Litchfield enquirer., 1870-09-01
SUMMER VISITS.
[From Our Own Correspondent.l


 finely modelled for comfort, and fitted up with especial regard to effect. There is something in the decorations and luxuri- ous appointments, the showy uniforms of the officers and crew, the full dress and white-cravated walters, and the promenade band discoursing superior music, that seems to infect every one with sensations of pleasure upon the upper ten scale. even with a trace of snobbishness. Not of course those who are used to fine sur roundings, or whose good sense always keeps them in balances; but it is the ha- bitues of fashionable places, and the mass of pleasure seekers in general, in whom the peculiar influences of this boat seem to develop an ill disguised feeling of ela- tion, and that ever ready tendency to os- tentation common to weak natures
 Here the student of human nature will find variety of interesting subjects. American society is we'll represented in all grades except the best, and that, owing to it nature, is not conspicuous. Plenty of sham is noticeable all around; sufficient to cause sensation, if the true condition could be shown in contrast with fashiona- ble exteriors. "Pinchbeck" is promi- nent; and besides people living beyond their means, there are plenty with sudden wealth living far ahead of their manners or culture. One sees the Wall Street bro- ker with his non -chalant air, talking to the "girl of the period;" the jockey or pro. fessional gambler, coolly watching the crowd with an eye to business; young men "on lark;" old ones whose frivolous ways are out of keeping with their gray hairs; women and ladies easily distinguish able; the faded beauty and the budding woman; the society-loving and worldly mama, with watchful look oyer her sty- fish daughter; and the artificial of both sexes in abundance.
 Besides this mixture, much else engages attention: The scenery of the Bay; the Narrows; Neversink; Highlands; Sandy Hook; and the ocean beyond, dotted with all sorts of craft, when viewed with re- freshing breeze blowing, become enjoyable in the highest degree.
 After sail of about an hour and half, the noble steamer approaches the pier, where the cars for the Branch are in wait ing. Thirty minutes more, spent in whirl- ing along the sea-shore over sterile coun- try, brings you to the depot. Long Branch has no end of hotel omnibuses, efferves- cent hackmen, idlers, fops, and prettily dressed girls, awaiting the trains arrival. The scene is lively, even to distraction. One needs to be posted, or, while specula. ting upon the character of the hotels from the looks of their coaches, there may be only an extortionate hack-driver left.
 Owing to circumstances, we preferred not to show off our wealth, and so walked up. First impressions were unfavorable. The sand has the ascendancy over every thing green, even including new corners. It Is everywhere, even in the bathing tow els. The next most prominent attractions are the hotels, which flourish under all de. grees of shabbiness. A line of them, two miles long, extends south from the depot, and faces the sea-shore. In front of this row IS some sickly grass; broad road, well filled with characteristic equipages; another strip of grass with numerous ar. bors, and then the bluff with bathing hous- es, remarkably looking clothes drying on frames, and the surf grandly rolling in from the ocean.
 l few cottages, hired for the season. are interspersed along the main road, and clumped together at the south of the town. That of General Grant was in this looali- ty. It is neat brown house of moderate size, and without any sign of the promi- hence of it's inmates.
 Life at Long Branch is one round of display. dissipation, gossip and filtration. The short comings rather outshine the virtues. Nominally, sea-air and surf bath ing are the attractions; but the truth prob. ably is, that the love of pleasure and show, and the qualification of that insatiate appetite for nerve excitement among fast people and money-spenders. are the most powerful incentives for going there. It is sort of seaside Vanity Fair. The only needful thing is long purse, and you have the entree anywhere. Perhaps if so furnished, the novelty would be quite en- joyable. It is so pleasant to be eyed and discussed, and to return the favor-so de. lectable to show your graceful person in the dance with some fair damsel who may think you a good "catch;" or to feel the thrill of her fascinating look, and steal a glance at her pretty foot. In the evening, with exquisite deference, to request sthe pleasure of the next dance, and to be happy with dainty touch from her finger. tips; and, in the morning, to beg sstse ia. co, of 5albing Ger" which means the hon. Tor of rough-and-tumble frolic in the breakers, with the paradox of observing and not observing forms. If you are vera II afSoSH1a A< l. |