Mr. Penrose, the present architect to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s, a short time ago examined the beautiful carvings in St. Paul’s Cathedral, and he was able to state that they have not hitherto been attacked by worms. “Some portions had been broken by violence, but the state of preservation was marvellous.” Mr. Rogers also observed that “he was greatly and agreeably surprised--contrary to his expectations--to find the carvings in St. Paul’s in so good a state of preservation, and so free from the attacks of insects; but such was undoubtedly the fact. How it was so he was not able to say.” Why was this? Well, Sir Christopher Wren was a wise man, and when he erected St. Paul’s Cathedral, he engaged an experienced mason to remain at the Portland stone quarries, whose duty was to select every block of stone for the Cathedral, and when it arrived in London it was placed _on its natural bed_. The good results of this precaution can now be seen in the good preservation of the stone at the present time. If he was so careful of the stone for the walls, no doubt equal care was taken in the selection of the wood for carvings. Besides, the _instructions_[36] to the commissioners for rebuilding St. Paul’s were drawn up with a view of preventing decay. The following is an extract from these instructions: “And to call to your Aid and Assistance such skilful Artists, Officers, and Workmen as ye shall think fit, and to appoint each of them his several Charge and Employment; to minister to such Artists and Officers, and to all and every other person and persons to be imployed in the said service, to whom you shall think meet, such Oath or Oatlis for the due performance of their several Duties, Employments, Offices, Charges and Trusts to them or any of them to be committed as shall by you be thought reasonable and convenient; and out of such Money as shall be received for this Work, to allow to them, and every of them, such Salaries, Wages, and Rewards respectively as to you shall seem fitting and proportionable to their Employment and the Service they shall do.”[37] Sir Christopher Wren was descended from Dutch ancestors: he was building for a Dutch king, and we therefore perceive the reason why so much Dutch wainscot was introduced by him into England.