THE NATIONAL G 4r r.F.RT.
In the report of the Parliamentary Committee appointed to consider the- present accommodation afforded by the National Gallery, and the best means for the future conservation of the pictures, no single point is settled, or brought any nearer to settlement. The Committee does not pronounce definitely for or against the proposals either for a new building on the present site; or for removing the national collection; or for evacua- tion by the Royal Academy. Its conclusions are limited to the approval of a suggestion made by a former Commission, that the smaller pictures should be covered with glass, and the backs of all carefully protected ; aad to the following daringly original recommendations—" That in- creased. attention should be paid to the regulations as well as to the ventilation of the gallery" ; and "that the rule adopted in the British Museum with regard to the exclusion of very young children might with advantage be introduced among the regulations of the National Gallery." In short, the Committee quotes four inconclusive reports referred to its consideration, and sums up its labours with the presentation of a fifth.
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