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Excerpts From the New York Clipper - 1870s

1860s     1870-71     1872-73     1874-76     1877-79     1880s     1900s

The New York Clipper was a weekly trade newspaper for the entertainment industry from 1853 to the 1920s, when it became Variety. Microfilms of the Clipper are available from various libraries and other sources. The Clipper contained regular news about circuses. These excerpts are interesting for the information on circuses, acts, personnel and circus life. Included here are a limited number of dates and amount of information on circuses published in the Clipper. Note: the Clipper had typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. All information should be checked with additional sources. Transcribed by Judith L. Griffin.

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1870

New York Clipper, January 8, 1870, p. 819. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Stowe and Orton's Circus and Caravan showed in Eutaw, Ala. three days to good audiences, and were to go thence to Tuskaloosa, Greensboro, Marion, Selma, Cahawba and Montgomery. Their principal performers are the Orton Family, consisting of Miles Orton, with his son Claudie, Master Leon, Miss Orton, Miss Jessie (slack wire), Caroline Orton, Andrew Gaffany, L. Munson. Miles Orton is Treasurer and Equetrian Director. The Van Zandt Brothers are features of the show.

The co-partnership which has been existing between Yankee Robinson and P. A. Older for five years, has been mutually dissolved, and next season the Yankee takes the road on his own account.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, April 16, 1870, p. 15. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Leihy, Lake & Co.'s Great Overland Circus and Menagerie, now exhibiting on the old circus lot on Jackson street, between Montgomery and Kearney streets, San Francisco, is one of the largest and most complete organizations on the road this summer. During the past few months the stock has bee quartered in the old circus pavilion, corned of Post and Stockton streets, whre regular circus performances were given last winter by John Wilson's Great World Circus. In this mammoth building (on the opposite corner to the Mechanics' Fair Building, where Camilla Urso held the musical festival) the ring stock have been kept in daily practice, while the performers have been getting in condition. This organization is made up as follows: Leighy, Lake, Baker, and John Wilson, proprietors; J. R. Marshall (who was manager of the "Japs") advertising manager; Mr. Leihy, treasurer; Abe Ogden and Billy Green, paste brigade; E. D. Boone, boss canvas man; B. B. Acker, boss ostler; Omar Kingsley (the original "Ella Zoyara") equestrian manager; Jule Kent and George Constable, clowns; the Rizarelli Brothers, M'lle Frankee, M'lle Victorine, the Mohammed troupe of Bedouin Arabs, M. Gillian, three horse rider; Mr. Williams, hurdle rider; The Peruvian Brothers, the Samwells Brothers; Master Romeo, tumbler; Master Ferdinand, pony rider; Master Cooke, the infant Momus; M. Tremaine, Broderick Jones, Carles and Tonson, acrobats and gymnasts. There are one hundred ring and baggage horses, twelve ponies, a camel, Lama (the largest ever seen in America), and a den of large performing lions, formerly the property of Avery Smith. There are twenty-four of as good pad, bare back and trick horses as can be found in any concern in this country. The procession made in the streets by the concern is pronounced very imposing. First comes the golden chariot, manufactured expressly for them by Kimball & Co., of San Francisco. It is a beautiful affair, twenty feet long, seats five feet wide, and can comfortable hold fifteen people. Stretching ove the front are two savage looking dragons handsomely gilded. On each side is a lion's head heavily carved, and two horns of plenty, while projecting from the rear are the tails of the dragons, also heavily gilded. The band sits in this chariot, drawn by twenty handsomely caparisoned white horses. The tableaux car comes nest, upon which is perched the large lion, then follows the private carriages containing the performers, the luggage vans and animal cages. The band chariot cost $4,800, and weighs 1,685 pounds. Great preparations have been made for giving the show in an attractive manner. The canvas is a 120 foot round-top, with a 48 foot centre piece. In order to give plenty of height for the Rizarelli Brothers to do their aerial business, there has been pitched the highest canvas ever seen in this country. There is a 50 foot peak, and 24 quarter poles. The sides of the canvas are 18 feet high (double the usual height), with 2 centre poles, and both are outside of the ring, just over the curb. This is a great point gained, as the ring is kept clear of all obstructions. A wooden fence has been erected around the ring curb and drapery covers it. The interior of the pavillion presents an inviting appearance. The quarter poles are beautifully decorated with hanging flowers and banners, while the nine hundred jets of gas make a picturesque sight. A raised platform has been built on one side, and chairs fill this space for the audience, while a circle of private boxes, handsomely fitted up and numbering thirty, occupy the extreme back of the circle. On the other side is the cage of performing lions, which sets back and can be seen by the audience. Directly over the passage from the dressing room to the ring, where the company enter, is a raised platform, eleven feet high, for the orchestra. Around the entire canvas and in the rear of all the seats is a promenade eight feet wide. Everything betokens comfort and elegance. This concern intends remaining in San Francisco until about May 10th, when it starts for a trip through the mountain towns and overland to New York state. The concert party is under the management of Add Weaver and Fred Sprung, and consists of Fanny Weaver, J. C. Campbell, Charles Charles (brother of Geo. Charles) and several others. They will perform under the big canvas. The side show is under the direction of Mike Dougherty and Chris. Bristle. This party consists of Anna Swan, the giantess, Prof. Joseph, the giant, a dwarf and Circassian girl.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, July 30, 1870, p. 135. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

