The Press., 1898-07-07

unSo0n 1n6fe is strange int6rming-
ling of the old and the new, unknown to
our comparatively new cities. Many of
the buildings are beauties In architecture
and massiveness, among which are the
Provincial Building, Government House
and the new armory.
The Public Gardens were literally filled
with flowers, the season there being four
weeks later than ours. Lilacs were real
trees, yellow locusts, hawthorn, horse
chestnuts, bridal wreaths, and all the
Towering shrubs and plants, natives of
New England, were luxuriant and abund-
ant. Artificial lakes, bridges and lodges
added much to the beautiful park.
Fort George on Citadel hill, next to the
strongest fortress in North America,
stands on q hill overlooking the harbor,
and was bedecked in holiday attire be-
cause of Halifax's 149th birthday The
visitors were taken around the earth
works inside the moat, and through the
courts, and many of the yankee cous-
ins" will have hat pins made of the Eng
lish army buttons as mementos of that
day.
All were invited by the Halifax Tour
lists and Press associations to a sail on
the harbor, and were royalty entertained
with three and a-half hours sail and
light refreshments on the tug Whitney.
This is magnificent sheet of water, ca
pable of sheltering the whole English
navy at once. Two Spanish merchant
vessels have been hiding in the harbor
for six weeks and saluted us as we passed
them, though we were flying the stars
and stripes.
A treat was in store for us, for we soon
sighted the English flagship, Renown,
and pulling up alongside, were assisted
on board by the gallant seamen, while
the ships band played "The Star Span
gled Banner" This ship carries four 10
inch, ten 6-inch, and thirty light or quick
firing guns. A new torpedo net had just
been received from England, and was be-
ing adjusted to the ship. At the time of
our visit there were 999 men on board.
Dinner was nearly ready and looked very
appetizing. The hospital was an attract
i've apartment, with its swing cots and
spotless bedding. 1t was recreation time
for some, who enjoyed themselves watch
ing the regatta and playing checkers, the
remainder we're busy cooking, tailoring,
mending, winding tobacco, polishing re-
gala, and attending to their various du-
ties. We were ushered off the ship to
the strains of a popular two-step, and
proceeded on our sail.
The finest dry dock in America, where
our 'tIndianna" has been repaired, was
at our left, and many fine homes dot the
shores. The band stand on the estate Of
the Duke of Kent still stands on the
shores.of the Bedford Basin, and 10 visi-
bic from the barber.
The Notifications are numerous, there
being one on Georges Island known as
Fort Charlotte, and Ives Point battery
and Fort McNab on McNab's Island.
York Redout Is modern fortification at
tho entrance of the harbor.
After delightful sail, amid cheers for
Press association, we landed at Corbett's
wharf. Many attended the concert In the
evening at the public gardens.
We left Halifax early Wednesday morn
ing, passing through the town of Wind
sor, which was nearly wiped out by a
fearful fire last winter, but is fast being
rebuilt. This town mines plaster stone
in large quantities, and many car loads
were ready for shipment as we passed
through.
We reached Kentville before noon,
which is an attractive town, thickly pop
ulated with courteous, hospitable people,
who did everything in their power to
make our stay here enjoyable. We were
all cordially entertained at the hotels and
two or three private families.
Directly after dinner carriages and
barges, kindly loaned by the citizens,
conveyed the party to Look OFF Noun
tain, distance of twelve miles. This lie
delightful drive through very fertile
country, where thrift and prosperity
seemed to reign. The dikes have made
it possible to cultivate many rich mead
ows, from which large crops are taken.
The apple orchards are numerous, and a
big yield is expected this year. This is a
staple export for this locality.
One seldom, If ever, meets more ex.
tended and magnificent view than that Of
Mount Look OFF. On clear day, anG
such we had, one may behold five coun
ties, including the peaceful valley o.
Grand Pre-, while broad expanse of the
Minas Basin, surrounded by lofty noun
tains, one of which is Blomidon, is evel
before you. From the tower the Bay o.
Funday is visible on the north, making
altogether panorama never to be for
COTTON.
We reached home with hearty appe
tite, which was quickly appeased by the
good things provided us by Mrs. c. A
Masters, with whom 1t was our good for
tune to stop. Should any one going t.
Kentville desire good board in pleasan
! family, this quiet home would be an idea
, stopping place.
| The band concert, and public meeting
OF the tourists, with musical and speech
: es at Hotel Aberdeen, was the evening
entertainment.