, 1861-07-15
Ct)itago Tributte


MONDAY, JULY Is, 1861.
THE CHICAGO RxCURsIoN1srs.
Especial Correspondence of the Chicago Tribune ]
BrRsKr HOUSE, CINCINNATI, Jply II.
The prog1amme prepared by the Cincinnati
ians for the pleasure and qualification Of the
Chicago Excursionists WIS fully carried out
to-day, and more too. The weather was de-
hghtfnl for the purpose, the generous rain Of
the previous day having cooled and inylgor.
ated this naturally baked atmosphere, and
thoroughly laid the dust
TIE SUBURBAN RESIDENCE OF JACOB HoFFEER.
At 10 o'clock this morning a large majority
Of the Chicago excu1sionists, with liberal
sprinkling Of Cinciunatiani, including Mayor
Hatch, Maj. Ben Eggleston, 8. s. L'Homme-
dleu, and many others Of like note, we're On
beard special train Of the Cincinnati, Hamil-
ton and Dayton railroad, generously rendered
for their use by Messrs. President L'Homme-
dien, and Superintendent McLarren, for the
purpose Of visiting the famous classic, @sthet-
ic, suburban residence Of Jacob Hoffaer, Esq !,
at Cumnainsville, up the Miami valley The
Chicago Light Guard Band were also Of the par
ty, and discoursed some Of their sweetest music,
including, of course, all Of the National airs.
On arriving at the residence Of Mr.. Hoffner
the e1cursionists, although their visit was un-
announced, we're met at his hospitable gate
by that gentleman, his wife and daughter, In
% m Ef al rnon Tha
personal introduction to most Of the party
was performed by John Drake, Of the fremont
House, in very pleasant manner. After
which the host aud hostess conducted the
party over the grounds and through their
dwelling. need hardly 60 into detailed de-
ecription Of this beautiful home. Thoughts
and words Wou1d entirely fail me to do it
justice. Nature did great work to start
with, and any seeming defects Of that proud
goddess have been made good, and more than
good, by the exquisite taste aud deep purse of
its owner. statuAry, paintings, carvings, in
fact every species of the classic and beautiful
in art, are profusely grouped over fairgrounds
which are Of liberal dimensions-aud
throughout his dwelling, On prominent pc.
marble busts, in the best style Of the art, of
Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Webster,
Clay, Harrison, Mclean, and other dead states.
men, while resting beneath are crouching lions,
antelopea, dogs, with figures Of gladiators,
In attitude, the all OF which, as the show bills
always have it, '.must be seen to be appre.
ciated." But the crowning work of nature
in this paradise, and whnt excited the greatest
is q Sacred H1lna" tree. This in
teresting relic has enough Of history to make
a large volume. It is more than one hundred
and fifty years old. 1t first became celebrated
just after the Revolutionary War, as the prop.
erty OF Robert Morris, Of Philadelphia, the
celebrated revolutionary inancier, and it was
sold while that great man was an inmate Of o
cf debtors prison, to Iquidate debts which
he had incurred In behalf Of his country. It
afterwards passed through various hands,
until it finally became the property OF Mr.
Hotfler. about twenty-five years since. The
plant is asensitive one, and has to be treated
with sgreat care, attention being paid to
heat and cold. The trunk, which is from
three to four feet in height, is full fifteen to
eighteen inches in diameter, with wide
spreading leaves or branches. Occasionally,
for ive.cr six years, it will make no progress IN
growth, and then nature will give 1t . fresh
start and vigorous Development. It has
done SO this year, aud the trunk has received
IN elevation Of four or five inches, which 1t
will take several years, IS before, to fully dc.
ye!op in rotundity. OF course Mr. Hoffner,
who is gushing lover of everything beauti-
ful in the botanical world, prizes It above all
price. Another plant in this beautiful garden
which excited much interest, is a "Centu,v
Plant" This was planted by Mr.. Hoffner
about twenty-five years ago, and therefore
seTenty-dve years more must elapse, accord.
ing to the decree Of nature, before it will
bloom. This plant Of course is intended for
[he botanical qualification Of his chiIdren's
children, as he is full three score years in ad.
vance Of his birth, and his children are full
grown.
There are many more beautiful works of
nature and art in and around this pleasant
1ome which should like to notice, but space
Fil not permit. It is most pleasant refec-
ion that the God Of our love has put 1t in the
heart Of this gentleman to disburse q portion
Of the abundance which Providence has given
him In manner 50 much In accordance, as
believe, with the Divine will. It WAS remark.
ed BY one Of our party that all attempts On
bis part hereafter to 90 into Gtatuary and fine
gardening would be abandoned, for nothing
less than the parallel Of this would satisfy
him, and he felt sure he had neither
The taste nor one half the means to
Accomplish such work. Mr.. Hoffner
hos been about twenty-five years In doing his
great work, and no man, think, be his mind
.Ver so utilitazian mold, will say that his
%sme, his money, or his labor, have been
wasted. His work is the object Of his lore.
md nothing less than what takes the form of
lis Creator, is more worthy Of mans admira.
ion. The cost to hlr. Hoffner in dollars and
:ents has been almost fabulous, but he regards
he sum as well spent. His means are still
immense. May they continue to increase. and
nay God give him the heart and the disposi-
ion to continue his labors to the end.
SPRING GROVE CEMETERY.
Inc party once more on board, with the
ccession Of Mr.. Hoffaer and his wife, the
rain moved to Spring Grove Cemetery, some
wo miles distant. 1t the entrance Of the
'roFe, the band performed "Ellsworth's
1equ:era," the work Ct Mr. Vaas, the leader
II the band This plaintive melody was in |
ntire unison with the solemnitiss of the
Lace. 4 full hour was spent in wandering |
hrouCh this heaut;fu1 Il c3tv ~ ~ Io,a n ~.