The New York herald., 1878-08-25

stretch of bridges, its hundreds of barges,
pleasure boats and steamers, and the dozens
of low masted craft lying by the ware
houses and quays almost beneath Us. 1t is
great highway. Dozens of little steamers
seemed to be heading for a common land
ing near the Exhibition on the other side.
ARC DE TRIoMPuE.
The balloon turned and again came in
view the stately buildings of the Place de
la Concorde, with its marble groups,
statues of kings and unparalleled obelisk,
reminding one of the early troubles of the
now revered statesman NJ. Thiers, and the
tall spiral Vendome column, illustrative
of the wealth and folly Of q nation, the
pride and power that led to its erection,
defeat of that Germany which
has since humbled France to the
dust, the stupidity Of maddened
| populace that saw in it the embodiment
OF a distasteful sentiment. Beyond
stretched the avenue of the Elysee, dotted
with elegant mansions and thererose up
that marvellous span, the Arc de Triomphe,
combined triumph, indeed, Of bravery
and architectural skill--a monument whose
history will ever be interviewer with the
records Of French heroism and bloodshed.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Rapidly the eye follows the thread-like
curves of the Boulevard des Italians and
beyond the limits of the city to the lines Of
railways to st. Germain, LIE Mans, NC. The
light pillared Madeleine, the clumpy
steeple of st. jacques. the Hotel des In
valides, the dome of the Ecole Militaire, the
double towers of st. Sulpice, the magnifi-
cent dome Of the Pantheon, the Palace Of
the Institute and many other features
that naturally attract the curious next came
into view. Across the water the attractive
Exhibition buildings, with dome and spires,
and innumerable flags, spreading out on
the Champ de Mars, separated from the
river only by carriage drive the river ap-
pearing like dark lane dividing the semi
circular palace of the Trocadero with its
extravagant gardens, and fountains and
open walks, from the more attractive build
ings where are concentrated the best skill
and the highest art now known to civiliza-
ton.
GRAND SIGHT.
To look over Paris is truly grand sight.
It is so different from the fat cities of the
Orient and the uninteresting prominences
of the chief cities in the United States It
is coup d'osil that, once seen, can never be
forgotten. Everywhere monuments, spires,
bridges, notable places in history. And the
massive forts at valerien, Montmartre, and
other points, seem to form an irregular cor
don to shut in one city, while another and
almost as picturesque a collection Of build.
ings rises up at all points beyond them as
far as the eye can reach. t,
REFLECTIONS SUDDENLY DISTURBED.
The solemn reflections inspired by the
ascent were somewhat disturbed by 9
warm discussion which arose between the
HERMDs weather prophet and fellow
passenger who was half savant half gobe
mouche The weather man, having a strong
vein of humor, was struck with the pecu.
liarities of the gobe-mouche, whose Imperfect
English, moreover, had amused all the
party The following dialogue ensued:-
s.MoNslEUR" SLIGHTLY AsToNIsHED.
Monsieur speaks of balloons in America,
said the demi-sGvant ''are they used ex
tensively for meteorological observations p
Certainly, SIR" replied the prophet
''Our aeronauts are men of high scientific
attainments, and supply US with oil th'
current news flowing in the atmosphere"
''But you have made no scientific progress
with all your advantages.
'"You are mistaken. Our meteorological
progress has been extraordinary. Gu
savans frequently see stars when they polk
their heads out Of bed, and even our ordi
nary politicians are posted as to how tn
wind blows every hour Of the day."
DOES NOT UNDERSTAND 1T.
''Je ne comprends pas" U do not under
stand) said the Frenchman.
'.Then, sir you should visit America an,
see for yourself"
"You cannot convince me-" continue,
Monsieur, after pause, that France i