church. 1868. A Sketch of the Bahamas. By himself. Description of the Proposed Railway between England and France. Records. A Copy of Unpublished Geraldine Documents. Books, Papers, and Pamphlets. The Geology of Edinburgh and Neighbourhood. A Narrative on Witchcraft in Island Magee. Transa(5lions of the Historical Society of Lanca- shire and Cheshire. Assembly's Shorter Catechism. Private Correspondence of Thomas Raikes with the Duke of Wellington. Rinuccini's Embassy in Ireland, 1645-9. Pamphlet entitled — Linen : its Virtues and Advan- tages. Also, 3 vols, of Contemporary Review (which were not in Library). Portions of Vols. 24 and 25, to complete set. Ossian and the Clyde. By P. H. Waddell. Appendix. lOI 1876 C. Druitt J. J. Murphy 1877 George Glover Prof. Everett 1878 Counsellor Gibson ... M'Caw, Stevenson & Orr , Rev. Dr. Macllwaine Rev. Dr. A. Hiime... Do 1879 M'Caw, Stevenson & Orr Do Do William Sharp, M.D. Henry Bruce Rev. T. M. Gorman 1880 Wm. Hodgson 1 88 1 Robert Jamieson ... Dr. Henry MacCormac Henry Bruce James O'Neill, M. A. Professor Major 1882 A. Fitzgibbon John Anderson William Swanston ... 1884 Professor Everett Do. James O'Neill, M. A. Dr. Esler 1885 Rev. Alexander Gordon ... Royal Academical Institution Report of the British Association in Belfast, 1875. Report of the Royal Commission on Vivise6lion. Report of the British Association for 1875. Copy of his Work on Shorthand. A Set of National Education Reports. Jottings on Current EngUsh. By "Democritus." Lyra Hibernica Sacra. By himself. Remarks on the Irish Diale6l of the English Language. A Volume of the Transadlions " Historical Society of Lancashire and Cheshire." A Talk about Bishops. By T. L. Scott. A King's Daughter and other Poems. By S. R. Keightley. The Murmur of the Shells. By S. K. Cowan. Humanity and the Man. Ulster Civil War, 1641. By John M'Donnell. Christian Psychology. By himself. (By bequest, through Mr. Charles Elcock,) his Work, entitled, Society of Friends in the 19th Century. 2 vols. His Work on Political Economy. Language and its Study. By W. D. Whitney. On Phthisis and the Supposed Influence of Climate. By W. Thomson. Consumption and the Breath Re-breathed. By himself (Dr. MacCormac). Copy of Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the Working of the Landlord and Tenants' Act, 1870 (Ireland). The Siege of Derry, by Graham. Seven Sermons by Robert Russell. Belfast, 1751. Series of the Geraldine Documents. Juvenile Poems. By Thomas Romney Robinson. Belfast, 1806. Set of Reports Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. King's Briefs. An Outline of Hindustani Language. History General Hospital, Belfast. Guide to Belfast. Sermon by James Duchal, printed in Belfast, 1736. Eight valuable Old Works. 102 Appendix. i^Ss i8S6 1887 Dr. J. S. Drennan ... William Swanston ... Edward Ellis The Lord Lieutenant (Earl Aberdeen) Francis J. Bigger ... Dr. M'Donnell Henry Bradshaw'"' ... Do. The Right Rev. Dr. Reeves Henry Dix Hutton James Wilson L. M. Ewart The British Museum J.M.Sloan Librarian, Queen's College James Jenkins Do Do James O'Neill, M.A. Do Dr. William Frazer... Countess of Dalhousie Travers B. Smith ... John Campbell Robert Young John Anderson Glendalough, &c., by late Dr. Drennan and Sons. Drummond's Letter to a Young Naturalist. Irish Education Diredtory. By himself. Ordnance Maps of Antrim and Down, 6-inch scale. Sele6l Papers of the Belfast Literary Society. The Light of History on Irish Measures, 1 580-1641. The Experienced Huntsman. Belfast^ 1714- Life and Ads of Sir Wm. Wallace. Belfast, 1728. Memoir of the Public Library at Armagh. Three Books on Library Work. Pro6lor's Atlas of the Stars. The Gazetteer, or Newsman's Interpreter. Belfast, 1740. Fifty volumes of valuable Works. The Phonograph Instru6tor. Classified Catalogue of Books in the Library. Jamison's Political Economy. Jamison's Richard Cobden. Jamison's Robert Burns in his Youth. The Year of Grace. Sheridan's Di6lionary of the English Language. The Remains of St. Mary's Abbey. Memoirs of Count Guiseppe Pasolini. History of the First Presbyterian Congregation, Belfast. Do. do. The Vi6lorian Year. Juvenile Poems, by Robert Sullivan. Belfast, 1818. (1). University Librarian at Cambridge. He was connected by birth with Ulster, and took great interest in the formation of the recent Catalogue of Early Belfast Printed Books. Appendix F. Chronological List of Catalogues, as issued by the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge, of which Copies exist, or the publication of which is recorded on the Minutes : — 1793 — Rules of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge, with a Catalogue of the Books. Belfast: 1793. No copy known. Appendix. jq^ 1794— Catalogue of the Books of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast : 1794. No copy known. 1794— Catalogue of Scientific Apparatus of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast : 1794. No copy known. 1806 -Appendix to the Catalogue. Be/fast: Printed by Smyth & Lyons. 1806. i2mo ; pp. 12. 1808— Rules of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge, with a Catalogue of the Books. Belfast: Prmted by Smyth 6- Lyons. 1808. 8vo ; pp. 47, viz.: 1-12, The Laws; 13-46, Catalogue; 47, Broken Sets. 181 1— An Appendix to the Catalogue of Books of the Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast: Printed by D. 6- S. Lyons, No. i, Corn Market. 1811. 8vo ; pp. 10. 1814— Rules of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge, with a Catalogue of the Books. Belfast: Printed by Alexander Mackay/' News-Letter" Office. 1814. Sm. 4to; pp. 68, viz.:— 1-12, Rules; 13-66, Catalogue; 67, Broken Sets; 68, Additions. The Catalogue is printed and paged on one side of the leaf only. 1818— Appendix to the Catalogue of 1814 of the Books of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge. February, 1818. Belfast: Printed by Alexander Mackay, •' News-Lettet^' Office, Bridge Street. 1 2mo ; pp. 1 2, viz. :— i-i i, Appendix to Catalogue ; 12, Rules in addition to those in the Catalogue of 18 14. 1819— Rules of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge, with a Catalogue of the Books. Belfast : Prifited by Lyons. 1819. i2mo;pp. 119, viz. : — 1-15, The Laws; 17-83, Alphabetical Catalogue of the Books, Charts, &c. ; 85-116, Classified Catalogue (of a portion of the Books only); 117, Additions since printing; 118, Broken Sets; 119, Maps, &c. 1822— Appendix to the Catalogue of 1819 of the Books of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast : Printed by J^oseph Smyth. 1822. i2mo; pp. 9. 1825— Laws of the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge, with a General Catalogue of the Books, Maps, &c. ; to which is subjoined— for the greater ease of reference — a Classified Catalogue relating to some particular subjects. Belfast : Prifited by Joseph Smyth, 34, High Street. 1825. i2mo; pp. 72, viz. :— 1-8, The Laws; 9-47, Alphabetical Catalogue; 48-70, Classified Catalogue; 71, Broken Sets ; 72, Maps, &c. 1829— Appendix to the Catalogue of Books of 1825 belonging to the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast: Printed by Thomas Mairs, Joy' s Court. 1829. i2mo ; pp. 10. 1836— Catalogue of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge Belfast • 1836. No copy known. 104 Appendix. 1839— Appendix to the Catalogue of Books of 1836 belonging to the Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast: 1839. No copy known. 1843— Catalogue of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast : 1843. No copy known. ig^I—Catalogue of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, White Linen Hall. Belfast: Printed by Robert &> Daniel Read, Crown Entry, 1851. 8vo; pp. X., 134, viz.: — i.-x., The Laws; i-ioi, Alphabetical Catalogue'; 102- 123, Classified Index ; 124-5, Appendix; 126-128, List of Members and Officers ; 129-134, Books purchased from the Scientific Fund of the Library. 1858— Supplement to the Catalogue of the Belfast Library, containing the Books received from 1 85 1 up to the month of July, 1858. Belfast: Printed by Alexander Mayne, High Street, 1858. 8vo; pp. 32, viz.: — 2, List of Officers for 1858; 3-27, Supplement to Catalogue; 28-29, List of Members and Shareholders; 30, List of Annual Subscribers, 31-32, Balance Sheets for 1856-1857. 1861 — Catalogue of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast: Prifited by Alexander Mayne, i86i. 500 copies ordered. 1871 — Catalogue of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge. Belfast: Printed at the ^'- News-Letter'' Office, 1871. 8vo; pp. 222. 1871-9 — Supplements to the Catalogue of the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, of 187 1, viz.: — June, 187 1, to March, 1876. 50 pp., 8vo. April, 1876, to June, 1877. 12 pp., 8vo. June, 1877, to Dec, 1877. 8 pp., 8vo. Jan., 1878, to Dec, 1878. 14 pp., 8vo. Jan., 1879, to Dec, 1879. 16 pp., 8vo. 1883 — Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, Founded in the year 1788. Laws, Regulations, and Catalogue of the Library, White Linen Hall. Belfast : Printed by Alexander Mayjie, Corporation Street, qt'c, 1883. 8vo; pp. xii., 384, viz. : — i.-xii.. Laws, Regulations, &c. ; 1-294, Catalogue; 295-339, Light Litera- ture alphabetically arranged according to Authors ; 340-384, The same, accord- ing to Titles. 1887 — Supplement, from January, 1883, till December, 1886. Belfast: Printed by Alexander Mayne. 1887. 8vo ; pp. 88, viz.: — 1-43, Supplement to Catalogue; 44-66, Supplement to Light Literature, alphabetically arranged according to Authors; 67-88, The same, according to Titles. Under *■' Belfast" \s given a List of all the Belfast-printed Books in the Library. ««' .<'^^ /^ .^- %J ..f^; ■f-" ^tJ, '^e I I'll'! '"'lii.'i ir« y J^fck n^k /l-reei-- ti' \y'- W^ StUf. T'^f-i '\Uirn-_ ;U -W 2 '^ 0" i^ ..->*^* .^?^ '■*?«»*< '"'''^-,^ ,#■' X ^ -'■Jft^--* Map of Belfast, 1757 Fac-simile of an Original Drawing recently discov(« V *>> X i f .if .,^. <^yr~= i "^^ '-•*.»-><'• > K iJiS*?*"'^ u^^^y^i.*<^v:^«*.*»^^ "^'-^J i .-^r"* v«^ /- .Z' tr'-r_ «*^. "•^H. 3 X #^ ^:^^^ . *"» ' ^■C'hie^l' /ig ^^ 'm^- :<% r' \ ^ •^>. -<>?• ^^ -^^^^^ /. ^:rvm m^' K %. 4 <^ m^ & .