Connecticut western news., 1872-08-23
OUR EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENTS.
(Concluded'l


 The Elba is small and rapid river, but they continue to accomplish considerable business on it, part of which is done by a peculiar mode of navigation. A chain oi some 40 or 50 miles in length lies somewhat slack in the bottom of the river This chain is taken up by steambOats at intervals of several miles, wound around cylinder on board, which cylinder is propelled by steam, causing the boat to advance, and ex- erts sufficient power to tow or propel ten to fifteen of the river boats, which are of about the capacity of our old Erie canal boats. It is novel but efficient. A ride from Dresden to Berlin marked another pleasant day in our progress, and, as it was a very level country, we found the use of wind-mills SO general that we amused our selves in counting such as we could see from the railway and made 146 in IF miles. Old habits are strong with the Germans, and steam has not yet superseded the use of wind-power.
 Berlin is rich and beautiful city, and better built than any we have seen in Flu. rope. It is the residence of King William, and of the Crown Prince, also; both of whose palaces we visited. We also visited their palaces in Potsdam That place being to Berlin what Versailles is to Paris, but in it's palaces far more magnificent. Indeed, became entirely satisted with the splen- dors of royalty while in Berlin. It may be pleasure to those trained to the splendors of court, to occupy such magnificent buildings, and to dwell in the midst of such gorgeous surroundings. The palace of the Grown Prince, who married daughter of Victoria, is one of the most splendid in Europe. The Hall of Shells, alone, would require something of letter to describe it. Imagine room 50 feet long by 100 wide and 25 feet high, covered with shells, mar bles and precious stones from floor to cell ing, as other walls are covered with paper. six huge square columns are covered in the same way; the effect is wonderful. Vases of rock crystal, four feet across the top, CD standards of the same material, four feet high; cabinets and escritoires, clocks, cases and tables, covered with precious stones, are among the many decorations that are to be seen in thirty or forty rooms, covered with splendid furniture, pictures and arti. cles of value. l Iimagine the grand list of Salisbury, as ss made out, would not pur- chase the furniture and adornments of one of these palaces. But enough of these. King William and ''our Fritz" do indeed live like princes. Desiringto know whether we should make two days journey of the 400 miles between Berlin and Cologne, l stepped into the magnificent station house at B. where they informed me they would put us through the whole distance between the hours of II A. M. and 3.3O P. M., which doubted but ventured the experi. ment. They accomplished it beautifully, giving us for our exclusive use one of the finest cars we have been in Europe, where we had things all our own way. Finding ourselves still in 2 'swind-mill country" the young ladies counted over 25O, and concluded not to trouble them selves farther. Their continued existence for centuries proves that there is utility in wind-mills. A ride up the Rhine on fine June day in nice American steamer, (which the Colognese delighted to crack up,) requires Q good deal of descriptive power to do it justice. If however, pleasure seekers find any enjoyment in sitting upon the promenade deck of vessel that moves as quietly and noiselessly through the water ss though it were at stand still, and this too under an ample awning, where they may spend the day In looking upon and studying some of the most celebrated seen. cry in the world, then we came in for ou. share of it. The numerous passenger steamers we met, as well as the many ''tows" we passed, reminding us of oul own Hudson. The many railway trains on each shore, hurrYing along at the base ot the mountains, and through the many quaint old villages; the numerous old cas. ties that crowned rock and hill; the hun dreds and hundreds of acres of grape vines clothing every available spot on the noun, tain sides, were all objects of interest and kept us on the qu6 vi0e from g in the morn ing until glorious sunset in the evening. If it was not enjoyable then the hundreds who accompanied us were in the same cat egory with ourselves and possibly mistaken Our suitability of temper was, doubtless unusually drawn forth by the events of thu morning before starting. Some distin guished military chieftain, Cor ourselves) had induced the collection of a splendit martial band under our windows, whicl discoursed such music for over two hours as we are not accustomed to listen tc on the ordinary routes of travel. The eve ming found us at fine hotel in Wies Baden where we spent the following day pleasant ly. Among other objects visited there was the beautiful memorial church, erecte by the Duke of Nassau in memory of hi young and beautiful bride. The churc has four oriental domes and 8 central splrt all of which are gilded in the most gorge ous manner; and pleasure ground near { hand, in which were several valuable oak
 which I judged would measure five and si feet in diameter, and which are known 1 have stood the storms of several centurie
 From Weis Baden to Homburg, anoths watering place, is ride of some two hour and this accomplished, brought us to u latter, from whence commenced the to1 which have attempted to describe in u foregoing pages. Of the beauties of th last watering place think I have write to you on former occasion. Anoth
 fortnight was pleasantly spent at our qua ters, and in the fine groves and gardens
 this pleasant town, (excepting the invalid
 our party), at the end of which we we
 enabled to set our faces towards SWitze
 land. Of our experiences in this charmir