The Sun.
London, England, 1865-12-21 00:00:00

THE °ENS EAL PALACE.

In addition to the thousand and one attractions
of which the Crystal Palace may fairly boast, a
wonderful gymxiast is likely to be installed there for
some time to come, if the ability he displayed in hiS
trial trip yesterday be thought worthy of an engage-
ment, which a discriminating public will ratify.
Italy supplies the new wonder, who ascends a long
spiral platform by propelling up the narrow path
a large ball on which he stands, and on which he
immediately descends by the same difficult and
narrow road--a feat which seems to be by far the
more difficult. The spiral platform, in the shape of
a corkscrew, is built on the platform in front of
the great orchestra, and thus will be in full view of
the many thousands of spectators who will assemble
during the Christmas holidays. Signor Ethardo,
the person who accomplishes the exceedingly do-
cult task, has been favoured with royal patronage,
for at the Dante festival at Florence he appeared in
the presence of King Victor Emmanuel, who ex"
pressed his high approval, while his IVlajesty's sub-
jects burst into a frantic fit of enthusiasm, which, it
appears, baffled all powers of description. Italian
sensitiveness was also carried to such a height that
the music was stopped, for fear the vibration should
cause the gymnast to make a false step. Now, it caw
not be said that a sensation-loving London audience
is likely to give way to any such weakness, and t°
express any such fears for Signor Ethardo.
Cer-
tainly the large assemblage at the Crystal Palace yes"
terday displayed no particular anxiety for the per"
former's safety, though they were not backward in
applauding him as he arrived at the various stage°,
of his tortuous and narrow pathway, as he reached
the small circular platform at the summit, and as he
finally descended in safety. The globe on Ng/hied
this extraordinary performer works his way up an
down is 30in. in diameter, and 90in. in circunafer
ence. The width of the winding platform is 12in.!
and flat, with no groove or protection of any acsry
to assist the ascent or descent, and the height of the
spiral column is 50ft. ; the incline winding from tilt.
base to the capital of the column is upwards of 1813 f a
in length. The globe is constructed of wood an
iron, without any indiarubber, gutta percha, or °that
adhesive material to assist the Signor in his difticel
task.

Tredegar Agricultural Society.
--- -4)--
NEWPORT, Tuesday'
The annual meeting of the Agricultural Societyf
established at Newport, under the fostering care ei
Lord Tredegar, opened to-day, but shorn of one
its chief features of attraction in the exhibition of
cattle. Owing to the prevalence of the rinderPesc,
it was determined by Lord Tredegar, some Oil;
since, to exclude from the exhibition all 305
stock, and subsequently it was thought better t°
extend that prohibition also to sheep and swill„ne.
The exhibition to-day, therefore, was confined 0
horses, poultry, and implements, but the largo
entries in these classes made up in a great measabro
for the absence of the other animals. Nearly' 15
horses were enteredin all the classes, and the judge
were occupied until the afternoon in awarding to
prizes. The judges of horses were Lord Comber
r,,
mere, Mr. J. P. Smith, Wick, near Worcester, D": 0
Fothergill, and Mr. Higgins. Mr. Palling v`'
4
secretary. The most numerous class of entries 1:%;
for weight-carrying hunters, for whichthe prena°,l.,
was £2O, given by Messrs. H. and IV. Powell, Dci'e..
Richard Stratton, of the Duffryn, Newport, Was
dared the winner among 17 competitors. , „ft Di
The other chief prizes were :—Silver cup, gtf-,,,,
Lord Tredegar for the best yearly cart colt or fiwoot
Mr. Price, Newhouse, Langstone ; £5 for the bp
2-yr-old cart colt or filly—Mr. Thomas Thomas' li,
Hilary, Cowbridge ; silver cup, given by Mir: ,--
Gratrex, for the best 3-yr-old cart colt or'fi"la
Mr. Rees Williams, Penkelly Castle, Brecon ; sicot
cup, given by Mr. Samuel Homfray, for the best , ot;
stallion—Mr. R. Griffiths, Cross Keys, Llantriss.:oo
silver cup, given by Mr. IV. Herbert, for thec;io;
nag mare and colt—Mr. W. Stratton, Lech
silver cup, given by Mr. J. E. Rolls, for best -1" 0
—Mr. J. Jones, Cefullogell ; five guineas Wcop,
best cob--Mr. T. F. Lewes, Newport ; silver° best
given by Mr. J. W Wynne Holford, for 01,0 e
yearling colt or filly got by a thorough-bred
—Mr. T. Watkins, Abergavenny.
The attendance was very numerous, n° and
standing the unpromising state of the weather'
an occasional scud of rain. ds ad"
The poultry-show was held in the cattle she alto"
joining the horse-show ground. There Nver.;bitecl
gether 270 entries, and among the birds Ow. 010
were some very superior ducks and Cnebill•si nearly
unti
part of the exhibition was not opened
one o'clock.
The dinner was held ill the evening, Lordlire-
depr in the chair.