August 18. 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
391 
the roofs of the aisles, each nave being covered by 16 cast 
iron semi-circular arches, each composed of four pieces. 
The dome is supported by 24 colums, which go up above 
the second story to a height of 62 feet above the floor, and 
support a combination of wrought iron arches and girders, 
on which rests a cast iron bed plate, so constructed as to 
receive the 32 ribs of the dome. The light is communicated 
to the dome through the lantern, as well as from the sides, 
on which 32 escutcheons, in colored glass, representing the 
arms of the Union and its several States, or the emblems of 
the different nations, will form a part of the decorations. 
The immense space on the interior of the dome will be 
painted in imitation of fresco, the principal colors used 
being red, white, blue, and yellow. The ceilings are painted 
somewhat after the Moresque style, and the guards of the 
galleries and stairs are constructed of iron. They are very 
light and beautiful, and in fine harmony with the general 
appearance of the building. 
The quantity of iron to be used for the building will 
amount to about 1,250 tons. The roof will cover an area of 
144,000 square feet. The glass for the building will amount 
to 39,000 square feet, 9,027 panes, 16 by 34 or 38 inches. 
On entering the building, the observer’s eye will be greeted 
by the vista of an arched nave, 41 feet wide, 67 feet high, 
and 365 feet long; while on approaching the centre, lie will 
find himself under a dome 100 feet across, and 118 feetliigh. 
The general mode of erection by base pieces, columns, con¬ 
necting pieces, and girders, is the same with that of the great 
Hyde Park building. But the construction of the arched nave 
and of the dome is of course entirely peculiar, and the general 
effect of the building is completely different. The London 
building was certainly deficient in architectural effect. The 
form of the New York edifice affords the requisite scope 
for a pleasing variety of embellishment, by which all 
monotony can be avoided, and allows a very economical use 
of the ground. The dome, independent of its effect in the 
interior arrangement of the edifice, will give height and 
majesty to the exterior. 
The following are the objects which the architects appear 
to have striven to combine in their plan :— 
1 The greatest possible area compatible with the ground 
employed. 
2 Perfect safety and elegance of construction. 
3 A well calculated and pleasing admission of light. 
4 A variety of coup d'ccil in the interior. 
This building will compare, in point of size, and it is 
thought of beauty, with some of the greatest edifices of the 
old world; and until the extension of the Capitol at 
Washington is completed, it will be altogether the largest in 
this country. It is hoped that it will be a great permanent 
architectural ornament to the city. 
THE BEE SEASON. 
Perhaps the present season has been the most remarkable 
for Bees known in this district for many years, the honey 
season having ceased on the 18th of June, the Bees having 
only worked and accumulated any honey on six days since 
that time. I have only had 5 swarms from 18 hives, and 
those between the 7tli and 15th of June, though there were 
many May swarms about here, within a circuit of a few 
miles. In three of the swarms, at the present time there 
may be ten pounds of honey altogether; the other two have 
died this week of starvation; the hives being full of Bees 
and comb, but not a particle of honey.—A Country Rectoe, 
Tadcastcr, Yorkshire. 
DISEASES OF POULTRY. 
EXHIBITION FEVEK. 
Now that the season for poultry shows has recurred, we 
may expect to hear frequently of the effects of this much 
and deservedly dreaded disease: its causes are evident—a 
large number of animals, fed previously to the highest 
possible condition, are crowded together under very unnatu¬ 
ral circumstances for many days, and kept in a constant 
state of excitement by the presence of visitors whose breath 
adds greatly to the impurities of the air. The result is a 
low fever of a typhoid character, similar to those formerly 
known as gaol fever, hospital fever, and diseases, which 
improved management, and ventilation Ac., have almost 
banished from the dire catalogue of human ills. It may be 
asked, what are the conditions which would tend to prevent 
the recurrence of this formidable disease? They are, 1 
believe, as follows;— 
Firstly. The refusal to admit diseased birds, and their 
immediate removal on the first symptom of illness. At the 
late London show there were birds with chronic skin diseases j 
admitted, and others labouring under profuse diarrhcea, 
which were not removed. 
Secondly. The shortening of the time the birds are kept 
at the shows. A reform has partially been effected in this 
particular: that it was needed, those who have noticed the 
difference in the appearance of the birds on the first and j 
last days of any show can testify., 
Thirdly. A less stimulating system of feeding piior to I 
their exhibition. This, however, is a matter which rests 
exclusively with the owners. If animal food, and, in 
particular, putrid greaves are employed, the degree of 
irritability set up must greatly predispose to disease. The 
owners may defend themselves on the principle that a man 
may do whathe likes with his own; but not so the managers, 
who, during the time of exhibition, give the birds the 
strongest ale, in order to keep up their appearance to the 
end of the show, careless, whether or not they die the week 
afterwards. I am not alleging that ale was given to the 
fowls at the late London summer show, for I have not taken 
the trouble to enquire; but I am fully prepared to prove that 
the plan has been followed extensively at previous exhibi¬ 
tions. I regard it as a good feature in the Surrey Gardens 
approaching show, that the owners are requested to state 
what food they wish given to the birds; and if they would 
follow my advice, they would interdict animal food and beer, 
and stipulate for a supply of grain, meal, and fresh green 
vegetables. 
Conceive, for an instant, the condition of a fowl accustom- \ 
ed to pure air and water, a green run, and nothing stronger 
than unmalted barley, suddenly plunged in a heated and 
impure atmosphere, fed on most stimulating food, and, to 
crown all, forced to undergo a three or four days debauch on 
bread and ale; and the surprize will be, not that any birds 
become diseased, but that all do not. 
The investigations which I have been making in the 
matter of poultry diseases have attracted the attention of 
several of our leading pathologists; one in particular, who is 
well-known for his most patient researches into the nature 
of typhus, and other similar fevers, is desirous of ascertain¬ 
ing the microscopic morbid appearance in fowls suffering 
from exhibition fever, as it may throw some light upon 
human pathology ; I am sure, therefore, I need no excuse in 
requesting any of our readers, who are near, soon to furnish 
me with a case or two, and, as the obligation is on my side, 
I may state that a fee will neither be expected or received. 
Tottenham Middlesex. W. B. Tegetmeiek. 
r.S. Would the gentleman, who lately forwarded mo a 
crowing silver-pencilled Hamburgh hen oblige me with his 
address, as I wish to communicate with him. 
TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
*** We request that no one will write to the departmental writers of 
The Cottage Gardener. It gives them unjustifiable trouble and 
expense. All communications should be addressed “ To the Editor of 
The Cottage Gardener, 2, Amen Corner, Paternoster Row, London .” 
Taking Honey from an Old Stock (A Constant Reader ).—The 
best time will be, perhaps, about the middle of September. If taken 
before that time the brood may not all be hatched. It may be done 
either by driving or fumigating the bees.—J. H. P. 
Mortality among Bees. —A Country Rector says, “ On my return 
home, after a week’s absence, I find two of my stocks of bees dead. Can 
