The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-07-27
TIC wind and Weather..-A Few Re-

Yesterday was v one OF the nottesI uay
OF the season." II the weather-clerk IN
ordering it had desired to earn the sincere
thanks Of springs proprietors he could not
have better accomplished his object. Ihe
thermometer, in the shade, promenadea
between 95 and 100 degrees, bnt at that did
not begin to fairly exhibit the ficrceness,
closeness, and meanness OF the heat. There
was general disposition to idieness en-
couraged, because to stir about IN the sun
was to invite prostration. 1t required an
effort on the part Of most persons to 20 even
the ljpbtest work. Those who bad mode
rately cool and shady places stuck close TO
them all dav, and, perhaps, ptied less for
tunate persons who had to go forth and
contend with the hot pavcments, burning
sun. and oppressive atmosphere OF the
streets.
It was day to make n man think OF llf
country relations OF rural rompings, plea
SAINT groves, laughing streams. and milk
and ice, and all the other joys and de-
lights Of country homes. Unless we are
to have a change for the better very
soon many OF these city folks will be
leaving at once on visits to cousins,
uncles, and aunts, or, in default OF such,
be found seeking what Is almost unattan-
enthusiastically cheaprboard in the noun
tains. The report comes from Old Point
that the Hygeia Hotel is densely packed, and
guests are turned off every day. The pro-
prietor is ia luck, and probably deserves it.
The gentlemen of the Postal Committee
failed on account Of the crowd to obtain
the luxurious accommodations they ex-
pccted.
Old Point has been the favorite reaort OF
our people this summer. Truly, the boat
ride down there is delightful.
The tide OF travel is now turning with re-
doubled vigor towards the mountains, ana
whether the cost be big OF small there are
hundreds OF families determined to eVac-
uate Richmond. Ordinarily, this metrop-
oils is delightful place to reside Mt, but
when the thermometer gets on It's mgh
pranks, and the winds 'strike y and aDso-
lutely refuse to bulge an inch, and man
lives under fat tin-roof surrounded by
bali dozen sick, fretful children, and his
neighbor keeps one or two noisy dogs and
half dozen tuneiul cats, why, then, nlSut
to the country becomes necessity.
But, alas there are thousands whose
homes are not comfortable; whose children
are sicklv: whose nights are spent in mis-
eli, and whose days are days OF toll and
sweat, who have no hope OF getting away
from the city even for week. The only relief
they can possibly get is from nrlei excllr-
sion, and about the peasantest reflection
they have is that this hot spell cannot last
Many weeks
In the North excursions for poor children
have long been in fashion. We might well
copy them here.
Think OF what compositors on the morn
ing newspapers have to undergo. IN our
composinp-roOm there are twenty-five or
thirty flaming jets OF gas, sending 1orth
heat from s to , OF 8 O'Clock at night.
The temperature is often over hundred,
while no thermometer can adequately lndl-
cate the heaviness and oppressiveness OF the
atmosphere.
The Capitol is the coolest place in the
citv. Its elevated location and thick walls
serve it well. The portico would be a plea.
SAINT resort in the evening, but the policy or
the government is to keep it inaccessible to
the public. 1t is to be looked at, not used.
Another cool place, much patronlzed by
gentlemen as they go up town IN tile eve,
ming, is ut the southwest corner OF SlNth ana
Main streets. A breeze fragrant with the
perfume Of Chesterfield fields and freshened
with Jumes river humidity generally comes
sweeping along Sixth street. But even
there, between and O'Clock yesterday
evening, there was only a faint movement OF
the air-a good sign that there was dead
calm elsewhere in the city.
A number OF persons were prostrated.
A member of the chain-gang was made
really i'll, and several other people were
very uncomfortably affected. The poor
beasts of burden suffered horribly. 1t was
pitiful to see them struggling up the steep
and rugged hills. CALLED in many instances
Nv hodIrf fttinp harness and ODpreSSed
with the heat and too heavy loads.
Last night was scorcher," though at
times faint breeze was stirring. The rain
that the clouds somewhat promised was not
forthcoming, and midnight passed and the
new day came ON with every promise of
another day OF excessive heat.