21 OCTOBER 1922, Page 37

beginning its thirty-fourth session, and to appeal for con- tinued

public sympathy and support. The aim of the Union is to provide courses of reading to suit all ages and grades of knowledge and in a variety of the fields in which know- ' ledge is sought. Its mission is to quicken the curiosity and the critical faculties, and to enlarge the imagination of boys and girls, men and women, working in the natural environ- ment of their own homes. It provides special courses for those who have the leisure for scholarly reading ; general courses for persons desirous of continuing their education ; introductory (or young people's) courses for children still at school. It specially seeks to promote the wholesome habit of joint reading and of the discussion of books thus read.

The courses of reading arranged for this session offer a large choice to readers of all ages and tastes. Amongst them may be noted in the special section " The Romance of Insect Life as portrayed by Fabre," " Alien Immigrants and English Arts and Crafts " ; in the general section " The Threshold of Civics," " First Steps in Heraldry," " Poems of To-day " ; in the young people's section " Scottish History," " Poetry," " Nature Study." Articles upon these courses and others appear in the Home-Reading Magazine and are accompanied by carefully drawn up book lists.

All who wish to become members of the Union are invited to write to the Secretary, 12 York Buildings, Adelphi, London, W.C. 2, who will gladly supply full information.—We are, Sir, &c., H. A. L. Fisnan, Chairman of Council ;

ERNEST BARKER, Chairman of Execu- tive Committee ; J. W. MsonAn., Vice-Chairman ; C. L. KINGSFORD, Treasurer.