ght of two stories.

The _Library_ is a large and lofty room, fifty-five feet by thirty-one and
a half, and twenty-three and a half high, divided by a screen of columns
and pilasters of scagliola, into two unequal parts, the first forming a
sort of ante-library to the other; both are surrounded by bookcases of oak,
and a gallery runs round the whole, above which is another range of
bookcases.

The principal light is obtained from a large lantern-light in the ceiling;
but there is a range of windows (double sashed, and glazed with plate
glass) towards Chancery-lane, which also admit light into the lower part.

All the floors in the building are made fire-proof, generally by being
arched with brick; but that of the Library is rendered secure from fire by
the ceilings of the vestibules underneath being formed of real stone,
supported on iron girders and bearers, and divided into panels and
compartments after the manner of the roofs of the peristyles of the
ancient temples.

There are three entrances from Chancery-lane: that in the centre is
exclusively for members, and leads to all parts of the building; that on
the right for persons going to the Registry Office; and also for persons
having to speak to members; that on the left leads down to the Office for
the deposit of deeds, and to the strong rooms.

The second division consists of the _Hall_ and its appurtenances. It is
above thirty feet high, and fifty-seven feet and a half long; and on each
side it has wings or recesses, behind insulated columns of scagliola, in
imitation of Egyptian granite. Within these, and at the back of the
columns, are galleries; the staircases to which are concealed in the
angles. There are three fireplaces in the Hall; one in the centre,
opposite the principal entrance, and one in the centre of each of the
recesses. The Hall is lighted by a lantern-light forty feet long and
twenty-four feet wide.

The third division is next Bell-yard: it is subdivided into two parts. In
the first of these are three entrances from Bell-yard. That in the centre
is exclusively for the members; that to the left leads to the staircase to
the Secretary's apartments; and the other, to the right of the centre, is
for strangers to enter who have business to transact in any of the rooms
appropriated to public business. On the ground floor of this part of the
third division is a large Committee Room, and an ante or waiting room
adjoining, and the great staircase t