, 1874-07-29

oA Il Twin okO vi JUG NAO0PO Va b1O P@A
lor, which is always laid with marble or with
tiling. In general the dwellings are large and
airy, but few have gardens or yards, except
those OF very wealthy people, whose grounds
are often laid out in the most tasteful man
ner.
One of the most interesting sights in st.
Pierre IS the magnificent fountain in the centre
OF the Place Bertin. 1t is of bronze, of the
most elegant design and workmanship. It's
neI9ht Is about fourteen feet. The principal
n5ur7 Is a graceful water-nymph bearing on
n0r mead a Kind of basket, from the rim of which
n)W Jets of water. Around the central figure
are four kneeling mermaids, each holdino a
dolphin, each of which throws into the air a
delicate Column Of water. At certain seasons,
generally IN August, this fountain has exhibit
ed the singular phenomenon of s~pouting forth
myrIad5 OF living fish, each from half an inch to
an inch In length, tn 4ir bodies as transparent
as crystal, with tho exception Of the head,
which is of a dark color. When the sunlight
strikes the jets of water at such times, it looks
as If millions Of precious stones were flashing
through the air, s~plashing down on the slippery
marble pavement, and b3ng swept off int o the
sewers. These little fish, called by the inhabi-
tants of thu island " %titirie,' are plentiful in the
mountain streams from which the fountain is
fed. At the season when they begin to make
N@SAA way ACHl " UlO biO1 oAO OOOOP-
ed up in great quantities with any thing that
comes handy-a sheet, a towel, or pail-and
sold in the market by measure. They are con-
sldored a great delioacy when fried in oil.
This fountain was the gift of Mr.. Alfred Ag-
new, a coIored man, form srly mayor Of the city,
whose great services during tho negro insur-
rootion of IS48 won the admiration and res
poet of all classes. The Inauguration of the
fountain was marked by a singular freak Of
extravaganza. Before the water was turned on
a large quantity Of oIarat was 8mPtied into the
mains above the fountain, s. taat when th3
pressure of water cam the lolphiA3 for sever
al min ties spouted nothing bat ruby wine.
The poorer citiz yn5, having received a hint of
what was to happen, ware on hanl with their
pitchers, and vera amaz4d and delighted at
what appeared to them a miraculous dis,
play.
Magnificent boulevarls, completely surround
ing the city, afford splendid drives and views.
they are laid in cement, and are kept in per-
fec5 order. One of these drives leads out to
tn be utiful Jardin aes Plantes. ThiSenchant-
ing spot lies imbosomed in a lovely valley, sur
rounded on all sides by lofty hills, whose slopes
are clad in l~uxuriant tropical folitge. A beau
tiful lake in the centre of the valley mirrors
the varied charms of the e~noiroling hills. 1t is
fed by a crystal stream, which rushes down the
preoipitous mountain-sida, aud is conducted
through an artificial channel into the lake.
Several small islands diversity its placid sur
face, and on these islands are planted many va
rieties of tropical trees and plants. Along the
shores of the lake are pretty Summerhouses and
arb0rs,in which the visitor can rest and enjoy
tho beauties Of the charming landscape.
The bane of this delightful paradise is a SER
~pent-what paradise is without its bane !-oall-
ed by the ~fearfuIly suggestive name Of the g iron
lance" This reptile, with venomous taste,
chooses the coolest and most delightful places
in the garden for his retreat, and it is literally
at the risk of ones life that one lies down on
the grass, or even takes rest in an arbor. The
wounds inflicted by these serpents are very apt
to be fatal unless Immediately cared for. The
wa0le island is infested with this dangerous
reptile, and it is said that on an average nearly
eight hundred persons are bitten every year,
of which number from sixty to seventy cases
prove fatal, while many others result in nervous
diseases which are almost as bad as death. A
few years ago, when Prince Arthur of England
visited this island, a grand f6te was given in his
honori in the Jardin des Plantes. In the evening
the grounds were beautifully Illuminated, and
thousands of people sauntered through its cool
and shady avenues. A large number were
bitten by the "iron lance" and many of them
never recovered from the effects of the poison.