2 
Library of 
Printed 
Books. 
books cannot convey either instruction or 
amusement.* 
The companies, on being admitted accord¬ 
ing to the regulations, are immediately conduct¬ 
ed up the great staircase, the decorations of 
which have been lately restored. The paint¬ 
ings on the ceiling, representing Phaeton peti¬ 
tioning Apollo for leave to drive his chariot, 
are by Charles de la Fosse, who, in his time, 
was deemed one of the best colourists of the 
French school; and of whom there are many 
valuable performances in France, among which 
are the paintings on the cupola of the dome of 
the Invalids, which are ranked among the admi- 
randa of Paris. The landscapes and architectu¬ 
ral decorations are by James Rousseau, whose 
particular skill in perspective has, at all times, 
been held in high estimation. 
UPPER 
* An Alphabetical Catalogue of this Library was printed in 
the year 1787, in two volumes folio ; but as great accession? 
have been obtained of late, this Catalogue is now under revision, 
and a new edition, greatly enlarged, is in the press. 
