Page:Abbot's Guide to Ottawa.djvu/44

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STRATHCONA PARK.

Named after that great Canadian, Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, this park is situated beside the Rideau river just south of the extreme eastern end of Laurier avenue, whnece it can be seen from the electric car. Its 13 acres was formerly the site of the Dominion Rifle Range (now at Rockcliffe), the targets being below where now stands the Isolation Hospital, the red brick building seen in the distance. A handsome drinking fountain of bronze, a gift from Lord Strathcona, is a striking object in the landscape.

SUPREME COURT.

The building which shelters the Supreme Court of Canada and the Exchequer Court of Canada lies at the foot of a bank which slopes from the western front of the West Block. The building, which is of Nepean sandstone, is pretty but unpretentious. The Supreme Court is the highest court of Canada, and has appellate, criminal and civil jurisdiction. It consists of a chief justice and five puisne judges. The Exchequer Court is presided over by a single judge, and has original exclusive jurisdiction in all actions against the Crown. These are Federal courts, but each province has its own judicial system. From all Canadian courts appeal can be taken to that great Imperial tribunal, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, sitting in London, England.

VICTORIA MEMORIAL MUSEUM.

This imposing building is situated on McLeod street, at the foot of Metcalfe street, and may be reached by Elgin street car. In design it is simple but effective. This simplicity emphasizes most successfully the massiveness and spaciousness of this impressive pile of masonry. On either side of a heavy central tower and rotunda extend T-shaped wings, while behind is a semi-circular extension for lecture amphitheatre and library. The exterior of the building is decorated with carvings in stone of Canadian mammals. The name of the building over the tower doors is elaborately carved.

The building houses the Geological Survey with its extensive natural history and anthropological collections, and the National Art Gallery. The eastern wing, on the first, second and third floors, is occupied by art, the rest of the building by the Geological Survey. On entering the building one finds one's self in a large rotunda from which one gets an impressive view of the exhibition halls on each side, and of the successive floors and galleries above. Opening off the rotunda at the rear is the spacious lecture ampitheatre.

The basement of the building is divided into store-rooms and work-rooms; on the ground floor the western halls will be devoted to collections illustrating Canadian geology and minerals, mining districts and mining products; the

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