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CHAP. II. MATERIALS EMPLOYED. 457 steps on the south front ; the flight in the middle is subdivided into three, the central portion forming an inclined slope which is covered with dragons and clouds in relief, in some cases the treads of the steps on each side are also carved with dragons in relief; the terraces, balustrades and steps being all in white marble. The same description applies to the north and south altars of the Temple of Heaven, and to those of the Temple of Agriculture.