of an English frigate, by la Bayonne, a French corvette, after a desperate engagement, in which victory for once decided in favour of the enemy, opposing as, on this occasion, an inferior force. This is a picture of infinite merit, and possesses a novelty of arrangement, and strength of colouring, which I never saw equalled in any other naval representation. The subject seldom admits of much variety. The French, of course, are very much pleased with it. There are here also some curious old clocks.

It was in one of these apartments, that Prior, the celebrated poet, when secretary to the earl of Portland, who was appointed ambassador to the French court, in the year 1698, made the following memorable answer.

One of the French king's household was showing the bard the royal apartments and curiosities of this palace, and particularly pointed out to his notice the paintings of le Brun, now removed to the museum of the arts, in which the victories of Lewis XIVth are described, and asked him, whether the actions of king William were to be

seen in his palace? "No, sir," replied the loyal wit, "the monuments of my master's glory are to "be seen every where but in his own house."

Through the interest of Monsieur S-- we were admitted into a private room below stairs, in which several portraits of the late royal family have been preserved from destruction during the late revolution. That which represents the queen and her young family, is very fine, and displays all the bewitching beauty and vivacity of that lovely and unfortunate personage. Into this room no one was admitted with us. Here is a very curious piece of mechanism: it is a painting, containing two hundred little figures, in the act of enjoying the various pleasures of rural sport, which are separated from the back ground of the picture, and are set in motion by springs; and admirably imitate all the movements natural to their different occupations. A fisherman throws in his line, and draws up a little fish, a regular chase is displayed, and a nuptial procession appears, in which little figures, riding in tiny carriages, nod to the spectators. There are also s 2

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many other curious figures. It is glazed and framed; and at a distance, when its motion has ceased, it has the appearance of a tolerably good painting. We next quitted the palace, and entered upon the grand terrace, from which it makes the finest appearance.

This enormous pile of building is here united by a centre, and corresponding wings, of great extent and magnificence.

From this elevated spot, the beholder contemplates the different waterworks, walks, and gardens, which are very delightful and extensive.

The orangery is a beautiful specimen of Tus can architecture, designed by le Maitre, and finished by Mansart. It is filled with lofty orange trees in full bearing; many of which, in their tubs, measure from twenty to thirty feet high. Amongst them is an orange tree which is upwards of four hundred years old. The cascades, fountains, and jets d'eau, are too numerous to admit of minute description. They are all very fine, and are supplied by prodigious engines at Marli, about three miles distant.

Published April 19.1803 by J.Johnson S. Paul's Church Yard.