unequal elevation, and resembling huge basaltic columns. The bay, or rather lake, was studded with a great variety of beautiful islands, one of them, perhaps the largest, several leagues in circumference. A number of small villages could be distinguished at intervals, and the water prospect was enlivened by a great number of vessels of different kinds."

Mr. Brackenridge notices another scene of a very different character, and contrary to every law of nature or humanity. "Below the landing at Rio there is a fountain of fresh water, conveyed hither for the aqueduct, which is constantly surrounded by a crowd of noisy negroes waiting for their turn. I saw about twenty of these miserable wretches chained together by the neck, and each one carrying a bucket of water on his head: they relieved the bodily pain or suffering, by a kind of harsh noise, not unlike that made by a flock of wild geese. I saw others hitched to carts or carrying burthens, and all screaming in the same style, producing a general effect, of which I can convey no idea."

IN

BUILDINGS AND BRIDGES.

a new country like that of North America, it would be unreasonable to expect to find Buildings of extraordinary magnificence or taste. As nations rise in im. portance, or increase in wealth and luxury, the ornamental arts receive patronage and encouragement.The attention of the people of the United States, has till recently been so generally engrossed with the idea, that Independence and Wealth are the sole requisites for comfort and happiness; that Dr. Mc. Murtrie, of Louisville, one of their own writers has been induced to remark, to know how to make money is the grand object, if a man knows that, he knows every thing that needs to be learned here, all else is deemed superfluous; and were the arts and sciences to appear in the streets, in the persons of Phidas, or Aristotle, Canova, or New. ton, clothed in the garb of poverty, they would be jostled into the kennel." There are, however, many excep tions to be made, and individuals of taste, enterprise,

and liberality, are to be found in every city of eminence throughout the union.

The City Hall of New York, we have previously noticed (Page 62,) which is considered, by many, the first building in America.

On the Southern Continent, the zeal, assisted by the great Wealth of the Spanish Roman Catholic Colonists, has raised Churches and Buildings of the most costly, and superb description.

MOUNT VERNON.

UNITED STATES.

(Janson's Stranger in America.)

TRAVELLERS, whose only business is to view the country, and make observations on the manners of the people, generally visit Mount Vernon, once the favorite retirement of General Washington, on their progress through the United States. A description of this place by various writers is already before the public, but a correct view is difficult to be found. There is nothing very striking in the design or execution of the building, but the situation, commanding an extensive prospect over the majestic river Potomac, where it is nearly two miles wide, added to the circumstance of its having been the seat of one of the greatest characters of the last century, renders it an object of attention. As a tribute of respect to his memory, vessels of war, and such as are armed, on passing, salute the house. The Mount Vernon estate is now in the occupation of Bushrod Washington, Esq. a nephew of the late general, and one of associate judges of the supreme federal court. mount is two hundred yards above the level of the water, and the house stands within sixty yards of the verge, nine miles below Alexandria, and in Fairfax county, Virginia: it is 280 miles from the sea. In front there is a lofty portico, ninety-six feet in length, and supported by eight pillars. The rear is towards the river, and it is a pleasing relief to the eye of the passenger, wearied with the succession of woods that clothe its banks. On the other side is the state of Maryland, which renders the view from the mount more delightful. There are

The

two wings to the house, and on either side is a grove of trees, the choicest of the forest. The shrubberies and gardens are laid out in the English style, and through them wind serpentine gravel walks. There is a small park of deer, some of which were imported from England, and they entice the wild American herds into their company, so that they may easily be taken.

There is in the house only one large apartment, called the banqueting room, and this was finished after the general had converted his sword into a plough-share. During his absence it had fallen much to decay; devoting his whole time to the service of his country, for which he never would accept any remuneration, it was totally neglected.*

WASHINGTON CAPITOL.

THE SAME.

(Warden's America.).

