12 
ROOM VII. 
MSS. 
SALOON. 
In the press under No. XIX. of the Cottonian 
library are deposited ninety-four volumes of ex¬ 
tracts, transcripts, and notes, chiefly relating to 
the Exchequer, collected by Thomas Madox, Esq. 
historiographer to Queen Anne and King George 
L, and bequeathed by his widow, as an addition 
to the Cottonian library. 
On the table, in a glazed frame, is the original 
of the Magna Charta, belonging to the Cottonian 
library ; and on the side of it is a fac-simile en¬ 
graving of it, by Pine.—Against press XXL of 
the Cottonian library is the original of the arti¬ 
cles preparatory to the signing of the great 
Charter, perfect, with the seal: presented Anno 
1769 by Earl Stanhope. 
THE SALOON. 
The dome of this apartment, painted by the 
above-mentioned La Fosse, represents the birth of 
Minerva. The landscapes and architectural deco¬ 
rations are by the same J. Rousseau who painted 
in the staircasej and the garlands of flowers are by 
John Baptist Monoyer, the most eminent flower 
painter of his time. Over the chimney is a full 
length portrait of King George II., by Shackleton. 
This apartment contains the principal Collec¬ 
tion of Minerals of the Museum, systematically 
arranged, the more characteristic specimens 
being deposited in the table-cases, and the re¬ 
mainder in the drawers underneath. In the ar¬ 
rangement 
