was considered too rare or too unimportant, so long as it had connection even remote to Shakespeare; and the very room (opened April 23, 1888), in which the books were stored itself acquired a Shakespearean value in its carved and elaborately-appropriate fittings.  When started, it was hoped that at least 5,000 volumes would be got together, but that number was passed in 1874, and at the end of 1878 there were more than 8,700, in addition to the books, pictures, documents, and relics connected with Stratford-on-Avon and her gifted son contained in the Staunton collection.  How all the treasures vanished has already been told.  Much has been done to replace the library, and many valuable works have been secured; but, as the figures last published show, the new library is a long way behind as yet.  It now contains 4,558 volumes, valued at L1,352 9s. 3d., classified as follows:—­English, 2,205 volumes; French, 322; German, 1,639; Bohemian, 14; Danish, 25; Dutch, 68; Finnish, 4; Frisian, 2; Greek, 9; Hebrew, 2; Hungarian, 44; Icelandic, 3; Italian, 94; Polish, 15; Portuguese, 3; Roumanian, 1; Roumelian, 1; Russian, 56; Spanish, 18; Swedish, 30; Ukraine, 1; Wallachian, 1; and Welsh, 1.

Libraries Suburban.—­The ratepayers of the Manor of Aston adopted the Free Libraries Act, May 15, 1877, and their Library forms part of the Local Board buildings in Witton Road.  At the end of March, 1883, the number of volumes in the reference library was 3,216, and the issues during the year numbered 8,096.  In the lending department the library consists of 5,582 volumes, and the total issues during the year were 74,483; giving a daily average of 245.  The number of borrowers was 3,669.—­Aston and Handsworth being almost part of Birmingham, it would be an act of kindness if local gentlemen having duplicates on their library shelves, would share them between the two.

Handsworth Free Library was opened at the Local Board Offices, of which building it forms a part, on May 1, 1880, with a collection of about 5,000 volumes, which has since been increased to nearly 7,500.  That the library is appreciated is shown by the fact that during last year the issues numbered 42,234 volumes, the borrowers being 514 males and 561 females.

Smethwick Free Library and Reading Room was opened Aug. 14, 1880.

King’s Norton.—­In or about 1680, the Rev. Thomas Hall, B.D., founded a curious old Library for the use of the parishioners, and the books are preserved in the Grammar School, near the Church.  This is the earliest free library known in the Midlands.

Licensed Victuallers’ Society.—­See “Trade Protection Societies.”

Licensed Victuallers’ Asylum.—­See “Philanthropical Institutions.”

Licensed Victuallers.—­The following table shows the number of licensed victuallers, dealers in wine, beer, &c., in the borough as well as the holders of what are known as outdoor licenses:—­