The plate of the _Arnold Arboretum_, designed by George Wharton Edwards, is very attractive; the just-rising sun shines upon a white pine which stands within an elliptical frame; the names of the Institution and of the University appear upon ribbons which float from the pine. The plate is dated 1892, and is signed, _G. W. E._ The same artist designed the first book-plate of the _Grolier Club_ of New York City. In this, Atlas is seen supporting the arms of the club within a circular frame which bears the name, and the date of the founding of the club, 1884; rich foliations with a pounced background surround this central design. The plate is signed _G. W. E._ The _Public Library_ of the old whaling town of _New London_ has a plate which is wholly nautical in construction; the name is given on a wheel which is held by a seaman, while the captain stands by in pea-jacket and rough-weather helmet, giving orders; the sail, which rises behind them, affords space for the number of the book; below the deck on which the mariners stand, are seen harpoons and spears of various sizes and kinds; two dolphins are disporting in the waves. This plate is signed by the name of the artist in full. It is by Mr. Edwards. The _Sutro Library_ of San Francisco uses a plate which gives a large and interesting picture of the natural resources of the locality, and the enterprises carried on in its vicinity; the motto, _Labor omnia vincit_, appears on the ribbon which floats in the air. [Illustration: NEW-YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY] The _Watkinson Library_ of Hartford uses one of the very few portrait plates in the country; just why this style of plate should not be common is not easy to understand. They are used in Boston and Worcester, as mentioned below, but these instances are all that occur in public libraries. In this plate the portrait of David Watkinson, the founder of the library, is enclosed within an oval frame which bears the name and the date of incorporation, 1858. The plate is signed by the American Bank Note Company, New York, and is an excellent piece of steel engraving. Almost all of the historical societies use plates in which the arms of the state or city in which they are located, are used. The _Pennsylvania_, _Connecticut_, and _Maine Historical Societies_ have plates of this kind. In the last-named plate an inescutcheon bears four important dates in the history of the state of Maine. 1605, _First voyage along the Coast by Waymouth_. 1649, _Election of Godfrey as Governor_. 1678, _Usurpation of Maine by Massachusetts_. 1820, _Separation from Massachusetts_. The _Rowfant Club_ of Cleveland uses a small plate representing the corner of a library; the open window admits the fading light of the sun, which is sinking into the sea; the lattice swings idly, and the pile of books on the table proclaim a busy day.