AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 409 



Here were rooms for the professors, assistants, aud students of the Ob- 

 servatory, The fifth and sixth stories were especially devoted to the pur- 

 poses of the Observatory, and private study in the grand problems relating 

 thereto. 



On the roof, at the four corners, were turrets opening downward to the 

 Observatory rooms, and crowned with rotary cupolas, by means of which 

 the astronomers might safely direct their instruments to any part of the 

 heavens, without inconvenience from the weather, 



, On the roof were several pluviameters, for ascertaining the quantity of 

 rain, and two anemometers, which indicated the direction of the wind upon 

 duplicate dials ; one pair of which was in the Observatory room, and the 

 other in the lecture room below. 



Above this pavilion rose the tower, ascended by winding stairs within, 

 having platforms at three several heights, with exterior balustraded pro- 

 menades. Next above was a circular apartment, presenting on the 

 northern, western, southern and eastern faces dials, marking the hour to 

 citizens. 



This was crowned with a dome, in manner and for purposes similar to 

 those on the turrets described, and under the direction of a principal, with 

 assistants, one of whom (by reason of the advantages of this position) was 

 charged with the special and constant duty of city watch, who, by a 

 speaking-tube, and also by telegraphic wires, was in easy communication 

 with the fire and police departments on the first floor, and through them 

 with all the city. 



The northern pavilion was for purposes connected with a new order of 

 city interests, for a detailed description of which reference should be had 

 to the Caen Stone Series, This temple of science had also a central pa- 

 vilion, bearing a lofty tower, upon each of the four corners of whicli stood 

 colossal statues. 



On the south-west angle stood Washington, ever hopefully regarding the 

 full development of the institutions of freedom in these United Hepublics, 



On the south-east stood Fulton, gratefully beholding the triumphs of 

 steam navigation, emanating from this city, the future centre of the com- 

 mercial world. 



On the north-west stood Clinton, looking complacently at the enlargement 

 of our canals and the extension of his sagacious schemes ; not did he view 

 with a jealous eye the ship canal from Buffalo to Lake Ontario. 



On the north-east angle stood Morse, joyfully contemplating the success 

 of national and international telegraphs, recijjrocating the movements of 

 thought. 



Mr. Stetson. — The edifice should be central as to population. That aa 

 theaters are usually located by the proprietors with that view exclusively, 

 we may well follow their example. 



Mr. Seeley. — Broadway, lower part, best. That the edifice should be 

 made more attractive, and do more public good, by clubs, lectures, library, 



