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| INTERIOR OF THE HORTICULTURAL DOME - The engraving
has a historical value, as it discovers to the reader the methods by
which even the tallest palms and bamboos were carried toward the
vault of the high crystal dome. Within the wooded construction on
which the upper plants rest, was arranged a grotto, reproducing a
cave in the Black Hills country. The prismatic sheathing of this
cave had been torn away and was transferrd to the walls of this
wooded cavern, there to gaily reflect the many electric lights that
relieved the passage from its gloom. Between the outer palms and the
upper platform a rapid ascent was made and covered with moss and
vines. In front of the cavern's door ran a brook, and to reach the
entrance, the visitors used stepping-stones across the brook, and
began a serpentine journey to the hall of stalactites. At first,
this entrance was free; then, as the crowds increased, the fees
began, until at last, like nearly all other similar exhibitions on
the grounds, the charges became the most wonderful things that the
dark unfathomed cave or the visitor had to bear. The Department of
Floriculture was the scene of a constant clash of authority during
the Fair. The Chief, John Thorpe, who arranged all the effects and
raised the small flowers, was in open rebellion against Chief
Samuels, of Horticulture, and no sooner did the gates of the
Exposition close than Thorpe indignantly took his leave. His fame as
a botanist is very great. |
