Punchinello, Volume 2, No. 38, December 17, 1870.

Chapter III: Part III: The Geysers

Text size

A fascinating, achromatic sketch of the Geysers of Iceland, those wonderful hydraulic volcanoes, which would readily he considered objects of the greatest natural grandeur, if the hotels in the neighborhood were only a little better kept and more judiciously advertised. Before these stupendous hot-water works the spectator stands aghast, and boils his egg in fourteen seconds, by a stop-watch.

It would seem as though the poet's invocation,

"Come, gentle spring! ethereal mildness, come,"

were somewhat rudely answered, for the spring comes with a noise like thunder, bringing with it "ethereal mildness" at the rate of ten thousand gallons a minute. It has been calculated that there is thrown out annually water enough to supply all the hot whiskey punches that are required during that time in the State of Maine alone. Old sailors say it reminds them of a whale fastened alongside their ship--it is a Seething Tide.

These vast wreaths, which the painter's art has so beautifully revealed to us at the top of the canvas, are steam. It runs no machinery, bursts no boilers, does nothing, in fact, that is useful, but only hangs round. Yet these volcanoes are full of instruction to those who live by them, impressing upon each and every one the mournful, yet scientific truth, that his life is but a vapor.

A VIEW OF MELROSE, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASS.

It has been well said, "If you would view fair Melrose, do it by moonlight." Our artist found that the suburban trains had not been arranged with an eye to this effect, and he was reluctantly obliged to give us his impressions of this charming spot by daylight.

This, however, has its advantages.

The elegant private residences, neatly trimmed lawns, graceful shade trees, beautifully dressed women and children, driving or promenading, are all more distinctly brought out.

The male population, for the most part, are brought out a few hours later, by steam and horse cars.

Everything here betokens ease and refinement. Here they refine sugar, in this large brick building.

The school-houses, churches, and town-hall are easily distinguished from each other, being of brick, with a brown belfry. On the extreme left is the town-farm for paupers. We haven't time, so we won't dwell upon this.

THE PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT.

These highly interesting old buildings are presented with extraordinary fidelity. They were taken on the spot. They are three in number, you will observe. I presume you cannot tell me what this is? We paid for it as the Sphinx, and it is pronounced by competent judges an exceedingly flattering portrait. The Pyramids are centuries old. It is understood that Miss Sphinx, out of respect to her sex, is about thirty summers--permanently.

I will not deceive you. These structures are immense tombs full of mummies; all the rooms are taken. From careful observation, it is concluded that, like the Federal Union, they "must be preserved." Here they stay in rapt solitude. A glance at the superintendent's register, as you go in, shows that the "PHARAOH family" furnish the largest number of inmates.

Look at this caravan about to cross the Desert. The camels are going instead of coming. They are the ships of the desert--hardships. The leading camel has a bell appended to his neck, which at this moment is ringing for Sahara. We wish them good luck on their journey.

This gentleman on the rear camel (which you notice carries a red flag to prevent collision), who is jauntily attired in nankeen trousers and a blue cotton umbrella, is a physician from New Jersey, whose sands of life have nearly run out. He will get plenty more by to-morrow.

A STORM OFF HATTERAS.

A terrific sight!

You can't sec anything, it is so thick. The sea runs mountain high. The gallant ship, with creaking masts, drives before the gale and plunges over the crests of the foaming billows. That is what she was built for.

The thunder peals crash after crash, and occasionally crash before crash. The lightning's lurid glare illumines, ever and anon, the scene.

The stoutest hold their breath, and if they can't do that, they hold to a belaying-pin, while the awe-stricken crew in vain attempt to pump out the hold. All is darkness, except in the binnacle.

We leave the noble vessel to her fate, with the cheering conviction that she is fully insured.

THE COLISEUM AT ROME.

Who has not yet heard of the Coliseum at Rome, that great masterpiece of Architecture, wherein Rome held her gladiatorial combats, her peace jubilees, and other solemnities! What classic associations cluster around it; what tender recollections of Latin Grammar and of ROMULUS and REMUS, CATILINE, and other friends of our youth, crowd upon us!

Here is where the poet saw the lying gladiator die; and where Mr. FORREST beheld the arena swim around him. You perceive from the outline of this immense building that there was ample room for this purpose.

A look at this recalls past ages; the palmy days of Rome. I need not remind my young friends that Rome is not so palmy as she was. And yet there is no reason in the world why she couldn't be made a great railroad centre. Look at Troy!

Strangers repair to this venerable pile from every part of the earth, though it is somewhat out of repair just at present.

This view, I need hardly explain, is intended to be by moonlight. The student, the philosopher, the lover of the classics, will gaze upon this ruin with emotions of mingled joy and sadness.

Other lovers will gaze at this object, which, without my assistance, they will recognize as the silver-orbed moon. Mark its pensive rays. The silver moon will now roll on--to the next subject.

_Husband._ "MAKE HASTE, BELLA, THE CHURCH BELLS HAVE CEASED RINGING."

_Wife._ "DON'T WORRY, DEAR! MRS. GOLDRISK NEVER GETS TO CHURCH UNTIL AFTER THE FIRST LESSON, AND SHE IS SWEETLY GOOD AS WELL AS FASHIONABLE."]

Comments

Punchinello, Volume 2, No. 38, December 17, 1870.Chapter III: Part III: The Geysers

0%11 min left in chapter