The home of the first Company of Barber-Surgeons in London was probably where the hall of their successors, the barbers, is at this day, in Monkwell Street. The present building was erected by subscription some years after the Fire of London, which all but consumed its predecessor: a portion of the hall, of a semicircular shape, is actually within one of the bastions, still entirely perfect, of the old Roman wall--the ancient boundary of the metropolis. The court-room, designed by Inigo Jones, though small, is of fine proportions, and contains what must now be considered the chief riches of the company--a noble painting by Holbein, “Henry VIII. granting the charter to the Barber-Surgeons”--one of the finest pictures by Holbein in this country. There is also a portrait of Inigo Jones, by Vandyke; a picture by Sir Peter Lely, and other valuable paintings. The Company possesses a silver-gilt cup, presented by Henry VIII.; another the gift of Charles II.; and a large bowl given by Queen Anne. Such are some of the relics the barbers may still feel proud of, which we trust are not fated to decay; but, as this is eminently an age of revival and restoration, it is to be hoped the old hall may yet see better days; that, whatever was garnered up of old by the wisdom and prudence of our forefathers, may be wisely and liberally enjoyed by this generation, and the good work carried on and extended for a later age. The arms of the barbers are:-- Quarterly first and fourth, _sa_, a chevron between three fleams _ar_, second and third, per pale _ar_, and vert, a spatula in pale _ar_, surmounted of a rose, _gu_, charged with another of the first; the first rose regally crowned _proper_. Between the four quarters a cross of St. George, _gu_, charged with a lion passant gardant, _or_. _Crest_--An opinicus, with wings indorsed, _or_. _Supporters_--Two lynxes _proper_, spotted of various colours, both ducally collared and chained, _or_. _Motto_--“De præscientia Dei.” If we were privileged to direct our thoughts to other lands, and to record the pleasant life of that admirable humourist, the barber of Southern Europe, we might hope to add a little sunshine to these pages. Who enjoys life better than Figaro--who is as well entertained--who is half as entertaining? Ah che bel vivere! Che bel piacere per un barbiere di qualita, Ah bravo Figaro, bravo bravissimo fortunatissimo. What a lively, sensuous, _al fresco_ life he has of it at Naples; content, without the semblance of property of any kind; in action, free as the breeze; and in spirit, buoyant as a wave. Ah che bel vivere!