PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR. AN ELABORATE COLLECTION OF COLORED VIEWS
Page 35 – THE FISHERIES BUILDING
THE FISHERIES BUILDING.—Quite unlike any other structure on the grounds, yet so situated and so constructed as to blend with the harmonious whole of the Exposition, the Fisheries Building afforded a striking example of an obstacle overcome by architectural genius. The space allotted to the Fisheries was irregular in form, and in what was considered an unpromising locality, but the novel building erected was as symmetrical in ground plan as striking in exterior treatment. The greatest length was three hundred and sixty-five feet, the terminal pavilions were one hundred and thirty-five feet in diameter, the area covered was over three acres, and the total cost was 825,000. Nearly six hundred feet of glass front were shown, and the collection of fishes and other marine creatures were something remarkable. The tanks wherein sea fish appeared were supplied with condensed salt water brought from the Atlantic Ocean. An odd feature of the building was its exterior ornamentation, the columns and arches being almost covered with frogs, tortoises, eels and similar creatures, all symbolical of the object of the structure. The Fisheries proved an exceedingly popular resort for visitors, and on all great days at the Fair there was a constant procession of a multitude beside the tanks, loud in admiration of the strange or beautiful inhabitants of the water there given a temporary home. The exhibit was decidedly the most remarkable ever seen in this country, and had the effect of awakening general interest in the progress of fish breeding.