Middletown transcript., 1876-08-26
Written for the Middletown Transcript. ]
Centennial Notes No. 4.

Written for the Middletown Transcript
Centennial Notes No. 4.
RUSSIA.
To step from such generous lane
as Australia. as far as the nature of thu
soil is concerned, to this cold country
seems to be quite an undertaking, bu
here, where all are raised as a hot.
house flower, under glass. it is not SC
great an undertaking as one would
imagine. This powerful country (as
represented at the CentenniaO il
guarded, as at home, by a large black
bear; but his growl is stilled, and be
is on his good behavior, at least on
Yankee soil, and under the auspices Of
Brother Jonathan. Gum goods in the
greatest variety are exhibited in what
seems to be hard rubber pavilion,
and the goods are displayed in massive
cases, and an almost endless variety of
gum boots and shoes, coats, hose, belt
ing, and various articles for the sick,
such as air beds. pillows, supports for
wounded limbs, &c. Russian linen
and crash are as familiar as household
words, and napkins of exquisite de-
sign and finish, and all the grades of
toweling are seen here Some Of the
richest velvet cloaks, trimmed with er-
mine and astrachan, and which are
simply superb in their quality and
simplicity. Some magnificent cloths Of
silk and solid gold filing. others with
silk warp and silver filing glittered
before the eyes but the grandest piece
of uork here was Of solid gold ground
and magnificent green leaves. beauti-
fully shaded. This. believe, is by
artists supposed to be the greatest and
greatest contrast which can be pro-
duced. Some others were Of gold and
scarlet. The magni6cence Of the vest
ment for the priests Of the Greek or
Russian church can scarcely be des-
cribed-pure white silk, embroidered
in silver and set with precious stones !;
others in silk embroidery dazzle the
eye and almost defy competition. In
the silver. gilt, and painted ware, is
seen some exquisite designs. A pitcher
was particularly beautiful. It was of
FURNISHED silver, with three inches in
the sides, in which were placed statues
of knights in armor-reminding one Of
the heroes Of ancient chivalry. and the
romances Of Scott.
In rough magni6cence arrayed,
When ancient chivalry displayed
The pomp of her heroic games,
And crested chiefs, and tissued danes
Assembled, at the clarion's call,
In some proud castles high arched hail."
Some beautiful card baskets in gilt
ware are exhibited, across the sides of
which are thrown damask napkins, in
silver. the edges being fringed, and
the delusion complete. A cup and
saucer, Of gilt, with gold spoon across
the top, with silk handkerchief, SINH
lar in design to those that ladies are
wearing now, folded, and placed above
the spoon, shows skill Of imitation in
silver ware that is attractive and quite
new to us.
The display Of jewelry and diamonds
is magnificent. Among the principal
pieces that attracted our attention was
abouquet Of flowers and spray Of wheat;
the flowers were composed Of gold,
studded with rubies; the wheat of
gold, and the grains Of diamonds,
this is evidently intended for the
hair. Another ws butterfly, the
body Of which was an opal, and the
wings of green opals and diamonds of
a green cast. A necklace Of medalions |
is also shown. Masonic jewels, fligree
bracelets, set with jewels, and guam
tity Of gold enamel jewelry is also to
be seen in this department. n
Magnificent Malachite tables, vertu,
clocks. &c., also a splendid side
board Of the same precious stone
silver chandeliers Of exquisite design,
for dwellings and churches, are glitter
ing among the rest of this magnificent
display.
Among the rare and beautiful clocks
is one Of peculiar design, evidently in
tended for hall. The clock is COM
posed of polished steel, the hours of
ivory; the clock is nearly round, and
is supported by flying and standing
angels; it is mounted on grand pc
destal, and is altogether a fine work Of
art. Some exquisite pictures in bronze
bass relief are also displayed Among
he most interesting is one, half oval,
representing the q Manger at Bethle-
hem" and the wise men bringing in
heir offerings. A splendid solid gold
vine set. also large sized punch set,
With walters complete, are exhibited
~ Russian silversmith. In velvet
ined and covered cabinet, which at
racted much attention, was a picture
# Sir Alexander Newskey, embroider-
d with gold. In the angles Of the
picture are the portraits, in ivory, of
wenty saints celebrated by the Russian !
hurch. commencing with Peter the
treat and ending with Alexander the
second Back Of this remarkable pic
ule was one of the head Of Christ on |
liver napkin, called the " Acheropiti-
al Image" by the Russians. Some
cry handsome damask for curtains
nd furniture are on exhibition also {
ephyr embroideries, leather goods, /
'oolen goods, gentlemen's hats, &c.
'ome husts Of the natives. or lower
lasses. and also some stuffed reptiles. I
blocks, models Of the surface :
f the country. and maps. minerals,
nd coal are displayed. Russia was
mong the last to get set to rights, but
er display alone is worth the price Of /
Omission. aa.s