One hundred dollars license is now required in the State of Wisconsin, as will be seen by perusing the following copy of the act of the State Legislature: "Every owner, manager or agent of any caravan, circus or menagerie, before he shall be allowed to exhibit the same in this state, shall procure a state license as a public showman, in the manner hereinbefore provided for hawkers and peddlars, and shall pay into the State Treasury therefor the sum of one hundred dollars."

Dan Rice's Show exhibited at Cleveland, Ohio, July 21st, on the west side, and on the 22d and 23d on the east side.

Bailey and Co.'s Circus and Menagerie exhibited at Augusta, Me. July 19th, Winthrop, 20th; Lewiston, 21st; and Norway 22d.

Older's Museum and Circus exhibited at Decatur, Ill. July 19th.

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New York Clipper, September 24, 1870, p. 199. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

The state and county license for circus and other exhibitions in the State of Texas has been repealed by the Legislature, and in lieu thereof shows now pay an annual tax of $150. This was effected through the influence of Mr. Henry Greenwall, of Galveston, Texas.

Robert Stickney was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sept. 5th, to Miss Kate Robinson, the only daughter of John Robinson, the circus proprietor of that city.

Dan Costello's Circus exhibited at Portland, Oregon on Aug. 26th, 27th and 29th, and were advertised to appear until further notice. The Mohammed Troupe of Arabs, Jule Kent and wife left the show on the 29th, when business fell off.

John W. Robinson's Circus is billed to exhibit in Decatur, Ill. Sept. 21st, Moweaqua 22d.

P. A. Older's Museum and Circus is billed to exhibit in Clinton, Ill. Sept. 21st, Bloomington, Ill. 22d.

Van Amburgh and Co.'s Menagerie, under the management of Henry Barnum, is billed to exhibit in Newcastle, Pa. on Sept. 19th.

Yankee Robinson's Great Show exhibited in Richmond, Ontario Co., N.Y. on Sept. 5th, to vary large business. Mr. Robinson was born in that town. Previous to the show, in the cemetery which was very near the show grounds, he erected over the grave of his mother, who died in 1845, a neat monument, the band played a dirge and the Rev. Mr. Day made some fitting remarks.

Dan Rice's Circus is billed to exhibit at Lancaster, Pa. on Sept. 19th.

While C. W. Noyes Circus was exhibiting in Blandville, Ky., a fight occurred between some members of the troupe and some citizens of that town, during which Emery D. Phillips, belonging to the circus, was killed. The body was sent to Paducah and buried there by Mr. Noyes.

John Robinson's Circus is going through Texas and Louisiana, taking in nearly all the towns of importance, beginning at Boston, Texas, and closing for the season at Baton Rouge, La. . . .

De Haven's Circus exhibited in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 15th and 16th.

Campbell's Circus and Menagerie is billed to appear at Philipsburg, Pa. Sept 24th, Tyrone 26th, Altoona 27th, Hollidaysburgh 28th, Williamsburg 29th, Huntingdon 30th, Belleville Oct. 1st, and Lewiston 3d.

Hemming, Cooper and Whitby's Circus exhibited at Marshfield, Mo. on Sept. 13th.

James Robinson's Circus is billed to appear at De Kalb, Ill. Sept. 19th, Freeport 20th, Elgin 24th, Indianapolis, Ind. Oct. 1st. . . .

Adam Forepaugh's Circus and Menagerie appeared in Elmira, N.Y. Sept. 16th.

Lent's New York Circus is billed to appear in Elmira, N.Y. Sept. 21st.

The European Circus is announced to perform one week in Chicago, commencing Sept. 26th.

