AT the beginning of the year 1837, Mr. Mortimer opened a “Library for Sunday Reading.” It contained, at first, about 150 volumes, and, as the books were very much read by all classes of persons, about 100 more were afterwards added to the number, all of which were furnished at his own cost. They were lent gratuitously, and were changed weekly in the vestry. The different readers were furnished with a printed catalogue of the books, that they might have the opportunity of selecting those that they preferred, as being most suitable to their taste or circumstances. These books were in circulation up to the time of his death. About the same time an attempt was made to establish a “Library of Useful Knowledge,” at Thornhill, the object of which was to promote useful information to “Farmers, Mechanics, and Artizans,” at a cost so trifling as to bring it easily within their reach; the terms of subscription being five shillings annually, or a penny-a-week for each volume. This endeavour, which was made with the hope of improving the habits and character of a large portion of the population, by furnishing profitable employment for leisure hours usually spent in idleness or frivolous amusements, was mainly seconded by Mr. Mortimer, who made a handsome donation towards it in money, besides about eighteen volumes, most of which, though scientific or literary works, were distinguished for their religious tendency. Most of the gentlemen in the neighbourhood also contributed towards this library. It was found, however, for the most part, that there was no taste for this style of reading among the class for whom the library was intended; only ten or a dozen persons availed themselves of the use of the books, and in rather more than a year applications for them ceased to be made. EXTRA-PAROCHIAL SERVICES.