Palais Royal.

PALAIS ROYAL.

ORIGINALLY designed as a palace for the Duke of Orleans,—the centre of attraction in Paris,—is of an oblong form, with a handsome Arcade, under which are shops, (where dealing is rendered, to say the least, very unpleasant and irksome, from the universal spirit of unconscionable exorbitancy) affording a glittering and gay outward display of temptation in a variety of shapes,—and, when lighted up at night, shining with tenfold lustre, by means of reflectors placed in front of them.

Above, are spacious apartments, some appropriated as gambling, billiard, and coffee rooms; and dancing, music, &c. are carried on in others.

Beneath the shops, are cheap dining-rooms, Cafés, and Caveaux; also, a spacious theatre, where rope dancing, &c. are exhibited,—the tiers and pit being fitted up with chairs and tables, at which the spectators regale themselves with refreshments called for—in return for their free admission.

In the centre, is, the *Pavilion of Peace*,—a great resort for its excellent ices, &c.—some persons are seated, reading, others taking a cooling saunter near a fountain which usually plays in the centre, but not seen here;—

“A friend, a book, the stealing hours secure,

“And mark them down”

Pour passer le temps!