J. M. French's Oriental Circus and Egyptian Caravan exhibited at Oneonta, N.Y. Sept. 12th and Unadilla, 13th.

H. Smith's Crescent City Circus is billed to exhibit at the following places in Texas: Galveston, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22d; Harrisburg 23d; Houston 24th.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, November 19, 1870, p. 263. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Shooting circus managers appears to be a favorite amusement with some people, and bids fair to rival the recreation of shooting Yankee school masters which prevailed in Kentucky in the days of Matt Ward. We have not to record the death, by violence, of Harry Whitby, of Hemmings, Cooper and Whitby's Circus, who was shot while that circus was exhibiting in Raysville, Miss., on Nov. 4th. He was conveyed to Vicksburg for surgical attendance, and died in that city on the 10th. Circus managers are an industrious, honest class of people, who work hard for their money, risk large amounts of capital in a single season, and give employment to a large number of persons; yet, while in the pursuance of their legitimate business, a number of ruffians come from the rural districts to the place of exhibition, and after filling themselves with whiskey, which would burn a hole in a linen pocket handkerchief, they have recourse, upon the slightest provocation, either real or fancied, to the pistol. Sometimes these ruffians, murderers, and assassins, are arrested and confined for a brief time, and that is the last the public hear of the matter. The assassins who killed Col. Ames and other parties in Dawson, Ga., ought to have been hung upon the nearest tree, and we doubt not the murderers of Mr. Whitby deserve the same fate. We do not advocate, as a general thing, ??? law, but in that section of country, where all law, human and divine, is set at defiance, extreme measures seem to be needed. There should be a law passed and enforced covering that section of country, making it a penal offence to carry concealed weapons, and the possession of them upon the person should be prima facis evidence of an attempt to commit felony, and the penalty should be such as to strike terror to the hearts of all addicted to the practice.

Mat. Hosmer, the ring master of Older's Museum, Circus and Menagerie, has returned home to Rochester, Mich., where he will pass the winter.

James Robinson's Circus exhibited in Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 7th and 8th.

Ames' Crescent City Circus is billed to exhibit in Columbus, Ga. on Nov. 14th.

Adam Forepaugh's Circus and Menagerie has entered upon the fourth and last week of its stay in Philadelphia. The circus and menagerie are in two separate tents, pitched upon the "Central Skating Park Lot," corner of Broad and Wallace streets in that city. Business has been good enough to warrant the proprietor making a stand for another week, instead of closing, as was originally contemplated, on the 12th inst.

The Philadelphia Circus, Tenth and Callowhill streets, will be re-opened for the season of 187071 on Saturday evening, 19th inst., by Mrs. Charles Warner, with a new company. Among the artists engaged are the following: Harry Welby Cooke, John Henry Cooke, M'lle Emilie Henrietta Cooke, M'lle Katie and M'lle Rosina, together with a large corps of acrobats and gymnasts.

Stone and Murray's Circus is billed to perform in Vicksburg, Miss. Nov. 16th, Jackson 17th, Uniontown, Ala. 18th and Selma 19th.

De Haven's Circus exhibited in Vicksburg, Miss. Nov. 8th. . . .

James Robinson's Circus came to grief in Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 10th, closing their season on that date. A correspondent writes that "the country is really so poor, and the licenses so high, that it is impossible for a circus to live in this section of the country."

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New York Clipper, December 31, 1870, p. 278. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Charley Fish, a festive youth who turns somersaults from almost every conceivable position upon the bare back of a running steed, has been the chief attraction at the New York Circus during the past week. His pirouetting is easy and graceful, and in throwing his somersaults he leaps much higher in the air than the average of performers. He was particularly fortunate on the evening of his first appearance in executing all his feats without a single baulk. His backward somersaults through a series of balloons, from a position standing with his back to the horse's head, was most enthusiastically applauded. . . .

