quarter--(which letter is preserved in the fly leaves, but
of which I was denied the transcription, from motives of delicacy--) an
order was issued by government for the conveyance of the MS. to the
metropolis. This restoration was effected in May 1811.[112] I think you
must admit, that, in every point of view, THIS MS. ranks among the most
interesting and curious, as well as the most ancient, of those in the
several libraries of Paris.

But this is the _only_ piece of antiquity, of the book kind, in the
Library. Of modern performances, I ought to mention a French version of
OSSIAN, in quarto, which was the favourite reading book of the ex-Emperor;
and to which Isabey, at his express command, prefixed a frontispiece after
the design of Gerard. This frontispiece is beautifully and tenderly
executed: a group of heroes, veiled in a mist, forms the back-ground. The
only other modern curiosity, in this way, which I deem it necessary to
notice, is a collection of ORIGINAL DRAWINGS of flowers, in water colours,
by REDOUTE, upon vellum: in seven folio volumes; and which cost 70,000
francs.[113] Nothing can exceed--and very few efforts of the pencil can
equal--this wonderful performance. Such a collection were reasonable at the
fore-mentioned price.

And now, my good friend, suppose I furnish you with an outline of the
worthy head-librarian himself? A.A. BARBIER has perhaps not long "turned
the corner" of his fiftieth year. Peradventure he may be fifty three.[114]
In stature, he is above the middle height, but not very tall. In form, he
is robust; and his countenance expressive of great conciliatoriness and
benignity. There is a dash of the "old school" about the attire of M.
Barbier, which I am Goth enough to admire: while his ardour of
conversation, and rapidity of utterance, relieved by frequent and
expressive smiles, make his society, equally agreeable and instructive. He
is a literary bibliographer to the very back bone; and talks of what he has
done, and of what he purposes to do, with a "gaiete de coeur" which is
quite delightful. He is now engaged in an _Examen Critique et Complement
des Dictionnaires Historiques les plus repandus_;[115] while his
_Dictionnaire des Auteurs Anonymes et Pseudonymes_, in 4 vols. 8vo., and
his _Bibliotheque d'un Homme de gout_," in five similar volumes, have
already placed him in the foremost rank of French bibliographers. Such is
his attention to the duties of his situation, as Librarian,