and manuscripts. The library and museum of the society are deposited in a spacious apartment over the arch in Franklin-street. They have published their Collections in twentyone 8vo. volumes, which include Hubbard's History of New England, and Johnson's Wonder-Working Providence. The foundation of this society was originally suggested by the late Rev. Jeremy Belknap and Mr. Thomas Wallcut: it was at first supported by the labours of a few, and not sufficiently favoured by the publick: it has since enrolled among its members many of our first scholars, and now claims a very considerable reputation among the literary institutions of America.

The Boston Library Society was incorporated, June 17, 1794. The object of the associates was to make a collection. of books in the sciences and general literature, for popular use; more particularly of those works, which, from their costliness or peculiar value, are not generally found in private collections, and cannot conveniently be obtained by individuals of moderate fortune. The plan has been diligently and successfully pursued, and with the aid of occasional donations, the Library is now as complete in works of general utility, as any similar institution in this part of the country. The books amount to about 6500 volumes, and their number is continually increasing. To gratify the increasing taste for foreign literature, a collection of the best French authors has been added many recent and valuable English works have been imported the present season. For some years after the Library was founded, the shares were not transferable, and subscribers had only the use of the library for their lives; consequently, by the death of original proprietors, many shares have fallen into the common stock, which has given to the shares of present proprietors a value far beyond their cost. It is computed, that a share at the present price gives a property in the common stock greatly exceeding the cost of a share, exclusive of the value of the Hall, which is the property of the corporation. The price of a share is $25, subject usually to an annual tax of $2, for the increase of the Library and the charges of maintaining it. This assessment is determined by the major vote of the proprietors. Shares are now transferable, and do not cease at the death of the proprietor. The Library is open at the Hall over the arch in Franklinstreet, on the afternoon of Thursdays, and the forenoon and afternoon of Saturdays, for the delivery of books.

The Columbian Library, kept in Boylston-Hall, is established on principles somewhat similar, and contains 4500 volumes.*

• There are also in Boston about six Circulating Libraries, containing extensive assortments of modern literature, open to publick use at very moderate charges.

THE ATHENEUM. For several years, individuals in this metropolis had expressed their wishes that there might be established here a publick reading room, to be kept constantly open, and to contain all the valuable journals, foreign and domestick periodical publications, books of general reference, and other works adapted to such a place of resort. It was thought that an establishment of this kind would receive liberal support. Having these impressions, a society of gentlemen, who conducted a literary publication, (the Monthly Anthology,*) in the year 1806, issued proposals, in which they engaged to provide a room of the forementioned description, open at ten dollars annually to each subscriber. The subscription list was soon filled with a large number of respectable names. In consequence of this success, it was determined to extend the plan by adding a library to the foundation.

By the time the journals and periodical publications were received, more than a thousand volumes of valuable works, principally donations, were collected. At this stage of the undertaking, the gentlemen who had commenced and so far conducted it, in order more effectually to secure and diffuse the benefit of their past labour and expense, and realize their wishes of a respectable establishment, transferred their right and title in the Anthology Reading Room and Library to Trustees, with power to supply vacancies in their number, and to hold and manage said Reading Room and Library as a trust under their then present name. At the winter session of the Legislature in 1807, the proprietors were incorporated under the name of the Boston Athenæum.

The rooms of this institution were first opened in Congress street, from whence they removed to Scollay's buildings, and, in 1810, to the building on Common street, north of the Chapel burial ground. Here they remained until 1822, when they removed to the spacious edifice in Pearl street. The better half of this elegant and commodious building was presented to the institution by the late James Perkins Esq: the other half they purchased at the price of $15,300. The requisite alterations have been made in its interior, and the rooms have been so disposed, and the library so arranged, as to furnish every desirable facility and accommodation to those who visit the establishment.

On entering the Athenæum the visiter finds himself surrounded with the busts and statues of heroes and learned men of antiquity, who seem to bid him, in the SALVETO on the tablet before him, Welcome! At his left, on the first floor, is the Reading room, in which are found the newspapers

* Monthly Anthology, for May, 1807.

and journals of the present day, with complete files of periodical publications for many years back. On the right is the Room of the American Academy, in which is deposited their library of 2000 volumes, principally works of science and philosophical transactions of foreign societies. The librarian's room and a conversation room, complete the apart ments on the lower story.

On the second floor are found in the 1st Room, Works relative to American History; in the 2d, Political and Military Works; in the 3d, Metaphysicks and Theology, which includes the Theological Library,' belonging to another association and containing 2000 volumes; in the 4th, Belles Lettres, and Miscellaneous Works; in the 5th, Encyclopædias; in the 6th, History, Geography, Travels, Biography. Ascending into the third story, we find in room No. 7 a collection of tracts amounting to near 10,000, collected principally by the indefatigable perseverance of Mr. Wm. S. Shaw. Room No. 8 contains the publications of Learned Societies; No. 9, works on Agriculture, Natural History and Botany; No. 10, Works in the Arts and Sciences. Architecture, Chemistry,&c. No. 11, the Greek and Roman Classics, and translations. No. 12, Engravings,&c. Whole No. of vols. 17,500.

The price of a share in this institution is $300, which entitles a proprietor to three tickets of admission. A life subscriber pays $100. Annual subscribers are admitted at $10 per annum. A proprietor or life subscriber may introduce company to view the Athenæum.

