Knowing that the methods employed in the preparation of such a catalogue as this are of interest to librarians, especially to those who expect to undertake a similar work, we here anticipate such questions as would naturally arise, and call attention to a few other points about the catalogue not because we are unwilling to answer inquiries, but to save time at both ends of the line.

The original MS. was a card catalogue prepared by a number of trained helpers, from four to twelve being employed upon the work for some seven months.

The books were classified by one, shelf-listed by another, and placed on a central table, where all cataloguers could help themselves. The work was checked up daily, and cards were filed as it progressed. When this was completed, each cataloguer took a tray, to copy the entries on printer's slips. These were manila, 3 x 61⁄2 inches, and the work was done in ink with the call number following each entry. The slips were prepared for the printer by pasting them "overlaid" into strips about 15 inches long, consecutively numbered at the bottom (see sample herewith). As the work was done by several copyists, close examination was necessary to avoid inconsistencies. Our head cataloguer, therefore, carefully read all the MS. before it went to the printer.

Printer's estimates were based upon the following specifications:

1000 copies library catalogue; letterpress, 54 x 9 in; paper, 8 x 114 in. (33 x 46). Estimate on 40 signatures of 16 pp., and on 8, 4, and 2 pp. more or less than 40; linotype two-matrix machine, in 8-point Roman and black-face Gothic: two-columns, catch-word over each, no rule between or over; black-face first word each entry, and call-number after each. Notes and contents in nonpareil, with possibly three entries to the 100. Submit estimate, including paper, composition, presswork, folding, and gathering, delivered to us in bundles ready to bind, with estimate, samples of paper, natural tint, not calendered.

One Merganthaler Linotype machine, with a man behind it, did all the composition, and the great advantage of having it all done by one man more than compensated for the delay. Proof came to us at the rate of about 5 galleys a day, with occasional stops for corrections. during a period of five months.

The Library has purchased the slugs, and intends to issue Supplements and Bulletins in same form, and retain these slugs also, to be sorted in with the original lot, thus giving us when needed a reissue of the catalogue revised to date.

Library School rules were followed rather closely, the cataloguers having all been students at the New York State or Pratt Institute Library School.

During the progress of the work, we have, of course, seen points at which we would improve upon the form adopted, if we had the work to do over (perish the thought), and will mention these that others may not err at the same points, unless from choice, as we did :

1. We would repeat the entire subject heading with each new division of the subject, as we did in United States, thus avoiding the repetition of dashes, and making the headings clearer.

2. We would bring out the authors' names more conspicuously when they follow subject headings. We would try and have the printer chosen long enough in advance (say one month) of beginning the actual work to enable him to provide letters with various diacritical marks in the black-face type. This catalogue is sent to many libraries in return for past favors. Are we on your exchange list ? We send with this a few samples of printed matter, because we have found such samples suggestive and helpful when they have been sent to us. Sincerely yours,

Sila

H. Berre

Librarian.

April 3, 1901.