Restoration Of Churches In Rome.

mains still to be done , and activity does not seem to flag in the prosecution of the task . Already has the interior assumed quite a new aspect , — less interesting , as it strikes us , than formerly . That beautiful pavement has been in great part removed , and the level lowered ; a new lighting has been securedby enlarging and adding to the number

, of the arched windows along the attics ; and above the portals three such windows , instead of the single one formerly in their place , now contribute to dispel the harmonious twilight that used to prevail . The intervening spaces of the entire attics are divided by fluted pilasters and arched aisles , these to be

eventually adorned with fresco painting , not yet in any instance commenced , nor , we apprehend , likely to prove in accordance with the more antique features of this sacred building . The coffered ceiling , one of the most splendid examples of its kind , from designs by Domenichino , is also undergoing some renovation of its profuse gilt and coloured details .

As it is determined considerably to lower the entire pavement , and that fine old intarsio work has been already in great part taken up , we now see brought to light an interesting feature of the church anterior to the tAvelfth century , and at the same time a proof that even at that latter period a modernising taste had begun to sacrifice the distinctive features of Rome ' s earlier basilicas . Where the inlaid marble

surface has been remoA'ed , near the present choir , are displayed below its level the foundations of the original chancel , advancing from the high altar nearly to the middle of the naA e , with projecting wings on each side for ambones—proof that the construction of this enclosed apartment must have been similar to that preserved to this dayhappilunalteredat

, y , S . Clemente , on the Cceliau Hill ( of the eleventh century ) , and , no doubt , like the latter , surrounded by marble screen-work Avith rich chiselling , affording ample space for the schola cantorum , in Avhich choristers and clergy were entirely separate from the laity at worshi . We infer that it was in the

p may church of the eighth century these features entered with such conspicuous character into the architectural plan , disregarded , Avith little of taste or intelligence , indeed , in the restoration of Innocent II .

The actual edifice is rich in sculptured monuments , of dates ranging between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries . Especially noticeable among them is one , under a canopy , with recumbent statue and reliefs , to Cardinal Philip d'Alencon , nepheAv of the French king , Philip le Bel , and deceased 1397 . This Avork

, together with a richly-sculptured altar near it , erected by the same D'Alencon , in honour of SS . Philip and James , being given in engraving hy Agincourt , ancl referred by him to the sculptor Paolo Romano , of the fifteenth century ; though German critics ( see the Beschreihing Boms ) assume the altar to be the earlier

, the monument a later and comparatively inferior art-work . Another monument , of the sixteenth century , has a bas-relief on the summit , the Annunciation , said to be from a design of Michael Angelo ; and above this is set into the Avail a specimen of \^ ery different arthere indeed inappropriatebut

, , intrinsically valuable , tAvo antique mosaics , attached though not belonging to each other ; one a marine vie \ v Avith barks , fishermen dragging nets , dolphins , a portico on the distant shore ; another representing

Restoration Of Churches In Rome.

aquatic birds , designed and coloured Avith much freedom and effect ; both said to have been found among the ruins , or at least on the site , of the taberna meritoria , where invalid soldiers were quartered , and therefore referrable perhaps to an early date under the Empire . It is satisfactory to perceive that the

various monuments in this church are not likely to be exposed to any clanger or disturbance from the works now progressing . St . Maria in Trastevere is a striking example of the somewhat barbaric magnificence and systematic spoliation of the antique , with aud by means of which the Mediawal raised such

popes splendid temples for cathedral-v orship ; but it may be doubted whether the edifice invested with its characteristic features by Innocent II . will gain either in religious grandeur or symbolic beauty through the renovations under Pius IX . *

Irish Giants.

IRISH GIANTS .

The two following are copies from handbills in the Banks Collection , British Museum , A . D . 1784 and 1785 -. — 1 . IBISII GIANTS . — " The most surprising gigantic twin brothers are just arrived in NeAvcastle , and to be seen in an elegant apartment , at Mr . J . Elliott's ,

opposite the Nun's Gate , Newgate-street ; who have had the honour to be seen by their present Majesties and the Royal Family , in Windsor , in November , 1783 , Avith great applause . These truly amazing phenomena are indisputably the most astonishing productions of the human species ever beheld since the days

of Goliath , as has been sufficiently demonstrated from the repeated approbation of the first personages in this kingdom , as well as foreigners of distinction ; from several of whom they have the most pressing invitations to visit their respective courts . These modern colossuses are about twenty-three years of

age , and very near eight feet high ; nor does their amazing size more agreeably surprise the curious spectator than their proportion in eA'ery respect to that stupendous height , a circumstance seldom to be

found in any extraordinary productions of nature . N . B . —Their stay will be but short , as they are on their Avay io Edinburgh . " 2 . IIUSH GIANTS . — "The most surprising gigantic tAvin brothers are just arrived in this metropolis , and to be seen at the Silk Dyer's , No . 2 , Spring Gardens , Charing Cross . These wonderful Irish iants are but

g twenty-four years of age , and measure very near eight feet high . They have had the honour to be seen by the gentlemen of the Faculty , Royal Society , and other admirers of natural curiosity , who allowed them so surpass anything of the same kind ever offered to the public . Their address is singular and

pleasing , their persons truly shaped , and proportionate to their height , and afford an agreeable surprise . They excel the famous Maximilian Midler , shown in London iu 1733 ; and the late Swedish giant will scarcely admit of a comparison . To enumerate every particular would be too tedious ; let it suffice to say