Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-11-16
IFoR THE STAR
EXCURSION FROM WARRINGTON.
BosroN CoNMoN.


EXCURSION FROM WARRINGTON.
Ne. 3.
BosroN CoNMoN.
The pride Of every Bostonian first claimed
our attention. We were much disappointed
in our FIRST view, there being no flowers or
shrubbery in the whole grounds. The bills,
valleys, and trees resembled the country very
much gravel walks, 80 called but which were
as smooth as q foor-very different from the
disagreeably stony walks IN Lafsyette Square,
and other public places in Washington-ran
in every direction, shaded by the 'lords Of the
forest" A stand for the band, which We were
told played for the citizens twice week, and
the s'frog pond, completed our first observa-
tions But, after visiting it several times, it
began to improve in our estimation, until we
began to be as enthusiastic in its praises as the
- Bostori-.s themselves. 1t contains about 800
trees, anoug which is the famous elm, under
vhich the Indians concluded treaties among
themselves and the white men, in the early
history of the country. This elm has been the
especial care Of the city for many years; 1t has
been doctored and nursed with all care to pre-
serve its life. A few years since it was split
in two by a severe gale Of wind, and we be-
held it carefully wrapped up with sail cloth
and bound with iron hoops, to teep soul and
body together. There were left only few
leaves and branches, looking vigorous and
thrifty, and the prospect now is that it viii
stand many years. II was known when the
Pilgrims landed a. the "0ld Elm"
Recently the Bostonians have laid out new
park, on the Neck. Its dimensions are small,
but the fountains, the flowers, and shrubbery,
tastefully arranged, and the two shaded ave.
nues, leading to il from opposite sides, make
it q pleasant resort, which Is now attracting
the more fashionable part Of the city in their
evening promensdes.
On our return from this park, we visited the
haa iful In ha
centre Of the room was q fountain, issuing
from the mouth Of a fish, rising above the rail-
irg in the gallery, and falling again into the
basin below, where gold fsh sported among
the stones piled on each other quite naturally.
Around the basin were two rows of plants,
many of them in blossom, rising nearly 10 the
ceiling, from which hung nearly twenty cages,
containing canaries, from whom came such
strains Of music that we were tempted to be-
lieve ourselves really in the country. The
room was Of circular form, with q single row
Of tables around 1t, richly furnished with sill
yer. The effect Of the whole was exceedingly
pleasant.
MERCHANTS EXCHANGE. ss-
In this fine granite structure we found the
daily papers from every part of the Union
The people were continually passing in and
out 30 that during half an hour there must
have been hundreds in the room, reading the
latest news. Most of them appeared to be
way to their place Of toll.
Another object Of great interest in Boston is
the
AQUARIAL GARDENS,
Under the charge of Mr.. Cutting, q gentleman
who tames his animals through kindness This
is said TO be the largest collection of sea ami
mails in the United States In a large open
cistern near the center of the room were some
seals- One Of these lay on his back and made
believe sleep, and snored at a word from his
keeper Another, named sBsnnie, - performed
sundry feats, astonishing TO Us, for we had
supposed them very stupid. He bathed like
the ladies, shook hands with them, bowed 10
them, and finally played Fishers Hornpipe on
q small hand-organ, to the great amusement
Of the spectators, turning the crank slowly at
first, so that We could distinguish every note,
but suddenly growing animated, he turned 30
rapidly that il would be impossible for the
nnost nimble feet to keep up. He was taught this
in three weeks, without receiving single blow
Passing from this, we observed a large glass
eistern containing great number of shell-fsh
Of various kinds, and in the same cistern, Q
man-eater shark, about twelve inches long II
was hideous looking FISH, its mouth extend
Ing under the head almost to the neck-he at
tracted considerable attention. In one of the
smaller cases we saw q tiny sea-horse, resting
on bunch Of grass in the water, but on being
reused he rose to the surface, exhibiting fac
SImiIs head and neck Of horse in miniature.
We noticed that through all the cisterns or
cases Of water, a stream Of air was constantly
passing; in some much more rapid and in
larger streams than others, depending on the
ability of the animal within to consume air.
Never did have so vivid conception Of the
beauty in the sea, as when beheld these sea
animals. No pen or pencil san describe them
Besides these, in separate corners Of the
room were other objects of interest-in one
was the Happy Family" consisting of dog,
japanese cat, rsccoon, two or three mon
keys, rats, mice, &C., all sleeping quietly To-
gether. In another, was q cage containing q
boa constructor, a spotted adder, and an ALI
gator. Mr.. Cutting opened the door, patted
the latter on the head, telling him ''he did not
know anything" and coaxed the spotted ad-
der out so far, that be twined himself round
his arm, and nestled his head on Mr.. Cuttings
neck. We were told that when first brought
here he would dash his head against the glass
whenever any person passed. In the third
corner were two kangaroos, who exhibited
much pleasure in their keepers society, by
sparring with him, showing to u.s. for the first
time, some intellect and activity. We had
supposed this animal stupid, requiring the
whip Of q Dan Rice to awake him into life
even, but it required q skillful, active boxer
to save bis head from severe blows. This was
q very interesting part Ut .he exhibition.
Near these was q cage containing several
varieties Of owls. Their large eyes and feather
horns, gave them very wise appearance; but
they were exceedingly cross, hardly allowing
any one 70 look at them. There were SO many
objects Of interest that il would have taken
weeks to look at them all carefully.
The establishment Is shortly to be removed
TO building fitted up In handsome style, at q
great expense, in Central Court The room Is
fitted up in the style Of a theater, with stage,
pit, two tiers Of seats, proscenium boxes, DC. /,
all arranged for the especial purpose Of exhib-
iting living curiosities. Prof Agassiz has been
invited 10 deliver the opening address. Alto
gether this is the finest aquarisl exhibition
nov in this country. 1t opens an entire new
world TO every one, and must furnish material
FOR thought for months and years after seeing
Its wonders In no better way can the lower
orders OF animals be studied. Their habits
and characteristics may here be fully seen and
carefully studied Mr.. Cutting has certainly
conferred great benefit on the American peo-
pie ey establishing this interesting exhibition.
ArHESEUx.
Art has home in Boston. The collection
Of statuary and paintings is very extensive.
There are about one hundred pieces of stat
uary and upwards Of three hundred ns;rtinos