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1871

Circuses, New York Clipper, February 25, 1871, p. 375. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

P. T. Barnum's Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Hippodrome will be officered as follows for the approaching tenting season: W. C. Coup, general manager; Edward Buckley, assistant manager; Dan Castello, manager of the hippodrome; J. J. Justice, contracting agent; W. C. Crum, editor of publications; Mos. W. L. Juke, automation, mechanical artist; D. S. Jackson, assistant do [ditto]. There will be three colossal tents, with one price of admission to all, which will be only fifty cents. The museum department will contain a large number of mechanical and automatic moving figures and scenes, among which will be a life size moving representation of the last supper; also one hundred wax figures, among which will be found excellent likenesses of King William, Bismarck, Von Moltke, the Crown Prince of Prussia, Napoleon III, Charles Dickens, the Siamese Twins, the What Is It, etc. Among the living curiosities of this department will be Admiral Dot, the California dwarf, and a French giant. In this department will also be found Powers' Greek Slave, and Museum curiosities from all parts of the world. In the menagerie department there will be a living sea lion, a giraffe, a rhinoceros, an eland, giant kangaroos eight feet high, the largest ever brought to this country; lions, tigers, a drove of camels and dromedaries, and rare African animals never before seen in this country. Among the equestrian artists already secured is Mr. William Dutton, a graceful and daring rider, who is also celebrated for his high battoute leaps. The procession which will proceed this mammoth exhibition on its entrance into every town, will, it is said, be the most gorgeous ever witnessed in this country, and will embrace an entirely new feature, that of performances in and on the chariots and cages while the procession is in motion. Conspicuous among the attractions in this department will be seen Admiral Dot's tiny equipage, ponies, chariot, with Lilliputian coachmen and footmen in livery. At the close of the procession Barnum's historical plowing elephant will give a free exhibition of his plowing, with other exhibitions portraying the wonderful sagacity of this animal. . . .

Concerning show matters, an occasional correspondent, "Kit," sends us the following gossip under date of Philadelphia, Feb. 17th: "Show matters are moving along quietly in this city. Showmen are getting things in order for the coming campaign, and as there are no less than six concerns to start from this city a good many professionals are congregating here. Tom King's Circus opens at Washington on Saturday evening, Feb. 18th. Brown and Sanford, gymnasts, join this company at Washington. They remain during the short season - eight days - which the circus exhibits there. The Commonwealth Circus, owned by the Conklin Brothers, Geo. M. Kelley, and Wm. La Rue, start from here in April, traveling by boat. The company engaged is a very good one. Besides the proprietors, who are first class artists, they have engaged Brown and Sanford, the well known gymnasts; Charley Reed, the rider, and John Kelley. John Keegan is to be agent. Ham Norman, of Cincinnati, and George Batchelor, who has secured O'Brien's privileges for the coming season, are in this city at present. . . .

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Circuses, New York Clipper, March 25, 1871, p. 407. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

The Sanyeahs, trapezists, are at present traveling with C. W. Noyes' circus in Texas.

A large number of wild animals for Barnum's new museum, menagerie and circus arrive in this city, per steamer Erie, on Monday, March 13th. On the passage the steamer broke her screw and was compelled to touch at St. Thomas, which port she left Feb. 27th. The trip from Europe occupied forty-two days. In consequence of this delay and in order to supply the carnivorous animals with necessary food, two llamas, a camel and a pony were slaughtered. Among the animals that arrived are an African eland, a black rhinoceros, two African lions, two royal Bengal tigers, a gnu or horned horse, two zebras, . . . two yaks from Tibet, two giant kangaroos, the largest ever brought to this country, sent by Tom Thumb from Australia, two wart hogs, resembling a hippopotamus, some African leopards, and ostrich and two boa constrictors.

John Carroll is engaged as clown with Cole & Orton's Circus, and will leave New Orleans on April 10th to join that concern.

John O'Brien, who has three shows upon the road already, has just purchased stock for a fourth, to be called Handenburgh's Menagerie and Circus. The concern has Charles Whitney for agent and opens about May 1st.

Dan Rice has purchased the wooden building known as the Palace Pavilion, which was used at the Great Exposition at Paris in 1867, for the American Circus, and will erect it in St. Louis, on the Lindell Hotel property, opening on April 17th. On that day D. K. Prescott becomes his partner in the show.

George W. Murray, clown and comic vocalist, is engaged with Warner's Pacific Circus and Menagerie for the approaching season.

William H. Brandon, the keeper of the elephant "Hannibal," connected with Van Amburgh's menagerie, died suddenly on March 12th, at Athens, N.Y., aged fifty-two. He was extensively known, not only among circus performers, but throughout the country generally.

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Circuses. The Tenting Season of '71, New York Clipper, April 8, 1871. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

The tenting season of circuses and menageries is peculiarly and American institution. In no other country does it prevail, and although an attempt was made in years gone by to introduce it in England, by Mr. L. B. Titus, a veteran American manager, who traveled there for a season under canvas, it did not prove a permanent success; its novelty created some little sensation, but the English people did not take to it kindly and it fell into disuse.

