Ushered by a gate into the Johore Village, we viewed the habitations, weapons, apparels, and curiosities of that Malay tribe. The performance given by one of the natives stood in striking contrast with what we understand by the art of dancing. In fact, it was more a series of graceful poses with slow rythmic movements of hands and feet. This peculiar dance effected a strange impression upon us; but seemed to amuse our Baby Virginia beyond measure, who, on the arms of her faithful nurse, attempted to produce movements similar to those she had just witnessed.
The South Sea Islanders' Village exhibited Malays from Sumatra, Borneo, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, and other islands belonging to Oceanica. The huts and their occupants had a strong resemblance with those of the Javanese village whose inhabitants, however, were more agreeable-looking people.
Paying a visit to Hagenbeck's Zoological Arena, we first admired his famous menagerie, which comprised rare varieties of quadrupeds, and a fine collection of birds.
In a circus modeled on the plan of the Coliseum of Rome, we witnessed performances that evinced the wonderful docility Mr. Hagenbeck's animals possess, and manifested the complete control their trainers have over them.
We had already seen innumerable circus feats; but those performed on this occasion, surpassed them all. For, such a perfection in training ferocious animals is extremely rare. Vraiment, the five Nubian giant lions afforded an imposing aspect; and their performances were simply marvelous, indicating that—while human ingenuity and skill subdued the great forces of nature to the use of mankind—also the fierce, majestic king of beasts is made submissive to man's will by his master power over all.
Industrial, Mining, Diving, and Horticultural Exhibits occupied the remaining space of this eastern portion, whose extremity was taken up by Lady Aberdeen's Irish Village. Here the displays were similar to those inclosed in Mrs. Hart's Irish Village, already described; but the novel feature of Blarney Castle was the renowned Magic Stone, supposed to possess extraordinary virtues.
Thus, the unique Highway through the Nations afforded a prolific source for sight-seeing, and furthermore, was a sore trial to our organs of hearing. Musical and unmusical instruments of every description were in operation—from the Javanese salendon and pelog to the tuneful instruments, masterly handled by the excellent German bands.
This visit to the Midway Plaisance established the fact, that the theories—admitted by the study of geography—could not be brought into consideration. How should space and time be in existence when a few steps sufficed to convey us from the land of perpetual snow to the zone of exotic plants and tropical fruit!
"Who can all the tribes and nations name
That to Plaisance from every climate came?"
The Chinese and Turk, German and Cingalese, Esquimaux and Javanese,
Irishman and Polynesian, Bedouin and Laplander, Austrian and Soudanese,
Syrian, Nubian, and Japanese—all had a temporary home within the limits
of a tract of land covering eighty acres.