^■*.--'' ^^ \ .^■ 9f € J^ 4" '^ # A \^-^ ^ r4^" A r-^** f *^=-^: :-^' '^^.. ■^^-4 'hic .^^l .^^ X 71 tf SC IS- 10' 2c.^ So" \'i"'>,.>N/m\— 4eo foo Population, 8,549. in Dublin, and now for the first time published, Appendix. 105 Ari'ENDix G. BELFAST LIBRARY AND SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING KNOWLEDGE. Laws of the Society. I. Object of the Society. — The obje(5l of the Society is to promote knowledge by the establishment and maintenance of a Library, and by such other ineans as the Society may from time to time deem it advisable to adopt. II. Constituents of the Society.— The Society consists of Proprietors and Members, duly admitted and qualified in the manner hereinafter stated, and none others are com- petent to vote at any of its meetings, or to fill any office in its management. Annual Subscribers are, however, admissible to the use of the Library, under the rules and regulations hereinafter contained. in. Proprietors by Election. — Every candidate for election as a Proprietor must be recommended as a fit and proper person for admission into the Society by a Proprietor or Member, in a printed form to be prepared for the purpose by the Committee. The name of each candidate shall be notified in the circular summoning the next meeting of Committee, at which he shall be balloted for ; the admission fee of Two Guineas, together with whatever proportion of the annual contribution of One Guinea may be payable on account of the unexpired part of the current year, having been previously paid. A majority of the members of Committee present shall be competent to admit. IV. Proprietors by Transfer or Bequest.— Any Proprietor may, by writing, under his hand, addressed to the President or Secretary, transfer his interest in the Society, or may bequeath it by Will; but the eligibility of the Assignee or Legatee shall be determined by the Committee in the ordinary mode of ele6lion. If duly eleded, such Assignee or Legatee shall become a Proprietor without payment of any further admission fee, but shall be liable for arrears of subscription. If rejefted by the Committee, the Proprietor, or his legal representative, shall have the power of nominating others, until a person be named who shall obtain the majority of votes. io6 Appendix. V. Annual Contribution Payable by Proprietors. — Each Proprietor shall con- tribute to the Funds of the Society One Guinea per annum, payable in advance, and falling due on the first day of January in each year. No Proprietor, whose annual contribution is unpaid, can vote at any meeting of the Society, or hold any office. Every Proprietor, whose annual contribution is twelve months in arrear, shall receive notice of his default through the Post Office or otherwise, and unless such arrear be paid off within two months from the receipt of such notice, he shall cease to be a Proprietor, VI. Members. — Whereas, by a law passed in the year 1843, it was enabled that persons might be admitted under the designation of " Members," who, after ele6lion by ballot in the same manner as Proprietors, and on payment of an admission fee of 21s., and an annual subscription of One Guinea, shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of Proprietors, except the power of transferring or bequeathing their interest in the Society, it is hereby provided that Members shall enjoy the above rights so long as their annual subscription is continued. Members may at any time become Proprietors on payment of One Guinea as an addition to their former admission fee, without being proposed or balloted for a second time. Any Member duly ele61ed may compound for his annual subscription by the payment of Eleven Guineas in one sum. VII. Annual Subscribers of One Guinea. — Persons desirous of the privilege of using the Library, without becoming Proprietors or Members, may be admitted as Annual Subscribers of One Guinea, by the Committee, on being recommended and balloted for, as in the case of Proprietors by ele<5lion ; one year's subscription having been previously paid in advance, together with the proportion of the annual subscription that may be payable on account of the unexpired part of the current year. They shall be entitled to have two volumes at one time out of the Library, as stated in the Regulations, and shall have free use of the Reading-room during Library hours. They may at any time become Proprietors by paying to the Treasurer the admission fee of Two Guineas, without the necessity of being proposed or balloted for a second time, or may in like manner become Members on payment of an entrance fee of One Guinea. VIIL Annual Subscribers of Half-a-Guinea. — That apprentices and other young persons under 2 1 years of age, on a satisfactory guarantee, shall be eligible for admission to the Library, on payment of 10/6 per annum, and shall have the right to take out one book, and to read in the Library, but without other privilege. This privilege will require renewal annually. The Committee shall also have power to admit other persons under special circwnstances to the same privilege and on the same conditions as to payment, guarantee, and renewal. This Law to take effe6l from ist January, 1876, and to apply to all the present Half-guinea Subscribers, as well as to new applicants. All Half-guinea Subscribers shall be eligible to become One Guinea Subscribers without a new ballot. [Enadted i8th November, 1875.] IX. Manag-ement of the Society's Business.— The Business of this Society shall be conduaed by a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and a Committee of Eleven, under the control of the Society at Large ; to be annually eleded by ballot, at the General Meeting in February in each year. The President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary to be ex-officio members of Committee : five to form a quorum. X. General Meetings.— The Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held on the third Thursday in the month of February in each year, when the Report of the Committee shall be read, and the Treasurer's account, as audited ; a new Committee shall be chosen by ballot ; an Auditor, not being a Member of Committee, shall be appointed ; and any Regulations which may be deemed necessary for the management of the Society's affairs shall be made. Special meetings shall be called by the President oh receiving a requisition from five Proprietors or Members, stating the obje6l of the proposed meeting. Three days' notice of every General Meeting, whether Annual or Special, shall be given by circular letter addressed to each Proprietor and Member, or else by advertisement in two or more newspapers published in Belfast. XL Form and Manner of Voting.— All eledions, whether in the Committee or by the Society, shall be by ballot, and all divisions shall be decided by the majority of qualified persons adually present and voting. In either case, the Secretary shall call over the names of the qualified voters present who have paid their subscription for the current year, and each, as his name is called, shall deposit his ballot or record his vote. XII. The President. — The President, or in his absence the Vice-President, or in the absence of both, a Chairman appointed by the meeting, shall preside at meetings of the Society and its Committee, with full power to preserve order in debate. In case of a division, he shall have a concurrent vote with the other members, and, if the votes be equally divided, he shall also have a decisive or casting vote. He shall cause the pro- ceedings of each meeting to be read over at the commencement of the succeeding one, and, if found corre6l, shall certify them by his signature. The President, or, in case of his absence or illness, the Vice-President, shall have power to summon, at any time, an extraordinary or special meeting of the Society, in the manner elsewhere prescribed in these laws. XIII. The Treasurer. — The Treasurer shall receive all sums paid to the account of the Society, and make, out of the cash belonging to the Society in his hands, such payments as may be direfted by the Committee, keeping an accurate account of both. He shall not issue any money on account of the Society without an order from the Committee, H 2 io8 Appendix. authenticated by the signature of the President, or the Chairman of the meeting. He shall, from time to time, keep the Committee informed of the state of the funds; and shall lay an abstra6l of his account, certified by the Auditor, before each annual meeting. XIV. The Secretary. — The Secretary shall take care that the proceedings of the Society and its Committee are corredlly recorded, and that such notifications as the Society or its Committee may diredl are duly sent by the Librarian to the persons to whom they are to be communicated. He shall also condu(5l the Society's correspondence, and shall from time to time lay before the Committee such parts thereof as may require its decision or confirmation. In case of his absence, the meeting shall appoint a Secretary pro tempore. XV. Powers and Duties of the Committee. — The Committee shall meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month, at eleven o'clock. When fewer than five members are present, the President, Vice-President, or, in their absence, the senior member present, shall invite as many of the Proprietors or members who first appear as may be necessary to form a quorum, to sit as Members of Committee for that day, provided that there be three Members of Committee present at the giving of such invita- tion. If a quorum of five cannot be obtained, the members attending shall have the power of passing books and lending out restri6led books. The Committee shall have the power of appointing a Librarian, Sub-Librarian, and Porter, and of dismissing them when they see cause ; of purchasing, or procuring on loan, books, maps, or other requi- sites ; but it is hereby declared, in conformity with the obje6l and uniform usage of this Society, that they have not power to purchase any novels or romances, except such as may be embodied in the colle6led works of their authors, or in Monthly Publications containing Essays and Papers on other