INTERIOR OF THE MINING BUILDING.—There was much in the Mines and Mining Building the value of which was not apparent save to the expert, bit there was a great deal there also which was glitteringly attractive, and a great deal that was curious even to the casual visitor. The display of gold and silver made from some of the states was striking, as were the exhibits of precious stones from different countries, and the great monuments of coal were as impressive in their way as they were graceful in form. Of course a statue of solid silver modeled in the likeness of an actress and widely advertised would attract more people out of the average throng than would a specimen of perfect building stone, but, lacking in neither class of features, the Mines and Mining Building held its own pretty well, considering the great counter-attractions the Exposition offered. How the interior appeared to the eye shows in the accompanying illustration, a bird’s-eye view from the southwest corner of the building and extending over a large area of the exhibits. The Mexican exhibit is prominent in the immediate foreground, that country, so rich in mineral resources, making a fine showing, while, just across the broad central aisle, Montana, Utah, Idaho and California are bravely prominent. A little farther to the north, Germany, Great Britain, Michigan and Missouri occupy the four corners about the central open space on the main floor. The coal and marble monuments loom up as sentinels here and there and give variety to the scene. The earth certainly gave forth lavishly of its treasures to enrich the stores of the Mines Building.

Other Pages from PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR.