The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-05-28 00:00:00

BLONDIN AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

The proprietors of this never-failing place of public
amusement, after providing for the festivities of the
Whitsuntide Holidays, seem determined not to be
behind-hand in their endeavours to meet the varied,
and we might also say, never satisfied tastes if the
public. They have provided for the musical world—
monster cencerts; for the lovers of nature—a garden
almost unsurpassed both in its loveliness, and the
diversity of the plants and shrubs which adorn its
walks ; for tho antiquarian and geologist—the repre-
sentation of those mighty animals whith existed before
the deluge; and to others who seek pleasure chiefly in
those works of art and twin for which we are chiefly
indebted to other lands, r • .rehouse of almost inex-
haustible treasure. Hut, lisps the announcement
that Hunting, of Niagara celebrity, is to appear
there on tiatunlay the first of June, will be hailed by all
classes, especially the lovers of the marvellous, with
the greatest delight. From a statement of this wonder-
ful Mall performances, recently issued, we extract the
following :
- - •

"Early in the Spring of 1859 Dlondin made his op-
poarance at Niagan. Falls village, took rooms at the
hotel, and began his preparations. When ho told what
ho was going to do, the people naturally considered
him a lunatic, but he persevered, and eventually
stretched his rope across Irian bank to liauk of the
river. The bank on one aide MU 160, and on the other
170 feet above the water, anal at this height was, placed
the frail bridge of • single rope. The chasm is 1,100
' feet SICTOM, and over this tremendous depth, in the
n presece of 15,000 people' Diouilin crossed safely, on
the 10th of June, being the first paiiiiime that
was ever made across the river in this manner. Ile
did not rest content with this, but proceeded to super-
aild new proofs of his courage, and of the certainty
with which he can tread lab narrow walk. On the
fourth of July, 1859, he ertwaed—his body being
enveloped in a heavy sack, made of blankets; his eye's
were consequently blind.foltled. Ile went on without
accident, and his stop seemed as sure and steady as
when he had his eyesopen. On the 13th of July, 1850, at
the Buffalo Theatre, he carried a man heavier than
himself 011 an inclined rope, from the stage to the third
tier of tlo homie, and down again. On the 16111 of
July he again cruised Niagara, whceling a wheelbarrow.
On the 5111 of August he crossed again, turning somer-
saults, and iierforming extraordinary gymnastics on the
rope. On the 19th of August, he performed the un-
precedented feat of carrying a man aCrOSII Niagara
river im his back, thousands of spectators looking on.
On the 97th of August, ho went over as a Siberian
slave, in shackles. On the 2tiil If September, lie
erosseilat night, and stood on his head amid of lilase of
fireworks.

During the summer of 1860, lie crossed the rope
many times, carrying • 11111111 on his bisek, and doing
many other dining things. fii. last performance at
Niagara was given before 111tH. the Prince of Wales
and suite, including his Grape the Duke of Newcastle,
Earl St. Germain,. the Marquis of Chandoa, Lord
Lyons, General Williams, !fajta Teesdale, Major-
General Drupe, and many other distinguished noble-
men, on the 14th of September, 1860, and in the prc.
sence of • vast multitude of spectator% who had been
attracted to witness the miraculous performance of the
wondrouslowlin, many thousands coming over two
hundred nide' to enjoy the novel treat afforded
them.