subje6ls. They shall have the power of filling up vacancies in their own number, in the case of death, resignation, or refusal to a6t; and of investigating the state of the funds and other property. They shall examine new books and books lately bound, inspe6t the Registers, Librarian's Registers, impose fines, and make a report to the Annual Meeting. They shall have power to make any Orders and Regulations, not being inconsistent with these Rules, which they may deem necessary for the satisfa6lory management of the Society's business, such Orders and Regulations to be valid till the next General Meeting of the Society. And should any controversy arise in Committee as to the interpretation of these Rules and Regulations, it is hereby declared that, for the immediate guidance of the members present, such questions shall be determined by the votes of the majority in the usual way. XVI. The Auditor. — The Auditor shall, previously to each Annual Meeting of the Society, examine the Treasurer's account of the income and expenditure of the Society during the preceding year, ending with the 31st day of December, comparing the vouchers, and shall lay before the said meeting a corred abstrad of the same, showing the balance due to or by the Society at that date. XVII. Expulsion of Disorderly and Refractory Proprietors, Members, fee- Any person enjoying any privilege in connexion with the Society, who shall condu6l himself in a disorderly manner at the meetings or upon the premises of the Society, or who shall persist in the violation of any of its laws or regulations, may be expelled by a General Meeting summoned specially for the purpose, provided that two-thirds of the persons present and entitled to vote at such meeting shall vote for expulsion. XVIII. Permanence of the Society.— The Society pledges itself to each Proprietor and Member, not to dissolve itself, or proceed to a division or dispersion of the property, without the unanimous consent of two General Meetings specially convened for the consideration of such question. This law is not to prevent the sale of duplicate or imperfe(5l copies when authorized by the Committee. XIX. Enactment, Repeal, and Alteration of Laws.— A Resolution, if approved at a General Meeting, shall be valid till the next Annual Meeting of the Society ; but if it be desired to ena6l a permanent law, or to repeal or alter a law already existing, notice of the proposed change or enadlment must be hung up in the Library at least two weeks before the General Meeting at which it is to be taken into consideration. If then approved or modified, it shall be a6led upon as an ad interim Law, but shall not become permanent until it has been approved by a second General Meeting, after the observance of the same formalities. Regulations of the Library. I. The Librarian shall attend in the Library every lawful day from Ten o'clock till Six ; and every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Half-past Seven till Nine p.m., subjedl to any change that shall be made by order of the Committee. He shall have charge of the books and other property, for the safe keeping of which he shall be responsible. He shall hand to persons having the use of the Library such books, maps, &c., as they may wish to peruse or to inspecSl, and shall afterwards return them to their proper places. He shall keep a registry of the books lent out, taking care that no person shall have more than the regulated number of volumes at a time without a special order from the Committee. He shall have all books that have been inspeded and approved by the Committee properly stamped before they are lent out. He shall report to the Committee all books that are detained beyond the time allowed for their perusal ; all damage done to the books or other property of the Society ; all subscriptions in arrear ; and all fines incurred. He shall suspend the circulation of any book when it requires binding ; call in books that may have been detained beyond the proper time, as limited by these rules ; apprize new Proprietors, Members, Subscribers, Officers of the Society, &r., of their ele6lion ; summon the Members of Committee to the Ordinary and Special Meetings ; and keep a register of the weather. He shall not lend out any book, &c., save to a Proprietor Member or Subscriber or to persons authorized to procure same for them. 2. No Proprietor or Member shall have the loan of more than four volumes at a time, without the permission of the Committee ; nor shall an Annual Subscriber of One Guinea have more than two volumes, nor any Half Guinea Subscriber more than one volume, without such permission. A periodical to count as a volume. 3. The time allowed for the use of an o6lavo, or small volume, is fourteen days ; for a quarto, thirty days ; for a folio, two months ; but at the expiration of those periods the loan may be renewed to the same applicant if no other has applied for it ; and Proprietors, Members, or Subscribers, residing four miles from Belfast, may keep a book for six days longer than the times above specified. It shall be in the power of the Committee to shorten the above periods in the case of books newly received. Any person detaining any book or books after receiving notice from the Librarian of the expiration of the time allowed for perusal, shall pay a fine of 2d. per day for each volume so detained, one day after the notice being allowed to persons within five miles of Belfast, and three for persons residing beyond that distance, for returning the books. 4. An Application Book shall be kept in the Library, in which any Proprietor, Member, or Subscriber may enter his name as applying for the loan of any book that he may wish to peruse ; and the Librarian shall send to applicants, in the order of their application, a card notifying that the book or books so applied for are ready, provided always that no person shall be allowed to have more than one work at a time of those specially applied for ; he shall not be entitled to enter his name as applying for more than two works and one periodical at a time ; nor, if he has one periodical, to enter his name for a second till he shall have returned the first ; or to have more than one periodical at once of the current month. 5. Any person entitled to take out a book may, instead, require the Librarian to keep it for such time as he would be entitled to keep it out, for the purpose of his reading it in the Library. Any book so kept out shall count as if taken out. 6. Books shall not be entered in the Catalogue, nor lent out, until inspefted by the Committee or a Sub-Committee ; but, in the meantime, shall lie on the Library table for the use of the Proprietors, Members, and Subscribers. Periodicals, if published quarterly, shall not be lent out until they have remained one month in the Library ; if published once every two months, they shall remain three weeks ; if published once a month, or oftener, a fortnight. 7. A Proposal Book shall be kept in the Library, in which any Proprietor, Member, or Subscriber may enter the title, charader, and price of such books as he wishes the Committee to order, annexing his name. These entries shall be read at the next meeting of the Committee, and the books shall be ordered or rejedted at the next meeting in succession. Appendix. Ill 8. Books entered in the Catalogue marked thus (f) are never to be lent out. Books marked thus (**) to be lent out only on an order from the Committee, and on the applicant depositing with the Librarian the full value of the entire book or set of books of which it may form a part, and giving him a written acknowledgment for the same. For books marked thus (*) a receipt must be given to the Librarian. Any Member borrowing a restrided book shall be held responsible for the state in which it shall be returned by him, unless he point out to the Librarian, before taking it out of the Library, the damage which it had previously sustained. The Librarian shall examine, on its return, every restri6led book that has been borrowed ; and, in case of its having sustained damage while in the borrower's custody, he shall not give back the deposit until the book has been inspected by the Committee, and accepted by them. 9. A Proprietor or Member may introduce a stranger, not residing within ten miles of Belfast, or a gentleman who is only a temporary resident in the town, to read in the Library during Library hours ; the introducer engaging to be responsible for his friend, and entering his name in a Visitor's Book, which shall be kept in the Library for that purpose. 10. Any Proprietor, Member, Subscriber, or Visitor injuring the property of the Society, shall make such compensation as the Committee shall determine ; and any Proprietor, Member, or Subscriber lending a book the property of the Society to any person not a Proprietor, Member, or Subscriber, shall be subject to a fine of ten shillings ; and if any Proprietor, Member, or Subscriber or Visitor, shall take any book out of the Library without giving notice to the Librarian, or in violation of these regulations, it shall be in the power of the Committee to refuse to the person so offending admission into the Library until he has paid such fine as the Committee may impose upon him, and has entered into an engagement not to infringe the rules in future. 112 Appendix. Appendix H. Subscribers to the Library, 1887-8.