The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-07-07

rain and dense fog. The rain continued ell day,
which was uncomfortably chilly. At ono o'clock
p. N. the thermometer was down TO seventy-two
degrees Fahrenheit, and II 10 continued till bed
time. This was rather toying to those who had
just left New York. vita the mercury up among
the nneties.
OF course such weather was far from favorable
for stirring out especially for church going
although did SEQ q few handsome, but not gaudy
equipages, drawn by spanking bays, stunning
grays and high melted chestnuts, proceeding at
sober pace In the direction Of the sound OF the
church bells. On inquiring, however, was in
formed that the "heavy swells." Of the fourth
hand persuasion had not yet arrived. Isuppose
they consider it vulgar to visit watering
place too soon in the season, on the
same principle that going late to the opera the
theatre is regarded. in fashionable life, as quite
the thing" There is also, as yet, scarcity Of
transient visitors-persons who in hotels most do
congregate." The bulk of the arrivals consists OF
persons of sufficient means to own or lease cot
tages, which they occupy during the summer sea-
son. Most Of these cottages are very ornate struc
lures and evince much good taste on the part OF
the constructors. My arrival here has been too
recent to warrant me in describing any OF them
more particularly.
Attracted by the sound of particularly musical
church bell on being informed that it belonged to
an Episcopal church, set out through the drzzle
to attend Divine service, and soon found myself
in small, neat, but unpretending structure, which
afterwards found was called All Souls Chapel"
and which is opened only during the summer. As
time elapsed before the entrance ofthe clergy
man. did what better people than myself often do
under such circumstances; that is, took survey
OF the congregation, especially OF the feminine
part. The attendance was small, owing, no doubt,
to the rain; but what struck me most was the
queer headdresses of the ladies. / have been
accustomed to the sight Of the hair being all
drawn towards the back Of the head, and then
in net for half yard. This fashion is, believe,
called waterfall" was not prepared, how
ever, to witness beautiful trssses. when tastefully
disposed, made up behind in the form Of huge
apple dumping. Really, could not help feeling
for those victims Of q senseess fashion, for could
not get the impression that 1t was matter OF
acute pain to attempt TO wink, a. the drawing
back Of the hair 30 tightly must keep the skin OF
the forehead, and consequently the eyelids, 30
rigid to prevent the proper play OF the muscles
And then the hats and bonncts-some of the
former, gpiltless Of brims-reminded me OF in
verted saucepans that had lost their handles.
They also bear close resemblance to the queer
head-pieces worn by those grim old English barons
who compelled that royal poltroon, John Lakeland,
to sign Magma Charta. In word, II the posses.
sors Of the pretty faces saw in All Souls Chapel
yesterday were bent on making themselves hideous
from desire to lead animals Of the genus SiB,t0
in certain warm locality said to be paved with
good intentions they could not have adopted
more ingenious plan to keep the mssculines at
But the bonnsts require . word or two, also.
Only fancy piece Of straw work, in the form OF
an equilateral triangle, the sides OF which are
the neck and resting on the apple dumping
already spoken Of, and the apex reaching just to
the crown of the head, the arrangement being
ornsmented with ribbons. and you will have :
tolerablc idea Of some specimens OF bonnets which
seem To be the vogue here.
tits but due to say Of these ladies', that some
amends for their headdresses are made in the i'm
proved bodies and skirts they have adopted.
was really surprised to SEQ 80 many tall women;
but, on reflection, attributed 1t to the discardng
Of the v0luminous hoop skirts, which. for some
years past, gave to the form of lovely woman that
dumpy appearance which characterised her.
Ofcourse, Il will be said, that oil this In vsry
naughty, that had my mind been fixed on the SER
vice had ostensibly gone to participate in,
would have had 40 leisure to observe the peculi-
the ladies were responsible for the divergence Of
my thoughts from things spiritual to such tenn
pora thingsas feminine waterfalls Shafts, bonnets
and crinoline, by entering the sanctuary dressed
To-day there is : glorious change in the weather.
The sun shines brightly, while the atmosphere 10
delightfully."- cool aud balmy. I have just returned
from the beach, and Witnessed the bathers taking
were there, though did see few carriages,
drawn by thoroug abreds, with armorial bearings
on the panels. Now, 1 think that such
vanities are Injuries that ought to be taxed
Such an impost, together with another ON
liverisd funkies. which abound here, would do one
of two good things-ether assist in paying the war
tax or In abolishing customs incompatible with
republican simplicity, Billy Pitt, as he wss
irreverently styled by irreverent people, think
II was who originated the arm0rial bearings tax
in England. While he was about it he did il effect
ually, lsvyng the tax on every article bearing the
family asms, even down to the silver spoons.
Secretary McCulloch IL welcome to the hint.
The beach where the bsthers disport themselves
IL situated in . blight In about Q northwesterly
direction from the town, according to my pocket
compass. The land at each extremity Of the
beach therefrom into the sea, south southeast
on one side and nortll-northwest on the other.
pretty brisk surf rolls up towards the
beach, in the midst of which water nymphs,
with their attendant tritons, luxuriale, &C.
cording to their notions Of luxury. / really,
however, must take back the word water
nymph;'' for it il as hard to imagine one Of the
straw hat tied, gypsy fashion, under the chin, as IL
was for the elder Mr.. Weller TO realize "hangel
in top boots" Well, every one to his liking, ~
the old gen lewoman observed when she oscuiated
her buco!csl quadruped; but that style OF bathing
would not suit your correspondent. Neither il
Newport beach, with its surf, and strong suspicion
of dangerous undertow, and its muddy, Shiny
strand, and far from clean water, the locality
that would choose for the purpose. One who
has been accustomed to crystal clear waters and
pure white sand becomes fastidious In his choice
OF bathing places. But bathing In Newport mud
IL the fashion, and that alters the with those
who prefer fashion 10 real enjoyment.
celebration OF the glorious Fourth tomorrow. /
shall be ON the lookout.
aaAooaAoro Aa,r rcAruo