Everything connected with it goes on like clock-work,
however, so perfect is the system upon which it is managed. Beneath the
kitchen are the machines for warming and ventilating the hotel. By means
of these a perfectly comfortable temperature is maintained in all parts
of the house, and the smells of the kitchen are kept out of the halls and
chambers.

[Picture: FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL.]

At the end of the hall upon which the dining-room opens, are the parlors
of the house. These are among the most magnificent rooms in the country.
They are furnished with great taste and elegance, and their windows look
out immediately upon Madison Square. There are also several private
parlors adjoining the public rooms. Along the Twenty-third and
Twenty-fourth street sides of the house are corridors, not quite so wide,
but longer than the main corridor, and leading off from it. The three
constitute one of the pleasantest promenades to be found. The floors are
covered with the richest carpets, into which the feet sink noiselessly.
In the day a half twilight prevails, and at night a rich flood of
gaslight streams along their entire length.

The upper floors are occupied with private parlors, rooms for guests,
etc. There are in this hotel pleasant quarters for 800 persons, and a
greater number can be accommodated in case of necessity. There are 100
suites of rooms, besides the ordinary chambers. Each suite comprises a
parlor, chamber, dressing-room, bath-room and water-closet. The number
of permanent boarders is about 300. The transient arrivals average about
300 per day, sometimes amounting to about twice that number. The house
is expensive, but its accommodations are unsurpassed, and if one can "get
his money back" anywhere in the city he can at this hotel.

The house is mainly patronized by people from other parts of the State,
from New England, and from the West. It is the most fashionable
establishment in the city, and will doubtless hold its present rank as
long as its energetic proprietors retain the control of it.

Towards eight o'clock in the evening, the hotel presents its most
attractive features. It is full to overflowing. The lower halls, the
reading and sitting-rooms are filled with well-dressed men, guests and
citizens, who have sauntered here from all parts of the city.
Four-fifths are smoking, and the air is hazy with the "vapor of the
weed." The hum of conversation is incessant, b