^'^ Proprietors, 64. Anderson, John, J.P., F.G.S., Holywood Kelly, H. C, Green island (Life Member) Andrews, Mrs., Comber Kennedy, Miss, Clonard Andrews, Miss Elizabeth, College Gardens Keown, Thomas H., Sydenham Armor, John, Drumbeg L'Estrange, Thomas, Howard Street Barnett, Dr. J. Milford, College Gardens Lindsay, Mrs. Robert, Malone Barron, George, Dunluce Street MacAdam, Robert, College Square East Bell, E. H., Linen Hall Murray, Mrs. G., Sydenham Bellis, George, J. P., Ballymena M'Clure, Sir Thomas, Bart., J. P., D.L., &c.. Bowman, Davys, 14, Elmwood Avenue Belmont Bristow, Miss, Dunmurry O'Neill, James, M.A., College Square East Browne, Dr. S., R.N., J.P., College Square Parker, Dr. H. R., Methodist College Brown, John, Bedford Street Patterson, E. F., Corporation Street Bruce, Miss, The Farm, Antrim Road Patterson, W. H., M.R.I.A., High Street Bryce, Rev. Dr. R. J., Fitzroy Avenue Porter, Miss M. E., Botanic Avenue Burden, Dr. Henry, Alfred Street Porter, Hugh, Alexandra Villas Clarke, Edward H., Queen's Elms Reid, Mrs. Henry, College Gardens Connor, Charles C, Linen Hall Ritchie, — , Ballymacarrett Dill, Dr. Robert F., Fisherwick Place Robinson, W. A., J. P., Cultra Dill, Samuel, Knock Shillington, J. J., J.P., Glenmahon Towers, Drennan, Dr. J. S., Prospe6l Terrace Strandtown Ewart, SirWm., Bart., M.P., Bedford Street Simms, F. B., Linen Hall Ferguson, Miss, Wellesley Avenue Smyth, Miss Eliza, Williams' Place Fullerton, Robert F., Donegall Place Smythe, Rev. G. C, Carnmoney Gordon, Robert A., J. P., Summerfield Suffern, John, Windsor Gordon, Robert W., Upper Falls Mills Swanston, William, F.G.S., Cliftonville Grattan, Miss, Fortwilliam Thomson, James, J. P., Macedon Greer, Thomas, J. P., Seapark Tilley, James, Botanic View Greer, Frederick, TuUylagan, Dungannon Walkington, D. B., Thornhill Grimshaw, O'Donnell, Castle Street Ward, Isaac W,, Linen Hall. Harkness, James, Cultra Weir, John, Bangor Hodges, Dr. J. F., J.P., Windsor Workman, Mrs. Robert, Windsor Ireland, Miss J., Holywood Workman, William, Nottinghill Jackson, A. T.,.C.E., 5, Corn Market Workman, Rev. Robert, Newtownbreda (i). An asterisk prefixed denotes ele6lion in 1888. ^ Appendix. "3 Members, 199. Abbott, John, Botanic Avenue Aicken, Dr. Wm., Murray's Terrace Alexander, D. B., Carrickfergus Allen, David, Princess Gardens Anderson, Mrs. D., Cookstown Andrews, Mrs. Thomas, College Gardens Andrews, Mrs. W., Vi6loria Place Andrews, Samuel, J. P., Seaview Arbuthnot, W. H., Royal Avenue Arnold, Mrs. J. A., University Square Arnold, Dr. Wilberforce, J.P., Crescent House Atkinson, J. H., College Gardens Atkinson, C. R., Windsor Bailey, Dr., Cliftonville Barbour, James, J.P., Holywood *Barkley, Dr. G., Maghera Barr, James, Sandringham Beatty, Thomas, Newtownards Bell, William, J. P., Silverstream House Bibby, Rev. J. H., Downpatrick Bigger, Rev. Professor, Magee College, Derry Black, Mrs., College Gardens Black, Samuel, J. P., Drumnaul House, Randalstown Boyd, S. B., Castle Place Braddell, Edward, Malone Road Brett, C. H., Fortwilliam Brett, John H., County Court House Browne, William, Cookstown Bulloch, Alexander, Linenhall Street Busby, Rev. Dr., University Square Campbell, Hugh, Waring Street Campbell, John, Rathfern, Whiteabbey Campbell, William, Bismarck Street Carmichael, Mrs. D., Donaghadee Carmichael, Mrs. W., College Green Carson, Thomas G., Coleraine Carson, Mrs., Coleraine Carson, William, J. P., Royal Avenue Charley, Mrs. John, Wilmont Terrace Child, Alexander, Botanic Avenue Coates, Foster, Derryvolgie Avenue Corry, Sir J. P., Bart., J. P., M.P., Dunraven, Malone Cowper, Mrs., Agincourt Terrace *Cowper, Rev. G. T., Rathfriland Craig, H. C, Mountcharles Crawford, George, Banbridge Crawford, William, Callender Street Cuming, Dr. James, Wellington Place Cunningham, Josias, Waring Street Cunningham, Mrs. W. C, Fortwilliam Davis, Rev. John, Ballynahinch Deacon, Mrs., Antrim Road Deacon, Rev. J. J., Clough Dods, Robert, Dunluce Street Dorman, Robert, Linen Hall Dunkerley, Rev. Thomas, Comber Everett, Professor, Princess Gardens Ewart, William Q., Bedford Street Ferguson, John, Rugby Road Ferguson, J. H., Knock Finlay, W. L., J. P., Royal Avenue Gallaher, Mrs. R. M., Greencastle Gamble, Mrs., Royal Terrace Geddis, Colonel, Cliftonville Glover, John, Montpelier, Malone Gordon, John, College Park Gordon, Rev. Alexander, Upper Crescent Gordon, Dr. William, J. P., Saintfield Gowan, Henry, Greenwood Greene, Rev. J. P., Queen Street Gregg, Henry, Sydenham Avenue Gregg, William, Strandtown Grimshaw, N. W., J. P., Dunmurry Hamilton, Rev. Thomas, Brookville Hardy, Thomas L., College Street South 114 Appendix. Members.- — (Continued.) Harbison, M., Ravenhill Terrace Macrory, Mrs., Eia, Antrim Road Henry, W. T., C.E., Hillsborough Martin, Rev. J. D., Banbridge Herdman, Mrs. John, 6, College Square Martin, Rev. James, Richmond Herdman, F., Lisburn Martin, Rev. Professor W. Tod, Richmond Hoey, Mrs., Windsor Meenan, Alexander, Belgravia Howard, J. J., Mount Pleasant 'Mitchell, W. C, J.P., Tomb Street Inglis, James, Abbeyville, VVhiteabbey Montgomery, H. H., Royal Avenue Inglis, Mrs., do. do Montgomery, Thomas, J. P., Ballydrain Ireland, A. L., Ulsterville Avenue MuUan, Mrs. William, Marlborough Park Irwin, Rev. John, Strabane Mulligan, Miss, Breadalbane Place Jamieson, Do6lor, Newtownards Murphy, Joseph J., F.G.S., Osborne Park Jamieson, Robert, Strandtown Murphy, Rev. Dr., College Park Johns, Mrs. Digby, Carrickfergus Murray, John, Newtownards Kamcke, Wm. R., Linen Hall Murray, R. W., J. P., Fortwilliam Keegan, John J., J.P., High Street Musgrave, James, J.P., Drumglass House Kelly, Mrs., Clonsilla M'Cance, Colonel, J. P., Clifton, Strand- Kertland, E. H., Edenderry town Kidd, George, Dunmurry M'Caw, George C, Elmwood Avenue Killen, Rev. Dr., College Park M'Cleave, G. W., Castle Place Kinahan, Frederick, Low-wood M'CuUagh, — , Cliftonville Avenue Kinahan, Miss, Wellington Park M'Ervel, E. J., 31, Rugby Road Kinghan, Rev. John, Institution for Deaf M 'Glade, F., Liscard Terrace and Dumb M'Kean, Rev. W., Strandtown Kyle, Miss R. A., Richmond M'Robert, John, Listooder, Co. Down Lamb, Miss, Divis View M'Tear, Miss F., Richmond Lamb, W. W., Chichester Park Nicholson, H. J., Windsor Leitch, Rev. Professor M., College Park Nixon, Randal, Malone Road Lemon, A. D., J. P., Edgecumbe, Strand- Oakman, Nicholas, Prospedl Terrace town Orr, Rev. R. H., Killinchy Lindsay, — , Tyrone House Owens, Graham L., Henry Street Lockwood, F. W., C.E., Royal Avenue O'Brien, George, Franklin Street *Love, Rev. George C, Killeter, Tyrone O'Leary, Michael, Belgrave Avenue Lowry, John, Killinchy Park, Professor, Mountcharles Lowry, Mrs. John, Knock Park, Rev. William, Fortwilliam Lytle, D. B., J.P., Bloomfield House Patterson, W. R., College Park Lytle, Joseph H., J.P., Windsor Payne, Rev. G. T., Drumbeg, Lisburn MacDermott, Rev. J., Belmont Pirrie, Miss, Fisherwick Place MacGeagh, Robert, J. P., College Park Pollard, Matthew, Clifton Park Avenue Macllwaine, John H., Sydenham Park Price, J. C, D.L., J. P., Saintfield Mackeown, S. S., Gamble Street Pring, Richard C, Fortwilliam Park Mackintosh, Patrick, J, P., Newtownards Radley, Joseph, Lisburn 1 Members- Reynolds, Mrs. A., The Mount, Mount- pottinger Robinson, Rev. Prof., Assembly's College Rodgers, John, Windsor Avenue Rusk, John, Cultra Scott, Rev. Charles, Antrim Road Shaw, Mrs. C. W., Craigavad Shaw, John G., High Street Shaw, Rev. George, Wellington Park Sheldon, Dr., Academical Institution, College Square Shemeld, Albert, Portadown Simonton, Robert, Comber Sinclair, Miss, Dunmurry Sinclair, Thomas, J. P., Hopefield Smith, T. B., Clifton, Bangor Smyth, Walter, Holywood Stanfield, Thomas, Newington Terrace Steen, Dr. Robert, Academical Institution, College Square Sterling, Thomas H., Rugby Road Stewart, James, sen., Wellington Place Strain, Rev. Dr. J. K., Dromore Street, Rev. J. C, Ulsterville Avenue -(Continued.) Tate, Alexander, C.E., Longwood Tate, Mrs. Leslie, Lisburn Taylor, Sir David, J. P., Windsor Taylor, J. A., J. P., Drum House Thomson, Miss, Fountainville Thompson, William, Windsor Torbitt, James, North Street Vogan, John, Royal Terrace Wallace, Rev. Robert, Moneymore Ward, John, J. P., Lennoxvale \Yq\x, Miss, Bangor Weir, John M., J. P., 40, Clifton Park Avenue Wilkinson, Dr. H. S., Queen's Elms Wilson, J. K., Donegall Street Wilson, James, B.E., Dunmurry Wilson, Mark F., J. P., Carnlough ^Vorkman, Dr. Charles, Belmont Terrace Workman, John, J. P., Windsor Workman, Rev. Robert, Kirkcubbin Workman, Thomas, J. P., Bedford Street Wright, Joseph, F.G.S., Donegall Street Young, Robert, C.E., Donegall Square Young, Samuel, Derryvolgie Young, W. R., Galgorm Castle Guinea Subscribers, 555. Acheson, D., J.P., Castlecaulfield Agnew, Henry, Malone Park Aicken, J. B., Belgravia Alison, Captain, Fortwilliam Park *Allardice, Mrs. James, Knock Cottage Allen, Mrs., Alberta Terrace Bailey, J. L., J. P., Mountcharles Bain, J. F. H., Greenisland *Ball, Townley, D.I., Antrim *Barbour, Mrs., College Gardens Barnett, Mrs. C. W., Bedford Street Barnett, Dr. Richard, Wellington Place Anderson, F.,8,The Mount, Mountpottinger Barron, Rev. Robert, Whitehouse Anderson, Thomas, Clifton Park Avenue Batt, William, C.E., Garfield Chambers Andrews, John, J. P., Comber Andrews, John, jun., Knock Andrews, Michael, University Square Armstrong, Mrs., Wellington Park Arnold, Edgar, Marino, Holywood *Audain, Colonel, Lower Crescent *Beatty, Robert Allen, 78, University Square Bell, Mrs. C, Balmoral Bell, A. L., Elm wood Terrace Bell, Charles, Crumlin Terrace Bell, John, Linen Hall Bell, Joseph, Whitehouse ii6 Appendix. Guinea Subscribers. — (Continued.) *Beatty, James B., Holywood Chancellor, Rev, J. A., Cromwell Road Beatty, Thomas, 52, Fitzroy Avenue Charley, P. H., Hopefield Avenue Benson, George, Windsor Chartres, J. S., Methodist College ^Berwick, Walter, Linen Hall Chestnutt, Miss, Lisanore House Bigger, Francis Joseph, Ardrie, Antrim Road Churchill, W. G., Castle Place Bigger, Miss, Clifton Park Bingham, Rev. J., Knock Black, Dr., Royal Terrace Black, James, Arthur Square Black, Mrs., Comber Blackwood, Mrs. O'Reilly, West Elmwood Blow, James, Donegall Square West Boas, Hermann, Lennoxvale Bottomley, H. H., Rugby Road Boucher, Miss M. E., Cliftonville Avenue Boucher, W. J., Upper Crescent Bowles, Charles, J. P., Linen Hall Boyd, T. B., Clifton Park Brandon, Hugh, 51, Atlantic Avenue *Breaky, Alexander, 4, Waring Street Bristow, Rev. John, St. James' Parsonage Brown, G. B., Dunluce Terrace Brown, G. H., Clandeboye Brown, James, Wilmont Place Brown, J., Castleton Terrace Brown, J. B., Limestone Road Brown, Miss, Windsor Avenue Brydon, W. W., Waring Street Butchard, Mrs., Lawrington *Calder, J. M., Bedford Street *Caldwell, Mrs., Lismoyne, Dunmurry Caldwell, Miss, Laburnum Terrace Caldwell, William, Elmwood Avenue Calwell, Alex. M'D., College Square North Cameron, Robert, Clifton Park Avenue Campbell, Henry, Craigavad Campbell, John, Lennoxvale Campbell, Miss, Windsor Campbell, Rev. Robert, Wellington Park Campbell, William M., Brook Crescent Carson, Miss, Mountpottinger *Clark, Alexander, Upperlands, Derry *Clark, Dr., Dunmurry Clarke, Joseph, Elmwood Avenue Clarke, Mrs. E., Donegall Pass *Clarke, Major-General Wiseman, Ulster Club Clendinning, T. W., Richmond Terrace Coakley, Frederick, Holywood Coates, A. H., Bangor Coates, W. T., 90, Richmond Terrace Coe, Miss G. H., Donegall Place Collier, Dr. W. F., Belfast Academy Compton, G., Knock Conland, Joseph, Alfred Street Cooper, Rev. R. H. S., 7, Botanic Avenue Corbett, David, J. P., College Park *Cornish, Mrs., Llandaff Villas, Strandtown Corry, Robert, Connaught Terrace Corry, W. F, C. S., Ormeau Terrace Cosgrove, Henry, Rugby Road Costello, Rev. J. E., Whitehouse Coulter, G. B., Donegall Place Craig, J. H., 51, Atlantic Avenue Craig, Mrs., Bank of Ireland Craig, Mrs., Craigavon *Crawford, Miss, Seaview, Whiteabbey Cronhelm, H. C, Lombard Street *Crowe, G. W., University Street Culverwell, G. P., Granville Villas ^Cunningham, Miss, 14, Claremont Terrace Cunningham, Thomas, Clonsilla Currell, Miss, Whitehouse Currell, Andrew, J. P., Ballygavny, Ballymena Currie, William, Pine Street D'Arcy, Rev. C. F., 5, Ulster Terrace Darbishire, Herbert, Belgravia Darley, Rev. W. S., University Square Appendix. 