560
EXPOSITION AT VIENNA.
common to give the wedding-supper in one of these halls. These gardens are always very brilliantly lighted at night, and are usually provided with a good band, often both stringed and brass, which performs with a deal of tire and precision. The greatest aggregation of these establishments is at the Prater, so-called, the large park of the city, in which the Exposition was held. Here are gathered together beer-gardens without number, restaurants, theatres, menageries, shooting-galleries, a grand aquarium, concert- halls, velocipede-rinks, "Punch and Judys,” and all manner of things to attract and amuse. A uniform appearance of neatness and good taste pervades everything. Every variety of amusement is provided in a legitimate and respectable way, and every place is thronged by respectable and orderly people.
In the development of the plan which is to make of Vienna one of the most magnificent cities of the continent, a tract of land was reserved for a city park. This has been laid out in the charming style of landscape-gardening so universal in Europe, and is a very favorite place of resort, especially with children. At one end of the park a large and handsome building has been erected, called the Cure Saloon, and the open space in front is filled with the inevitable paraphernalia for eating and drinking. Here one alwa} T s finds a throng of well-dressed people with their children. The peculiar feature of the place, however, is the fact, that the various mineral waters of the country are on sale, and their genuineness is provided for by a government inspector.
Another favorite place of resort is the People’s Garden, nearly in front of the palace of the emperor. In summer the grounds are filled with the most exquisite beds of flowers, arranged with fine taste. But what gives it a peculiar character, is the fact that on certain evenings in the week, Strauss, either Johann or Edward, gives a concert here. A portion of the garden is railed off at night by a light rope- netting, and within the reserved space stands a permanent semi-circular building and two orchestral stands. Very numerous gas-jets are distributed among the trees where the chairs and tables are crowded thickly together. On evenings of great days a military band occupies one stand, and Strauss,