carols, and a double quartette from Boston College, being among the innovations. As before, the hall will be treated to create the illusion of a church, with hooded monks and lighted candles in profusion. The cast contains few Library people, but it is expected that a large number of the staff will take pains to attend. Miss Joy Higgins directs as usual.

WILLIAM P. HEMSTEDT.

It is not always an easy or congenial task to say good-bye to an old and faithful fellow-worker and friend, even though in our hearts we feel it is best for the retiring one to go that it means for him rest and surcease from the obligated daily task.

So it is that, with the retirement of William Hemstedt of the Bindery force, there are many indeed of his associates throughout the Library who share the regret that the passing out of our lives of a daily associate must occasion. He had been with us going on forty-three years, and in his time had seen the institution grow from its modest efforts and quarters in the old Boylston Street building to the enlarged service and tremendous clientage it now serves.

When he first entered the service in 1883, there were only six employed in the Bindery, a number he saw increased to forty. All work, even the heaviest, was done by hand, and all machinery was operated by man-power. Most of this hard work fell on him, and he often mentioned the ease with which we now take care of much that was laborious and difficult in his early days with us.

Mr. Hemstedt has the rare and delightful faculty of endearing himself to the children, and he is never happier than when making some ingenious toy or putting together scrap-books of pictures that appeal to them. He was very clever in the Bindery, and his knack of doing the most difficult odd jobs made him especially valuable. He is still young and full of vigor, and spent this first summer of his leisure enjoying his life-long, inherent love of the sea in boating and fishing about Plymouth Bay with his young grand

son, a husky boy of twelve. His father, be it remembered, was a seacaptain who paid the melancholy toll exacted of so many men who go down to the sea in ships.

Mr. Hemstedt won and held the affections of his associates to a degree far beyond the usual relations between fellow-workers, and one and all wish him many years of life and health in the enjoyment of his retirement. He served the Library well and never spared himself in his capacity as a worker. He was conscientious and painstaking, and may justly feel that of him it may be said truthfully: He is deserving of all that the City can do for him to make his remaining days happy and free from care. May he live long to enjoy his ease! J. W. K.

JOHN MURDOCH.

John Murdoch, formerly First Assistant in the Catalogue Room, died suddenly from heart failure on Tuesday, September 22, at his home, 16 High Rock Way, Allston. Funeral services were held there on Thursday, the twentyfourth, and were conducted, in accordance with Mr. Murdoch's wishes, by his friend, Rev. Horace L. Wheeler, Chief of the Statistical Department.

Mr. Murdoch came of colonial and sea-faring ancestry-four members of his family were with the American army at Cambridge in 1776. He was born in New Orleans, July 9, 1852, the son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Murdoch, prepared for college at the Roxbury Latin School, and graduated A.B. cum laude from Harvard in 1873, the sixth scholar in the class and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He took his Master's degree in 1876, in natural history, and remained for another year engaged in miscellaneous zoological work and tutoring. His subsequent career is of such interest that we cannot do better than to quote his own words from the Class Report: "From 1877 to 1880 he was successively teacher of science at the Chelsea, Mass., High School, private tutor at Peekskill, N. Y., and substitute for a friend as professor of zoology in the State University of Wisconsin. In 1881, he was naturalist and

observer to the Signal Service expedition to Point Barrow, Alaska, which entailed enlistment in the Signal Corps, U. S. Army, in which service he was later promoted to sergeant. Returning in 1883, he was for three years employed at Washington in working up the scientific results of the observations made in natural history and ethnology. In 1886 he was discharged from the army, and for a year was assistant librarian of the U. S. National Museum. He was then made librarian of the Smithsonian Institution, in charge also of the collection of books in the National Museum. Resigning in 1892 on account of ill health, he went to Middleboro, Mass., where he engaged in farming until 1896, when he took a position in the Catalogue Department of the Boston Public Library and was made First Assistant in 1906."

