19fi THE PYRAMIDS. 



" In these, the flooring or main body of the bridge is supported on 

 strong iron chains or rods, hanging in the form of an inverted arch, from 

 one point of support to another. The points of support are the tops of 

 strong pillars or small towers, erected for the purpose. Over these 

 pillars the chain passes, and is attached at each extremity of the bridge 

 to rocks or massive frames of iron, firmly secured under ground. The 

 great advantages of Suspension Bridges consist in their stability of 

 equilibrium, in consequence of which a smaller amount of materials is 

 necessary for their construction than for that of any other bridge. If a 

 suspension bridge be shaken or thrown out of equilibrium, it returns, by 

 its own weight, to its proper place, whereas the reverse happens m bridges 

 which are built above the level of their supporters." 



THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT. 



The destruction of the Houses of Lords and Commons on the 15th of 

 October, 1834, rendered the erection of temporary buildings necessary, 

 until the plan of a splendid edifice was decided upon, equally worthy of 

 this great nation and the important purposes for which it is to be used. For 

 which object premiums were offered for the best design, and innumerable 

 were the plans, &c. sent into the Committee of the Commons in con- 

 sequence : the first prize of 1,500. was adjudged to Mr. Barry, and his 

 design selected. Our engraving will give a complete idea of the 

 river front, by which it will be seen that it is in the most elegant and 

 elaborate style of architecture; if it has a fault (and it is ungracious to 

 prejudge), it consists in its being too florid, taking into account the 

 density of our atmosphere and its situation by the river side. The 

 reputation which St Stephen's Chapel has enjoyed for more than four 

 centuries, as the place of legislation, has created a sort of halo around it, 

 so that our modern Solons have decided it to be the only fitting site for 

 their " Palavers.'' Although it may admit of a question, whether the 

 bank of such a river as the Thames be the most elegible spot for such a 

 magnificent building, there can be no doubt but that the architect, Mr. 

 Barry, has made the most of the situation prescribed for him. The 

 internal conveniences are as complete as the exterior is elegant ; the 

 latter will be a fitting and worthy companion to Westminster Abbey 

 (this is no mean praise), and, together with its broad and extensive terrace 

 on the river's bank, will form a truly legitimate object of admiration 

 and beauty. 



