a remarkable contrast, can be admired in the following engraving.

The building to the right of the spectator is the modern Palace, that on
the left the ancient Dandolo Palace--each splendid in its own style--and
the one in the distance is the famous Palace of the Doges.

To describe the interior of these two handsome edifices is very
difficult, but the accompanying engraving, which represents the
_Atrium_ of the Palazzo Dandolo, with its magnificent ducal
staircase, will give some idea of their beauty. Around this Atrium are
a number of fine halls and offices, with the water-gate opening on to
a side canal with a marble landing-stage for the gondolas. Near to the
water-gate is the _Railway Office_ (a convenience possessed by
no other hotel in Venice), where tickets can be taken and luggage be
registered without any trouble to the traveler. Next this is the
luggage office.

Opposite the land entrance is the _Porter's Lodge_, where one or
more porters are always to be found at the disposition of travelers. On
the left hand is a _Post Office_ with, for the greater security of
all correspondence, a Government letter-box; and close by, the _Bureau
of the Hotel_, with offices for the _cashier_, for _money changing_,
and for _Bank business_.

Opposite the grand stairs is a luxurious _Smoking Room_, its walls
hung with rich material, and furnished in Oriental comfort and style,
with an _American Bar_ leading out of it. Next it, are two spacious
_Reading and Writing Rooms_, containing the principal newspapers
and illustrated publications of the world.