Mr. Murdoch was the author of sixty or more articles in scientific journals, on zoological topics and Eskimo ethnology, but his most important publications were "Natural History" in the Report of the Point Barrow Expedition, published as a House Executive Document, and "Ethnological Results of the Point Barrow Expedition" in the Report of the Bureau of Ethnology.

In the natural sciences he was an acknowledged expert. He examined regularly twenty or more scientific periodicals, English and foreign, in order that the Library might acquire the authoritative books as they appeared; the Map Collection, also, he revised and enlarged. Our collections in the sciences are richer for his watchful selective scholarship. The booklists that he prepared for the Library illustrate the scope of his work: Gardens; Birds; Trees; Wild flowers and ferns; Cape Cod; Camping out; Swimming; Freshwater fishing; Photography; Canoeing; Water sports; Stars; Trout fishing; Dairying; Weather; Animals and their ways; Alaska.

For a number of years he collected materials for bibliographies of the Arctic and of the Eskimo, which may appear later as publications of the Library; and he likewise contributed an exceptional number of titles to the proposed bibliography of works of the original members of the Nuttall Ornithological Club.

Mr. Murdoch's professional connections were many. He was a Fellow of

the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a member of the American Ornithologists' Union, the American Anthropological Association, and other scientific organizations, and was a Master Craftsman and Dean of the Guild of Photographers of the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts.

Aside from his professional work his amusements were diversified: he followed closely the dramatic and musical seasons in Boston, year by year; he took part in numerous amateur productions, and, it may be said in passing, he could usually identify the decade of a print from its costumes. Boating and fishing occupied his vacations at his summer home in South Orleans, and the garden of his home in Allston was a delight to his friends. But photography was his most satisfying hobby. His pictures are famous for their composition, life, and atmosphere. They cover a wide range of locality, Cape Cod to San Francisco - and in Boston, T-Wharf and the water-front, the Charles, old Roxbury, and the Library, both building and staff. His enlargements have frequently been exhibited at the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts.

He married, July 23, 1884, Miss Abby De Forest Stuart, of Highland Park, Ill., who survives him. Also surviving are two sons, Joseph, of Belmont, and Richard, now in Guatemala, and three sisters, all living in Boston.

During his service in the Library, he lived in Roxbury, Cambridge, and finally at 16 High Rock Way, Allston, where, in 1913, he built the "Half-Way House," with its pleasant old-fashioned arrangement of square rooms, straight stairway, ample fireplaces, and photographic laboratory in the basement.

He was always a delightful companion. English and Latin literature he knew intimately, and his memory was a treasury of apt quotation and amusing anecdote. After his retirement in 1923, he was a regular and welcome visitor at the Library, where, as was to be expected, he not only kept in touch with the work of his department, and gave liberally of his time to the promotion of his specialties, but shared with us his bright and convincing outlook on current affairs. He remained young all his life long. A scholar, a gentleman, and the best of all good company, has left us.

L. E. T.

EXCITEMENT IN SUSSEX.

The House on the Downs, by G. E. Locke. Page & Co., Boston, 1924.

Miss Gladys E. Locke keeps her fellow cataloguers busy making out cards for her books. The latest to occupy their attention is "The House on the Downs," a most ingenious mystery story.

From Australia comes Mr. Mark Brandon to spend a quiet holiday at the home of his old friend, Sir Quentin Rotherdene. Rotherdene Abbey is in the heart of Sussex, and no doubt the poor gentleman looked forward to nothing more exciting than walks over the Downs or discussions of Mr. Kipling's fiction. before he even reached the home of his host, the unfortunate Australian had stumbled on the body of a murdered man, in the pocket of whose coat was a lady's diamond bracelet and, in whose hand was clutched a moon flower.

