The Ottawa Free Trader

The National Library at Washington—We give the following description of the hall of the congressional library at Washington, from the Union, of the 25th ult:

The first impression, as you look around, is one of chastened pleasure. The whole work, to the most minute part, is iron, and yet, so splendidly is it painted and gilded, so elaborate and rich are the ornaments, that you can scarcely credit the fact. The ceiling composed of immense iron plates looking like massive blocks of brown panel work, is most artistically constructed so as to combine strength and beauty in the most perfect harmony. This is the only entire ceiling on the earth. Running through the centre is the sky-light, which is elegantly ornamented with a cluster of stars, numbering some hundred perhaps as many as we may yet number stars in our celebrated Noah are the two long galleries—all iron—the pillars the lattice work of the balustrades, the balusters, the scrolls the iron the shelves, the alcoves and the steps by which you ascend. No thing of the kind can be more perfectly beautiful than the moldings of the ceiling. They represent elaborate carving with golden festoons of roses and glass clusters of grapes are interspersed among their niches. The ceiling was done by Messrs. Jas. Bogert & Co. of N.Y. and really reflects great credit on their taste and judgment. The brilliant velvet carpet with gold adorn the doors of the hall galleries and alcoves, were also made in New York and were procured expressly by Messrs. Loggett & Downs of this city. The furnishing arrangement is the handiwork of Mr. L. F. Clark of Washington, and he may well be congratulated in regard to it. This Library now comprises some 25,000 volumes and is destined to be much increased. One great improvement is the facility with which the shelves can be reached. The alcoves are so constructed that no ladder or steps are needed to reach them. The alcoves and cases are so united as to afford ample room for promenading, and the politeness of the Librarian and his assistants at once render every visitor at home. We are requested to state that for the present, the Library will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.