In the plans of country residences which appear from time to time in the Horticulturist and other rural journals, there is often a room marked as the Library, which presupposes the owner to be possessed of a collection of books, and that he desires a place for them. But, aside from the fact that this apartment has its assigned corner in the general plan, little is said of it, and one would infer that its importance, as compared with the other rooms, or with the surroundings of the dwelling, was of small account. Believing that it deserves more attention than is usually given it, and that its consideration is one of those topics which properly comes within the scope of a work " devoted to Rural Art and Rural Taste," and with the hope that one or two articles upon the subject can be made interesting, the writer proposes to speak of the library of the country residence.

Books are an indispensable accompaniment to every well-ordered house. They are silent friends that instruct us at our leisure, and by the fireside in winter, or under the shade of summer trees, they are the same true companions, wise counselors, and gentle friends. And there is a closer connection between books and the library, and out-of-door life and pursuits, than may at first be supposed, The well-kept lawn, and the naturally arranged grounds without, speak of the library within; the flower bed gives evidence of the book-shelf; and it is not often that an estimate of the one founded upon the other, fails to give the above mentioned results. The labors of the gardener and the work of the horticulturist are aided and directed by the experiences, practices, and observations of eminent men, who have recorded their knowledge in books; and having them for guides, the novice can soon be master of the art, in a degree at least sufficient to enable him to work with correctness and industry. The physician consults his books, and by this means - by the cases there stated, and the rules laid down - he is prepared to give advice or to apply the knowledge gained to similar cases which come within his practice. The country resident is similarly placed.

He consults his books, they direct his labors. If he stumbles or falters, they assist his plans. When the day's labor is over, they are ready, with their stores of accumulated wisdom, to minister to his enjoyment, and furnish him with an amusement at once a source of instruction and a high intellectual pleasure.

This much having been said, as a sort of preface, let us enter the door of the library room. Its size should correspond with the wants of the occupant, and the general arrangement, extent, and character of the whole dwelling. It may occupy a retired part of the house, and that part which commands a less extensive and commanding view of the grounds; for, as its greatest attractions are within, and as the highest source of its pleasures are to be found in its delightful volumes, so less regard to outside views can be had, and its position in the plan of the house placed in accordance with this design. The room may also be occupied, at times, as a family sitting-room, if the extent of the dwelling is not such as to admit of a room for the purpose of a library. The finish of the room should be plain, not elegant. A table or desk for writing, two chairs, a sofa, and cases for books, are the necessary furniture. Leaving a general description of all but the latter, to be decided by the taste and means of the owner, a few words will be said about bookcases.

There are various forms and sizes in which these can be made. If the library is somewhat extensive, a good plan is to have a separate case for each general department. If this plan is followed, such cases should be finished into the walls, the dimensions to be regulated by the number of volumes in each department, but more by the space allowed for them between the windows, doors, etc. They should extend down to within three feet of the floor, and up as far as necessary to correspond with the proportions of the room. If the size and position of the room do not allow cases of this description, there can be a larger case occupying that part of the room remote from windows or doors, and being of sufficient size to accommodate the entire collection. If made in this form, there can be drawers or small closets occupying the lower part of the case, and they will be very useful for storing pamphlets, unbound papers, and other matter which is worthy of preservation. We doubt the necessity of having doors to the cases, although, as a general thing, book-cases have doors with glass corresponding to the width of the shelves. They look well, but are, nevertheless, inconvenient, and should be abandoned; besides, books look much more inviting when not shut up in a close case.

Dust will accumulate, and glazed doors are not an absolute preventive; the work of dusting and arranging is also far more easily accomplished without, than with them. If ornament is not de-sired, a good plain case is made by having each shelf independent of itself in the form of a box, with handles at each end for removing them, and placing them upon each other. An advantage of this plan is, that in case of fire, each shelf can, with its contents, be immediately removed, and thereby saved, when in other eases they would be consumed. Doubtless, a book case constructed in this way can be made ornamental, although it does not generally admit of so much finish as oilier forms.

The wood of the White Cedar, (Thuja occidentalis,) although it is difficult to be obtained of any great size, is the best material for the construction of book cases, as the peculiar odor is offensive to moths, which often seriously infest large collections of books. Next to this, Black Walnut, and Bass or Linden, are the most desirable.

[A most important and interesting subject, too much and too long neglected. B. treats the subject in a manner calculated to invite attention, which we hope it will receive. A good library is an inestimable treasure. We hope B. will continue in extenso a subject so well begun. - ED].