Bayswater.
In answer to your correspondent MR. WELD TAYLOR'S Query on this subject,
may I be allowed to say that at Tonbridge School, where I was educated,
there is a very good general library, consisting of the best classical
works in our own language, travels, chronicles, histories, and the best
works of fiction and poetry, and I believe all modern periodicals.
This library is under the care of the head boy for the time being, and he,
with the other monitors, acts as librarian. Books are given out, I believe,
daily; the library is maintained by the boys themselves, and few leave the
school without making some contribution to its funds, or placing some work
on its shelves.
The head master, the Rev. Dr. Welldon, approves of all books before they
are added to the library.
There is also what is called the "Sunday Library," consisting of standard
works of theology and church history, and other works, chiefly presented by
the head and other masters, to induce a taste for such reading.
I am sorry that MR. WELD TAYLOR should have to complain of the _general_
ignorance of public schoolboys; but I know I may on behalf of the head boy
of Tonbridge say, he will be happy to acknowledge any contribution from MR.
WELD TAYLOR, which he may be disposed to give, towards the removal of this
charge.