Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-07-11


vas in Boston, the papers there were unan-
lmous in commentator of the great ex-
hibition. The Boston Journal thus speaks Of
the show:
The street parade in the morning. which
was larger and more imposing than ever be-
iore, gave to the public . sample of the
shows capabilities, and was Witnessed and
enjoyed by the thousands who thronRed the
streets and occupied every point from which
view could be gained. No such street pa.
rade has ever been shown BY any visiting
circus, either in the matter of large and
costly gilded chariots, the number Of rare and
valuable animals on foot or in cages. OF the
beauty of the horses. No association in this
country-not even the management of Cen
trail Park in New York or of Paramount Park
in Phiiadelphia-possesses a collection of
whd animals to compare With this one: and
NOBODY cat study II without feeling convinced
that 30 cents would be little enough to ask
for simply q view of this part of the show
The chief interest, of course, centres about
Jumbo. who occupies an enclosure in the
MIDDLE Of the menagerie tent, and il con-
stantly surrounded by wondering and admir-
ing throngs. In regard to this animal it may
ne said that, however much one may be in
clined to discount the descriptions in circus
poster. it would be difficult to exaggerate his
proportions. A tall man with Q high hat can
walk under bis chin without touching it. and
would not need to stoop very much to pass
under his body. His form is in several re-
spects quite different from that of his CON-
panions; and his trunk. in particular, is of
extraordinary length and thickness. In spite
OF the reports that have accompanied him
from England of his ferocity and dangerous
hQ q of b,x
NOR. Jumbo is evidently the greatest at
traction that Mr.. Barnum has vet added to
bis show, and may be depended upon to sur
prise by his bulk even those who have con-
celved the most extravagant ideas of him.
Although only about twelve feet high, he
seems much taller; and if, like Lady Jane in
Patience" he is not pretty he is Ger
tainly massive
The baby elephant, Bridgeport although
his nose is somewhat put out of joint by the
superior attractions Of Jumbo, -for the tickle
American public, having seen an infant
pachyderm last year, is now disposed to look
upon another as nothing extraordinary,-is a
most amusing little fellow, and evidently
causes his tender mother, who is chained up
near him. no little anxiety by his pranks.
He rambles around at his own sweet will,
poking people about with his trunk, and but
ting fiercely at intruders into his domain. and
is as playful as a Newfoundland puppy.
Much space might worthily be given to a
description of the deer. antelOpes, tigers,
lions, hyenas, black and spotted leOpards sew
eral varieties of bears. the large herd of
giraffes, and innumerable other rare and val
liable animals, not to mention the monkeys
which amuse the children, the three dwarfs,
the Norwegian giant, through the ring on
whose fore finger a half-dollar slips easily,
and other attractions.
of the performances in the ring, nothing
can be said except in terms Of the highest
praise. There is not a weak point in it and
startling and almost incredible as the state
ment may appear, even the clowns are ex-
tremely amusing. The leader Of these, Mr..
Whimsical Walker, may confidently be
recommended to benefit dyspeptic and nissan
thropic persons by his original pantomimic
description of fisherman who goes in
swimming, and the fits which attack him, I'M
less he is promptly supplied with brandy.
full description of all the notable feats that
are performed in the arena would fill a large
space, and only very general mention must
suffice. All is excellent, but prominently to
be noticed is the graceful and skilful bare
back riding of Nine. Dockrill, beyond doubt
the finest performer of the sort nos before
the American public. the intrepid and bird
Buisley, the leaping by a dozen members of
the company, the grotesque dancing and con-
tortion acts of The Three ROnaldos,'' the
feats of strength of the Gilfort brothers, the
act on the swinging rings Of Miss Maggie
Claire and others. The exhibitions of train
ed horses by MIR. Dockrill and the wonderful
feats Of Mr.. Arstingstal's intelligent ele-
plants are even more wonderful than in
years past, and among the most interesting
events of the entertainment. The head-long
dive of Zazel from the top Of the tent into
net, the hurting across the tent of Lulu by
the huge catapult, and other acts Of that sort.
were thrilling and perilous enough to interest
anybody; and the hippodrome races with
which the performance closed were very close
and exciting. The company deserves success,
if only for keeping its patrons free from the
opportunities Of the peanut vendor and the
lemonade fiend, who are usually permitted to
levy black mail on circus audiences, but in
the present instance are inexorably kept out
side.