In this class the importance and number of the paintings inserted on the lid compel us to subordinate the principal to the accessory. Often the most superb miniature is set in a simple tortoise-shell box, hooped and lined with gold; and a piece of goldwork of exquisite workmanship bears a mediocre copy from some second-rate artist. At the present day research has brought forth from their hiding-places portraits of the highest interest, - the microscopic and lively scenes painted by Blaren-berghe, the miniatures of Hall, Augustin, and Saint; and these wonders of art are secured henceforth against the destruction with which many of them were threatened. The Lenoir collection contains one of the most curious Blarenberghes which can be imagined : it shows the Duc de Choiseul, minister for foreign affairs of Louis XV., at work in his cabinet. Seated before a desk, the statesman is receiving papers from the hands of his secretary, whilst a valet de chambre is laying out on a couch the costume and decorations which the minister is about to put on to attend the court. In the composition we see the Greuzes, the Wouvermans, the Van Ostades, the Gerard Dows, the Paters of the Duke, who was a lover of pictures, forming the collection. The painting bears the date of 1757. Other pieces by this master may be instanced, even after this; they comprise foreign scenes, marine subjects, and views of towns, for wc know he excelled in every style. Thanks to the Lenoir bequest, and to the marvellous pieces in the cabinets of the Rothschild family, of MAI. Edouard Andre, Gust, Delahaute, F. Le Contc, the Due de Richelieu, the finest paintings and the most curious boxes are now gathered together in France. Iconography has there found data of inestimable value, and there we meet with so many perfections that we grow indulgent towards the eccentricities of a fashion which has given us so many beautiful things.