ON CATALOGUES OF BOOKS

A series of notes on the *utility* of printed catalogues of public libraries may seem to be a superfluity. It may be said, *Who ever denied it?* Relying on a official document, I can assert that it *has* been denied—in defiance of common sense, and the experience of two hundred and fifty years! At such a time, it behoves every lover of literature to declare himself, and to furnish his quota of facts or arguments corrective of this upstart paradox. It is under the influence of that sentiment that I submit, for consideration in the proper quarter, some short extracts from my bibliographic portfo…