PALAIS ROYAL. 481 



long and fifty paces broad. Two-and-feventy ftrong, 

 channelled, doric columns, ftand round the walls, and 

 between them runs a gallery. The columns fupport a 

 vaulting that fprings. above the galleries, and ap- 

 proaches to both fides, the whole length, to eighteen 

 foot, which aperture is terminated by an elegant 

 Iky-light, by which the hall is enlightened during the 

 day. 



Over the architrave of the pillars, the vaulting round 

 is interrupted by feventy-two arcades, running under 

 the gallery on the ground, and forming balconies, 

 from whence one looks down into the hall. Behind, 

 are fix and thirty roomy vaults for all forts of mercantile 

 commodities. 



You fee from this faint fketch, that architecture has 

 fet all its powers at work for producing a ftructure that 

 fhould be. at once majeflic^ airy, elegant, and light; 

 and from the above ftated length and breadth of the 

 grand faloon, you are able to judge that a very numer- 

 ous company may afTemble there, both above ground 

 and below. 



The undertaking was opened to the public only a few 

 days ago. All forts of conjeclures were formed con- 

 cerning its real deftination, till at length a printed 

 paper from the proprietor himfelf unfolded the plan to 

 the public. I fhall take this advertifement for my 

 ground-work, and then tell you how much of what it 

 promifes is fulfilled, and how much yet remains to be 

 performed. 



Elegant and various pleafures are there offered to the 

 public, which are to be connected with ufeful infritu- 

 Vol. 11. 11 tions; 



