Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-09-05

A visit 10 the city in winter Is preferable,
but much enjoyment can be had from one
there in summer; especially when it is a
trip combining business with pleasure. 1t
has been my good fortune this summer to
spend five weeks in Cincinnati, Ohio; and
would like 20 give you few items Of
much interest to myself, and, l hope, Of
some little interest to my readers. Business
was nay object, as | went to attend very
fine institution of Learning, but must say
had a lurking desire to get as much pleas
ure out of the trip rs possible. Cincinnati,
think, would be a very pretty city-its
buildings are solid, substantial looking al
fairs, its streets and sidewalks are broad
but for one great objection, it is the smoki-
est. dirtiest place in the United States, l
reckon. Those of US in the east, who are
accustomed to cleanly(?l towns, come back
and content ourselves with the old, but ever
new saying, There's no place like home"
The first object of interest | visited was the
Geological Gardens. This, Of course affords
much pleasure to those fond Of looking at
animals of every description, and birds,
some of the most brilliant plumage. Sew
eral steamboat rides on the Ohio gave me
much enjoyment. We took two trips up to
Coney Island, five miles up the river, and
the sail down in the evening Is delightful.
This island is fixed up much like Island
Park aud crowds of city people go out there
every day. Many, suppose, are unable to
spend the summer in the country so they
content themselves with an occasional day
on the island The Art Museum is an OBJ
iect of much interest. 1t is beautifully sit
uated in Eden Park The building is large
and handsomely finished in stone. 1t con-
tains an immense collection of sculpture,
painting and curiosities in every shape and
form. enjoyed mole than anything else
the rare curiosities from foreign lands and
no country, | think, is so well represented
is Japan. l saw from Egypt the mummy
Of an Egyptian princess who, it is said, died
b. c.. Silver and gold done up in every
form, queer vases, pottery ware of all sorts,
embroidery, bronzes and many other things
are there in profusion. The most attractive
to lovers of anything of the kind is the
most exquisite wood carving. The finest
comes from Italy in the shape of cabinets,
desks. sideboards, and a bedstead, the most
beautiful thing of the kind imaginable.
The churches Of Cincinnati are not near so
handsome As l expected to see them. The
last Sunday Of my stay attended Meth
odist church on Walnut Hills. 1t is de-
ightfu out there-all is so quiet and rest
ful the only noise Is that of an occasional
car passing The wealthiest men of the
City live out on Walnut Hills; they are to
be enyied for their beautiful residences.
Then. too, they escape so much dirt and
turmoil of real city life The night before
leaving Cincinnati l went to a very fine
play in the open air, the Conquest of Mex
leo" This i done upon qlite an extensive
plan-the Amphtheatre holds six thousand
people, the City of Mexico was very beau
tiful, and our Imagination convinced Us that
it was quite natural Those familiar with
the Conquest can imagine what mag
nifcent affair it was There were sixteen
hundred people took part in 1.-THE Mexi-
leans and Spaniards each in their national
costumes. Those who have read Walace's
"Fair God" would find much enjoyment in
this play. Though l felt more than recon-
peused for having gone to Cincinnati, it was
with light heart l turned my face home
ward and feel better satisfied than ever
that our Valley of Virginia" is the Car
den Spot qfHe WorH" might write more,
but desist, for fear l have already tres
passed on your good nature.
N'nIPORTE.