6 



of Montague ; which was opened to the public in 1753: 

 since which, many and great additions have been made 

 by donations and purchases. 



This noble edifice, which is situate in Great Russell 

 Street, is in the Parisian style of architecture, was de- 

 signed, it is said, by Peter Puget, who was sent from 

 Marseilles for the purpose. It has since been neces- 

 sary to make very extensive additions, which are now 

 nearly completed, from designs by Mr Saunders. In 

 the eastern wing of these new buildings, on the ground 

 floor, is deposited the Royal Library ; over which is the 

 Long Gallery, containing minerals and secondary fos- 

 sils. The western wing contains the Grand Central, 

 Egyptian, Phygalion, and Elgin Saloons ; and the end 

 building, connecting the two wings, is devoted to other 

 antiquities, comprising the Mummies, &c. 



The Ground Floor 



of the whole building, including the old as well as the 

 new, besides ten rooms containing the Greek and Ro- 

 man Antiquities, the Four Saloons, Royal Library, and 

 Medal Room, consists likewise of sixteen rooms in 

 which are deposited the Old Library of Printed Rooks, 

 the number of which are fast increasing, from the ne- 

 cessity which authors are under of presenting one copy 

 of their work, within one month after publication. 

 These rooms, the range of which may be seen in per- 

 spective through a glass door in Room 5. of the Galleiy 

 of Antiquities, are not open to the public generally, ex- 

 cept under certain regulations. Admission is gianted 

 to the 



Reading Room, 



which is open every day from 10 till 4, except on Sun- 

 days, the Christmas, Easter, and Whits un weeks, 30th 

 of January, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the 5th 

 of November; as well as any Fast or Thanksgiving 

 Day. Those desirous of frequenting this room are re- 



