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

THE CRYS2AL PALACE.

In addition to the thousand and one attractions
of which the Crystal Palace may fairly boast, a
wonderful gymnast is likely to be installed there for
some time to come, if the ability he displayed in bis
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 diffi-
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 e%-
pressed his high approval, while his Majesty'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 can-
not be said that a sensation-loving London audience
is likely to give way to any such weakness, and to
express any such fears for Signor Ethardo. Cer-
tainly the large assemblage at the Crystal Palaceyes-
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 stages
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 which
this extraordinary performer works his way up and
down is 30in. in diameter, and 90in. in circumfer-
ence. The width of the winding platform is I.2inq
and flat, with no groove or protection of any sort
to assist the ascent or descent, and the height of the
spiral column is 50ft. ; the incline winding from the
base to the capital of the column is upwards of 180 ft
in length. The globe is constructed of wood and
iron, without any indiarubber, gutta percha, or °the:
' adhesive material to assist the Signor in his dillicill
Ltri task. •

Tredegar Agricultural Society.
NEWPORT, TuesdaY.
The annual meeting of the Agricultural Soeiel
established at Newport, under the fostering care O
Lord Tredegar, opened to-day, but shorn of one (,
its chief features of attraction in the exhibition of
i
cattle. Owing to the prevalence of the rinderpes
it was determined by Lord Tredegar, some tiniet
since, to exclude from the exhibition all nes
stock, and subsequently it was thought better. t°
extend that prohibition also to sheep and swll3,.ne.
The exhibition to-day, therefore, was confined I":
horses, poultry, and implements, but the larg:
entries in these classes made up in a great raeatro
for the absence of the other animals. Nearly I.'o
horses were entered in all the' classes, and the judge
0
were occupied until the afternoon in awarding t',
prizes. The judges of horses were Lord Con3ber
mere, Mr. J. P. Smith, Wick, near Worcester, gt'
Fothergill, and Mr. Higgins. Mr. Palling "W 3
secretary. The most numerous class of entries yr. ;
for weight-carrying hunters, for whichthe pretalti Tie,
Richard £2O, given by Messrs. H. and W. Powell, Tie,
Richard Stratton, of the Duffryn, Newport, Was

dared the winner among 17 competitors.
yen
The other chief prizes were :—Silver cup,
Lord Tredegar for the best yearly cart colt or PA- woo
Mr. Price, Newhouse, Langstone ; £5 for the bp
2-yr-old cart colt or filly—Mr. Thomas Thomas'
Hilary, Cowbridge ; silver cup, given by
Gratrex, for the best 3-yr-old cart colt or filly
ret
Mr. Rees Williams, Peukelly Castle, Brecon ; Su'eart
cup, given byMr. Samuel Homfray, for the best st;
stallion—Mr. R. Griffiths, Cross Keys, Llantrissest
silver cup, given by Mr. W. Herbert, for theci:e ;
nag mare and colt—Mr. W. Stratton, Lech od
silver cup, given by Mr. J. E. Rolls, for best P too
—Mr. J. Jones, Cefullogell ; five guineas feresp,
best cob--Mr. T. F. Lewes, Newport ; silver
5t
given by Mr. J. W Wynne Holford, for tbelibo:o
yearling colt or filly got by a thoroughbred
—Mr. T. Watkins, Abergavenny.
The attendance was very numerous, 11 and
standing the unpromising state of the weather,
an occasional scud of rain. ds ad'
The poultry-show was held in the cattle she ad
joining the horse-show ground. There were,„;bito
-
gether 270 entries, and among the birds ex . 0
were some very superior ducks and Cochitli"; pearl
part of the exhibition was not opened until
one o'clock. rd Trc~
The dinner was held in the evening, Le
degar in the chair.