20 



alterations in the internal arrangements can 

 never be so extensive as to affect the question of 

 increased space to any considerable degree. And 

 on the other hand, the limited accommodation that 

 may be thus gained, may greatly interfere with 

 the appropriation of other parts of the building, 

 and render more useful changes impossible. 



The upper portion of the western end of the north side 

 (Plan II., 33) might, perhaps, and according to circum- 

 stances, be transferred to the Department of Prints and 

 Drawings, whilst the whole length of the ground-floor on 

 that side might be available for Antiquities. These sug- 

 gestions are submitted to invite discussion. It may be ob- 

 jected — ] St. That the lower presses here alluded to would 

 have to be broken up. 2nd. That alterations would be 

 required in that part of the main-building for the admis- 

 sion of additional light. 3rd. That by removing the 

 books before specified into the new building, less space 

 would remain for future additions. With respect to this 

 point, it may be observed that by leaving the books in the 

 galleries of the North Rooms, the removal of the volumes 

 below might be easily accomplished ; that not only that 

 portion of the walls which is above the galleries would be 

 utilized, but that the space over the upper presses, now 

 lost, might at any future time be also occupied by octavo or 

 smaller volumes, whilst all the presses in the new building 

 can receive books of various large sizes. Again : the 

 presses in the galleries might easily be made two or three 

 inches deeper, as has been done in the Department of MSS, ; 

 in which case they would admit quartos and even small 

 folios. The space, now wasted, above the upper shelves 

 in the Department of MSS., might, when wanted, be also 

 made available. 



