Foremost among the public buildings is the cathedral, built in 1780, of simple and elegant design, and occupying a space of 450 feet square. In the decoration of the interior, a chaste variety is observed. There are sculptures in wood, and some fine paintings by native artists. There are
twenty-four other churches, a hospital, a university, a medical school, and a prison. Guatemala has the largest number of educational institutions of any city in Central America. Many of the wealthy people of other States send their children here for instruction.
The capital can boast of an excellent police force, at the head of which is a former member of the municipal police of New York City, the uniform in both places being the same. There are twenty-five public reservoirs and many fountains. The water is brought to the city by two aqueducts, which cost $2,000,000.
The climate of the capital is mild though changeable. April and May are the hottest months. The mean tem-
