The Express.
London, England, 1861-06-07 00:00:00

azoNotor AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

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%estertlay evening, at 5 o'clock, being an Lour
later than on the first occasion, M. Blondin made what the
bills called his second " cataract ascent," or aerial journey
serest the transept of the Vrystal Palace. The crowd was
very cotv.ideralile, although not quite so great as had been
expected, or as probably it will be when the exhibition is
thrown open to the shilling public. The working classes
evidently take a deep interest in the feats of the great
acrobat, fur they ycstenlay crowded every road from which
a glimpse could he obtained of the transept roof, and
cheered vociferously whenever a rent in its canvas lining
afforded them • momentary glimpse of the aerial rewsyeisr.
The audience within were much more composed than on
the brat day. They seemingly had ceased to wonder
and had begun to criticise, starting various ingenious theories
as to the moils in which each separate feat was done. The
first rapid flight across the rope went off with great spirit,
and was greatly cheered ; as was also the passage blindfold,
which, with its little simulated slip at the commencement,
. _ .

Bashed the brave and paled the timid as before, Then PM,
the great novelty of the day's performance, which consisted
a If. Blondin making his way to the centre of the rope
with a whole batterie de cuisine on his back, salting ii4OINt.
min` it on the rope, lighting a fire, and coolly cooking
a series of omelettes, each of which, as soon as
it was done, he sent down by a very rapid
mode of transit, for the inspection of his numerous friends
below. This cooking was, from first to last, certainly
a very nervous performance—at least, for the
spectate's. When M. Blondin started from the
platform, laden with his ponderous cooking apparatus, he
seemed to totter at *very step ; and we believe that he
actually met on his journey with one or two slight mei-
dente, which, with any one but • man of his extraordinary
nerve and self•paseaeion, might have proved fatal. Half
way tomusla the centre his professional white apron, which
he had donned for the cooking, slipped down and got en-
tangled in his feet. He stopped in a moment, stooped,
picked it up, and coolly tied it on In a more secure manner.
Whoa he got to the centre he established himself in busi-
ness with the greatest deliberation. First he laid down his
stove, slipping down himself gradually in front of it. Put-
ting his hands behind him, he secured it, and then made his
great pole fast in front. Having thus made a comparatively
secure platform, he turned round, and, whilst he leant Lis
breast on the pole, proceeded to cook his omelette serundera
erten. He broke his eggs with the greatest deliberation,
added his Boar, pepper, and oil, and blew the fire gently
until the dish was cooked. He once or twine burnt his
fingers, an we could see by the energy with which
he blew them, but in due time the omelette was
dressed, and one (a model one, we suppose) was
carefully lowered on a tray for inspection. It was after-
wards removed to Mr. Btrange's dining saloon, where, how-
ever, its merits suffered a little in comparison with more
substantial viand'. The getting up again was a most try-
ing ordeal for the spectators, although it seemed to hays
neither danger nor difficulty for the performer. Fastening
his stove on his back as before, ho rose slowly and steadily
to his legs, and with his pole beautifully balanced, marched
off steadily to the platform. The cheers were deafening as
this last crowding act was completed, ►nd M. Blondin, seem.
ingly still quite fresh, bowed repeatedly in acknowledge
meat. As on the previous occasion the aristocracy mustered
is great numbers, and crowds of young ladies surrounded
M. Moodie, and followed him to the train, congratulating
him on the successful termination of his performance.