Middletown transcript., 1876-10-07
Written for the Middletown Transcript
Centennial Notes No. 10.
ITALY,

play of mosaics, in fact, excels we
believe, every nation on the earth in
this beautiful work. Some beautiful
tables in this rare style are shown
here-one in particular, we noticed,
was Cupid riding lion, and the
border Of the table was a wreath Of
morning -glories Another magnif-
cent one was in pearl mosaic, and rep
resented the Cathedral at Milan. This
was certainly grand in every detail. A
rich gilt frame inlaid with mosaic, and
table to match. we're something new in
the looking-glass frame line. Italy's
bronze art il second to none, and
gathers crowds Of admirers. One Of
Cesar Augustus, we noticed in particu-
lar. 1t represents Caesar clad in ar
NOR in war-liks attitude, while Gu
pid, with armor in hand, is trying, un-
successfully, to claim his attention
but all his thoughts are in glory,
at the sacrifice of all human passions,
and the god Of love will have to turn
his attention to some other quarter.
Some exquisite cabinets-of ebony, in
laid with pearl and bronze. showed the
almost unequaled skill Of the maker.
Italy, like great many others. has
quantity Of majolica
ware on exhibition, but not being
much Of an admirer Of that style Of
ware, our tastes not being educated up
to degree Of admiration Of it, we did
not examine it much. The magni6-
cent. display of silver flagree work
in an adjoining case held us almost
spell for a while here were
breast pins. chains. earrings. brace
lets, necklaces and combs in almost
endless profusion A lovely ship in
silver, looked as if just from fairy land,
with its silvry transparent sails and
sides; a silver waiter Of the
same lace-like appearance, valued at
$500. 90, won great deal Of attention.
This case Of filagree silver won the
prize medal. Turning to another case,
we discovered some lovely turquoise
ewelry in sets and rings, also mosaic
breast pins, and exquisite pink coral,
20 dear to the hearts and eyes Of our
blond beauties +; some marked as high
as fifty dollars for quite small sets. One
IN particular we noticed, was a coral
,ut in heads with diamond eyes; these,
# course, were very expensive. Some
necklaces in dead gold in
shape of heavy fringe, drew forth ex-
Of admiration from a bevy
If girls, and no wonder, for they were
superb. Tortoise shell forms
IN important part Of this departments
exhibit, and is worked up into a
variety Of shapes, among which are
chains. frames, inkstands, candlesticks,
combs, brushes, &c. A very pretty foun-
ain in pottery is near this part Of
[ta1ys exhibit it represents two chill
lren, a boy and girl, out in the rain,
,olding an umbrella over their heads,
he water trickling off the umbrella,
ooks SO natural and attracts the little
mes attention greatly. Straw goods
ire shown in great variety, and 10 curl
JUS shapes. especially some parasols
ind boxes Of this rather stiff material.
There is a splendid display Of Panama
lats, also kid gloves. Quantities Of
Ioft, fine cassimeres of various patterns
ire exhibited. Paint colors are also
hown, as well as drugs and some min
.rals Wines are here in great variety
md also confectionery. Wax in can
lies and tapers. and other forms are
hown. A plaster cast Of Garabaldi Of
arge size is exhibited, but rejecting
neither credit on ''Gary" or the artist,
IS regards smoothness or details. Some
ovely scenes Of Italy in photograph are
o be seen here. Stone work Of great
beauty is exhibited pair Of chairs,
able and settee, beautifully carved
be settee having gun across the
back, the table legs formed Of grape
7ines, in which are seen bird nests, but
We have our doubts about birds build
ng in grape vines; however being no
'rnithologist we are not prepared to say
positively. An instrument similar to
he Graphoscope is exhibited. it is
'alled a magaletoscopio. and shows
pictures to great advantage, and if
my Middletown adept at pronunciation
will please step to the front, and pro-
,ounce that word, we would be pleased
o hear it, for it is beyond our tongue.
Field telescopes are shown as also other
classes Of smaller size. Some magnii-
ent journals bound in heavy leather
nd metal, met our eyes in this direc-
ion, and made US wonder what were
he contents. Italy makes quite dis
LAY Of looking glasses and Candida
ra attached !; also some natural look
ng large images Of negro girls hold
ng up candelabra. Perfumery and
ut-glass form also part cftheir ex-
ibit. It is in this department the
iano grafo is to be seen attached to an
lpright piano. Some very sweet
uned pianos are here, and an obliging
nd exquisite performer (the inventor
the pianografo) discourses sweet mu-
ic, except when be is better employ