Year: 1873




A few days more will bring us to the
opening of NashVille's third grand Exposi-
ton. If success has attended these Expo
sitions in the past. and no one will contro-
vert it, there is still greater success for the
one approaching. But very few persons
have the fsintest conception of what is in
store for them. We have frequently alluded
to the decorations which are intended to
adorn the interior of the building, but in
what we have written, we have only re-
ferred in general way to the great i'm
provements that may be expected over last
year. We cannot now give our read
ers correct idea of the gorgeous spectacle
that will present itself upon entering the
building. These decorations are now being
put in place, and it is enough to say that
they have to be seen to be appreciated.
West has been equal to the emergency, and
has proved himself an artist indeed.


Around the first tier of the galleries are
to be seen the coats of arms of all the
States in the Union, executed in the most
artistic manner, and from the arches above
is suspended drapery of most magnificent
finish, relieved at times by exquisite designs
of the scenic artist. Here, the farmer with
his scythe; and there the mechanic with
his anvil. Here again is agriculture and
commerce side by side, and along further
is civilization in comparison with the scene
presented by early settlers. Designs such
as these sre to be seen throughout the en-
tire building, and visitors would find an at
tractiye exhibition in the building itself,
even were there nothing else TO be seen.


Among the additional features this year
4
resenting q scene in the Arctic re-
gions, and the other such an one as
is often seen in our own mountain country
the cliffs oyerhung with tapping trees, in
full foliage, and rocks, rising tier after ter,
with moss and running vine, presenting a
scene on which the eye can feast for hours.


At the north end of the original building,
the platform occupied by the bard at the
first Exposition has been converted into a
most enchanting scene, and one which re-
fleets the greatest credit upon the artist in
charge. At first glance, we feel IS If ap-
preaching beautiful valley, lined in front
view by trees that age has made venerable
to the sight, and whose beautifully arched
boughs and thick foliage picture retreat
of the most inviting appearance. Then
beyond this picturesque spot is the river
sparkling with sunbeams, the bridge in the
distance, the fencing around meadows
green, the country road, and other objects
which go to show the exquisite taste of the
artist in his combinations of art and ma
ture.


On the West side of the old building is a.
beautiful moonlight scene, which for gran
deur and effect is only equaled by the one
already described. immediately opposite
is a view of Niagara Falls taken from the
American side, where the bridge crosses
from Goat Island to the tower, and the bar
rem Canadian hills in the distance. These
and other views now being put up will by
attractive to all visitors.


Another new feature this year will be
the Art gallery, building erected for the
purpose of containing the fine paintings
that have been contributed. Notwith-
the spacious dimensions of the
Art gallery, the managers are afraid that il
will not be sufficient to accommodate the
articles already entered. The pyrotechnic
display this year will be inside of the en-
closure, aud adjoining the horticultural and
floral garden.


Toe Band stand has been reconstructed
and the location changed. The gentlemen
of the horns will be proud OF the taste dis
played on their stand, which is elegant in
finish and outside decorations.


Our visit to the building yesterday con-
vinced us too, that exhibitors were devotiDg
their attention to decorations, and seem de-
termined to make the different departments
which they represent. vie in point of att7ac-
ion with the magnificent splendors of the
building. Prof. Stafford, who has charge Of
the mineral department, is having erected |
miniature coal mine, where will be shown
specimens from all the different ccal fields
n this State and Kentucky.


But we will not attempt now to say more |
.bout what the Exposition will contain.
Articles for exhibition are pouring in, and |
he managers viii have their bands full |
rom this until opening day. 4