The churches in this country exhibit the widest variety of style. Trinity Church in New York was the first Gothic church erected in America, and Trinity Church in Boston, one of the latest churches of importance, is also Gothic, though of the variety called Norman Gothic, and considerably varied. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of New York, and many others of less magnitude, might be cited as a proof that American architecture is advancing, and that we may speak hopefully of its future. Railroad depots and school-houses of certain types are among the most distinctive and characteristic American edifices. The first, especially, are being constructed more nearly in accordance with the ancient principle of suiting the structure to its uses than are any other buildings that are worthy to be considered architecturally. Art museums and public libraries, too, now form an important feature in both town and country, and, in short, the beginning of American architecture, for that is all that can be claimed for what as yet exists, is such as would be the natural outcome of a nation such as ours--varied, restless, bold, ugly, original, and progressive. All these terms can be applied to American art, but in and through it all there is a promise of something more. As greater age will bring repose and dignity of bearing to our people, so our Fine Arts will take on the best of our characteristics; as we outgrow our national crudities the change will be shown in our architecture, and we may well anticipate that in the future we shall command the consideration and assume the same importance in these regards that our excellence in the Useful Arts has already won for us in all the world. [Illustration] GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS. _Abacus._--The uppermost portion of the capital of a column, upon which rested the weight above. _Aisle._--The lateral divisions of a church; more properly, the side subdivisions. _Amphitheatre._--A round or oval theatre. _Apse._--The semi-circular or polygonal termination to the choir or aisles of a church. _Arcade._--A series of arches supported on piers or columns. _Arch._--A construction of wedge-shaped blocks of stone or of bricks, of curved outline, spanning an open space. _Architrave._--(1) The lowest division of the entablature, in Classic architecture resting on the abacus. (2) The moulding used to ornament the margin of an opening. _Base._--The foot of a column or wall. _Basilica._--Originally a Roman hall of justice; afterward an early Christian church. _Buttress._--A projection built from a wall for strength. _Byzantine._--The Christian architecture of the Eastern church, sometimes called the round arched; named from Byzantium (Constantinople). _Capital._--The head of a column or pilaster. _Caryatid._--A statue of a woman used as a column. _Cathedral._--A church containing the seat of a bishop. _Cella._--That part of the temple within the walls.