52 British Association for the Advancement of Science. 
dently the Prime Minister in the act of speaking, whose features 
strongly resemble those on the gems of Maecenas above described. 
Next to him is Agrippa, who is readily recognized from medals, 
coins, and statues of him. Horace also is found in the group. A 
copy of this painting was bought by Dr. Mead, and brought to 
England by him; and an engraving of it may be seen in Turn- 
bull’s Essay on ancient Painting. 
“This was the extent of antiquarian research and acquisition 
concerning Meecenas during the last preceding half century, 
when, inthe spring of 1830, a bust was found in an excavation 
made by Prof. Manni, at Carsoli, the ancient Carsuli, about sev- 
enty miles from Rome, on the Flaminian Way. 'This place is 
Situated in what is esteemed the most beautiful and romantic 
district of the Roman territory, being near the cascades of the 
Nera, at Terni, and midway between the towns of Terni, Todi, 
and Spoleto. 
“'The bust was of colossal size, the same as that presented to 
the Society,of pure Parian marble, and perfect in every feature. 
On being cleared of its inerustation, the modelling of the work 
was seen to be of that masculine firmness which characterizes 
the style of the epoch of Augustus, excelling in what is éalled a 
broad manner,—the execution that of a master,—with the great- 
est severity and grandeur ; the emaciation by age of the individ- 
ual represented being faithfully preserved. ‘The striking resem- 
blance of the bust to the gems and picture of Mzcenas, was at 
once recognized by the most eminent antiquaries and learned 
men at Rome. 
“It may be interesting to state, in further confirmation of the 
high value which has been set upon the bust, in Italy, as also 
because the circumstance enhances the gift of Prof. Manni, that 
it has been twice copied by Thorwaldsen. One copy was pre- 
sented to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and by him placed in the 
Hall of the Academy of Petrarch, at Arezzo, as being the pre- 
sumed birth-place of Macenas; the other to the king of Naples, 
who caused it to be deposited in the Borbonico Museum at Naples.” 
Objects of interest in Liverpool.—tn the museums, &c., of the 
Royal Institution, the attention is first directed to a series of 
Kena paintings, from the collection of the late Mr. Roscoe, 
ustrating the progress of the art. The department of Natural 
fine is. remarkable, and contains some rare specimens,—to 
