The columns on which the interior end of the vault rests, are decorated with grotesque or vulgar subjects.

A dogmatic intention seems to have presided over their composition.

It would be well for travellers to begin the inspection at the bottom, with the _Aristoteles equitatus_ (a subject which has already been treated on one of the choir statues in the Cathedral of Rouen) and reach by degrees a pair embracing in the manner which both Lucretius and _l'Amour Conjugal_ have recommended.

The greater part of the intermediary subjects have been removed, to the despair of seekers of comical things, like ourselves; they have been removed in cold blood, with deliberate intent, for the sake of decency, and because, as one of the servants of his Majesty informed us convincingly, "a great many were improper for the lady visitors to see." CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAUX.
A something of infinite suavity and aristocratic serenity pervades the Chateau de Chenonceaux.

It is situated outside of the village, which keeps at a respectful distance.