The Portland daily press., 1863-10-21
COMMUNICATIONS.
"Reminiscences OF Portland.

10 the Editor Of The Press:
Visiting this Forest City in the month of
July last, essayed in brief manner 10 take
notes for the Press In my native State, but
was too Ill for the enterprise. However, feel
ing the impulse, beneath the strong pressure
OF enchantment, "down gaed stumper In the
ink declaring, Portland is precious gem OF
the Casco set in emerald-when suddenly my
pen was arrested by newspaper article on
Ine same subject Then bcthought me Of
"thrice-told tale," and"to the making OF books
there is no eud," and concluded to 90 my way
for that time. leaving the decision In Solomons
hands--that much journal reading was wea-
riness to the flesh. But since then, and owing,
as have philosophically concluded, 10 incon-
sistency, or the feminine gender OF that word,
find myself, when the bee rests and the
flower hath faded, extracting from summer
leaves.
> july 20th. Rose at an early hour to look
out upon the mist enyeloping the slumbering
city. Like weary sentinels, the stately elm
and maple were still wrapping its drapery about
them, yet occasionally thinness occurred in
the fabric by which the light stole through and
walked the morn. A little later and the fog
dispersed = the spires detached themselves
from the mist, and Eastern Promenade sweep
ing round Munjoy's Hill, lay, a glorious view,
before me. The iar-reaching, silvery sheen oil
waters-with its emerald isles laughing in sun
light-called Casco Bay, the ocean and rocky
shores Of the Cape, the shelering he'd, as =, =,
Falmouth aud Cumberland - oa'ne" IA
glory. A., ,,.
ofss.-aiui, go feet above tide water, we saw
from the lookout a view which our limited
space could portray but poorly. II exercise
fosters reflection, there Is nothing like refec-
tion TO soften fatigue. Point OF Rocks" as
seen through the telescope, resembled the rel
les of an old fcudal castle, and in its isolation
cold and grand as the majestic ruins along the
Rhine. Another view takes in the lortifica-
tions in process of building on Diamond Island
Ledge. Looking at this formidable fort, with
its three tiers of loop-holes, we thought IL the
reception given the pirate Tacony was brief
comment on the chivalry Of Maine, that This
Fort Gorges would belch forth warm and
mighty compliment whenever called to bear
upon the subject.
Forts Scanned and Prcble. command the
ship channel, while the four lighthouses and
picturesque scenery Of Cape Elizabeth with its
graceful curves and broad sweep Of the ocean,
completes this view.
A look at the inner harbor takes In the ship
ping, the spires, aud shade trees of the en-
powered city. In several streets, the latter
form arches OF shade for q distance that re-
scmbes a channel formed offutteringlfoliage
they are the ancestral guardians OF broad side
walks and very fine private residences on the
western promenade and in the city proper.
The Marine Hospital is noble ediiice for
the humane object of repose and refreshment
TO the sea-worn mariner, situated the solitary
monarch of an island in view of the harbor.
The State Reform School building standing on
romantic site with its lofty turrets; Wal
ter Scott might have haunted with some poets
fairy or the ghost Of an old legend. 1t was a
good pattern for American castles not built in
air The bare-footed boys in October were all
the hard looking feature, and we confess made
their apartment look chill. In the suburban
views are a group called 'Deerings Oaks
symmetrical as palm trees and afiording fine
summer shelter bravely defying the lightning
and storm. The pleasure resorts for sails and
drives are more readily enjoyed than described
of kind TO suit all but Broadway exquisite
with tendency TO fustian.
In the Natural History Room Science has a
rich store-house and garniture of research.
Collections of minerals, shells, birds, insects,
reptiles, fossils, &c. Even the SHREDDED and
faded old naval banner had tale and tear
for memory associated it with the IaIne of the
gallant Prebe who fell commanding the
American squadron at the conquest OF Tripo-
II In 1904. Some fine minerals In Calcite NAL
aclte and marble, OF the latter there were 80
varieties. The shells reminded us that "thosc
who do business in great waters see the works
OF the Lord and His wonders in the Deep"
Some beautiful specimens of Madrepores.
Harpa Ventricasa, Camea aud the delicate
transparent Nautilus pretty as Peri's dream.
Univalyes and Bivalyes in perfect forma-
tlons.
The birds were various and rare, number
less parrots OF brilliant plumage. A case of
mounted birds were very attractive. among
thore ft, A l..
ner, Scarlet Zanager, Bird of Paradise, Star
ling Ibis and even down to the horned Owl
which looked anything but Minervas ideal
The skill OF staffag the feathered tribe was
never more apparent while its success with the
people has already passed into a proverb.
The Taxidermist, Mr.. Batchelder, did the
civilities OF the occasion with an old school
ponteness, IN no instance committing those
yugarities for which accomplishments or
dress can IN the least atone: possessing dis
eliminating taste aud rich repast ~; an,i.
quarian lore In his library without douht, In
the catechetical round Of Office wo thousht
he exhibited In himself one OF the rarest sns ..
linens Of the museum, viz. amiability ir the
genus homo.
Called at the sculptor's room. Found his
Newsboy the chief attraction. The attitude
WAS one OF arrested motion presenting a
newspaper. The expression of face and lig-
ure were true, even 10 the rustic shirt collar
Win its diiapidated fall and solitary button;
pot trere was one discrepancy, or twas u fault
oil our iancy-the gathering of the shirt sleeve
was too delicate and distinct in delipeation 20
suit the idea OF seedy garment. The indi-
vidual conceptions aud embodiments seemed
mostly drawn from life and true 10 the orici.
nal. The mind OF such an artist would seem
more capable of detail than for the unex.
pored realms of imagination. Defining his
ideal seemed the chief excellence or truth
we cannot say beauty, believing this term in,
definite, not self-defnlng, but dependent for a
standard on different tastes, as Shakespeare
has 1t. The lover frantic sees Helen's beauty
In brow of Egypt.
The principal burying place of the dead.
Evergreen Cemetery, two and a half miles
out OF Portlsnd, is fine tract OF undulating