117 Guinea Subscribers. — ( Continued. ) Davidson, D. V., Royal Avenue Davis, Henry, Holywood Davis, William, College Gardens Davison, Miss M., Hughenden Terrace Despard, F. G., 151, Ormeau Road Despard, V. D., Academy Street Dickey, Dr. Samuel, Clifton Street Dickson, Hugh, Belmont Dickson, James, Fortwilliam Park Dickson, John, Dunluce Terrace Dickson, Mrs., Mount Pleasant Dixon, Wakefield H., CliftonviUe Donald, Rev. Dr., Clifton Park Avenue Donnan, Mrs., Clifton Park Doran, J. A., Botanic View Douglas, John, Elmwood Avenue Dudley, Rev. F., Drumbo Rectory Dudley-Jans, Rev. F. S., Glenarm *Duffield, Miss M., Windsor Park Duffin, Mrs., The Lodge, Strandtown *Duffin, Mrs. Charles, Danesfort Dugan, J. J., Claremont Terrace Duncan, T. K., Botanic Terrace Dyer, Miss, Lucyville, Whitehouse *Eaken, W. D., Holborn Terrace Eaton, Miss, Maybrook, Lisburn Edgar, Mrs., Mountpottinger *Eken, Rev. E., Dromore Elcock, Charles, Hughenden Terrace Elliott, Miss, Trinity Street Emerson, Mrs., Ballysillan English, James, HoUymount Entrican, J., M.A., 3, Eglinton Terrace Entwistle, James, Aspen Villas, Sydenham Erskine, H. M., Rugby Terrace *Evans, Silas, 2, Upper Crescent Ewart, L. M., J. P., Bedford Street *Ewing, Mrs., Glendhu Fagan, Dr., J. P., Glengall Place Faren, Joseph, Mountcharles Fennell, W. J., Chichester Street Fenton, F. G., Linen Hall Fenlon, S. G., J. P., Linen Hall Ferguson, Dr., Fisherwick Place Ferguson, Mrs., College Gardens Ferrar, A. M., Windsor *Ferrar, L., 4, University Square Ferrar, Miss, Camden Street Festu, Jules, Upper Crescent Fforde, Miss, Grosvenor Street Fiddis, Alexander, College Park East Figgis, Frank F., 19, Waring Street Filson, Mrs., Castleton Terrace Firth, Joseph, New Barnsley Fitzgerald, Professor, Botanic Avenue *Fitzsimons, William, loi, Donegall Street Flanery, A. J., Holywood Floyd, Mrs., Donegall Pass Fordyce, Rev. J., Lonsdale Terrace Eraser, Thomas, Wellington Park *Fulton, John, 22, College Gardens Futtit, Miss, Bangor Gaffikin, Thomas, J. P., Fitzwilliam Street Gardner, Mrs. Archibald, Craigavad Gardiner, Joseph, 4, Bedford Street Gay, Mrs., Waverley Terrace Geoghegan, Mrs., Royal Terrace *Gibson, George, 4, Linenhall Street Gibson, Miss, Fortwilliam Terrace ^Gilbert, Mrs., 16, Abercorn Terrace Gilbert, William, Windsor *Gilmore, J. A., Pakenham Place *Girdwood, J. K., Oldpark Glass, James, J. P., Bedford Street Godfrey, Mrs., University Square Godfrey, Miss, Botanic Avenue Godwin, William, Queen Street Gordon, George, Strandtown Gorman, W. T., Methodist College Gourley, James, J. P., Derryboy Cottage, Killyleagh Graham, Dr. J., Donegall Pass ii8 Appendix. Guinea Subscribers. — (Continued.) *Graham, Jackson, Derryvolgie Avenue Heron, F. A., Cultra Graham, Miss, Botanic Avenue Heron, Miss, Lower Crescent Graham, Rev. F. M., College Gardens Hetherington, Mrs., Windsor Greenlees, Rev. J., Brookville Avenue Higgin, Wm., Rosganna, Carrickfergus Greer, William, Rugby Road Hill, E. D., Northern Bank *Greeves, Joseph, Glenside, Strandtown Hodges, J. F. W., J. P., Craigavad Gregg, A., Willowbank Hodson, Mrs., Lisburn Grogan, Miss, College Gardens Horner, George, J. P., Cliftonville. *Grose, Surgeon-Major, Richmond Terrace Houston, James, 5, Eglantine Avenue Grundler, E., Bedford Street ^Houston, Miss, Fortwilliam Terrace Gunning, F. P., Greenisland Houston, M. H , Fairview Villa, Ravenscroft Guthrie, Miss, Dunluce Street Road Guthrie, William, Rosemary Street Hughes, Edwin, Newtownbreda Haddock, C. D., Wellington Place Hughes, Rev. George, Newtownards Haines, T. C, Ulsterville Avenue Hunter, Rev. C. W., Holborn Terrace, Cole- Hamilton, Rev. G., St. Matthew's Parsonage raine Hamilton, Rev. H. M'C, Templepatrick Hunter, John, Ardmore, Holywood Hamilton, James, Whiteabbey Hunter, Miss, Belgravia Terrace *Hamilton, R. L., J.P., Lismore, Windsor Hutton, A. W., Chichester Street Avenue ^Inglis, Captain, C. T. Staff, Fleetwood Street Hamilton, Rev. T. R., Sydenham Park Inglis, G. F., Grenville Villas Hanna, Miss L., Somerset Place *Irwin, William, Seaview Terrace, Sydenham Hanna, J. C, Queen Street Jackman, W. J., 19, Cromwell Road Hannay, Rev. Dr., Malone *Jackson, Rev. W. J., Duncairn Harbison, Adam, Grosvenor Street Jackson, W. J., Malone Park Harding, Rev. C. W., Ligoniel *Jaffe, Alfred, J. P., Cloona, Dunmurry Hardy, Miss, Fitzroy Avenue *Jamieson, A., 49, Atlantic Avenue Harper, William, Donegall Street Jamieson, Hugh, Duncairn Terrace Harvey, William, University Street Jenkins, James, Knock *Haslett, Miss, 13, Upper Crescent Jenkins, William, Windsor Hasse, Rev. Leonard, Gracehill, Johns, Miss E., Carrickfergus Ballymena Johnston, J. H., Milton Terrace Hazleton, W. D., Brookville *Johnston, John G., 35, Botanic Avenue Henderson, Miss, Windsor Terrace Johnston, P. H., Royal Avenue Henderson, Mrs., Ulster Terrace Johnston, R. B., Botanic Avenue Henderson, James, M.A., Donegall Street Johnston, S. A., 31, Laburnum Terrace Henry, S. D., Wellesley Avenue Johnston, W. Sibbald, J. P., Newtownards Herdman, Arthur, Ulsterville Avenue Jones, Frederick, Wilmont Terrace Herdman, Henry, Royal Avenue Joynt, James L., Fitzroy Avenue Herd, St. John, Linen Hall *Keightly, T. R., Fortwilliam Park Heron, John, Holywood Kelly, William, Provincial Bank 1 Appendix. 119 Guinea S\xhscnhtTs.—( Continued). Kennedy, R. F., Grassmere Terrace Mack, Hugh, Lisburn Kerbusch, Dr. Leo, Elmwood Avenue Kevin, Dr., Donegall Pass Killen, Mrs. J., University Square Kinahan, Rev. W., Donegall Pass King, Mrs., Cromwell Terrace Kirker, A. M., Craigavad Kirker, G. S., Cliftonville Avenue Kirkpatrick, Mrs., Whileabbey Knox, R. Kyle, Northern Bank Knocker, Captain, Mountcharles Knox, Mrs., 11, Hughenden Terrace Lanyon, Sir C, J. P., D.L., Whiteabbey Lanyon, Mrs. H., Castleton Terrace Lanyon, Mrs. J., Lisburn Law, William, Kinnaird Terrace Lawther, Mrs., Brookvale House Lee, James, J. P., Greenisland Legate, Theophilus, Donegall Square West Lepper, Alfred, Smithfield Spinning Mill Lepper, Miss, Queen's Elms Leslie, James, Somerset Terrace Letts, Professor, Windsor Lewis, Edward, Royal Avenue Lindsay, Dr. J. A., Victoria Terrace Lindsay, Miss, York Street *Lindsay, Miss, Dromore *Long, William, Willowmount, Cliftonville Lough, Matthew, Marlborough Park Lowenthal, Jules, Linenhall Street Lowry, W. O., Fleetwood Street Lowry, John, Linen Hall Lowson, W. B., Chichester Park Lynd, Rev. R. J., Windsor Lynas, William, Alexandraville Lyons, T. S., 8, Lower Crescent Lyons, J. B., Cavendish Terrace Luther, Dr., University Road Macaulay, Mrs. John, Redhall Macauley, R. H., Wheatfield Macfarlane, John, Windsor Mackay, J. S., Dunluce Terrace *Mackay, Miss, 5, Wilmont Terrace Macklin, Mrs., Lisburn Maclean, W. G., Custom House MacPherson, General, Fortwilliam Park Magill, James, Donegall Place Magill, Rev, Dr., University Square *Maginn, Francis, Botanic Avenue Magowan, Samuel J., Provincial Bank Maitland, Alex. S., Woodville Terrace Malcolm, Mrs. A. D., Hughenden Terrace Malcolm, Bowman, Richmond Terrace Malcolmson, Mrs. H., Holywood Malcolmson, James, Castle Place Malone, John, Royal Avenue Manley, Waring, University Square Marsh, John, St. Clair, Holywood Martin, Rev. E. T., Donegall Pass *Martin, Samuel, College Street Martin, T. J., Ashley Place Masaroon, A. R., Lodge, Strandtown Matier, D., Eia Street Matier, Henry, J. P., Clarence Place Matier, Miss, Banbridge * Mathews, Thomas, Elmwood Medlen, S. J., Belvidere, Windsor *Megafifin, Mrs., Lonsdale Street Merrick, H., Vidoria Place Mervyn, Rev. George Gore, Kinnaird Street Millen, Samuel, Ulsterville Avenue Miller, Miss E., 14, College Green Miller, Mrs. Joseph, Knock Miller, Robert, Osborne Park Miller, T. Osborne, Cliftonville Road Miller, W. H., Bangor Milligan, John, Castleton Terrace Milligan, S. F., Royal Terrace Milling, Rev. R. G., Ballynahinch Mitchell, A. S., Eia Street *Moore, Mrs. John, Laurington Terrace 120 Appendix. Guinea S\xhscnbtTS.