Numerical experiments with the {\sf LANCELOT} package (Release A) for large-scale nonlinear optimization A.R. Conn, Nick Gould and Ph.L. Toint Report 92/16 Abstract. In this paper, we describe the algorithmic options of Release A of {\sf LANCELOT}, a new Fortran package for large-scale nonlinear optimization. We then present the results of intensive numerical tests and discuss the relative merits of the options. The experiments described involve both academic and applied problems. Conclusions are finally proposed, both specific to {\sf LANCELOT} and of more general scope.