3.] It is of earlier date than any of the others, being taken from a slab belonging to the North-west Palace at Nimrud, and is remarkable in many ways.

First, the want of symmetry is curious, and unusual.

Irregular as are the palaces of the Assyrian kings, there is for the most part no want of regularity in their sacred buildings.

The two specimens here adduced (No.II.and No.

III.) are proof of this; and such remains of actual temples as exist are in accordance with the sculptures in this particular.