Omitting some minor literary associations, we proceed to notice a few of our charitable institutions. Besides the publick provision for the destitute of all descriptions, which is so ample that no one need to suffer any privation, who is able to make known his case to an overseer of the poor, there are numerous societies established in Boston, whose object is the alleviation of human misery.

The Massachusetts Humane Society was established by law Feb. 23, 1791. The design of their institution is 'the recovery of persons who meet with such accidents as produce in them the appearance of death, and for promoting the cause of humanity, by pursuing such means, from time to time, as shall have for their object the preservation of human life, and the alleviation of its miseries.'

The Mass. Charitable Fire Society, incorporated, June 25, 1794, was instituted to provide means to relieve such of the inhabitants of the commonwealth as may unfortunately suffer by fire, and to reward the industry and ingenuity of those who may invent useful machines for extinguishing fires, or make extraordinary personal exertion in the time of such calamity, or make such discoveries for preventing its devastation as shall be thought worthy of their patronage.

The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanick Association was instituted March 15, 1795, by a number of publick spirited individuals, of the most industrious and respectable of the mechanick interest; of various occupations, residing in different parts of the town; who styled themselves the Boston Association of Mechanicks.' In a few months the society increased much in numbers, resources, and usefulness. With the increase of its numbers, and means, its views became enlarged, its utility more apparent, and a laudable emulation pervaded a considerable part of the community to raise the mechanick interest and character to its just grade in society. The associates, in order to extend the benefits of the institution, altered the original appellation, and voted to assume the title of The Association of Mechanicks of the commonwealth of Massachusetts,' which gave opportunity for qualified citizens throughout the commonwealth to offer themselves as candidates for membership; and some few embraced this privilege and became members, besides those residing in Boston. But the society laboured under many disadvantages previous to its incorporation, March 8, 1806, eleven years from its institution ;-when its fair claims became acknowledged, the characters and conduct of its founders, officers, and members, were deemed sufficient pledges of the purity of their intentions; and one of its primary principles being ingrafted in its title, it was, by an act of the legislature, incorporated by its present name.*

* Among other objects of publick utility, connected with this institution, are the Apprentices' Library, and the encouragement of ingenuity and excellence of workmanship among the mechanicks and manufacturers of this commonwealth, by an annual exhibition of premium articles; for the best of which, suitable premiums are awarded, by judges selected for that purpose; in awarding which, all other things being equal, preference is first given to an apprentice, then to a journeyman, before the master-workman. The first publick exhibition of premium articles was on July 4, 1818.

The Apprentices' Library, established in this city in 1820, and which is under the supervision of this Association, is an institution, which, if judiciously managed, is calculated to have a beneficial effect on the minds and morals of those who enjoy its privileges. As a proof of the high estimation in which Apprentices' Libraries are held, we have only to notice the increasing popularity of them throughout our country: and even England, in this instance, has not disdained to copy from her descendants. To Boston belongs the honour of having been the first to establish this valuable institution.-Wells' and Cary's Addresses.

6

In connection with this society we should also notice the Donation of Franklin, who by his last will bequeathed a thousand pounds sterling to the town of Boston, to be let out upon interest at five per cent. per ann. to such young married artificers as have served an apprenticeship in said town, and faithfully fulfilled the duties required by their indentures, so as to obtain a good moral character from at least two respectable citizens, who are willing to become their sureties.' The amount of this fund, by the last annual report, was 14,451 dols. 83 cts.

The Boston Dispensary was instituted in 1795, and incorporated, Feb. 26, 1801. At the expence of this institution the poor are supplied with medicines, and they are gratuitously attended by physicians appointed yearly by the managers. A subscriber of five dollars is entitled to tickets for 4 patients, which number he may keep constantly on the list of the Dispensary.

The Boston Female Asylum was instituted Sept. 25, 1800, by a number of ladies, who associated for the charitable purpose of relieving, instructing, employing, and assisting female orphan children. They were incorporated Feb. 26, 1803. The success which has attended this institution has equalled the most benevolent expectations. The society has rescued from ruin and distress a great number of fatherless and motherless girls, who have, under its protection, been nourished and brought up to habits of industry and piety. The asylumhouse is situated in Essex st. corner of Lincoln st.

The Howard Benevolent Society was organized, June 1,1812, and incorporated Feb. 16, 1818. Their object is to search out and administer to the wants of the sick and the infirm; more especially of that class of our fellow-citizens, who, not being connected with any religious society, are in no way benefitted by the provisions made in most of them for the relief of their poor."

The Boston Asylum for Indigent Boys was incorporated Feb. 25, 1814. Its object is to make similar provision for orphan boys, to that which has been so usefully made for girls by the Female Asylum. This institution occupies the large house on the corner of Salem and Charter streets, formerly the resi dence of Sir William Phips.

The Provident Institution for Savings was incorporated Dec. 13, 1816. This society is intended to encourage industry and prudence in the poorer classes, and to induce them to save and lay by something of their earnings for a period of life when they will be less able to earn a support. Deposits are received as low as one dollar, and when any person's deposits amount to five dollars, it is put on interest. The deposits may be withdrawn on stated days, if desired. The of fice of this institution is open every Wednesday, in Scollay's buildings.

The Boston Society for the Religious and Moral Instruction of the Poor was incorporated in the year 1820. Through the exertions of this society, schools for the poor have been insti tuted in various parts of the town, the gospel has been preachto them, and pains have been taken to raise the standard of moral character among them.