It is but natural that the greatest Hippodrome of the world should be quartered at the greatest pleasure-resort of the world, and the arrangements made at the Crystal Palace for the reception and performances of Mr. Myers’ Company will fittingly occupy the first place in this brief account of his establishment, and of the entertainments which will be offered to the public during his visit to England. The stables (marked D on plan), whose dimensions are given elsewhere, occupy the basement at the

The magnitude of Mr. Myers’ establishment may be, in some degree, estimated when we state that its performances employ no less than 200 persons—as equestrians, acrobats, clowns, musicians, children, &c., and 200 performing animals, comprising 132 horses, 18 ponies, 9 elephants, 7 lions, 6 camels, besides monkeys, dogs, and mules. The estimated value of matériel alone is £150,000, and the daily expenses are over £250. Another idea of its extent may be gained from a few facts as to its tra

Mr. J. W. Myers, the proprietor of the largest Hippodrome in the world, was born in New York in 1828. Though still in the prime of life, he is a veteran in his profession, having commenced his public career at the early age of nine by apprenticing himself as an equestrian to Aaron Turner and Sons, partners of the celebrated Barnum. Ex nihilo nihil fit , and Mr. Myers thus early recognised the truth of the proverb by taking care to be provided with the small though substantial capital of one half

The love for spectacles in which animals take part is inherent in human nature, and directed the current of popular amusements at a very early period of the world’s history. There is a natural pleasure in witnessing performances which illustrate the sovereignty which man’s intellect enables him to obtain over the largest and fiercest of the brutes. Some of the most beautiful of the classic myths are based on this dominion of man over the animal creation. The Centaurs were but early trainers and

Elephants have, from a very early period in the history of circus entertainments, played a leading part in the performances. They were, in fact, the first animals (except, of course, horses) introduced into the ancient amphitheatre, Lucius Metellus having (as stated above) paraded them as part of the spoils of the Carthaginian war. In the time of Pompey’s rule at Rome there was an attempt on the part of the elephants to break down the barriers which separated them from the public, an act of insu

With the lions of Mr. Myers’ Hippodrome the name of John Cooper is inseparably associated. This foremost animal trainer in the world, was born at Birmingham in 1838, and entered upon his present career under the auspices of George Batty (brother of the Batty of hippodromatic fame of 1851), who was then travelling on the Continent with his circus and menagerie. Cooper commenced lion-taming at the early age of twelve, and has followed the profession of trainer of wild animals without cessation til

With such an unrivalled stud as that of Mr. Myers, and with such a company of equestrians, it is, of course, inevitable that the scenes of the circle will be on a commensurate scale. Mr. Myers has enlisted the services of almost all the best-known riders, and his horses fulfil all the requirements of the circle, both for high breed, for docility, and for training. There is not a more accomplished and graceful horsewoman in the world than Mrs. Myers; and her performance on her thoroughbred steed

One of the features of the performances in the Roman Circus Maximus was the grand procession which preceded the sports, and in which all who were about to exhibit took part. These will be reproduced during the stay of Mr. Myers’ establishment at the Crystal Palace; the chariots, constructed on the classic model, gorgeously decorated and lavishly plated, and drawn by horses of the highest breed and mettle, being daily paraded on the great course constructed on the First and Second Terraces, as be

The miscellaneous entertainments given by Mr. Myers are of great variety; in fact, he is able with perfect ease to change his programme daily, such are his resources. An attractive item is the performance of the Japanese troupe , brought from Japan expressly for Mr. Myers, and in which the brothers Moto and Assa exhibit a flexibility which implies the possession of spines of abnormal elasticity; while Gingero and Como-Ketchy go through a series of balancing feats which cast into the shade all co

The latest addition to the varied attractions of Mr. Myers’ establishment has been a gorgeous spectacular pantomime on the subject of Little Red Riding Hood (Le Petit Chaperon Rouge), which was produced in Paris in April last, at a preliminary outlay of 120,000 francs, and which forms one of the most striking features of the Crystal Palace performances. The charming little story of Perrault has been ingeniously adapted to the equestrian resources of Mr. Myers’ hippodrome. The pantomime opens wit