THIS edifice will present a front of 650 feet, with a

a colonnade of 260 feet, and 16 Corinthian columns 314 feet in height. The elevation of the dome is 150 feet; the basement story 20; the entablement 7; the parapet 6; the centre of the building, from the east west portico, is 240 feet. The ceiling is vaulted, and

Throughout his campaigns he was attended by a black man, one of his slaves, who proved very faithful to his trust. This man, amongst others belonging to him, he liberated, and by his will left him a handsome main tenance for the remainder of his life. The horse which bore the general so often in battle is still alive, (1806). The noble animal, together with the whole of his property, was sold on his death, under a clause in his will, and the charger was purchased by Daniel Dulany, Esq. of Shuter's Hill, near Alexandria, in whom it has found an indulgent master. I have often seen Mr. Dulany, says Mr. Janson. riding the steed of Washington in a gentle pace, for it is now grown old. It is of a cream colour, and well proportioned.

the whole edifice is to be of solid masonry of hewn stone, which, in appearance, resembles that known by the name of the Portland stone. The centre, or great body of the building, is not yet commenced, but the two wings are nearly finished. The north wing, which contains the senate chamber, has the form of a segment, with a double arched dome, and Ionic pillars. It is adorned with portraits of Louis XVI. and Mary Antoinette. Under the senate chamber are commodious rooms for the library, and the judiciary courts of the United States. The south wing, containing the hall of repre sentatives, and rooms for transacting business by committees, is of a circular form, adorned with twenty-four Corinthian pillars, behind which are galleries and lobbies for the accommodation of those who listen to the debates.

The foundation was laid in 1794, the north wing was finished in 1801, the south wing in 1807. The interior was originally of wood, which soon decayed; and to substitute stone, it became necessary to change the whole arrangement. This magnificent edifice is the joint composition of several artists; Thornton, Latrobe, Hallet, and Hatfield. From the Capitol there is a fine view of the river Patomac, of George town, and Alexandria.

The president's house consists of two stories, and is 170 feet in length, and 85 in breadth. It resembles Leinster-house, in Dublin, and is much admired. Even the poet Moore styles it a "grand edifice," a "noble structure." The view from the windows fronting the river is extremely beautiful.

In the summer of 1814, Washington was taken possession of by an English naval and land force, which set fire to the capitol, president's house, public offices, and navy-yard.

сс

CATHEDRAL, &c. OF MEXICO.

(Smith's Wonders of Nature and Art.)

THE houses of Mexico are built of brick and stone, but not very high, the country being subject to earthquakes; and as all the edifices are very convenient, so some of them are very magnificent, especially the cathedral, which was sixty years in building, and is embellished with the finest painting, gilding, carving, and other ornaments. This structure, with the cloysters and dwellings of the clergy adjoining to it, takes up a large space of ground; and the revenues belonging to it are equal to the beauty and magnificence of the buildings. The high altar is said to have cost fifty thousand pieces of eight, each piece about four shillings and sixpence English; and the chalice for the ordinary service eleven thousand, being of gold enchased, and set round with rubies. There is also an image of the Virgin Mary, which is of massy silver, adorned with rubies and pearls to the value of thirty thousand pieces of eight, and which is annually carried in procession, when a certain number of maids draw lots, for three hundred pieces of eight for their portions.

Besides the cathedral there are about thirty other tine churches, twenty-two convents of both sexes, and several hospitals richly endowed. The revenue of the cathedral is at least seventy thousand pounds per annum, of which the archbishop has fifteen thousand, besides 2 great many fines and other perquisites.

The great square or market-place already mentioned, has a piazza on the side of it, under which are some of the richest shops in the world; and on the opposite side stands the magnificent palace of the viceroy, which was re-built in the year 1698, and whose principal front is not inferior to that of the palace at Naples, which it resembles, particularly in its noble stair-case, leading to a great number of beautiful apartments: and yet the Archbishop's palace, which is built round like a theatre, is reckoned a more stately and elegant structure than hat of the viceroy.