THE CASINO AND PIER.

     All visitors to the Exposition, it is safe to say, will inspect the CASINO AND PIER, and not only inspect them, but enjoy thoroughly the delights which they, together with their surroundings, afford. The PIER is eighty feet wide and extends 1000 feet out into Lake Michigan from the eastern extremity of the Grand Court or avenue running from the ADMINISTRATION BUILDING to the Lake. Along the shore, on either side of the PIER, are broad, beautiful promenades, where thousands of visitors will throng in the intervals of sightseeing in the Exposition Buildings.

     From the shore promenade they will walk out on the PIER to the beautiful CASINO at the extremity.

     The CASINO is a composite structure, embracing nine pavilions and was planned by its architects, BURLING & WHITEHOUSE, of Chicago, to be a representation of Venice, on a small scale, in the waters of Lake Michigan. Accordingly, its architecture is of the Venetian order. The CASINO is built on piles, and measures 180 by 400 feet. With the exception of the central pavilion, which rises to the height of 180 feet, the pavilions are two stories high, rising eighty feet from the water. There is communication between the nine pavilions, both by gondolas and bridges. Completely surrounded by water this structure, with its fleet of boats and numerous water-ways, presents a decidedly Venetian aspect. Surrounding the central pavilion runs a gallery fifty-six feet wide. At the west end of the PIER stand the thirtee'1 columns designed by Sculptor ST. GAUDENS to represent the Thirteen Original States. In front of the CASINO is the harbor for small pleasure craft.

     At night this harbor is lighted by incandescent lamps sunk beneath the surface of the water on floats. The material of the CASINO is of wood and the walls are covered with "staff." A striking combination of high colorings is effected. Within the pavilions of the CASINO are various conveniences that contribute to the comfort and enjoyment of visitors.

     Fanned by the cooling breezes of the Lake visitors may sit and listen to the strains of excellent music, may partake of light refreshments, may look out upon the vast expanse of water and watch the going and coming of gaily-decorated pleasure craft, and the heavily laden passenger steamers plying to and fro between the PIER and the City, or may turn shoreward and survey the throngs of promenaders along the beach, and the magnificent array of Exposition palaces and other attractions, The PIER AND CASINO constitute one of the most popular of Exposition resorts.