A MARVELLOUS CLOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9125, 6 August 1888, Page 6

A MARVELLOUS CLOCK.

The Waterbury Watch Company, Hartord, Connecticut, has almost completed a large clock, which, in ite mechanism, is said to surpass the well-knowu Strasbourg clock. This clock is 18 feet high, with a base of 7 feet ; its width is 8 feet, and it is 6£ feet deep. Five years have been occupied in its construction ; sometimes four, at others five, men have been engaged on the work. Time ie indicated in the usual man ner by hours, minutes, and seconds ; in addition, half seconds, eights, sixteenths, and one-thirty seconds of a second. The days of the year, month, and week may also be taken from the dial. The number of wheels, pinions, springs, and other parts of the mechanism is legion, all of which contribute to most wonderful and amusing exhibitions of historical events. The several phases of the moon are indicated. The entire system of the planets and solar systems are shown in perfect form and in all their varied revolutions. Many hundred figures represent distinguished men of all nations. These figures are carved in wood from correct likenesses, and are said to be most complete representations. The signers of the Declaration of Independence assembled as represented in history, the Cabinet of Lincoln when the emancipation proclamation was signed, the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, several scenes at the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876, and noted scenes and historical event*, as represented in the Bible, have a prominent place. Shakespearian plays are set out with characters true to the representations of the author and the modern setting at the theatres, with dress and costume to correspond. Figures and fashions of dress, both ancient; and modern, down to the latest period, are among the curiosities. A multitude of amusing scenes will fill out the measure of this wonderful clock, which is to be exhibited in several of the leading cities of the United States. Its ultimate resting place is not yet known. The wonderful watch which is manufactured by the Waterbury Company at the rate of over 2000 a day, continues rapidly to advance in public favour. Ib takes rank at the top of the list of inventions of the century, and is highly testimoniaiised from all parts of the world.—Exchange,