132 REPORT OF TIIE ARCHITECTS. 



unfavorable effect which these comparatively low walls would otherwise 

 produce. 



In the rear of the curtain- walls, the clerestory rises to the full height 

 of the naves, the roofs of which terminate against the side walls of the 

 dome. The dome is treated in a similar way and strictly in the same 

 character as the curtain-walls above alluded to. 



In addition to the windows in the solid masonry of exterior walls, 

 clerestory, and dome, lofty lanterns have been provided above the 

 naves and square halls so as to afford perfect light for this enormous 

 space without resorting to flat skylights, which for various reasons it 

 was well to avoid. 



These lanterns, square and oblong, together with those of the kindred 

 features of the pavilions, have been so arranged, in combination with 

 towers, groups, clerestory, and the rising dome in the background, as to 

 produce a picturesque effect iu the sky-lines of the building. 



All the masonry above ground is composed of brick-work, built with 

 air spaces for outside walls, ornamented and laid in black mortar for 

 the facing of exterior walls. To neutralize the monotony and common- 

 place appearance which could not have been avoided with red brick 

 fronts of such extent, a sufficient quantity of buff bricks, interspersed 

 with a small number of blue bricks, in the cornices have, been introduced. 



A base-course of granite extends all around the building. 



The wrought work of the main entrance, window-sills, inscription- 

 plates, copings, &c, are of gray Ohio freestone. Anything else in the 

 line of decoration is iu strict keeping with the principal designs, and 

 executed in substantial metal work. 



The floor beams, girders, and roofs consist or are constructed of rolled 

 and shaped iron. The floors are fire-proofed by brick arches and con- 

 crete. Of roofs there are no less than thirty seven ; many of them areof 

 most complicated construction. The lanterns of the ridges of the naves 

 are large enough to cover moderate-sized dwellings. 



The light but solid frame-work of all the roofs will be left in full view, 

 painted in light neutral tints. 



The covering of the metal roofs is laid upon lire-proofed gratings, sug- 

 gested by General M. C. Meigs. 



The slates are hung to iron purlines. 



The sashes all through the building are each glazed with two panes of 

 glass, witli an intermediate air-space. This is done to facilitate the heat- 

 ing of the building. 



The floors of the exhibition halls will consist of concrete, but the 

 rooms and smaller halls will, for convenience sake, be floored with Florida 

 pine, laid on concrete. 



The interior is to be plastered in sand finish, washed in tints. Its lofty 

 proportions do not require any elaborate decoration, and will thus rather 

 heighten than interfere with the objects on exhibition. 



