[267.] Farmington. This Book belongs to Monthly Library in Farmington.
Allegorical. Signed, M. Bull’s & T. Lee’s Sculp. A large plate in which the Laws and the names with the attendant flourishes take a good deal of the space. In the centre a shelf of books separates two groups of figures. At the right a very stiff youth, in the court costume of the period, with wig, ruffles, and buckled shoes, is seen under the guidance of a portly female figure who impersonates Wisdom.
She appears to be warning the youth of the dangers of pursuing the two sirens who beam at him across the shelf; or else they are meant to represent the sources of Knowledge, and the youth is being conducted to them. As Deacon Bull was not a great engraver we may be pardoned if we do not clearly understand his allegory. However, the LAWS of the Library are very plain, and are neatly engraved under the row of books mentioned.
| 1. | Two pence pr day for retaining A Book more than a Month. |
| 2. | One penny for folding down a Leaf. |
| 3. | 3/ for lending a book to a Nonproprietor. |
| 4. | Other Damages apprais’d by a Committee. |
| 5. | No person allowed a Book while indebted for a Fine. |
Below these stringent rules the following verse is given:—