—( Continued.) Montgomery, Miss, Upper Crescent M'Kittrick, John, Castle Street *Moore, Miss M., Elm wood Avenue M'Lean, F. P., Derryvolgie *Moore, D. William, Cromwell Road M'Monagle, Alexander, Office of Witness *Moore, Samuel, Howard Street M'Mordie, R. J., Lombard Street Moreland, Alexander, Carnban House, M'MuUan, Thomas, Cnoc Alium, Malone Lisburn Road Moreland, J. C, Crawfordsburn M'Neill, Daniel, Queen's Island Morell, H., Botanic Avenue M'Neill, Mrs., Parkmount Morrison, Hugh, Ligoniel M'Neill, William, Windsor' MulhoUand, James, Donaghadee *M'Roberts, H. R., Ballynahinch Mulligan, J. R, Vidloria Street M'Tear, J. T., Castle Place Mulligan, Samuel, Wilmont Terrace Nance, Andrew, Wellington Park *Mulligan, W. G., Lurgan Napier, James, 9, Montgomery Street Munce, Mrs., Oxford Buildings Nash, William, Fitzroy Avenue Murney, Dr. Henry, J. P., Holy wood *Neill, Abraham, New King Street Mills Murphy, J. P., Kinnaird Terrace *Neill, James, Cromac Park House Murray, D. A., Lombard Street Neill, J. Ross, Windsor Murray, G. E., Botanic Avenue Neill, Miss, Greenisland Murray, Robert, College Street Nelson, James, Mountcharles M'Alester, Rev. C. J., Holywood *2>Ielson, Mrs., Nottinghill M'Bride, Thomas, Albion Place Nelson, W. R., Bedford Street M'Call, W. R., Derryvolgie Nesbitt, Miss H. G., Richmond M'Cance, Finlay, J.P., Suffolk, Dunmurry Newett, B. J., Mount Lyons, Antrim Road *M'Cann, John, College Park East O'Connor, W. P., Apsley House M'Cartin, Rev. Eugene, Antrim O'Flaherty, F. H., Dunmurry M'Caw, L. C. D., Avoniel Orr, Rev. Dr. J. H., Antrim M'Causland, William, Cherryvale Orr, J. P., Linenhall Street M'Cleery, Mrs. H., Clifton Park Avenue Orr, Rev. R. J., Queen Street M'Connell, Andrew, M.D., Great Victoria Osborne, Rev. Henry, Holywood Street *Overend, Mrs., Upper CUfton, Bangor M'Connell, James, Waring Street Park, Dr. R. C, J. P., Newtownards M'Connell, — , Comber Paul, Mrs., Knock M'Cormick, H. M'N., County Courthouse Paul, Thomas, J. P., CUftonville M'Dowell, John, Landscape Terrace Payne, J. C. C, Botanic Avenue M'Farland, Surgeon-Major, Lawrington Pender, Mrs., Whitewell M'Ferran, John, Fortwilliam Park Pettigrew, Robert, Bedford Street M'Kean, E., 17, University Square Pirn, E. W., High Street M'Kee, William, Fleetwood Street Pooler, Rev. L. A., Garfield Terrace M'Kenna, R. G., Old Lodge Road Porter, Mrs. R., Fortwilliam M'Keown, Mrs., College Gardens *Powell, A. M., 62, Cromwell Road M'Kibbin, John, Sydenham *Price, W. G., Great Vidoria Street Appendix. I2i Guinea SuhSCnhtVS.— (Continued.) Pullman, J. L., Albertbridge Road Simms, Miss, University Terrace Purcell, R. D., Whitehouse Simms, W. H., Newtownards Purdon, Mrs. Charles, Antrim Road ^Simpson, John, May Street Quinn, J. J., 19, Pakenham Street Simpson, W. T., Donegall Street Quinn, Miss, Richmond Crescent Sinclair, Dr. E. M., Chichester Park Ramsay, Sinclair, Donegall Street ^Sinclair, Miss E., Lansdowne Terrace Ramsay, Miss, Newtownards Sinclair, Dr. Thomas, Howard Street Rea, Dr., Great Victoria Street Sinclaire, Miss M., Botanic Avenue Reade, R. H., J.P., Dunmurry Sinclaire, Richard, Andersonstown Reade, J. T., Donegall Square Smith, F. W., Donegall Square East Reid, Miss A., Parkville, Sydenham Smith, Dr. James, Glengall Place Reid, Mrs, D. A., Belgravia Smyth, William I\I., Hughenden Terrace Reid, Mrs., Wellington Park Spedding, Dr., Antrim Road Reid, Joseph, Elmwood Avenue Spiller, D. F., Marlborough Park Reeves, Right Rev. W., Bishop of Down Stannus, A. C, Chichester Street and Connor and Dromore *Steen, Mrs. John, College Gardens Rice, Mrs., Whitehouse Steen, William, Fitzroy Avenue Richardson, E. V., Dunmurry Stelfox, Mrs., Ormeau Park Richter, H. 0., Strandtown Sterling, Thomas, Windsor Park Avenue *Riddell, Rev. E. P., Cromwell Road Stevenson, John, Linenhall Street Riddell, Miss, Beechmount Stevenson, Mrs., Huntley, Dunmurry Ritchie, John, Ulsterville Stevenson, Samuel, C.E., Royal Avenue ^Robertson, William, Cavehill Road Stewart, Charles, Jordanstown *Robinson, Mrs. E. A., Cultra Stewart, Rev. H. W., Newtownbreda Robson, Miss, Alberta Terrace Stewart, Thomas, Thorndale Avenue Rodgers, William, Grosvenor Street Struver, H., Callender Street Roe, Rev. Dr., Belville, Ballymacarrett Swiney, J. H. H., Chichester Avenue Rogers, John, Queen's Square Taylor, Mrs., Strandtown Roper, W. H., Donegall Square South Tennent, Robert, Rush Park *Rowan, C. B., 10, Connaught Terrace Thomas, H. F., Arthur Street Ryan, Mrs., 4, Richmond Terrace Thompson, George, University Square Saunders, Mrs., Shamrock Vale, Lisburn ^Thompson, James, Donegall Square South Savage, John, Eia Street Thompson, John, University Street Scott, R. T., Richmond Place Thompson, Major L. J., West Elmwood Seaver, Ven. Archdeacon, D.D., Botanic Thompson, Miss, Camden Street Avenue Thompson, Mrs., Alma Cottage Shaw, Mrs. A. M., Wilmont Terrace Thompson, Mrs. Hugh, Malone Road Shean, William, Comber Thompson, Mrs. John, College Green Shillington, James, Thorndale Avenue Thompson, Mrs. Robert, Fortwilliam Shillington, Thomas F., Dromart, Antrim Thompson, Mrs. Sarah, Botanic Avenue Road Thompson, Mrs. Thomas, College Gardens ■I 122 Appendix. Guinea Subscribers. — (Continued.) Thompson, Mrs. W., Dunmurry Tod, Miss, Upper Crescent Tolputt, F. S., Brookvale Avenue Toogood, Ernst, Trevelyan Avenue Torrens, Mrs., Rosstulla, Whiteabbey Torrens, John, J.P., Rosstulla, Whiteabbey Trotman, Captain, Thorndale Terrace Trobridge, George, Mountpleasant Turnbull, Alexander, Botanic Avenue Valentine, George, The Moat, Strandtown Veitel, Max, Ulsterville Avenue Wallace, James, Clifton Park Avenue Wallace, Miss, Albertville Wallau, F. P., Fitzroy Avenue Wallace, Richard, Bedford Street Ward, J. T., Linen Hall Ward, W. H., Wellington Park * Walker, T. R., Rugby Road Walkington, Miss, Sydenham Walkington, R. B., Bedford Street Walsh, Robert, Botanic Avenue Warden, Miss, Cavehill Road Warner, Miss, Lower Crescent *Wardell, Thomas, Newport, Hillsborough * Watson, W. A., College Green Webb, C. J., J. P., Randalstown Weldon, Edward, Linen Hall Wellwood, J. E., Knock Wheeler, Dr., Clarendon Place Wheeler, Walter, Lennoxvale Whitaker, Dr. Henry, Fortwilliam Park White, Miss, Clifton Lodge *■ White, Colonel P., Royal Engineers * White, W., The Tower, Bangor Whitla, James A., Ben-Eden, Antrim Road Wilson, T. H., Donegall Square West Wilson, Walter, Ellerslie, Windsor Wood, Miss, Alberta, Malone Road Wood, Samuel, Donegall Place Woodside, R. P., Queen's Square Workman, Francis, 32, College Gardens *Worthington, James, Hamilton Street *Wright, Captain, Donegall Terrace Young, Miss, Botanic Avenue Young, Robert, jun,. Holy wood Young, R. M., 7, Donegall Square Half-Guinea Subscribers. Almond, E. D., Fitzroy Avenue Blackball, W, A., 7, Donegall Square *Brown, C. J., 9, Lincoln Avenue * Burrows, W. B,, Albany Terrace Clough, William, Clarence Place Kelly, T. H., Belmont Terrace, Strandtown Kirker, Victor, Royal Avenue Lapping, Miss, Shankhill Road M'Daniel, Patrick, 196, York Street M'Entee, John, Annadale Street Phillips, J. J., Arthur Street Russell, D., 47, Cable Street Steele, Miss, University Street Stewart, H., 12, Great James' Street Studdart, Edward, Windsor Park Taylor, Joseph, Brookville Avenue Trobridge, H. C, Camden Street *Whiteside, J. M., Dunmurry An asterisk prefixed indicates the additions during 1888, and consist of 3 Members, 78 Guinea Subscribers, and 3 Half-Guinea Subscribers. Index. PAGE Aberdeen, Earl of, Lord Lieutenant ... 102 Abernethy, Mr. ... ... ... ... 39 Abernethy, Rev, J, ... ... ... 34 Academical Institution .. ... 69, 70, loi Acheson, Rev. Robert ... ... ... 95 Acts of Parliament ... ... ... ... 41 Admission Money ... 9, 16, 17, 55, 67, 71, 74 Air-pump ... ... ... ... ... 27 Alexander, A. ... ... ... ... 11 Alexander, John ... ... ... ... 34 Alexander, Rev, J. ... ... .. ... 54 Anderson, Drummond ... 54, 59, 60, 64, 90 Anderson, Dr. ... ... ... ... 97 Anderson, John ... ... 76, 78, 79, 80 Secretary, 80, 84 86, 87, 88, 96, loi, 102 Andrews, John ... ... ... ... 60 Andrews, Dr. Thomas 64, 69, 96 Andrews, Thomas J. ... ... ... 60 Ann Street, Library in ... ... '3, I7 Annesley, Lawson ... ... ... 54, 60, 96 Apprentices, admission of ... ... 71, 82 Archer, S.imuel, bookseller ... ... 44, 54 Archer, Stephen ... ... ... .. 74 Arnold, John, assistant librarian ... ... 55 Ashmore, Richard ... ... ... ... 54 Atkins, James ... ... ... ... 11 Atkinson, Bartholomew M. ... ... ... 11 Atkinson, W. ... ... ... ... Hj 34 Atkinson, W. T, ... ... ... ... 22 Atlas Insurance Company ... ... ... 57 Auchinleck, Wm. ... ... ... ... 95 Bacot, Surgeon-Major ... ... ... 100 Bailie, Robert ... ... ... 34, 95 Balance Sheets ... 26, 40, 46, 58, 88, 97, 98 Bank of Ireland, Belfast ... ... ... 86 Banks, Stewart, Sovereign .. ... ... 33 Barnett, A. J. ... ... ... 34. 54 Barometers in the Library ... ... 27, 49, 63 Bashford, T. G. ... ... ... ... 34 Bateman, J. S. ... .. ... ... 100 Bateson, Thomas ... .. .. 33> 34 Beard, Andrew ... .. ... ... 23 Beggs, Thomas ... ... ... ... 34 Belfast — Early Map of, 13 ; invasion of, 29 ; early printed books in, 16, 32, 79, 86, 88, 89, 104; booksellers, 26, 43, 44, 57, 70 ; medical charities of, 30, 32 ; streets laid out, 33; eminent citizens of, 28-35 5 education in, 93; garrison, 71; visit of Prince of Wales to, 86. Belfast Academy ... ... ... .. 30 Belfast Book Society .. . ... ... ... 18 Belfast Chamber of Commerce ... ... 41 Belfast Charitable Society ... ... ii> 78 Belfast Discount Office ... ... ... 13 PAGE Belfast Free Library 85 Belfast Library 18 Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Know- ledge — [see also Belfast Reading Society and Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge] — Named, 63, 64; admission of temporary resi- dents, 65, 66 ; temporary decline of, 73 ; re- organization of, 74-76 ; centenary of, 88; history of, 88; balance sheets, 97; catalogues. 102 ; benefadlors to, 99; laws (1888), 105; list of proprietors, members, and subscribers, 112 — [see also under " Library" and "Museum."] Belfast Museum .. ... ... ... 68 Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, 32, 53, 62 Belfast New Library ... 55 Belfast News- Letter ... I4, 33, 65, 79, 81, 83, 89 Belfast Politics 33 Belfast Reading Society— Objed and aims, 9, 15; formed, 9; rules, 9, 10, 15, 16, 63; founders of, II, 28; search for premises, 11-14; early proceedings, 14-18; resolutions of in favour of Catholic Emancipation, 18, 91; meetings in taverns, 16; formation of Library and Museum, 19-28; name changed to Belfast Society for Promoting Knowledge. 17; resolutions in favour of Free Schools, 18, 93; encourages Mr. Bunting's work on Irish Music, 24; early balance sheet, 26; early office-bearers of, 28-35; list of members in 1798, 34; in 1823, 53; in 1830, 60; first meeting in Linen Hall, 37; property of, 39; subscriptions to, 55; change of name, 63, 64 ••■ 90 25, 32, 83 •■■ 33 34. 95 , 102 95 II, 35 . 60 60 54 95 60 . 