EIFFEL TOWER

a structure named after the originator, one of 88 EIGG the sights of Paris. It surpa es the Washington Obelisk, (555 feet), by 430 feet. (The loftiest strueture in existence, the Empire State Building, New York, is 1248 feet.) It cost about £260,000, and was erected partly at the cost of the State, partly by funds provided by Hiffel himself, who formed a company for the purpose. The company derived its profits from the fee which visitors had to pay, but the tower became the property of the State in 1909. The top may be reached by stairs and lifts. The first stage or platform is at the height of 189 feet, and forms a quadrilateral 213 feet square, fitted up as a restaurant. The next platform is at the height of about 380 feet, and is 98 feet square. The third platform is at the height of 906 feet, and is large enough to accommodate a good number of persons, affording a magnificent view. The lantern higher up is supplied with powerful electric searchlights, and on the very summit is a small area utilized chiefiy for scientific observations. The tower has been utilized in experiments connected with the fall of bodies, vibration of the pendulum, and pre ure of the air. In recent years the tower has become an important wirele telegraphy station. IMG:fig089_1.jpg: