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EL RETIRO-LAS DELICIAS.

The Botanical Garden occupies a large space of ground near the gate of Atocha, in the Prado, from which it is separated by handsome iron railings. This garden is well arranged and planted, and contains every thing that can be desired in a scientific and ornamental point of view. It adds to the beauty of the Prado, and is a favourite promenade. Over the entrance gate, which is simple and elegant, is an inscription to the effect that it was established by Carlos III.

A public garden, called Las Delicias, adjoining the Prado, is much resorted to in summer.

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CHAPTER XII.

Biblioteca Nacional-Cabinet of medals-Cabinet of Natural history-Spanish academy-Conservatorio de Artes-Conservatorio de Musica-Medical colleges-Deaf and Dumb college-Foundling hospital-Public and charitable institutions-The Bolsa, or Exchange-The Post-office-Popular commmotions-Military insurrection-Heroes of the dayThe Café Nuevo-The Spy-Café del Principe-TheatresThe Boléro-Tonadillas-Gala nights-El Gallinéro-Teatro de Oriente Masked ball-Carnival scenes-Spanish ladies -A transition.

THE Biblioteca Nacional contains many treasures which yet remain to be brought to light; at least to my crude imagination it so appears; for truth to tell, though from my boyhood I had a thirst for knowledge, and an intuitive perception of its pleasures and advantages, the fountain became turbid, just when my youthful lips were inviting its invigorating stream, and therefore I cannot descant upon the merits of the volumes and other valuable con

tents of the Biblioteca de Madrid. But I visited it with an erudite and intelligent friend; and, in company with the director, saw enough to convince me that I was in a rich storehouse of learning. The searcher after Arabic lore would, I imagine, find here wherewithal to gratify his inquiring spirit.

There are about two hundred thousand volumes, and a great number of valuable manuscripts in the Biblioteca.

In the lower part of the building is a collection of medals, which the scientific functionary entrusted with its custody-I regret that I do not remember his name— was busied in arranging. His politeness was the more appreciable, because he was evidently absorbed in his fascinating occupation. It is vexing when a man has placed his hobbies before him, perhaps just about to mount one of them, and anıble off to a long-contemplated nook, it is vexing to be obliged to throw the spectacles back on the bald, intelligent forehead, and regard, with the naked eye, a stranger, to whom he cannot well refuse to exhibit generalities.

I felt this on entering the Cabinet of Medals, and apologized with sincerity for the intrusion; but was assured in so amiable a manner that the apology was unnecessary, and the action was so suited to the word, that without further ceremony I followed this unaffected gentleman in the path he indicated, and availed myself of

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his kindness in showing me the valuable contents of the different cases and drawers. The arrangement of this department of medals and antiques had been very much neglected, and the learned director was just beginning to put it in order.

Pursuing the same course as I did with regard to the National Library, I will confine myself to saying that the collection of medals is extremely valuable; and like many other valuable things and establishments in Spain has not yet been duly estimated by foreigners. It is said that there are upwards of a hundred and fifty thousand Greek, Roman, Gothic, Arabic, and other medals in gold, silver, copper, and iron, many of them being of exquisite workmanship.

The Bibliotecas of the Académia, of the Cabinet of Natural History, and of the Conservatorio de Artes, are also open to the public, and are replete with works referring to the objects implied by their names.

The Muséo de Ciencias Naturales is in the same edifice as the Academy of San Fernando in the Calle de Alcalá, and contains a Cabinet of Natural History as well as a variety of fine specimens of marble from different parts of the Peninsula. In the department devoted to the animal kingdom, is the skeleton of an enormous quadruped, named El Megaterio, discovered in Paraguay embedded in the earth.

Several mummies are to be seen in this Museum, as well as a choice collection of antique vases, some of which are formed of costly materials. A room is set apart for Chinese curiosities, such as dresses, ornaments, musical instruments, games and other things giving an insight to the habits and customs of that extraordinary people; and in another apartment are some South American arms and costumes, which would well repay examination. This establishment is open to the public on Mondays and Fridays.

The Deposito Hidrografico, and the Observatorio Astronomico are establishments of merit.

The Académia Española was instituted in the reign of Philip V., in 1713. Its principal object is to cultivate the Castillian language with purity and elegance. The general dictionary is one of its most remarkable publications. There are twenty-four academicians, and some honorary or supernumerary members.

The Academy of History, that of San Fernando, for the cultivation and encouragement of the arts of painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the Sociedad Economica de Amigos del Pais, for the promotion of national industry, improvements in agriculture, and the breed of stock, are excellent institutions; as are also the Atenéo, for scientific and literary conferences and lectures, and the Licéo, of which ladies are admitted as members. On Thursdays