of the gas office lit a gas jet to thaw one of the pipes, A shaving was
blown by the wind across this light, it blazed; the flame caught other
shavings, which had been packed round the pipe to keep the frost out,
and in less than a minute the fire was inside, and in one hour the
Birmingham Reference Library was doomed to destruction. It was the
greatest loss the town had ever suffered, but a new building has arisen
on the site, and (with certain exceptions) it is hoped that a more
perfect and valuable Library will be gathered to fill it. In a few days
after the fire it was decided to ask the public at large for at least
£10,000 towards a new collection, and within a week £7,000 had been sent
in, the principal donors named in the list being--

£ s.
The Mayor (Mr. Jesse Collins). .. .. .. 100 0
Alderman Chamberlain, M.P. (as
Trustee of the late Mrs.
Chamberlain, Moor Green) .. .. .. .. 1000 0
Alderman Chamberlain, M.P. .. .. .. .. 500 0
Alderman Avery .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 500 0
Mr. John Jaffray.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 500 0
Mr. A. Follett Osler, F.R.S... .. .. .. 500 0
Mr. John Feeney .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 0
Mrs. Harrold .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 0
Mr. Timothy Kenrick .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 0
Mr. William Middlemore .. .. .. .. .. 250 0
A Friend .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 250 0
Mr. James Atkins.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 105 0
Lord Calthorpe .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 0
Lord Teynham.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 100 0
Mr. Thomas Gladstone.. .. .. .. .. .. 100 0