The Hawaiian gazette., 1876-11-08
Centennial L.tters-No. Z.

PHILADELPHIA, SEPT. q, 1875.
DEAR GAzErrE,-I must make brief mention Of
the Government building which is quite as nucL an
object of attraction as any Of the Eve principal halls.
Here everything is arranged in the most beautiful
and orderly manner. There is miniature of the Gene
raj Post Office, at Washington. which ransacts great
deal of business; mails sent and received daily,
postage and postal orders sold. There are models
of almost everything used in the army and navy,
beautiful boats of full size, and lfe-like figures Of
soldiers aud marines and sailors in the full
dress of their different rank and station. The fur
suits worn by DR.. Kane when On his Arctic e1pe-
ditiOn is exhibited; fe-like face with elsar blue
eyes shining out from the furry folds of the cap
with its warm coverings The exhibit of firearms
and nccOutrements is particularly full and minute,
There portraits of all the commanders aud naval
officers who have distinguished themselves in the past
history of our country. Relies Of Washington and
many things which show the contrast between the
times of century ago and the present. Outside the
building immense cannon and ambulanees and
army wagons also specimens Of fog signals, both
the braying horn and the shrill whistle. There Is
also the hospital into which but peeped, for its
long line of exquisiey neat beds with snowy white
coverings and close mosquito nets carefully drawn,
seemed to breathe air of being the abode Of sick
ness. which h.ighteped by the figures of inva-
lids with baudaged limbs suspended, spintered /;
and it seemed by thu small number of visitors about
it, to breathe air Of tabu loa, and felt as if
was out of place. There is Il dspeusary attached,
everything conducted on the plans of larger estab
lishments of the United States Government. The
grounds around kept with exquisite neatness.
and beds of lovely flowers ornament them. the same
in ether parts ofthe park. one Of the greatest
curiosities, to me, in :he Government building,
large glass case whi'h was labelled "Antiseptic Re-
frigeraor," where frozen fruit and FISH. There
very largs fish, unnamed, suspended from
the centre q Spanish mackerel was exhibited,
which had been already shown in this same way 10
two annual fairs of 1874 and 1875, and one very
large black trout which had been exhibition three
years. Whether The ice keeps solid all the time there
or is renewed. 1 had no one to explain, but there
are slabs of ice with strawberries frozen in them
which do not change day after day we lock on
them. Some plates Of luscious peaches and straw
berries show their tempting forms day after day
without change. There are many curOsties from the
Arctic regions, as stuffed walrus, and lions of
immense size, and painted models of whales of
various kinds. Tie white whale really elegant,
as l thought, though heard others express a differ
ent opinion and almost shuddsr they went past.
While on the subject Of State Buildings, neglect
ed to mention Mississippi which is more attractive
from its quaintness outside than wonderful beauty
within. 1t is log structure of native woods, and
all of it rustic The porch and raiings made of
the most fantastic and gnarly branches, every
part is festooned with the graceful hanging of moss
Of the Southern swanps and bayOus that it gives
a most pleasing variety to the line of State Build
ings. brief mention of the PomOlogical display
which ia made in building by itself quite near to
Agricultural Hall, must close this letter. Here is
sight bewching to the eye, grateful to the of
smell, aud most tempting to the palate bat every
where the warnings Hands OFF, " Do nottouch ~
" Visitors must not touch the fruitI" keep all.
men, women and children in order and the police
on hand if any one happens to forget. Here
lines of apples that might well be called tempting
as Ewes forbidden fruit. Peaches, plums, pears,
and grapes in endless variety and crab apples in
large quantities beautiful shades of coorng
perfect little beauties to gaze upon but only fit for
preserves. The jelly and marmslade made from
them is lost delicious and great table ornament.
The display of fruit from Canada quite surprised !
but of all the exhibits Californian fruits carries off
the palm. Such peaches, plums and grapes They
charge pretty good price, but it finds ready sale
This display is improving every day as the Fall
fruit ripens. MA. G.