Building and Grounds 253 



The main building has in the center of its north front two 

 towers, of which the higher reaches an elevation of 145 feet. 

 On its south front it has a single massive tower, 2)1 ^^^t 

 square, including buttresses, and 91 feet high. On its north- 

 east corner stands a double campanile, 1 7 feet square, and 

 measuring to the top of its finial 1 17 feet high. At its south- 

 west corner is an octagonal tower finished with open-work 

 in its upper portion ; and at its southwest and northwest 

 corners are two smaller towers. There are nine towers in 

 all, including a small one at each wing. 



In concluding his description of the plan given in " Hints 

 on Public Architecture," Doctor Owen writes : 



"I am not acquainted with any actual example yet remain- 

 ing from what has been variously called the Lombard, the 

 Norman, the Romanesque, and the Byzantine school, with 

 which the Smithsonian building will not favorably compare. 

 In so far as the architect has permitted himself to innovate 

 upon ancient precedents from the style in which he designed, 

 he has done so, in my judgment, with discretion and advan- 

 tage. ... I esteem myself fortunate in being able in this 

 book to refer to an actual example, at our seat of govern- 

 ment, the architect of which seems to me to have struck into 

 the right road, to have made a step in advance, and to have 

 given us in his design not a little of what may be fitting and 

 appropriate in any manner (should the genius of our country 

 hereafter work out such) that shall deserve to be named as a 

 National Style of Architecture for America." 



In compliance with the requirements of the organizing law, 

 the building contained provision for objects of natural history 

 and a geological and mineralogical cabinet, a chemical labo- 

 ratory and library, and gallery of art, and lecture-rooms. 



A building committee of three was appointed, consisting of 

 Doctor Robert Dale Owen, wdio acted as chairman, Mayor 

 17* 