The advent of a circus or menagerie into a country town creates the greatest excitement among the citizens, and the day becomes a gala one, like unto the fourth of July or other national holidays. Business is suspended during the hours of exhibition, and the inhabitants give themselves up to recreation. People residing in the suburbs pour into the town in vehicles of every shape, while many perform the journey on foot. Unless the village schools grant their pupils a holiday the attendance is very light, as the boys will see the circus even if they play truant and crawl under the canvas so to do.

A large amount of capital is required to put a circus on the road. The canvas and seats are expensive, and then it requires a large number of horses and strongly constructed wagons to transport it and the other luggage through the country. The item of pictorial printing alone is very heavy, often amounting to some $25,000 in a single season, and this amount does not include advertising. The expense of bill boards for a season is an important item; these are contracted for by the business agent, who makes a bargain with a carpenter to furnish the lumber and erect the bill board, which oftentimes is twelve feet high by one hundred and fifty feet long, and after the exhibition is over the boards revert to the carpenter. A force of bill posters travel in advance of the circus and are known as the paste brigade. The running daily expenses of a circus or menagerie, or either alone, is from $500 to some $1,200. This amount must be taken every day, or ruin shortly stares the owners in the face. The show must be on the lot at the time advertised, no matter what the weather or the obstacles to be overcome. A few days of stormy weather, with muddy roads, besides taxing to the utmost the energies of all the workingmen of the show, oftentimes makes a large drain upon the treasury, which it will take weeks of labor to restore.

As it may interest our readers to know how a circus or menagerie is managed, we will concisely state the modus operandi, from its formation to the giving of the first performance, During the months of February or March, the managers assemble in New York city for the purpose of engaging their performers for the coming season, and then a route is decided upon, which is kept most religiously a profound secret, to prevent, if possible, two shows being advertised at or near the same time in the same town. We will suppose, for the purpose of this description, that the canvas, seats, horses, wagons, etc., have been already secured, and that they are in their winter quarters, where they are being thoroughly overhauled and repaired for the approaching campaign. The route having been determined upon, and the necessary amount of pictorial printing secured, ready to be boxed and shipped upon the receipt of a telegram, the chief agent, with a plan of the route and printed blanks for all kinds of contracts, a sufficient quantity of pictorial bills and corps of bill posters, starts for the towns it is proposed to visit, arriving in the first of which, he must secure a license to exhibit, which is oft-times attended with much difficulty; then a lot on which to perform must be secured, then contracts with the hotels and stables made for the keeping of the men and horses, both large in number, contracts for beef, hay, oats and other food for the animals; also contracts for advertising in the local papers; these must all be executed in duplicate, one copy of which must be returned to the manager at headquarters. He must also secure bill boards and eligible sites therefor. This accomplished, he pushes on seriatim to the towns mapped on the proposed route, leaving behind him full instructions for another agent, who follows in his wake. This agent, on arriving, sees that the bills are properly posted, inserts the advertisements in the newspapers, according to contract, and attends to such other commissions as the chief agent may have left for him in writing.

When the day of exhibition arrives, for all the work above named has been accomplished some ten days or more in advance, the show starts at an early hour in the morning, in a procession, with the wagons arranged in the proper order; those that are first required, leading the van. The most rigorous discipline is here maintained, as every wagon must come upon the ground in precise order, place and time, so that there may be no confusion or delay. On arriving at the outskirts of the village, a halt is made, the wagons containing the tent, poles and other necessary apparatus proceed to the lot where the exhibition is to take place, and the remaining wagons are prepared for the grand procession or street parade; the glittering costumes are donned, the banners unfurled, the musicians are ready with their instruments in the chariot, and when all is prepared the procession moves through the principal streets to the place of exhibition and is there disbanded. The tent is so quickly raised that it almost seems like magic, but it is simply the result of perfect discipline. Under the direction of the boss canvas man, every man takes his assigned position; he has but little to do, but that must be perfectly done and at the proper moment. After the grounds are prepared for the coming exhibition, all hands partake of the noontide meal. Then comes the afternoon performance, at the close of which supper follows and an hour or two of rest. Then the evening exhibition takes place, and the moment it is over work again commences. The tents are struck, and every thing loaded into its proper wagon. The performers and workmen then partake of what is called breakfast, and the entire show starts upon its journey to the next town, traveling all night, a journey sometimes of thirty or forty miles, while, on the next and succeeding days, the same routine is gone through for a period of about twenty-eight weeks. Sunday is a day of rest, the route being generally so arranged that no travel is necessary until near midnight of that day. Upon the arrival in each town an attache, called the "layer out," assigns the rooms in the hotels to the various performers and employees. The treasurer, besides selling tickets and counting his receipts, pays the orders upon the treasury, which the agents in advance have left in payment of bills.

