Among the relics of special interest to Americans because of their association with historical personages, we beheld the well preserved carriages of Daniel Webster and James Knox Polk.
A conspicuous feature in the central court was a model of the largest steam hammer in the world, utilized in the manufacture of armor plate for vessels.
On entering the PALACE OF HORTICULTURE north of the Transportation Building, our organs of sight and olfactory nerves were equally affected by the dazzling and odoriferous display of exuberant flowers and fruitage. Had it been admissible, we would have been glad to put our organs of tasting in active operation, likewise. For, we longed to try the relish of some of the exquisite pomological exhibits, whose multiformity was too immense to be portrayed in a pen-picture. Fruits of every form and description, sent from all zones, climes, and countries were represented here. Many of the exhibits were maintained at a high standard by being constantly replenished with fresh fruits at great expense, particularly the Californian citrus pyramid, comprising 31,150 oranges.
The richly decorated court planted with ornamental shrubs and flowers, led to the center pavilion which was roofed by a huge crystal dome. This translucent cover transmitted the light and sunshine necessary for the floricultural display beneath. Stately palms, tall tree ferns in great variety, and gorgeous specimens from the flora of almost every section, formed an immense pyramid of shrubbery. The luxuriously growing vines entwined their tendrils around the iron-work of the building, adding greatly to the beauty of the panorama. This superb spectacle recalled to memory Horace Smith's "Hymn to the Flowers." In one of its fifteen stanzas, the poet exclaims:
"Not useless are ye, flowers, though made for pleasure,
Blooming over field and wave, by day and night:
From every source your sanction bids me treasure
Harmless Delight."
We descended a cavern, extending underneath this magnificent flower exhibit. Our scrutinizing eyes met with quite novel features. We observed that the grotto was lined with glistening crystals from the mammoth cave of South Dakota. Emerging again to broad daylight, we bent our steps southward to that portion of the building, where the silver model of the Horticultural Hall and the miniature Capitol of the Country compelled the admiration of the beholder.
The south pavilion encompassed the displays of viticulture. Representations of actual scenes in the vicinity of California vine-yards— wine cellars—cool grottos—and a highly ornamental fountain throwing sprays of wine, constituted the most attractive domestic scenes.
A picturesque panorama of the vine-clad banks of the Rhine with its romantically situated castles—reminiscences of feudal times—formed a portion of the German wine cellar exhibit; also comprising an excellent display of Rhein- und Moselweine.
Of the foreign wine-growing countries, the most attractive contributions were made by Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Chili, New South Wales, and Canada.
We abandoned the building in order to view the floricultural out-of-door exhibits, which covered the large spaces on the lawns adjoining it and the Wooded Island.