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from the recently dispersed library of Sir Hugh Walpole, as well as three works hitherto lacking. Important editions of works by Defoe, John Gait, Matthew Arnold, W. S. Landor, and Sir Walter Scott were satisfactory new items. Facsimiles of rare books were secured wherever opportunity offered. In the realm of fine printing, some useful examples from the Plantin Press, of Antwerp, and Baskerville of Birmingham were received. One incunabulum was added, a fine specimen printed in red and black by Erhardt Eatdolt, of Strassburg, the " Chronicon of Eusebius, Venice," 1483. Several from the press of this very famous printer are already on the shelves, for he was admired by Alexander Turnbull as one of the first to print in colour and to use ornamental capitals and artistic designs. He was the first to print Euclid's " Geometry," a splendid specimen of the 1482 edition of which is in the group. Of individual early works it is of interest to record a first edition of Bishop Percy's " Eeliques of Ancient English Poetry," 1765, which had been sought for some time. This famous work made an epoch in English literature, promoting with lasting effect the revival of interest in our older poetry. A late edition (1634) of Harrington's translation of " Orlando Eurioso," favourite work of the Elizabethans and Jacobeans, was purchased in New Zealand. The Library already had the first and other editions, but the opportunity for textual comparison within the period is desirable. George Wither, poet and pamphleteer of Stuart times, is perhaps chiefly noted for " Abuses Stript and Whipt," an edition of 1613 of which was a welcome accession. John Dryden's " Annus Mirabilis," 1667, hitherto a need in the good series of his original texts, was also obtained. Eive pamphlets of William Prynne, persistent Puritan pamphleteer of the early- and mid-seventeenth century, added to a number of more solid tomes by this prolific author. Thomas Fuller, more kindly yet dynamic contemporary figure, gained similarly further representation in the shelves with several pamphlets. A specialist in English literature was appointed this year to give particular attention to the development of this side and to prepare for the production of a printed catalogue. This is some distance off, but will be a valuable approach to the English literature resources when done. Donations The volume of additions from this source has been smaller than usual, but some particularly desirable books and manuscripts have been presented. Space precludes the mention of all but a very few which have interest of some appeal. Mr. Frank Sargeson, of Auckland, deposited the original manuscript of his now well-known book, " A Man and His Wife," and his fellow-writer, Mr. A. B. D. Fairburn, presented two letters from Walter de la Mare and two from T. E. Lawrence. Mr. Gilbert Mair, whose gifts are so often chronicled here, again presented a group of papers relating to that notable figure, Captain Gilbert Mair. Mrs. J. N". Wallace sent us a series of the Ladies Magazine for 1774-90 which is of interest for a host of items of women's concern, but additionally so for a serial account of Cook's voyages with illustrations. Mr. J. B. Perston similarly was generous in giving a run of Curtis's Botanical Magazine for the 1790'5. It holds a high place among such publications, and is prized for its hand-coloured engravings. To the many other donors the Library tenders its warm thanks, and assures them of the worth of their help in supporting this national collection. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (518 copies), £42.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1947. Price 9d.]

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