We referred, some time ago, to the possibility of a Public Library being sounded in Shanghai; and are glad to hear. that a scheme for the purpose is about to be placed before the public in a definite form. The Asiatic Society are the movers. They offer their own collection of books, and ask the public io aid them, by subscription, in buying Mr. Wyles valuable library. The special aim of the scheme is the crea. tion of a public repository for every book or paper illustrative of the study of China and the Chinese. So far, however, as funds admit, it is proposed to collect useful books regarding the neighbouring countries and to add such scientific, philosophical and historical Works as will make the library valuable fo the more general reader or student The scheme cannot fail to command itself to all reading men, and we doubt not that a liberal response will be made to the appeal which it is intended to address to the community in a few days, for support. It is intended, we believe, to place the brary on the frst Aer of the Masonic
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.