The usual standard by which the worth of a library is determined is that of number of volumes, and in comparing mere numbers it is often lost sight of that size is but one of a library's requirements. No less important is the proper proportioning of the collection and the inclusion of old and rare works thereby made accessible to scholars. Widener Library has held for some years the title of the foremost college library and the fifth greatest in the world. As in inevitable in an restitution most of whose growth has taken place within a comparatively few years, omissions occurred and the gift from the family of the late William Auguastha White '63, as announced elsewhere in today's CRIMSON, will fill one of the most serious of these.

The value to students of this acquisition of one hundred and fifteen quarto editions of Shakespeare is readily apparent. There are few sources as valuable as these volumes for study, not only of the texts of the great dramatist himself but of the whole Elizabethan period. From the youngest Freshman who views them in the Treasure Room to the oldest grad who still remembers his courses under Professor Kittredge, all those who love literature have cause to rejoice at a gift which enriches Widener in this ever welcome fashion.