But

Being the perfect guest, Mr. Brandon decides to say nothing of his gruesome find until after dinner. In addition to the host, there were gathered about the candle-lit table: Lady Eve Rotherdene the young wife of Sir Quentin; Fazenta Lee and Rodney Sherrad, his gipsy wards; the dissipated-looking Lord Mostyn; a gentle old naturalist, Mr. Elphick; and Alwyn Rotherdene, Sir Quentin's younger brother. The local police inspector, whose manners were inferior to those of Mr. Brandon, interrupts this blithe gathering with news of the murder.

Thereafter, the finger of suspicion shifts from one to the other of the party at Rotherdene Grange. Uncanny happenings transpire in the East Wing. At the At the coroner's inquest, it would seem that the guilty person is the exquisite Lady Eve, whose name should have been Lilith, so alluring is she. Before all her friends, the bitter secret of her youth is disclosed. Mark Brandon, too, is confronted with a spectre from the past. Horror piles upon horror until we find out the fiend of Rotherdene Grange is Don't think

you can guess, because you can't!

Hitherto, Miss Locke has written of England from her vivid imagination, but before this book was completed, the author had visited the scene of the story under happier circumstances than Mr. Mark Brandon, and consequently is able

To those of us who can remember, the year 1894 seems a long time ago. Not many remain in the Library ranks who can reckon their service from that time, and this number is now lessened by the going of Miss Emily Frinsdorff.

On December 31, 1894, Miss Frinsdorff, who had given up her position of private secretary to a busy downtown lawyer, entered the Library as assistant in the Ordering Department, where she has filled the position of First Assistant since March 17, 1905. In the late spring of this year, after thirty years of service, she decided that the claims of home and family were too urgent to be longer disregarded, and her much regretted resignation followed and became effective September first. After thirty years of exacting work, surely one is entitled to a holiday!

During this time, Miss Frinsdorff has seen the work of ordering books expand to meet the requirements of new departments, new Branches, new activities, until the yearly accessions mounted from twenty thousand to eighty thousand volumes. To endless detail she brought rare patience, and to her constantly increasing duties a fidelity which was a shining example. (This she would undoubtedly disclaim.) Those who were most closely associated with her do not fully realize

At the meeting of the S. L. A. B., on November twenty-third, held at the Women's Educational and Industrial Union, an informal reception was given to Mr. Belden in his capacity of President of the American Library Association.

Mr. Belden spoke very informally, of the relations between the Special Libraries Association and the American Libray Association, of the next A. L. A. Conference, to be held in Atlantic City the week of October fourth, 1926, and of the progress of work on "Adult Education" as carried on by public libraries.

Because of his knowledge of future plans, he was able to give a clear idea of the coming conference and of the exhibit which the A. L. A. is planning to make of library work and methods.

HENRY NIEDERAUER.

"The Big Fellow," as his associates loved to call him, died on Wednesday, November 25th, after an illness of ten days.

Henry Niederauer, who was at that time considered the best stationary engineer in New England, came to the Boston Public Library six months before the building on Copley Square was opened, to take charge of the installation of the heating plant, and remained as Chief Engineer for over thirty years, retiring February 29, 1923. To his work in the Library he always gave the best that was in him to give.

He assisted in placing both the Sargent and Abbey paintings in the Library and himself worked out the proper temperature conditions for them. Mr. Sargent was very fond of him, and he cherished a crayon portrait of himself done as a gift by the pencil of the great artist.

As a musician he had considerable ability and it was always a great pleasure to

his friends to hear him sing the old songs in his fine voice to his own accompaniments. A few intimates knew that he added to this gift considerable ability as a German mimic and took delight in hearing him in this capacity.

He was born in Roxbury and educated at the Roxbury Latin School. As a young man he was a member of the Roxbury City Guards and of the State Militia. He married Miss Helen Goff of the South End, who died several years ago. His daughters, Lilian and Maybelle, both survive him.

"The Big Fellow," who was big in so many ways, was a big friend, always ready to do a favor, leaving many for whom his place will never be filled.

