Frances De Berard.
Coulter, Colo.
News From an Old Friend.
I am going to tell you about a trip we took some time ago to an island lying in the Danube in the vicinity of Budapest. It is called "Saint Margaret's Isle," after a daughter of one of Hungary's greatest kings, Béla IV., who reigned from 1235-70, during the dreadful invasion of the Tartars. Margaret, or as it is pronounced in Hungarian, Margit, spent her life as a nun in a convent whose ruins are yet to be seen on this island, and lived in such a good way that she was canonized after her death. Even now many legends are current about her, which show how the people venerate her.
Now the isle is the property of the Archduke Joseph, uncle to the king. Free access is given to the public, who repair thither in great crowds to enjoy the pleasant air and beautiful scenery; every half-hour steamers from both sides of the river convey them there. First-rate bands are always performing in the divers refreshment pavilions. A most renowned mineral spring (sulphurous) makes invalids resort to that place for drinking the waters. When roses are in season there are whole plantations of these lovely flowers in bloom, which are sold to the visitors. The whole isle looks like a beautiful English park, and might well be styled the "Emerald Isle" of the Danube.
The whole town is making preparations for the great national exhibition, which is to be next year, in commemoration of the Hungarians' coming to the country, which is the Hungary of nowadays, a thousand years ago, viz., in 896. Large edifices are erecting in the vast public garden, called Vàrosliget, where the exhibition will be held. The new House of Parliament and the Royal Palace, to which most extensive buildings are being added, will also be finished for this occasion. An underground electric tramway is constructing. So Budapest presents a most lively picture just now, with all these constructions.
Stephanie Pallavicini.
Budapest, Hungary.
London Stone and Monument.
London Stone is in the very centre of the old city, and was the stone from which all distances were measured, and from which all the old Roman roads through England started. It is now built in the wall of a church, and protected by an iron grating from the too curious public. It is of unknown age, but is mentioned in an old MS. as far back as the time of Athelstane, King of the West Saxons.