The Columbian fountain., 1846-06-12
For the Columbian Fountain
CHEMICAL DIORAMAS.

CHEMICAL DIORAMAS.
This splendid exhibition is to remain at Ca
rusi's during. and emily during, the present
week. 1t will then take its departure for the
North. 1t is to be hoped that all the lovers Of
the beautiful and the sublime, will avail them
selves Of this opportunity to witness this, the
most extraordinary and magnificent exhibition
that has ever been presented 10 the American
public.
The splendid view of the Milan Cathedral,
stands first and foremost on the list. II is first
seen as by day light, which gradually changes
inlo the soft and mellow. light of the setting
sun, then twilight, which is soon succeeded by
the darkness Of night. Directly blaze Of light,
as from the rising moon, is seen in the sky,
throwing its beautiful rays on the tall spires Of
the Cathedral. The Cathedral and Merchants
Exchange, soon appear lighted with lamps in
the most beautiful manner. A solemn bell
strikes the hour of twelve; and numerous fig
ures are seen, which were before entirely in
visible, as if vending their way to the Cathe-
dral to attend the celebration Of the midnight
mass; while away off in the distance, the soft
strains Of melting music are heard, as if TO
charm the listener into silence and admiration.
The light Of the lamps gradually fades from
the sight, day light begins to appear, and soon
the whole painting is presented, as at first, in
the broad blaze Of open day.
What is most extraordinary in this case, is,
that as the light Of day fades away in the first
instance, The buildings seem to recede from
their first position, and when lighted anew,
stand off in the distance, in full size and pro-
portions; and SO strong is the conviction, that
you cannot persuade yourself that they are
mere paintings on canvass, as you first saw
them.
The feast Of Belshazzar is next presented,
with the immense Court OF the city Of Babylon.
This is grand and magnificent production, far
beyond the power of language to describe, and
must be seen to be appreciated. This passes
through all the variations Of light and shade,
as the former, until it is lighted up in the most
magnificent style, when more than thousand
figures are presented to view, engaged in the
worship of their various Deties and craven
Images. The mysterious handwriting is seen
upon the wall, and the Prophet Daniel, in
presence Of the assembled multitude, giving q
just and true Interpretation thereof.
The destruction Of Babylon, then follows al
sequel to Belshazzar's Feast. This picture
presents magnificent view OF the city Of Baby
Ion, the River Euphrates, and also the hanging
gardens 50 celebrated among the Greeks. Il
passes through all the gradations of light and
shade, until darkness envelopes the scene. The
light again returns, when the lurid glare Of the
Heavens, the burning and destruction of the
city, the route of its inhabitants, become indes-
cribably awful and sublime.
The last picture presented is the funeral of
Napoleon Bonapar,e. This is remarkable
production, and it relates to that remarkable
man who figured so conspcuousy in our own
times, il is calculated TO excite more interest,
perhaps, than almost any other subject that
could be presented. 1t is seen by day light, by
the light of the setting sun, by twilight, then
enveloped in darkness. Soon the lamps and
numerous chandeliers are lighted up, disclosing
to view the soldiers bearing the remains of Ma
poleon to their last resting place also, Louis
Philippe, Marshal Bertrand, and many other
distinguished persons, before unseen, and an
immense concourse of people occupying the
galleries. But this, like the others, must be
seen to be appreciated. A SPECTATOR.
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ALEXANDRIA, June IL 1876.
MEssRs. EDIToRs Warlike preparations
seem to be here, as well as elsewhere, the or
der of the day.
The steamship Massachusetts, now lying at
Janney's wharf, is being fitted up for the re-
cepion of the District battalion of volunteers,
under the command OF Lit. COL Watson, and
will it is said, sail for Point Isabel about the
18th inst portion of the battalion passed
here Yesterday in the steamboat Joseph John
son on their way to Fort Washington. They
appeared to be in high spirits, and cheered re-
peatedly as they passed the town, their huzza's
being returned by crowd collected on the
wharves to see them.
Large and spirited meetings have been held
a. tho old court room for several eveninrc pa et