executed by Signor Persico. The principal or central figure, elevated on a platform, represents the Genius of America holding a shield, inscribed with the letters U. S. A. in her right hand. Behind is a spear. Her head is crowned with a star, and turned towards HOPE, who stands on her left, with her elbow resting on the stock of an anchor, and holding in her hand a part of her drapery. America directs the attention of HOPE to JUSTICE, holding the Constitution of the United States in her right hand, and in her left the scales.* Near her is an eagle in the act of winging her flight at the command of America. All these figures are colossal, and, considering the nature of the material, which is sand stone, do much credit to the skill of the artist. The entrance to the grand Rotundo, from the floor of this portico, is ornamented with two light and beautiful figures in stone, in the attitude of crowning with laurel the bust of Washington, which is placed immediately above the door. On each side of the main entrance are two colossal figures in marble, representing WAR and PEACE, executed by Mr. Persico.

The figure of PEACE occupies a niche on the left of the main entrance, and that of WAR one on the right. They are both protected by a semicircular iron palisade, and both colossal. PEACE holds in her left hand a fruit-bearing branch of the

* A part of the arm of this figure, together with the Constitution she held in her hand, from the action of the frost or some other cause, gave way a few years ago, and fell on the steps of the portico and was broken into fragments.

olive, which she is extending towards WAR, while with her right she gracefully points to her bosom, indicating her sympathy for the condition of mankind. Her countenance beams with sweetness and benignity. Her form rests gracefully on her left foot, her right knee being a little contracted, while the whole figure is beautifully draped.

WAR is represented in the attitude of listening to PEACE, his form resting on his shield, and his head somewhat inclined towards his companion. One hand rests on his sword, and the other leans on his shield. He stands with firmness, yet at his ease, and his costume is that of the ancient Roman. The toga is thrown over his shoulders, with a tunic or kirtle extending as low as his knees, the border of which, with his belt, is richly ornamented with the symbols of the victims offered to him in sacrifice. His countenance is firm and sedate, without any indication of rage or fury. His features are more Roman than Grecian, and his whole form exhibits great strength, physical power, and activity.

Both these figures are original compositions, and intended to represent the idea of the people of the United States on the conditions of peace and war. Like the group in the tympanum, those figures were executed by Mr. Persico, by order of Congress. This artist is now engaged in Italy in executing two groups in marble to ornament the blocks on each side of the staircase of the portico. One is to represent the discovery, and the other the early settlement, of this country.

We now enter the

This magnificent apartment is in the form of an ancient Grecian theatre, ninety-five feet in length, and sixty feet in height to the most elevated point of the ceiling, and occupies nearly the whole area of the wing, from the second story upwards. Twenty-six massive columns and pilasters of Potomac marble, or breccia, standing on a base of sand stone, the capitals of which are of Italian marble, executed in Italy, support a magnificent dome with painted caissons, to represent that of