University of Virginia Library

THE HORTICULTURAL BUILDING.

Oil the farther shore of the lagoon, and facing for its entire length on the water, with an ornamental boat landing leading up to the grand entrance, through beautiful flower terraces for out-door exhibits, and past tanks for tile growth of semiaquatic plants, stands the building erected for the display of the world's flora. Its design is a central pavilion, With two end pavilion.,, each connected with the central one by front and rear curtains, arched with glass and forming two interior courts. These courts are planted with many varieties of ornamental shrubs and flowers arranged against all artistically painted background. Under the crystal dome, one hundred and eighty-seven feet in diameter, and rising one hundred and thirteen feet, are arranged the tallest palms, bamboo, tree ferns and other tropical productions procurable.

Galleries art placed ill each pavilion. Those at either end of the building being occupied by cafés, the situation and surroundings being a particularly pleasing combination, with rest and refreshment. The cafés afford, upon three sides, a charming overlook upon the grounds, In and about this building will be exhibited almost every variety of flower, plant, vine and mail), tropical trees. Arrangements have been perfected for light, and heat if necessary, particularly adapted to each variety. The exterior walls are a pleasing pale buff color, done in "staff," and the outside terrace, sloping to the lagoon, flower strewn and crossed by promenades, makes the spot particularly attractive as a quiet resting retreat.