EXHIBITION OF 1862. 
153 
and then noted that along the whole course of this inner wall, 
as well as on both sides of the nave, transepts, central ave¬ 
nue and yet other avenues, which divide the whole palace into 
vast open courts, there are lofty and spacious galleries, for the 
display of the lighter materials on exhibition, while along the 
garden side there are suits of handsome refreshment rooms, 
you will have as good a conception of the main body of the 
Exhibition Palace of 1862 as I can briefly give in words. 
The style of the interior architecture is light and graceful— 
the galleries being of iron and supported by handsome bronzed 
pillars—and the permanent decorations exceedingly tasteful and 
pleasing. In addition to this main portion, which is so well 
arranged and durably constructed that it may be allowed to 
remain for a subsequent exhibition, there were two immense 
temporary extensions called “ annexes, ” each 200 feet in width 
and 975 and 800 feet in length respectivly; the larger one of 
which is devoted exclusivly to operative machinery, and 
the other to agricultural and mining implements and products. 
These “annexes ” were continuous in a northward direction, 
of the two transepts, and their extremities were connect¬ 
ed by curved facades with the magnificent crystal conservatory 
of the Poyal Society, whose beautiful gardens, made attractive 
by inimitable lawns, parterres, flowing streams, cascades, foun¬ 
tains and statues, were thus completely enclosed. 
THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION. 
I was fortunate enough, despite the opposing elements, to 
arrive in London on the day before the opening, which took 
place according to the programme, and most fortunately too, 
on the first day of May. For the first time within the mem¬ 
ory of man, London fog was under bonds, and though it rained 
a trifle in the morning, in good time the sky cleared up and 
vouchsafed one of the balmiest and most golden May 
days the world ever saw—a day that must ever be bright in 
the memory of the thronging multitudes who were a part of 
the great occasion. ' 
The long months of patient, skilfull labor on the part of 