This is but a brief outline of the vast amount of labor required. There is a corps of farriers, who shoe the horses; mechanics, who can repair a wagon that breaks down on the road, and, in fact, in every department competent men are to be found to repair all damages by accident. Some shows travel entirely by railroad, making the labors of the employees much lighter. Other carry with them a portable canvas hotel, so to speak, with cooking utensils and everything requisite to provide food and lodging for their employees. . . .

P. T. Barnum's Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Hippodrome. This immense combination, its first appearance on the road, is fully described in all its departments, as follows: Officers - P. T. Barnum, Proprietor; W. C. Coup, Manager; Ed. Buckley, Assistant; Dan Castello, Director of Hippodrome; J. J. Justice, Contracting Agent; W. C. Crum, Editor of Publications; J. N. Genin, Treasurer; J. L. Hutchinson, Barnum's Book Agent; W. B. Harrison, Expositor of Living Curiosities and Superintendent of Museum Department; W. L. Jukes, Automaton Mechanician and Superintendent of Statuary; D. K. Black, Assistant; Mons. Trepalier, Taxidermist; Prof. Allenshaw, Leader of Band; Dr. A. C. Berry, Veterinary Surgeon; Albemarie Wellington, Master of Horse; Joseph Baker, Master of Museum Pavilion; Geo. McDonald, Master of Menagerie; Thomas Marshall, Master of Hippodrome; Prof. Chas. White, Dominant Hero of Wild Beasts, assisted by Abdul Zid, Keri Shishak and Lial Zaldad, from the Zoological Gardens of King Theodorus of Abyssinia (the last three named, descendants from Ishael, assisted in the capture, and superintended the shipment of the great cargo of living wild animals recently imported from Asia and South Africa, and will themselves constitute no inconsiderable feature of the Great Exhibiton.
      The bareback riders and Equestrienne, embracing many well known in the profession, and many who will make theri Amrcian debut with this show are: Pauline Hindley, Mrs. Dan Castello, Caroltta La Vinci, Maria Celeste Garnier, the Marion Sister, William Dutton, Master Dan Castello, Geo. North, Alexander Bliss and Chas. Simpson.
      Gynmasts, Leapers, Tumblers and Acrobats. Messrs. Burnell Runnells and two sons, Hawley and Miacco, English, Smith, Cook, Hastings, Cavendish, Fitzgerald, Don Biovanni, Pennington, Shuleberger, Horace and Vincent - all first class English, French, German and Italian artists, secured by special contract expressly for this establishment by Mr. Barnum's agents in Europe.
      Clowns. Messrs. Dan Castello, W. Wallett and Julien Forester.
      Trick Horses. "Czar," "Floating Island," and "Senator."
      Ponies. "Thom Thumb," "Commodore Nutt," and "Admiral Dot."
      Trick Mules. "Artemus" and "Timothy."
      Number of men employed, 250; number of horses 245(345?); number of wagons, carriages, cages, chariots and dens, 95; cages in Menagerie, Museum, &c., 35.
      Animals. Elephants, Rhinoceros, Eland, Gnu, Impfooo, Nylghau, White Camels, ten Arabian Camels and Dromedaries, two Asiatic Yaks, Horned Horse, Royal Abyssinian Lions, from the Zoological Gardens of King Theodorus - the largest and most magnificent specimens ever seen in captivity - Bengal Tigers, Gold Spotted Leopard. Among the collection is a beautiful black Leopard, the second ever seen in the United States, and the first one for more than twenty years - Panthers, Pumas, Cougars, Jaguars, pair of Zebras (trained to harness), two Giant Kangaroos, one of them eight feet high; two Black Varks or Abyssinian Wart Hogs, first and only ones ever imported; Egyptian Crocodiles and Alligators, Sea Lions, Walrus, White Polar Bears, Borean Sun Bears, Rocky Mountain Sheep. Anacondas and Boa Constrictors, twenty feet long. Apes, Monkeys, Baboons, and a long list of minor animals, besides endless numbers of birds of the rarest plumage from all parts of the earth, among which are Ostrich and Cassowary of gigantic proportions. In addition to this list of animals, &c., another cargo of rare animals is expected early in May with Malayan Tapirs, Hippopotami, Giraffes, White Elephants, a White Rhinoceros, and many other marvelous animals.
      This Mammoth Exhibition is composed of three separate and distinct departments, viz.: Museum, Menagerie and Hippodrome; all absolute, legitimate and complete in their several appointments, requiring three colossal tents, and three sets of men, so admirably arranged that a single ticket will secure admission to the three great shows.
      In the Museum Department, among the numerous curiosities, may be found the following - Admiral Dot, the renowned California dwarf; the French Giant, 8 feet 2 inches high; Miss Annie Leak, the young lady born without arms; the Infant Esau, or Bearded Child, a little girl five years old, and literally covered with hair several inches long; the life sized figures representing the Eucharist or Last Supper; the Automation Trumpeter, a marvel of mechanical skill; . . . automaton life size figures of the Sleeping Beauty, Dying Zouave, Drummer, etc.; Museum of Natural History; Curiosities from the Red Sea and the Holy Land; Monkey Violinist; Siamese Twins and Automaton Musicians; Automaton Lady Bell Ringers; a section of bark from the big tree in California; Japanese, Chinese, Esquimaux and Feejee curiosities; the Happy Family and Egyptian Mummy, 3,000 years old; Mechanical Singing Birds; . . . life sized figures of King William, Von Moltke, Bismark, Prince Charles, Napoleon III and Charles Dickens; "Tinseled Eden of the Fairies" and "Garden of Hesperides;" prize articles of patch-work and darning from Old Brewery Mission; Magic Looking Glasses; jaw bones and teeth of an Arctic whale, etc.; Digger Indians from the Yosemite Valley, California, besides many other curiosities not mentioned above. The wagons, carriages, cages, chariots and dens, which have been made on this side of the Atlantic, are all new, of the most exquisite workmanship and finish, no two being of the same color or design, while the massive and gorgeously decorated telescopic golden chariots, forty feet high, made in the city of London, Eng., will also appear in the street pageant. There will also be presented, for the first time, to public gaze on this continent, six royal chariots, mounted by golden Elephants, Lions and Tigers, with transparent crystal dens, in which will be seen monstrous reptile 20 feet long, handled and performed during the procession by the great snake charmer from South Africa. Abdul Zanid, presenting one of the most startling and sensational street exhibitions ever witnessed. This triune exhibition opens in Brooklyn for one week, April 10th, remains in the vicinity of New York three weeks, thence eastward the star of empire takes its way.
      Proprietor of Side Show - George W. Coup, who has engaged John H. and Mary J. Powers, whose combined weight amounts to 1,267 pounds.

