Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1882-10-04
Some Big Things Continued.

The largest empire in the world is
that of Great Britain, comprising 81
557 ,65S square miles, more than six
part of the land of the Globe and
under its rule nearly six part Of the
population of the world. In terrific
rial extent the United States ranks
third, containing 3,5S0,242 square
miles, including Alaska; in population
it ranks fourth with its 50,000,000
people. Russia ranks second 1852
$40 square miles.
The highest monolith is the obelisk
at Karnak Egypt Karnak is on the
cast bank Of the Nile, Luxor, and
occupies a part Of the site of ancient
Thebes. The obelisk is ascribed to
Hatasu, sister of Pharaoh Thothmes
ILL.,, who reigned about 1900 b. G.
It's whole length is I'D feet, its weight
400 tons. Its height without pedestal,
is 10S feet 10 inches. The height Of
the obelisk in Central Park, without
pedestal, is 6s feet II inches; its
weight about l7S tons.
The Chinese wall is the largest wall
in the world. 1t was built by the
first Emperor Of the Tain dynasty,
about 220 b. c., us protection
against Tartars. 1t traverses the
northern boundary of China, and is
carried over the highest hills, through
the deepest valleys, across rivers
and every other natural obstacle
Its length is ,250 miles. Including a
parapet Of five feet, the total height
Of the wall is 20 feet, thickness at the
base 20 feet, and at the top 10 feet.
Towers or bastions occur at intervals
Of about 100 yards.
The largest library is the Bibliothe-
que National in Paris, founded by
Louis XIV. 1t contains /, 100000
volumes, 100000 pamphlets 10000
manuscripts, 100000 maps and charts,
and 100000 coins and medals. The
collection Of engravings exceeds L.
100000 contained in some 10000 vol
umes. The building which contains
these treasures is situated on the Rue
Richelieu. It's length is $40 feet, its
breadth 130 feet. The largest library
in New York, in respect of separate
works is the Astor. About 100000
volumes are on its shelves.
Among the most remarkable natural
echoes is that of Eagles Nest, on the
banks Of Killarney, in Ireland, which
repeats bugle call until it seems to
be sounded from hundred instru-
ments; and that on the banks of the
Naha, between Bingen and Coblentz,
which repeats sound seventeen times.
The most remarkable artificial echo
known is that in the Castle Of SIM
onetta, about two miles from Milan.
1t is occasioned by the existance of
two parallel walls of considerable
length. 1t repeats the report Of n
pistol sixty times.
The largest bell in the world is the
great bell of Moscow, at the foot Of
the Kremlin. It's circumference at
the bottom is nearly 6S feet, and its
height more than II feet. In its
stoutest part it is % inches thick,
and its weight has been computed to
be 443, Up pounds. 1t has never been
hung, and was probably cast on the
spot where it now stands. a piece of
the bell is broken of. The fracture
is supposed to have been occasionsd by
water having been thrown upon it
when heated by the building erected
over it being on fire.
The big bridge across the Kinzua
chasm on the Erie extension, fifteen
miles south Of Bradford, Pa, was
completed about two weeks ago, and
trains will soon be running over it.
The bridge is q symmetrical iron
structure, and is the highest in the
world, the centre span being 3O1 feet
in height, and the length of the struc-
turc is 2,060 feet. 1t was built by
the keystone Bridge Company of
Phmnixvillc, Pa. The completion Of
this bridge gives the New York, Lake
Eric and Western Railroad direct
communication TO the coal field of
western Pennsylvania.
The largest cathedral in the world
is st. Peters in Rome. From the
laying of its foundation in 1450 un-
til its dedication, one hundred and
seventy years were consumed i'll its
erection and if we include the work
done under Plus VI, three and II
half centuries passed before il was
complete, during which time forty
three Popes reigned. The Dimensions
of the church are length of interior,
613l feet of transom from wall to
wall, 446l feet height of nave, 1922
feet; of side aisle, AZ feet; width of
nave, 1889 feet; of side aisles, 33
feet; circumference of pillars which
support the dome, 253 feet. The
height of the dome from the pave
ment to the base of the lantern is 400
feet-to the top of the cross, 44S feet.
The dome is encircled and strength
ened by six bands of iron. A stair
way leads to the roof, broad and easy
enough to allow horse and team to
ascend. The annual cost of keeping
the church in repair is 10000 scudi.
New York Sun.
Al