e end of
1878.

In restoring to this part of the edifice its former appearance,
it has highly augmented the effect produced on the inward aspect
of the Cathedral; now also may be decided the question, hitherto
doubtful, of the exact time at which the chancel was built; with
certainty, it may already be said, that it was not erected, as
was often affirmed, in the time of the emperor Charlemain.

[Illustration: Astronomical clock.]

In removing the superfetations that had taken place during these
two last centuries, and in reestablishing the architectural forms
that the wretched style then prevailing had concealed, a
succession of large ogive arches of an admirable and powerful
proportion which form the inferior part of the Apsis, and support
a gallery serving as a basis to the upper story, have come to
light. On this story, which is separated from the _cul-de-four_
(spherical vault) by a single moulding, are three large ogive
windows, the middle one of which is of colossal dimensions, and
between the columns below are in a symmetrical manner placed, on
each side, the doors of the treasury and chapter-room, and in the
centre lies the bishop's throne, the niched vault of which is
still more richly decorated; between the intermedial arches are
the staircase doors leading to the gallery.

The _Apsis_ is not very deep and terminates by a segment, cut out
of a masonry work outwardly square; entirely devoted to the
sanctuary, it only contains the high-altar, the twenty four
stalls of the chapter and a necessary room to perform divine
worship. In 1878 an accompanying organ has been erected on the
left side. This beautiful instrument, made by Mr. Merklin, the
skilful organ-builder of Lyons, is a masterpiece of art and taste
that enhances indeed the chancel of the Cathedral. In front and a
few steps lower down lies the chancel, destined to the inferior
clergy and choristers. This chancel surmounted by a large
octagonal cupola, the external part of which was struck by
lightning in 1759, is placed at the intersection of the transepts
and nave; open and lighted on all sides, one can admire the
boldness and majesty of the columns and basis that support the
arched roofs. The cripta or subterranean place, extending under
the whole length of the chancel, is worthy of notice; it has also
been recently restored. It is of an older order than the
constructions of Erwin of Steinbach; it is perhaps the remainder
of the edifice erected