Freemasons' Hall— Thenew Wing.

THE LIBRARY .

A eoniimoit .

In some instances , the sub-librarian is still at work displaying the many objects of interest in their proper cases . Not the least interesting of these curios are to be found in a collection of Ancient Charges acquired by Grand Lodge . In one case we observe a number of aprons of the eighteenth century , and among them , the more modern apron used by the

Grand Master on his introduction into Grand Lodge in 186 9 . Further along are some ancient books enclosed in the handsome bindings of the period . One might also linger for some time over the valuable collection of autograph letters from eminent Freemasons of this and the last century . Reason enough in the beaut ) - of the placewe thinkfor

, , prolonging our inspection ; but there is another , and it is this—that the growth of the Grand Lodge Library is really the raison d'etre for the building , and the additional offices and so forth are , in intention and in effect , somewhat subsidiary . Time was when Masonry was supposed to be best without literatureit having been for some time considered that

, ritual and research could best be handed on , and could be sufficiently disseminated , in the manner of oral tradition . Masonic literature is , indeed , in a great measure , the growth of the last three decades , and the systematic study of Masonic history may be said to have originated with , and certainly is greatly in debt tothe efforts of such well-known and

, reliable authors as Bros . W . J . Hughan , K . F . Gould , and , more recently , Bro . G . W . Speth , and many others whose names will readily occur to the student , and , indeed , to all who can claim to be at all well read in their Craft .

It must be admitted , in passing , that for some time our own country had been out-rivalled in regard to the growth of Masonic libraries in other jurisdictions , especially in the United States , and as we glance at the well-lilled bookshelves around us—so different to the small collection of a few years ago—we shall feel it a matter of congratulation on

the part of English Masons that they have now both a building and a library worthy the dignity of and in keeping with the Grand Lodge of England . It should be added that the new wing includes a new entrance and staircase , as well as new rooms for the Grand Master , and that adjoining the Library is an excellent readingroom . The first floor comprises the rooms alluded to for the