Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-08-02
The Circus and Jumbo.

OF this great show. 70 be here on Thurs
day, August 10. the Boston Daily TrdUetL
or speaks: Mr.. Barnum himself hath
said it; namely, that this is the greatest
effort of his life, and that he has produced
the greatest show on earth. Perhaps 1t
should be said the greatest shows; for
there are at least half a dozen features
about this big concern which would by
themselves prove meritorious and attract
i've entertainments. Such, for example,
is Jumbo, who alone would draw crowd.
ed tent at any time under any circum'
stances; the menagerie, containing other
elephants, including the famous "Queen"
and her baby bridgeport" and all'other
known beasts of land and water, reptiles
from the swamp and rare birds of the air;
the museum of curiousties and monstrosl'
ties, animal, vegetable, and human leach
of the three rings of the circus, the Roman
Hippodrome, etc. In fact it combina-
ton of shows made by the consolidation
of Messrs. Barnum's Bailey & Hutchin'
sons, aud the London circuses. Jumbo
is very condescending. He extends his
trunk affably towards you for bun or
apple or even peanut. which he tucks
away in the aperture under his nose,
called mouth, continually. He is very
Industrious in his way, never ceasing the
movement of his food conveyor so long
as there is anything in sight to reach
after. In this way went biscuits, apples,
candy. ETC., proffered by boys and benevo-
lent elderly gentlemen in countless mum.
bers during Yesterday afternoon, and when
there was the least lull in the lollipops
the enormous glutton began upon the
straw and hay at his feet. To the party
of newspaper men who on their rounds
with the cicerone of the show, were
admitted within the robe paling, Jumbo
extended his trunk with uncommon alac-
rity. as though expecting to be furnished
with something more stimulating than
lollipop. At all events, he searched the
side pockets of several who wore the pale
tot coat, with light fingered adrotness.
Among other things not greatly TO his
credit, jun has the reputation of being
an incorrigible thief. One gentlemen
who had bought pint or more OF pea,
nuts and placed them in his pocket turned
Just in time to see them going down the
mammoths throat cavern, paper bag and
all. 1t was quite diverting 10 see him wink
or close his eyes on the reception in his
tooth of a sweetmeat or the like. He APP
peared to be in a sort of ecstacy at such
times, and ready to announce his gratitude
if possible, after the manner of Charles
Dickens when first imbibing sherry cob
bier in this country. In truth, Jumbo is
not only glutton. but voluptuary,. pay
ing mnch attention to the continual titilla-
ton of his palate.
Whatever truth there may or may not
be in relation to his drinking habits, he
was perfectly sober, and behaved in dig
nifed though ponderous manner. The
circus performances. which began at 2
o clock precisely, were opened by a grand
procession around the course, which en-
circles the three performing, rings of ele-
plants. thoroughbred led horses, charlots,
and a cavalcade of gorgeousl y costumed
ladies and gentlemen, all finely mounted.
First came the band, marching on foot, fol
lowed by tho cavalcade, and then the
elephants Tho foremost Of the latter was
little Bridgeport" some three months
old only, followedby his mother, 90 leen,"
who was in turn followed by Jumbo.
Bridgeport walked forward, with quick,
bustling sort of a step, which strongly re-
minded one of a busy politician or man OF
affairs at convention. Queen was more
reserved; while Jumbo took about one
stride to the others two or three in keep.
ing up with the procession. The circus
performance was much like that of last
year by Mr.. BArnum's company. though
more extensive in the number of acts.
Among others may be mentioned the
Roman catapult which hurls man one
hundred and fifty feet through the air to
be caught by II netting in his fall; the wo.
man tirel from the cannon; the splendid
riding of Nine. Dockrill the graceful
tight rope walking and dancing of Miss
Eva Walker, the fearless acrobatic doings,
the hurdle and chariot races, and others.