raphical,
geological and historical subjects, together with lectures on the
natural wealth and resources of our country; its manufacturing, mining,
commercial and agricultural interests, with a great number of kindred
topics as well. The second curtain was uniform in size with the first
and with the entire series. On the same large scale, it gave a
magnificent illustration of the solar system. The background was a pale
bluish gray. The sun appeared as the central figure, surrounded by the
planets in their orbits, carefully drawn as to comparative size and
position. The whole map was colored with exquisite taste in perfect
harmony with the beautiful sky effects of the background. The skillful
work of the map maker proved especially strong in furnishing a lesson of
wholesome humility for the over-proud denizens of the little planet
Earth who, puffed up with much vanity, have for ages proclaimed the
Earth as the pivotal center of all creation. The third curtain was
simply a heavy, plain white one, perfectly fitted for the display of
stereopticon views, and more especially for the moving panoramic views
of the kinetescope, the vitascope and the biograph, which have proved
such attractive and entertaining aids to the general lecturer, dealing
with any special subject capable of such profuse illustration. The
remaining nine curtains were devoted to outline maps of the world, and
to illustrated object-lessons in the most important and interesting
departments of nature.

The side walls of this remarkable hall were wainscoted in polished hard
wood, for a distance of five feet above the floor: the remaining wall
space was divided into large ornamental panels, with beautifully
scrolled historical borders. In these panels were painted, one in each,
large maps of the States and Territories, which were drawn to uniform
scale, minutely accurate, with every post office, post road, wagon road
or cycle path plainly marked. In addition, at least twice the number of
details usual to large maps showing counties and townships, were
carefully noted. The effect of this unique educational system of
ornamentation was as interesting as it was fascinating. In harmony with
this idea, the entire length of the broad ceiling overhead was painted a
pale blue; it was divided into two large panels with ornate borders;
each panel was dotted with stars and planets in such a methodical way as
to form a complete astronomical map of the visible heavens, both