Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-07-19

ton of the fountain was marked by singu-
lar freak of extravaganza. Before the wa
ter was turned on large quantity of claret
| was emptied into the mains above the foun-
tain, so that when the pressure of water
came the dolphins for several minutes
spouted nothing but ruby wine. The poor
er citizens, having received hint of what
was to happen, were on hand with their
pitchers, and were amazed and delighted at
what appeared a miraculous display. Mag
nificent boulevards, completely surround.
ing the city, afford splendid drives and
views. They are laid in cement and kept
in splendid order. One Of these drives
leads out to the beautiful Jardin des Plantes.
This enchanting spot lies embosomed IN
lovely valley aud mirrors the varied charms
of the encircling hills. It is fed by a crystal
stream, which rushes down the preclpltous
mountain side and is conducted through an
artificial channel into the lake. Several
small islands diversity lis placid surface.
and on these islands ere planted varieties OF
of tropical trees and plants. Along the
shores Of the lake are pretty summer houses
and arbors in which the visitor can rest ana
enjoy the beauties of the charming land
scape. Tie bane of this delightful para
disc is serpent called by the fear
This reptiles venomous taste chooses the coolest
and most delightful places in the garden for his
retreats and it is literally at the risk OF ones life
that one lies down OIL the grass or even takes 4
rest in an arbor. Tho wounds inflicted by these
scrpents are very apt TO be fatal unless lmlnedi
ately cared for The whole island is infested with
this dangerous reptile, and is said an average
nearly eight hundred persons are bitten every
year, of which number from sixty to seventy
prove fatal, while many others result-ln nervous
diseases which arc almost as bad as death.
Leaving the lake and the lovely paradise III
which it lies VIC pass through short avenue OF
Acuyara palms into longer avenue of stately
Mountain Cabbage palms. the most beautiful va
ricty in the West Indies, notwithstanding the un.
uoetical name. THIS avenue is about quarter OF
mile in length, 1t is a fayorito promenade and
is also noted as the ducling ground where many
of the hot bloodcd and chivalroGs yoaths Of st.
Pierre have ended their rash quarrcls and their
days at once Ii is said that every foot Of ground
in this beautiful avenue has tasted blood.
The condition Of tho colorcd race in Martinique
has been undergoing gradual ameliorati0n since
their emancipation from slavery III lS.tb. Ihat
event was attended with many painful tragedies.
Vague rrimors had reached the island from France
of the passage of Il bill giving the negroe, lmmc-
diatc and unconditional freedom. Believing that
the time had now arrived when all their wrongs
and grievances were to be avenged, they assem-
blcd Mt various points OF the island. Bands of
armed maraudcrs attacked villages aud isolated
plantations, rapinc fire and murder marking
their path On one occasion. rcpulsed in III at
tack upon a building used as garrison to which
a large number of woman and children had fled
for safety they heaped around it bundles OF straw
facets of wood and other materials which they
proceeded to light in spite of brisk fire from the
garrison. Not soul escaped. Other massacres
and outragcs took place before the negroes were
put down and brought under subjection to law
and order The old harbarc instincts arc fast
diving out and in another generation they will
probably have become altogether matters Of tradi-
tion. r. p. w. q.