Although the building in its present form was designed, as well as carried out, in a singularly short space of time, this could not have been accomplished but for the great amount of thought and labour which had been previously bestowed upon the subject. In order, therefore, to trace the whole of the progress of the design, it will be necessary briefly to advert to the early labours bestowed upon the project. On the 5th of January, 1850, the Royal Commission for carrying out this great scheme was gazetted; its first and second meetings, which were respectively held on the 11th and 18th of the same month, were entirely devoted to preliminary arrangements, and determining the mode of conducting its proceedings. Among the most urgent matters calling for the attention of the Commissioners, the subject of the building early presented itself, as it was of the utmost importance that the longest possible time should be allowed for its erection; and, accordingly, at the third meeting, held on the 24th of January, the following noblemen and gentlemen were appointed to act as a Committee for all Matters relating to the Building. His Grace the Duke of BUCCLEUCH, K.G., F.R.S. The Right Hon. the Earl of ELLESMERE, F.S.A. CHARLES BARRY, Esq., R.A., F.R.S. WILLIAM CUBITT, Esq., F.R.S., Pr. of J.C.E. ROBERT STEPHENSON, Esq., M.P., F.R.S. C. R. COCKERELL, Esq., R.A. I. K. BRUNEL, Esq., F.R.S. THOMAS L. DONALDSON, Esq., M.I.B.A. From which list it will be seen that some of the very highest professional talent in the country was enlisted on behalf of the undertaking. Labours of the Building Committee. The first point to be ascertained by this Committee was where to find an eligible site; for although they were not able at that early stage of their labours to determine the exact amount of space that would be required, they appear to have been of opinion that, from the general data before them, about sixteen acres would be necessary--an amount which has been subsequently considerably exceeded, but which was already an enormous area to be covered by one building; and in dealing with it the Committee must have felt that a very heavy amount of responsibility rested upon them, as appears, indeed, from their recommendation to the Royal Commission given below. After about a month of attentive deliberation, the Committee made a report upon this part of their labours.