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164 to such sights, to look upon them without extreme disgust. Half the face of the Hippopotamus, which holds a conspicuous place among these rarities, is consumed or disfigured by the animalculæ which it has produced; and similar depredations have been committed to a greater extent on most of the quadrupeds in the collection. The specimens of the mineral kingdom, which are numerous and elegant, are well arranged in this apartment in handsome mahogany cases, and to the most remarkable of them is affixed a technical description.

We saw both these halls and their contents to great disadvantage, for a number of carpenters were at work in them, making alterations and improvements; and, consequently, the statues, beasts, &c. were in disorder and confusion. When the improvements are finished, which are to a laudable extent, and will be attended with a considerable expence, the collection of natural history and antiques will appear to much more advantage than they at present do, and particularly is proper pains be taken to clean