Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-02-09
Familiar Letters from Europe.
NUMBER FOUR.

while the weather was so favorable and befor
returning to America, make second visit there.
One day was devoted to St. Cloud, few mile
from the city. Taking the cars, we soon reache
it, and at the appointed hour were admitted int
the palace, which is the summer residence of tn
| Emperor, and which he is now beautifying TIL
apartments are we'll furnished and ornamented witt
| fine specimens of Gobcn tapestry. This tapestr
is SO beautifully executed, that at little distanc
it has every appearance of fine painting.
Amused ourselves walking through the ground
and ascending the observatory-where we obtained
fine vew-untl about four o'clock, when tn
water works were put in operation, and afforded I
beautiful spectacle. They play only every secont
Sabbath and of course crowds resort there fo
their Sunday enjoyment We returned to Paris ii
one of the little steamers which are constant,
plying up and down the river Seine.
The "Conservatore des Arts ct DIES Meters
may, to an inventive mind, prove highly interest
ing. 1t is much the same as our Patent Office
containing beautiful models of every description O
invention.
To the lover Of that gerry rare and much es
teemed plant tobacco, l would suggest visit te
the National Mandatory of Tobacco. 1t is ar
immense building, affording employment for $500
laborers, 400 Of whom are women. Saw the
tobacco in its primitive statestill in the imported
hogsheads of Virginia and Kentucky. Though
not the most pleasant odor for the nasal organs,
still it was quite interesting to visit the different
apartments. The prettiest process is making the
cigars and cigarettes; and one would be astonished
to witness the great speed and nicely with which
the men weigh, pack, and ticket the tobacco
This is government property, and every man must
have license who deals in the article
The admirers of art will find much to interest
them in the mandatory of the Gocblin Tapestry
1t is truly astonishing, even to one progressively
disposed, to witness to what perfection they have
carried that art In former times it was so rare
and commanded such high prices, that it adorned
only kings palaces; and even now, it is confined
to state apartments. One hundred and twenty
men are employed in the mandatory; and not
their constant labor, some pieces
require from five to ten years work to complete
them. The operatives are poorly paid for their
toll.
The lovers of nature may be highly grati6ed by
visiting LIE Jardin des Plantes. The grounds are
Notwithstanding hot houses Of rare plants
while the museums may interest one for hours
The zooogist will find abundant material here for
study and investigation. Saw cedar of Lebanon,
planted in 1734--a noble old tree.
Visited the Pantheon, very old church, but a
plendid structure and very rich il the interior.
The painting in the dome, by Gros, is considered
masterpiece. Assembled the dome-the highest
deviation in Paris-which afforded US a fine view
# the city and its environs. Descended into the
aults where ere the tombs of Votaire Rousseau,
nd others In the center are two circular passages
7here there is very fine echo which repeats the
mallest sound. Had very amusing old guide,
rho for a small fee showed us the wonders of the
over regions.
Could not gain admission into LIE Palais Royal,
- =" d"o 1@oo'y cCSA lCPoAlCu uttcu up rs d
esidence for Prince Jerome and Prince Napoleon.
was formerly the residence of Louis Philippe,
nd was devastated by the mob in February, 1s4s |
he grounds rather pleasant, though far inferior
, Others there. 1t is almost surrounded by cafes,
ONE of which are considered the best in Paris
We dined in one Of them-enjoying at the same
me the delightful music Of fine military band, |
'hich plays in the Square every evening at seven
clock. ,.-.
Well, We bid farewell to Paris for short time |
t least. Took the cars-had fine ride-reaching
yons late in the afternoon. Merely passed
trough that place, and continuing our journey
lat night, reached here the next morning about
travelled in twenty-five hours, a
stance of 53S miles. Passed through fine,
bling, well cultivated country; and from Lyons
ere, devoted almost entirely to the grape and
i've. In Aoignon, that ancient city Of the Popes,
e wsre shown their old palace, nop used for bar
lcks. From thence the river Rhone, down to
rles, is picturesque and beautiful. just before
aching this city we passed through tunnel full
mile in length.
Marseilles is a dreary place, having few attrac.
ons, but still bearing an active business appear
Ice. The only object worthy of notice, is an
lmense rocky hill, upon the summit of which is
little chapel, called Notre Dame de Ia Garde
hich contains an image of the Virgin Mary, held
great veneration by the superstitious sailors The
alls are curiously decorated with the little contr-
lions Of grateful sailors. Daubs of paintings
presenting shipwrecka, ostrich eggs, models of
Ups, old cast off clutches Of grateful cripples-
longer lame-and bits Of rope by which men
ire saved from drowning. The. view from this
1 is very fine; the city lies beneath, the bills on
e side, and the deep blue sea on the other. The
Prads" is handsome walk and drive by the
side, cut out of solid rock from the verge of Z,
} mountain, some fifty feet above the water
m which the view of the shipping of SO many {
lions is exceedingly interesting.
Rode out into the country, visited an olive grove
d vineyard. When we returned, were detained
ew moments, by an officer at the gate of the
=, who examined our carriage, which amused
not little. This is done all through this
mtry, to prevent smuggling of goods from one
= to another.
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