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204 So we may bid farewell to the pictures. The whole collection is an eminent example of the merits and defects of the eighteenth century galleries. If it is not, nor ever has been, a rubbish-heap, there is a vast deal of rubbish in it. Pictures crowd the walls which were bought because they were popular, but which were not meant to "live." But with all its defects, the collection is that of a king; and not many a palace anywhere can show so many striking pictures.

To have opened it to the public is a service for which the British people, students as well as sightseers, owe to Queen Victoria a debt of very genuine gratitude.