Van Amburgh & Co.'s Great Golden Menagerie. Officers - Proprietors, J. E. Kelly, H. Frost, H. Barnum, O. J. Ferguson, John Lyke, F. E. Foster; Manger, Harry Barnum; General Business Agent, Benj. Crosby; Treasurer, Jno. Lyke; Master of Canvas, Wm. Simpson; Master of Horse, John R. Coss; Master of Circle, Prof. Langworthy; Leader of Band, Augustus Ziln; Lecturer on Natural History, Robert Ellingham; Elephant Performer, Charles John son; Lion Performer, Prof. Langworthy.
      Among the attractions are Willis Cobb's Troupe of Performing Goats, Monkeys and Dogs.
      Trick Ponies - Black Diamond, Skip and Mouston. Trick Mules - Darby and Toby.
      Number of men employed, 110; wagons, 21; horses, 151.
      Proprietors of Side Show, concert and Candy Privileges - Frank Uffner and Mich. Dougherty.
      Chief Bill Poster - Matthew Hurst.
      This collection of animals and long and well known show, was organized by Isaac Van Amburgh in 1834.
      In the Menagerie are 24 cages, with Hippopotamus, Rhinoceros, Great African Eland, Hartebest, Yak of Tartary, a Koomareah Elephant, New Holland Ostrich, Three-horned Spanish Bull, a Two-humped Bactrian Camel, Burche?? Zebra, etc.
      A six centre-pole canvas will be used, and the concern will camp horses and people. Organizing in Connersville, Ind., where first performance will be given about April 15th, then travels up the Wabash river and into Michigan.