54 given 33 Belles Lettres in the Library Benn, George, his History of Belfast Berwick's History of Belfast Bigger, David... Bigger, Francis J. Biggs, Thomas Black, George (1798) Black, George (1830) Black, John ... Blackwell, R. Blackwood, Dr. Blair, James ... Bland, Rev. Mr Books — Loan for purchase of, 18, 19, 21 in lieu of admission money, 23; presented, 19, 21, 22, 61, 63, 68, 86, 99, 100; purchased, 42, 43, 44,i55, (58,^97, 'igS; in Irish language, 22, 24; restriifled, 25, 40, 41, 43. 44, 47, 64, 71; binding, 26; transit of, 43. 46, 56; classi- fication of, 50, 80; insured, 57, 70, 78, 83; in special demand, 53, 85; stolen, 66; in- jured, 66; on loan, amount paid for, 77, 98 124 Index. Botanical collecflions ... ... ... ... 27 Bottomley, William, 66, 96 ; Treasurer, 66, 73, 82. 94 Boyd, Alexander ... ... ... 11, 95 Boyd, William ... ... ... 60, 96 Boydell, Alderman, of London, gift from, 22, 23, 24, 38 ; Hon. Member 24, 32, 38 Bradshaw, Counsellor ... ... 60 Bradshaw, Henry, of Cambridge ... ... 102 Bradshaw, John ... ... ... il> 95 Bradshaw, Robert 12, 34, 95 ; Vice-Presi- dent ... ... ... ... 30, 94 Break ey. Rev. W. , legacy from 81 Bristow, Rev. W., Sovereign ... ... 33 Bristow, James T., Treasurer ... 82, 94 British Association at Belfast ... ... 81 British Medical Association at Belfast ... 85 British Museum, gift from ... ... 87, 102 Brown, John, Sovereign ... ... ... 33 Brown, Miss J. ... ... ... ... 34 Brown's Tavern ... ... ... 16,91 Browne, Dr. Samuel, R.N ... 77i 96 Browne, William 72, 78, 79, 96 ; Secretary Bruce, Henry loo, 101 Bruce, Dr. William, Vice-President 28, 30, 94 President, 29, 30, 34, 37, 47, 54, 60, 94, 99 Portraits of, 30,78; Work by ... 33 Bruce, Rev. William (son of above), 51. 54, 56, 59. 60, 95 ; President, 64, 73, 75, 77. 94. 99 Bryce, Rev. Dr. R. J. 66, 69, 72, 73, 75, 96, 100 Bryson, Henry Bell ... ... ... ... n Bryson, Rev. James il, 18, 26, 30, 32, 34, 91, 95 Hon. Member 32 Bunting, Edward, his Work on Irish Music 24, 25 Burden, Dr. William ... ,. 60, 69, 96 Burden, Dr. Henry ... ... ... 87, 96 Burgess, James ... ... ... ... n Cabinet, Notice of a ... Cairns, Rev. Prof. William President... Cairns, William Caldwell, John Callwell, Robert 28, 50 60, 96 ; Vice- 65, 66, 94 60 34, 36 II, 19, 21, 22, 24, 32, 34, 41, ^ , „ , , 42, 44. 48, 51. 59. 60, 94 Campbell, John ... ... ... ... 102 Carson, Mr., offers House to Society ... 14 Cary, Robert 11, 12, 13; first Librarian ^ , , 13. 19. 21, 31, 32, 94, 95 Catalogues, 26, 27, 37, 38, 41, 44, 48, 49, 50, 52, 54. 56, 59, 60, 63, 67, 70, 71, 73, 79, 84, 85, 102-105 Catholic Emancipation, Resolution in favour of 18, 91 Chamber of Commerce ... ... ... 41 Chermside, Thomas 69, 96 Chichester, Sir A., M. P. ... ... ' 59 Children, Regulation respecting ... ... 70 Clare, Earl of, Lord Chancellor, his Books 38 Clarke, Rev. J 33,34,95 Clarke, William (1792) 30, 94 Clarke, William (1823) 54J 95 Clarke, Miss 34 Clergy of Belfast Committee of Society 15, 16, 108. Quorum of Compton, John Connor, Patrick Corry, John ... Cosgrove, J. D. Craig, Rev. Mr. Craik, Professor Cranston, Alexander... Crawford, Arthur CroUy, Rev. Dr. Wm., P.P. Cross, Maurice — Secretary ... Crothers, William Ed. Cruse, Thomas Cunningham, James ... Cunningham, Waddell Cunningham, Miss ... 34 36, 49, 86, 95, 96, 37, 41, 42, 43, 63 54, 60 II, 34 78, 96 60 54 96 II 60 46, 95 61,94 78, 80, 83, 96 • • 11,34,95 II, 95 33 100 Dalhousie, Countess of ... ... ... 102 Davison, Richard, M.P., 71 De Butts, James 11, 91 ; first Secretary 17, 30, 94 Dickie, Dr 96 Dill, Dr. R. F 96 Dillon, William 60 Dinnen, William .. ... ... .. 34 Discount Office, Belfast ... 13 Dobbin, Clotworthy ... ... ... . . 60 Doctors of Belfast ... ... ... ... 34 Donegal!, Marchioness of ... ... ... 48 Donegall Arms Tavern ... ... 16. 17 Donegall Street, Library located in... ... 14 Donegall Street Presbyterian Church ... 32 Drennan, Dr. William — Vice-President, 44, 94, 95 Drennan, Dr. J. S. (son of above) 69, 72, 5:4, 96; Vice-Pre-sident ... 86, 87, 94, 99, 102 Drew's Tavern ... ... ... ... 16 Druitt, Charles 96, loi Drummond, Dr. W. H 52, 95 Dtummond, Dr. James L. .. ... 59, 60, 96 Duff, Thomas... ... ... ... ... 60 Dufferin, Earl of 71 Duncan, Dr. ... ... ... ... ... 60 Dungannon, Lord, his Books ... ... 42 Dunlop, James ...■ .. ... ... 54 Dunville, William ... ... .. ... 96 Early Belfast-printed Books... 79, 86, 88, 89, 104 Edwards, Benjamin ... ... 34 Ellis, Edward 102 Enniskillen, Earl of, Hon. Member 67, 99 Ensor, George ... ... ... ... 99 Esler, Dr loi Eudiometer of the Society ... ... ... 27 Everett, Professor ... ... ... ... loi Ewart, Sir William, M.P 88 Ewart, L. M 102, 105 P'adlory Row, house in ... ... ... 12 Faulkner, C. ... 11 Fenton, S. G. 96 Ferguson, James, 33, 34, 46, 95; Vice- President 47, 53, 94 34, 6o 34 34, 42, 54, 6o, 95 ... 6o, 69, 96 51, 54. 95. 99 25, 34 19, 76 80, 83, 85, 90 87 10, 16, 18 60 Ferguson, James, of Ballyclare Ferguson, John Ferguson, John S. 33, Ferguson, William ... Ferrar, W. H. Ferris, J. A. ... Fiction — Early prohibition of Purchased ... Fine Arts, books on, in Library Fines ... Finlay, Rev. W First Presbyterian Church (Unitarian) Belfast 30 Fitzgibbon, A. loo, 101 Foreign Books, early prohibition of I9> 52 Forster, Dr., of Hamburg, present from ... 27 Hon. Member ... ... : Forster, Mr., son of above ... Fossils presented to Society ... Frazer, Dr. W. Free Library, Belfast... Free Schools, proposals for ... French Revolution, sympathy with... Fuller, Dr. B Gamble, Arthur Gamble, Robert Garrett, Henry Gelston, Thomas General Hospital. Belfast ... General Synod of Ulster, Minutes of Getty, Robert Getty, Edmund Giant's Causeway, specimens from ... Gibson, Samuel Gibson, Counsellor ... Gilbert & Hodges, booksellers Gillis, John .. Globes in the Library Glover, George T. Gordon, Rev. Alexander Gordon, R. F Gorman, Rev. T. M. Goyer, William Graham, John Graham, John, assistant librarian ... Grattan, John Gray, Robert — -Secretary ... 70, 79, Greaves, James Greer, Henry, bookseller Greg, Cunningham ... Gregg, John 33, Grimshaw, N. Groves, Rev. Edward Grueber, R., 21; Hon. Member ... Guirini, Mr. ... Hadskis, Abel Ii Haliday, Dr. Alexander, first President 28, 29, 37, 41, 42, 94 Haliday, Dr. William, nephew of above Hamilton, William ... Hanna, Rev. Dr. Harvey, W. T. —Treasurer ... 27, 32. 36 28, 36 27 102 85 18, 93 9'. 93 22, 34 60 60 96 II. 34 32 83 33. 34. 95 96 40 34 lOI 43. 44 54, 60 39 50 9&, lOI lOI 60 lOI 34 34 72 60, 96 82 94 96 100 70 80 81 47 34 53 95 33 34 99 42 95 32 54 29. 34, 38, 95 11,95 48, 60, 95, 96 65, 94 Haslett, John 11,22,95 " Hearts of Steel," invasion of Belfast by ... 29 Henderson, Alexander — Librarian 54, 55, 58, 94 Henderson, James A. ... ... ... 100 Henderson, John ... ... ... ... 99 Henderson, W, D 78,84,96 Hervey, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 54 Hill, Rev. G 88 Hincks, Rev. Dr. T. D. ... 53, 54, 59, 60 Vice-President ... ... 61. 68, 94, 99 Hincks, Rev. Dr. Edward, son of above, Hon. Member ... ... ••54) 68, 100 Hincks, The Misses, Hon. Members ... 68 Hodges, Dr. J. F 69, 72, 84. 87, 96 Hodgson, John, bookseller ... ... 54, 57, 61 Hodgson, William ... ... .. ... loi Holmes, H. J. ... ... ... ... 60 Holmes, John ... ... ... 12, 34 Treasurer, 30, 94; Vice-President, 30, 94 Holmes, Robert, merchant ... ... ... 34 Vice-President ... ... 30. 94 Holy wood Town Seal . ... ... 31 Honorary Members 24, 27, 32, 38, 61, 67, 68, 76 Houston, J. H. 33, 34, 95 Howard, C., Admiralty ... ... .. 99 Hughes, George ... ... ... ... 100 Hume, Rev. Dr. Abraham ... ... 100, loi Hutton, Henry Dix ... ... ... ... 102 Hygrometer purchased ... ... .. 27 Hyndman, James ... ... ... 33, 34, 95 Hyndman, Hugh (grandson of above) ... 33 Inspecflors appointed... 26, 28, 38, 41, 42, 52, 54 Ireland, John ... ... ... ... '1,34 Irish Antiquities ... ... ... 24, 40 Irish Bible ... ... ... ... 22, 24 Irish Books in the Library ... ... ... 89 /risA Commons Journals ... ... ... 37 Irish Language ... ... ... ... 24 Irish Music ... ... ... ... ... 24 Irish Statutes at Large ... ... ... 37 Isaac, T. B 33, 34 Jamieson, R., London Agent of the Society 24, 39 Jamieson, Robert — Member 1887 ... 87. 96. lOl Jellet, Morgan, bookseller ... 52, 53, 54, 57 Jenkins, James ... ... ... ... 102 Johnson, Francis ... ... ... ... 96 Jones, Sir William, correspondence «ith ... 27 Jones, Miss M. 34 Jones, Valentine ... ... ... ... 95 Jordan, Francis ... ... ... ... 34 Joy, Francis, Founder of the Nruis-Letter ... 33 Joy, Henry (grandson of above) 33, 34, 43, 49. 51. 52, 65, 95 J oy, George (brother of above) ... ... 34 Joy, James (brother of above) ... ... 34 joy, Robert (son of Henry Joy) ... 60, 81 Joy, W. B., of Dublin 77 Kane, John Kelbourne, Rev. Sinclaire Kidd, A Kidley, Dr. — Secretary 60 33, 95 54 63, 64, 70, 94, 96 126 Index. PAGE 83,96 II, 21, 34 86 ... 35 II, 91, 95 Killen, Rev. Dr Kirker, James... Knight, Dr. William Knox, Francis W., assistant Librarian Knox, John Lament, .^neas Law, History, &c., Books in Library ... 90 Law Society, arrangement with ... 67, 68 Legacies to the Library ... ... 37, 81 Legg, Miss, gift from ... ... ... 22 L'Estrange, Thomas ... ... ... ... 96 Lewis, C. ... ... ... ... ... 43 Lewis, James ... ... ... ... ... 60 Librarian — First appointed, 13; duties, 25; regis- ter of weather kept by, 27; salary, 37, 52, 64; elections of, 48, 51, 53, 58, 60, 62 ; assistant to, 55, 56, 57, 72 ; list of, 94 Library — Formation of, 19 ; early additions to, 18 ; foreign books and novels prohibited, 19; first hooks in, 19, 20, 21 ; benefacflors to, 21, 22, 99 ; first rules, 25 ; inspedlion of, 28 ; an arrest in, 31 ; restricted books, 25, 40 ; hours to be open, 38 ; arrangement of, 43, 49, 50, 80; lit with gas, 54; extension of, 4t, 44, 45, 47, 49, so, 67, 78, 80, 82, 85, 86, 87, 88 : regulations, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 53, 59, 61, 64. 69. 70, 71, 82, 86, 87, 109; state of, in 1888, 89 Linen Hall, Belfast — First application to, by the Society, 12 ; gives accommodation to the Society, 14, 41, 49, 67, 68, 80 ; Society's first meeting in, 37 ; cupola erected to, 45 ; news-room, 56 ; accident in, 86 ; illuminated, 86 Literary Society, The ... ... 37, 39 London Library Company, Limited 73, 74, 76 Love, Solomon, assistant Librarian ... 56 Lyle, John ... ... ... ... ... 