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 transport to England, which required a train of no less than 46 waggons, besides passenger carriages, for the conveyance from Paris to Boulogne, where it was transferred to the two steam-vessels Leo and Rhine, which were specially detached from the General Steam Navigation Company’s Continental service, for the voyage to London. The area of the stabling and harness-rooms at the Crystal Palace is no less than 27,456 square feet; and the dressing-rooms alone occupy 3,472 square feet. The elephants, horses, and camels require about 10,000 pounds of corn, 8,000 pounds of hay, 8,000 pounds of straw, 2,000 pounds of bran, and 3,000 pounds of potatoes per week; while the lions consume 400 pounds of beef per week. |