CHRISTMAS AT THE LIB'RY.

noon

The devout listeners who gather at nine-fifteen in the draughty front hall to hear the Library Choristers sing carols at The stack girls' Christmas tree, with its rosy lights and the ingenious fireplace which masks the Stack Four sink . . . Ecstatic youngsters hanging over the little wax Christ Child in His crib in the Children's Room . . . The frantic crush at the Bates Hall Catalogue for Christmas Customs in Many Lands ... The coy oldish gentlemen who present bits of mistletoe to the young lady attendant at the New Fiction Desk .. The Branch Department party and the ensuing hilarity over the joke gifts . . . The wreath in the Information Office and the crimson candle throwing its beams over a small portion of a naughty world

The devotional atmosphere "out front" at the Christmas Eve Miracle Play in the Lecture Hall. The lighthearted giggling and excitement backstage . . . The willing young man who delivers the inter-departmental mail staggering under the weight of Christmas cards on December twenty-fourth. . . The dreary desolation of any department of any public library on Christmas Eve

The Staff Club Christmas party with young Mr. Brewster genially assuming the white and scarlet trimmings of Santa Claus and his enchanting subsubway voice . . .

Who can say that the Library fails to celebrate the Great Feast?

M. E. P.

within him too a latent fire which was seldom visible, but which on occasion would flash forth with a generous heat in behalf of a cause which stirred him. He took a deep interest in the work of the Library Branches, and labored earnestly for its extension. At a critical period, he came to the rescue of the Benefit Association, and as its president he gave to it a standing and a solidity which without his aid it might have been long in achieving. His dignified volume "The Public Library of the City of Boston: a History," will make him remembered as our first

Many factors have conspired to make this a double number-November-December, instead of November 15 and December 15. With best hopes for greater regularity in future, LIBRARY LIFE wishes every member of the staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

TYPES.

The passage of the years brings to every institution a succession of human figures, who enter its service, play their parts, each according to his endowment and his good-will, and pass out, leaving their impress behind them. Three such figures, all of them in retirement from active service, have departed from our fellowship this fall. Each had filled ably a significant place in the life of the Library. Each held our love and esteem. We miss them all.

Mr. Wadlin came to the Library ripe in wisdom, gifted and cultured, bringing to his task great dignity and a wide experience in administration. Trained as an architect, a public servant of long standing, a prominent figure in the General Court and an eloquent speaker, polished and urbane, he looked like what he was the head of a great public institution. He loved both books and his fellow men; we felt that he was at once just and kind; he had an agreeable sense of humor and a geniality which disarmed the criticism even of those who felt that he was inscrutable. There burned

We liked him and honored him; he was one of the fine figures in our line of librarians, and we shall miss the sight of him, as he occasionally revisited his old post of duty.

Mr. John Murdoch was a type no less marked than Mr. Wadlin.

Essen

tially a scholar, keen of mind and wit, his memory was stocked with the most recondite learning and the most delicious nonsense, both ready to flow forth at a moment's notice for the delight and the service of anyone who cared to use them. More than most men, he had flavor, and will live in our memories as one whose quiet zest in life enriched all those who knew him. He stood for everything that was sound, in books, in work, in everyday living. He was a stimulus to his friends, a despair to those who sought to vie with him in scholarship, a true librarian of the best old-fashioned sort. As trustee of the Fellowes Athenaeum, as cataloguer, as sponsor for our scientific collections, especially in the field of geography, his service was invaluable. His devotion to the Library was in no sense diminished by his retirement from his post, and we mourn his loss, not merely as a learned and whimsical friend, but as an active force in holding the Library up to standard.

Mr. Niederauer, whose death occurs just as we go to press, was a third type of Library worthy. An engineer of the old school, familiar from its erection with every nook and cranny of our great building, he performed patiently and cheerfully the manifold duties of superintendent. Always obliging, even if asked to make bricks