OPORTO. 125 



open air. Combined with the floricultural exhibition there 

 is also a small beginning of a Zoological garden, in the 

 shape of four or five large cages, containing respectively 

 eagles, hawks, cranes, and some other birds ; and it is con- 

 fidently hoped that in due course this little nucleus may 

 develop into a more regular collection. On entering the 

 building we found that one half was devoted to dramatic 

 representations, and fitted up as a theatre ; the remainder 

 was occupied as a large bazaar, containing stalls of all 

 sorts, after the manner of our familiar emporium at Syden- 

 ham. There were also added, at one end, conservatories 

 and hot-houses, well filled with choice exotics, all. in ad- 

 mirable condition, and betokening the good taste and judg- 

 ment of the directors of this spirited company. The build- 

 ing crowns the summit of one of the higher hills which 

 the city occupies; and as the brilliant rays of the sun are 

 flashed back from its glassy surface, it may well be imagined 

 what a conspicuous object it is from afar, and how the eye 

 is dazzled on looking up to it from the streets below, or 

 from the river which it almost overhangs. Not less does 

 it command a magnificent view from the gardens which 

 surround it; and more especially is this the case on the 

 western side, whence you have a wide vista of the Atlantic, 

 the course of the Douro a short league from the city to 

 the sea, the harbour of Foz at the m.outh of the river, and, 

 above all, the famous bar, the terror of all skippers, which 

 has often proved so destructive to life and property ; for 

 which all sailors and merchants entertain the most p 'ofonnd 

 respect, amounting to awe, and over which, even frDm this 

 distance, we could see the white surf rollincr dur nir the 

 livelong day. The bar at the mouth of the Tagus was no 

 trifling matter, and has attracted to itself due attention 

 from pilots, and enforced caution on all who approi ch its 

 limits; but the bar of the Douro is a far more formidable 

 opponent, and when an adverse wind is blowing is a 



