The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1877-06-29
sAGAorTY OF A CIRCUS HORSE.

90 astieys Amphltheatre, near Westminster
Bridge, as it is used to be, thirty or forty
years ago, under the management of the late
Mr.. Ducrow. The feats there performed by
some of the horses were exceedingly won
derful. The animals seemed to possess de-
gree Of human intelligence. They were &C.
complished actors. Their powers of simula-
tion with view to entertain spectators went
tar beyond what any one could expect, whose
iknowledgs is confined to the ordinary class
of horses. We will mention few particu-
lars regarding the horses at Astlcy's as they
occur to our memory. One evening the
performance represented house on fire
ALI the Inhabitants of the dwelling had man.
aged to escape except lady in an upper
story. You saw her at window, throwing
about her arms wildly, and screaming for
help. Her appeals to the aseemhied crowd
beneath were heart-rending. The fremen
could not reach her, for the stair was SEEM
1ngiy in 9 blaze, and there was no fire es.
cape. The spectators in the theatre were
wrought up to an agony, it being but too
evident that the poor lady was doomed to
perish BY painful aud violent death. In
the midst Of the commotion, horse which
belonged to the lady rushed upon the stage.
Inits stable it had heard the screams of its
mistress, and hastened to do its best to save
her. Without bride or saddle, it was seen
to rush into the house and climb the stair.
amidst flames and volumes of smoke. 1t
reached the apartment where the lady was.
She mounted on its back, holding by the
ma no, and tho horse, descending the stair.
brought her safely to tho ground. Pro-
ionged sSogtsof applause rewarded The has:
ardous exploit The whole thing was beau-
tifui piece Of acting, and evoking throughout
sentiments Of pleasure and admiration
Nothing but kindness and long training
could have made the horse SO clever in know
ing what to do and to do it well. The feat
was the more surprising, as horses usually
have dread Of FIRE which is not easily con-
quered. It will be understood that the fire
had been go adroitly managed as to effect no
injury on the theatre, and that there never
had been any real danger
On another evening at Astley's, a still
moro remarkable piece of acting, by white
horse named Prince, was offered for public
entertainment. 1t was play called heHigh-
mettled Racer. The play was in sauaral n ets,
and desiSued to present different stages Of
degrsdafi6n ID the career Of horse, from
youth to old age. Tn, spectacle was pain
full but touching, but unfortunately in too
many cases true to nature. We shall on.
deayor to describe some of tho scenes.
When the piece opens, We have view of
an English mansion. In front there are sew
eral mounted huntsmeu in scarlet coats, ready
to set out on a fox. chase. They are waiting
until Young LADY comes out Of tho mansion
to accompany them. We see the lady.
properlv oouipped for riding descend the
stano ~ The doorwov and b9 Tho o;d of a
;sroom mount = yonn., and bsant;f,i .bsned
1h;s. how. that 10 in r..d;nass g. hreN har
Eha srosLs 20 !, sff.c,;ona.ai,r ana Iii. :,
S ~ dsars s;nsniSos = The sisasn, sarn, ~ ~ .hs -
animal. its nrond bear;no ;fs olossv c coat "a and md
the snir;ted. svav 4 nrsnoss .hoy. syo;,. L
0eneral admiraticn Aftsr a ,;ttls o.,lon;nr
10 SHOW ia paOss 81 49, v;.h ~. I. 4, Is
dor goes of wfth, thes s6nntsmen snd SsrndS
in pursuit Of fox. tbat was a,sc q HaS6e
actor in its vay. which leads the nasty
through variety sof Slifaoulties. snelIs g g
cliubine IN Yu6fs} iCdni6e oyef hsdces IA.
till at length. % fhc point of BEING run
down, it dashcs into the cottage of a poor
old woman, who humanely gives IL shelter.
She takes up the fox lovingly is her arms.
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