Page 106 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

READING LESSONS.
105
PYR1AMID, n., a structure broad at the base, and gradually diminish­ ing to a point, like a torch- ame :-in geometry, a gure whose base is a polygon, and sides triangles, the several points of which meet in one. F. and S. pyramide, om (G.) pyr or pur, re.
SuM1MIT, n., the lo iest point, the top. L. summitas, om summus,­ a contraction of supremus, the highest.
BALUSTRADE', n., a row of small columns, called balusters. Balustrade (vulgarly, banisters) means the row of little pillars supporting the guard or handrail of a staircase. F. balustrade. I. balaustro, a small pillar, said to be om balaustion, G., a ower of the wild
Pomegranate-tree; probably om a resemblance in the work­
manship.
G&ATE, n., a kind of amed net-work or lattice. 1 grata, crates, L.,
a crate, a hurdle of rods.
NrcaE, n., a recess or hollow in a wall. F. niche; om nidus, L., a nest, a shelf.
EMBEL1LISH, v., to beautify. F. embellir, om bell-us, L., beauti l. EM1PIRE, n., the region over which dominion is extended. F. empire,
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WITHOUT the gates of several great cities in China there are lofty towers, which seem chie y designed r ornament, and r taking a view of the adjacent country. The most remarkable of these towers is that of Nankin, called the porcelain tower, om its being entirely covered with porcelain tiles, beauti­ lly painted. It is of an octagonal gure, contains nine stories, and is about two hundred et high, being raised on a very solid base of brick work. The wall at the bottom is at least twelve et thick; and the building gradually diminis s to the top, which is terminated by a sort of spire or pyramid, having a large golden ball, or pine-apple, on its sum-
I mit. It is surrounded by a balustrade of rough marble, and has an ascent of twelve steps to the rst oor, whence one may ascend to the ninth story, by very narrow and incommodious stair , each step being ten inches deep. Between every story there
is a kind of penthouse or shed on the outside of the tower, and at each corner are hung little bells, which, being agitated by the wind, make a pleasant jingling. Each story is rmed by large pieces of timber, and
om paro, L., I order, I prepare.