60 Lynd, Charles, gift from, 22, 24 ; Hon. Member ... ... ... ... 24, 32 Lyons, D. & S., printers ... ... 43, 49 Macartney, Rev. A. C. ... ... ... 96 Macartney, John ... ... ... 60, 96 M'Adam, James ... ... ... 35, 42, 95 M'Adam, Jas., jun., 59, 60, 64, 66, 69, 72, 73, 96 M'Adam, John ... ... 54, 59, 60, 96 Mac Adam, Robert 79, 80, 84, 95, 96 .\rCance, Miss ... ... ... ... 60 M'Caw, Stevenson & Orr, printers... ... loi M 'Clean, Adam ... ... ... ... 53 M 'Clean, Andrew ... ... ... ... 54 M'Cleery, James ... ... ... 42,95 M'Cleery, William ... ... ... 11,21 M'Cluney, Robert ... ... ... ... 11 M'Cluney, Dr. Robert ... 51, 59, 60, 64, 96 M'Clure, William (afterwards Rev.), Librarian 52, 53, 54, 94 M'Clure, Thomas (afterwards Sir Thomas, Bart.) ... ... ... ... 60, 96 M'Comb, H 60 M'Comb, Samuel ... ... ... ... 35 MacCormac, Dr. Henry (1831) ... 59, 61, 99 PAGE lOI 35 II, 22, 32, 91, 95 II, 32 30, 91, 94, 95 96 ■ • 32, 94, 95 32, 38 IS, 95 15 35 u, 55 76, 78, 84, 87, 96 MacCormac, Dr, Henry (1881) M'Cormick, E. M'Cormick, James ... M'Cormick, Robert Secretary... M'Cosh, Rev. Dr M'Coughtry, John — Librarian Hon. Member ... M'Cracken, Henry Joy M'Cracken, Miss, lady member M'Cracken, John M'Crum, John M'Culiagh, Rev. W. C. M'Donnell, Dr. James II, 12, 18 M'Donnell, Thomas .. Secretary ... M'Donnell, Counsellor M'Donnell. Dr. (1886) M'Ewen, George, s8; Librarian M-Ewen, Rev. W. D. H. ... M'Geagh, Robert M'Gee, Dr. William Vice-President ... President M'Gouran, Peter M'llveen, Gilbert, jun. Secretary M'llwaine, Rev, Dr. William M'llwrath, William M 'Knight, James (afterwards Doctor), Assistant Librarian M'Nair, Thomas M'Nemara, Hugh M'Tier, S Mackay, Alexander, printer ... Madden, George B. ... Secretary Magee, William Magill, Hugh Magill, Robert, assistant Librarian Magwood, Mr., gift from Mairs, Thomas, printer Maitland, Francis A. — Librarian ... Major, Professor Malcolm, Dr., his History of tie General Hospital ... Maps in the Library ... ... Marshall, Surgeon Marshall, Dr Maxwell, Rainey ... 22, 33, 35 May, Edward, M.P,, Sovereign May, Rev. Edward ... May, Sir Stephen Mayne, Alexander, printer .. Members admitted, 67; numbers of, 73 list of (1888) Murchison, Sir Roderick Methodist Meeting-house, Belfast Millar, A. K Millar, Thomas Millikin, Thomas Millikin, Mr., Dublin bookseller Minutes of the Society 21, 27, 32, 3S, 54, 60, 95 33, 35, 95 37, 94 60 102 6[, 64, 94 54, 96 84, 96 54, 66, 67, 69, 96 ... 71, 75, 92 77, 78, 81, 94, 100 95 •■• H> 35. 95 ■•• 31, 37, 92 75, 76, 96, loi 72, 96 ... 56 52, 53 II. 95 -. 95 45, 49 II, 21, 95 30, 94 ••• 35 54, 60, 95 •• 57 ... 47 ... 59 80, 94 ... lOI 27, 29, 35 50, 70, 73 ... 60 42, 95 42, 95 33, 39 • 95 . 60 73 98; "3 100 13 60, 96 54, 60 II 46 II, 34 39, 97, 54, Index. 127 Mitchell, Alexander ... Moat. Robert Moffet, William Montgomery, Alexander Montgomery, Hugh ... Montgomery, James ... Montgomery, John ... Montgomery, Robert Montgomery, Thomas^Treasurer Moore, Dr. (1794) Moore, Dr. James (1865) Moore, Mr. Moore's Irish Melodies Mudie's Library, London Mulholland, Roger ... Munfoad, James, 35; Secretary and Treasurer AT J 1 ,,• ,. . 3'' 37- 47. 53- 54, 62, 94. 95 Murdock, Richard ... n, 34 Murphy, Joseph J., 72, 73, 76, 96 : Vice-Pre- sident, 77, 79, 94; President, 81, 87, 94, loi Murray, Dr. ... ... ... ... ... 60 Museum of the Society 15. 27, 39, 40, 44- 54. 59. 62 Music, work on Irish 24 Natural History Museum 54, 59, 62 Neilson, Alexander — Librarian 58, 60. 61, 94, 99 95 60 35 96 54. 60 60 54, 58, 59, 60, 96 ... 60 83. 87, 94 ... 95 76, 100 ... 54 ... 25 76, 79, 80 II, 22. 33 Neilson, R. Neilson, Samuel News Room, Linen Hall Nicholson, W. S Northern Star Northern Whig Novels — Early prohibition of Purchased ... O'Beirne, Rev. Mr. ... O'Donnell, Rev. Hugh, P.P. Officers admitted to Library... Office-bearers, list of ... O'Neill, James, M.A. Orderly for the Library Oir, Alexander Orr, Dr. James Orr, James Orr, Rev. J. H Osborne, William Owens, William Parliamentary Papers Patterson, Miss Patterson, Robert Patterson, W. H Payne, Rev. C. T Phillips, Mr., bookseller 31, 54 95 56 100 ••• 31- 32, ?,3 55 19. 76 80, 83. 85, 90 43> 95 ••• 16, 34, 95 71 94-96 87, 96, loi, 102 63 54 60 95 83 22 35 ... 48, 69, 71 54 74 84, 87, 96, 100 100 57 Philosophical Apparatus of the Society 15, 27, 44, 48 Philosophical Transadlions 21, 25, 48 Philosophical Afagazine ... ... ... 51 Pinkerton, James ... ... ... ... 35 Police Tax ... ... ... ... ... 37 Porter, Rev. John 60, 66, 96 Porter, Dr. J , L 78,79,96 PAGE 74. Porter, Rev. J. Scott Porter of the Society Portlock, Captain Potts, James ... Presbytery of Antrim, Library of President of the Society ... 15, 17, 28, 94, 107 Prints presented by Alderman Boydell 24, 38 Proposal Book Proprietors, List of (l Public Records Purdon, Dr. ... Pyrometer of the Society Queen's College, Belfast, 70; Librarian of Quin, Arthur Quin, P 25. 80 . 112 47. 52 95 27. 4' 102 II 54 ■• 95 54 84 35 47 80 i. 99 102 90 60 76, 78, 84, 96 60 54, 56, 60, 66, 96 Rider, Job, 16, 25, 27, 48; Hon. Member, 32, 38 3, 74 37 23 i, 40 U 96 60 Rabb, John Radcliffe, Mr. Rain Gauge in the Library ... Rainey, William Rattlesnake, stuffed, in Museum Reading Room Record Commissioners Reeves, The Right Rev. Dr. William Reference, Books of ... Reford, Lewis Reid, Henry Reid, James Reid, Rev. James Seaton II. 27, 51, 62, 100, Ritchie, Dr. W. B Robinson, Dr. Romney — Astronomer Royal Robinson, Samuel Robinson, Thomas ... Robinson, W. A. Rowan, Henry Royal Irish Academy, gift from Russell, Thomas — Librarian 37, 38, 84, 13, ', 99 , 94 Salmon, Christopher ... Sampson, Counsellor William Schools in Belfast Scientific Books Scientific Fund Scott, James ... Scott, John Scott, Captain Scott, Dr Second Presbyterian Church Secretaries of the Society ... 15, Shannon, J. B. Sharp, William, M.D. Simms, Felix B, Simms, Robert — Secretary {1794) Simms, Robert (1830) Simms, Robert, jun. ... Simms, William (1798) Simms, William (1850) Sinclair, Thomas, jun. Sinclair, William Sinclaire, John Sinclaire, William SkefSngton, Hon. C. ", 35. 36, 95 ••■ 22, 33, 95 ... 18, 32, 93 27, 89 64, 65, 89, 98 22 ",35 35 95 30. 32 17, 30, 94. loS 54. 59, 60, 96 lOI 31 31, 94 60 ... 60, 80, 95 35 69, 72, 78, 84 60 66, 96 35. 95 12, 33, 35, 95 35 128 Index. PAGE Sloan, James — Librarian ... 32,37,48,94 Sloan, J. M loi Sloan, Robert — Librarian ... 48, 49, 51, 94 Sloan, William 49, 51, 95, 99 Smith, G. K 69, 96 Smith, Samuel ... ... .. ... 35 Smith, T. B 87, 96 Smith, W. H. & Sons, London ... ... 80 Smith, Rev. W. St. J. ... 36, 42, 54, 60, 95 Smylie, Surgeon ... ... .. ... 60 Smythe, Colonel ... ... ... ... 100 Sneyd, Mr. ... ... ... ... ... 60 Sovereigns of Belfast ... ... ... 33 Spears, John ... .. ... ... ... 11 Spottiswood, Maurice ... il, 22, 32, 95 Statutes of the Realm, presented ... .. 56 Steele, Hamilton ... ... ... ... 35 Stephens, Joseph — Librarian ... 77, 79, 94 Stephenson, Dr. S. M., 28; Vice-President, 30, 35, 41, 45. 53. 94; President Stevelly, Professor John . . Stevenson, Joseph Stewart, Alexander ... Stewart, James — Librarian ... Stewart, Samuel A. ... Stewart, Thomas L., Sovereign" Stockdale, London bookseller Stuart, James ... Students, admission of Sub-Committees Subscribers, number of, 73, 97, 9 (1888) Suffem, William Treasurer... Sunday Schools in Belfast 47. 57. 94 59> 63, 96 ... 60 54, 60 64. 77, 94 Swanston, William " 33 44 54 ■ • 48, 69, 70 80, 87 98 ; list of "5 54. 96 58, 60, 66, 69, 94 93 87, 96, loi, 102 Taylor, Robert ... ... ... ... 96 Telfair, Robert ... ... n, 13, 35, 36, 95 Temporary Residents, admitted ... 45, 65, 66 Templeton, John, 22, 26, 35, 37, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 51, S3. 54, 56, 94, 99; Secretary, 30 Templeton, Mrs. John ... .. 55, 60 Tennent, William 33, 35, 42, 49, 51, 59, 60, 95 Tennent, Sir James Emerson ... 33, 100 Tennent, Dr. Robert, 51, 53, 54, 95 ; Vice-Pre- sident, 54, 94 ; President, 57, 60, 63, 94 Tennent, Robert James ... ... 51.96 Thanksgiving Day, 18 14 ... ... ... 45 Thermometers in the Library ... 27, 49, 63 Thoburn, Joseph ... ... .. .. 35 Thompson, Mr. ... ... .. ... 22 Thompson, Major ... ... ... ... 99 Thompson, William — Vice-President 64, 65, 67, 70, 94 Thomson, C. ... ... ... ... 54, 60 Thomson, Dr. James 5i. 54, 59, 96 Thomson, Richard 54 Thomson, Dr. S. S. ... 37, 38, 42, 43, 51 Vice-President ... .... 57, 60 Tidd, J. T Tomb, H.J 33 Tone, Theobald Wolfe Trail, Rev. Hobert ... Transactions of Learned Societies ... Treasurers of the Society Trevor, C. Trustees, appointment of Tucker, William Turner, William Turnley, Alexander ... Turnley, Francis Turnley, John... United Irishmen, The 15. I 7.58, • '7 , 54- 65 94. 99 . 60 . 35. 60 • 31 .. 40 , 23, 88 94, 107 .. 60 72, 81 •• 95 60, 96 ?,Z^ 35 .. 60 33. 35 •• 31 Valpy's Classics, presented ... ... ... 68 Vance, Mr 60 Vance, Rev. Patrick, 95; Vice-President 30, 34, 35, 94 Vice-Presidents of the Society 15, 17, 30, 94 Votes of Parliament ... ... ... ... 48 Walkington, D. B Wallace, Miss Eliza ... Wallace, Robert Ward, John ... Watson, Joseph — Librarian Webb, William 87. 96 22 •■ 35 •• 54 79. 94 66, 96 Weir, A, C, 72, 76, 78, 96; Vice-President 81, 84, 94 Wells, George 35 White, Dr. J. C. 12, 28, 34, 95 ; his Pro- posals for a Free School ... 18, 34, 93 White Linen Hall. (See Linen Hall) Whitla, Valentine Whittle, James Whittle, John Wicklow Gold, specimen sought ... Wilson, A. G. Wilson, Dr., Newtownards ... Wilson, Dr., Parkgate Wilson, James Wilson, Rev. Robert... Wilson, Walter Winter, Anna Maria ... Workman, John Workman, Rev. Robert Wyse, T. D., M.P, ... 60, 96 •• 35 35 ,. 28 ,. 60 ... 35 35 84, 87, 96, 102 96 35 99 76, 78, 84, 87, 96 76, 96 99 Young, Arthur, his note on Dr. Haliday ... 29 Young, Dr. ... ... ... ... ... 96 Young, Dr. — American Consul ... ... lOO Young, Rev. James ... ... 72, 73, 75, 76, 96 Young, Robert ... 72, 76, 87, 96, loi, 102 Young, William ... ... ... ... 11 Younghusband, John... ... ... ... 35 "1 ^ UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. MAY 1 8 1961 HlftY '■'f ^1 Form L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 ..nderson - llL\5 Histor ^ of the "^^elTast librai jAAY J 8 tiai" 2792 BhUS 3 1158 00304 8898 ,ti[;,SOUTHf%'.RFGlOrjAL LIBRAf AA 000 979 087