CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING.

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The magnitude of this great building elevated into serious undertakings matters Ti»e applicationwhich, "under ordinary circumstances, are accounted little more than trines, make the galleryHence machinery was applied to the formation of the entire length of hand-railrequired for the galleries. In fig. 33 is represented a set of cutters (A lig. 33),by exposure to the rapid revolution of which, roughly-shaped strips of mahoganywere instantaneously converted into smooth and cleanly rounded hand-rails (Bfiff. 33). A little sand-paper and French-polish sufficed to bring them to theirpresent excellent condition.

Fig. 33.

In summing up the description of any great engineering undertaking, it is toooften a painful task to have to record the loss of life so frequently involved.Considering the difficulties of construction, the necessary perils to which theworkmen were exposed, and their habitual imprudence, arising, partly, from realindifference to danger, and partly from bravado, it has been a source of congratu-lation that, in the performance of this contract, but very few accidents haveoccurred, and those, with two or three exceptions, of a slight nature.

Having now brought to a close our description of the building as it exists, and Conclusion,of the processes by which its existence has been developed, it remains only toreiterate our conviction that the courage, energy, and strength represented by itsconstruction should be regarded by every Englishman with emotions conducive tosome yet higher manifestation of national capability; and at the same time toexpress a hope that the products of British industry (of which the building is butthe shrine), may display, in a yet higher degree and in a yet more tangible and? al1 ®^ form, the sources of Commercial Power, so many indications of which itias een our happy privilege to trace in the edifice itself.

M. Digby Wyatt.

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