The Portland daily press., 1869-07-15

defending Frankfort. In the villa of M.
Bothman is Dannechers statue of Ariadne
seated on Tiger. Encircling the old city,
somewhat after the style of Vienna are gar
dens and promenades, which are the favor
ite resorts of the citizens. Inext went to
Mayence, an hours ride, saw the Cathedral an
immense building of red sand stone built in
the eleventh century. At this place the
Rhine is quite broad and is crossed by a.
bridge of boats, which open SO as to admit
the passage Of steamers &c. An iron railroad
bridge very high, is fine work of engineer
ing. The next morning took steamer to
go down the Rhine. 1t was alarge steamer
built like our river boats. There were many
tourists and travellers on board English
and American. This portion of the Rhine
from Mayence to Cologne is the most inter-
esting, and is the stage of the passage of the
river generally taken by tourists. was
somewhat disappointed. 1t did not come up
TO my expectations as to its grandeur and
sublimity. The course OF the river is very
winding and it was pleasing and attractive.
The ruins OF old castles that were seen on
every high point, and the terraced vineyards
cultivated up the slopes of the hill gave it
very picturesque appearance. think the
scenery OF the Rhine from Lions TO Ayignon
that l saw in December last, much more in
teresting. The current is quite rapid. The
steamer goes down the 127 miles
in nine hours, 13 1-2 coming up
We arrived at Cologne at p. M. section
of the bridge of boats swinging round to let
the steamer pass. staid there till 2 r. M.
the next day. The places that visited with
Valet de place, was the unfinished Cathe-
dral which is very imposing specimen OF
gothic architecture. The church of St. Ur-
sula which is remarkable sight, containing
the bones of the saint, and of 1000 virgins,
who according to the tradition were slain
here on their return from a pilgrimage to
Rome. With good deal of seriousness the
story was told me by the priest who was the
custodian. As far as the bones are concern
ell, on every side that you turn you see skulls,
arm and leg bones piled up in large quantities
and in an artistic manner. A great many OF
the skulls are in silver cases. They also ex-
hibited piece of the true cross, the toe nail
Of one of the apostles, and one OF the stone
jars in which water was changed into wine at
the marriage of Cana. These relics were veri-
table the Priest said, for he gave the history
of them all. You pay 81 IL cents for the
show, and before you leave are quite disgust
ed at such superstition. There are many 9TH
er churches there, interesting for their an
tiquity. st. Peters contains Reuben's cele-
brated painting of the crucifixion Of St. Peter
Cologne has been called the city of stenches.
1t is not SO savory place as might be, but Its
odors are not so bad as those of an Italian
city. By the signs you see bearing the name
of "Jean Mario Farina," you would judge
that the manufacture of "Fdu de Cologne
was the principal business of the place. Each
establishment claims to be the only original
and veritable manufacturer. From Cologne,
I rode through fine region of country to
Brussels the capital of Belgium, which is a
city of 10000 inhabitants. 1t is finely situ-
ated on the activity of a hill. In the improve
ments that are being made-bouiesard Of
five miles in length lined with trees, avenues
and streets that are being constructed, it is
somewhat of an imitation of Paris. 1t is a
quiet city and attractive as a residence. The
public buildings, parks and promenades are
fine. The Hotel de Vile and Cathedral with
Its elegant stained glass windows, are mag
nifcent specimens of gothic architecture. The
field of Waterloo Is II miles distant and
made visit there. The conveyance was on
top of an English stage coach, with an English
driver and guard who made his bugle resound
merrily in the square before starting. The
road was good and an hours ride brought us
to the village of Waterloo. The house where
Wellington slept the night before the battle j;
shown. The church contains many monu.
ments and tablets erected to the memory o.
British officers killed in the battle. The prin.
cpal one bears the following inscription, viz.
"In honored memory of all British officers
and soldiers who fell in battle upon the 16
II, 18th of June 1916. This tablet was erect
ed by a few brothers in arms and country
men,
ALL. MDCCCONlll.
Glory eneircled with the same noble diadem
the humble as well as the exalted"
A short distance further on, we came in
sight of the battle field. The high mound
surmounted by the Belgian Lion being the
principle feature of the landscape. On om
arrival we were taken in charge by guide
who took the party of nine to the different
places OF interest, and very clearly explained
the position of the contending armies, etc
He claimed to be an eye witness of the battle
though not engaged in it. The farm of Ia
Huge Sainte and the chateau of Hou qou
nant were the places where the bloodies.
combats took place and the marks of the con-
test were plainly visible. From the mound
which is 200 feet high you obtain good view
of the whole expanse of the field. The day I
visited it, II OF June, was the anniversary OF
one OF the days, on which filty-four years pre-
vious these now smiling fields of grain were
covered with immense armies contending
with each other in bloody strife. The head
quarters OF Napoleon and also those OF Wei
lington during the battle are shown you. The
ridge along the roai where rested the English
reserve and when at the command Of Wei
lington sup Guards and at them" they rose
from behind the rise and poured in that
deadly fire and stopped the advance of Napo-
Icons "Imperial guard" was examined with
great deal Of interest. Ispent one and half
hours on the field with the most delightful
satisfaction. The day was fine. With the
aid OF map and the explanations OF the guide
obtained good idea of this great event in
the worlds history. We were somewhat dis
turbed by an Englishman ofthe party, whom
judged was preparing to deliver lecture
on the battle as he wished to monopolize the
guide for his own benef t; and as he could not
write as fast as the guide could talk and his
spelling OF French words was quite slow he
was constantly interrupting and caused the
rest Of the party some annoyance. He pur-