Van Amburgh & Co.'s Mammoth Menagerie - Siegrist's French and Frost's American Circus Combined. Officers - Proprietors, J. E. Kelley, H. Frost, J. Lyke, O. J. Ferguson, F. E. Foster, H. Barnum; Manager, Hyatt Frost; General Business Agent, C. H. Farnsworth; Contracting Agent, C. Frost; Treasurer, Frank Hyatt; Assistant Treasurer, William Rogers; Press Agent, A. P. Newkirk; Master of Canvas, Archy Seals; Masters of Horse, Chas. Wood and W. Ray; Equestrian Director, Horace F. Nichols; Leader of Band, E. M. Parmlee.
      Riders - La Petite Emma Arilla, Willie O. Dale, Charles H. Lowery, John Barry, Little Kitty Kincade.
      Clowns - Clark Gibbs and John Foster.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, &c. - Lewis and Toto Siegrist, George and Wm. Kincade, Adolph Gonzalez, J. Barry, Henry Kincade and two sons.
      Trick Horses - Billy Muggins and Grey Elk. Ponies - January, ??? and Feramorz. Trick Mules - Mungo Park, Razorback and ???
      Number of men employed, 112; horses, 146(?); Wagons, 32.
      Proprietor of Side Show - Van Amburgh & Co.; Concert and Candy Privilege, Van Amburgh & Co.
      Privilege, Van Amburgh & Co.
      Chief Bill Poster - Joseph Stout.
      General Performers - Marietta Zanfretti, Tight Rope artiste; Francola Siegrist and his Children, and Troupe of Dogs; Little Meeme Foster, Madame Foster and Madame H. Kincade.
      In the Menagerie are 16 cages of animals.
      Elephant Performers - Frank Nash, William Winner, the lion king.
      A three centre pole canvas is used. The concern will camp men and horses in "Hotel de Frost," of which Chris. Stout is steward and Jeff Benson chief cook.
      Everything has been thoroughly overhauled, repaired and repainted. The show is organizing at Carthage, Illinois, where the first performance will be given April 17th, then cross the Mississippi and go to Omaha, Nebraska, and so on.

G. G. Grady's Unprecedented Old Fashioned American Circus. Officers - Proprietor, G. G. Grady; Manager, Chas. Covelli; Busines Agent, Tom Edwards; Contracting Agent, A. W. Bakes; Treasurer, Wm. Myers; Press Agent, Johnny Fletcher; Master of Canvas, Geo. Robinson; Master of Horse, Dr. Wm. Lowry; Equestrian Director, E. W. Perry; Leader of Band, Pete Deliyede(?).
      Riders - W. W. Perry, Baby Julia Perry, Miss Minnie Perry, Chas. Covelli, Shakespearean clown; Chas. Howard, comedian and characters.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, etc. - Wm. Terries, James Terries, Jos. Berdaux, Jos. O'Neal, . . . George Andrews, Belmont Bros., Jas. Goodman, Masters Frank and George, G. H. Grady, Chas. Covelli, Chas. Howard, Nat Hughes and A. J. North.
      Trick Horse - Lady Wild Fire.
      Number of men employed, 60(?); horses, 22 by rail, and 70 by wagons; wagons, 21 new, built by Wm. Platt, Girard, Penn.
      Proprietor of Side Show - G. G. G., conducted by Jas. Rutlidge; Concert, G. G. G. and Lou White(?); Candy Privilege, Nick White.
      Chief Bill Poster - John Forepaugh(?).
      The proprietor has engaged Prof. Terries, who will make a free balloon ascension on each day of exhibition, from the grounds of the circus, doing a double trapeze under balloon while going up.
      In the Menageris are three cages of animals and many other curiosities.
      In order to get out early and evade the bad roads, the show will travel the first month by rail and lake, taking the new wagons at Girard, Penn., about the 15th of May, organizing at Kenton, Ohio, where first performances will be given on April 10th and 11th.

G. F. Bailey & Co.'s Grand Quadruple Combination. Officers - Proprietors, G. F. Gailey & Co.; Manager, E. C. Quick; General Business Agent, W. H. Austin; Contracting Agent, Fred. Couldock; Treasurer, G. E. Haviland; Press Agents, Geo. Gilford and Prof. Henri; Master of Circus Canvas, E. D. Emmerson; Master of Menagerie Canvas, N. Knap; Masters of Horse, A. Smith and H.(?) Spalding; Equestrian Director, F. J. Howes; Leader of Band, J. Bartholomew.
      Riders - The Great Sebastian, Master Romeo, Quagliana and wife, . . . La Petite Lillie, Madame Marie, . . . and Clara Cummings.
      Clowns - G. M. Clarke and J. De Haven.
      Gynasts &c. - Arabian Brothers, ??? and King, ??? and Gillette, Howes, Clifford, De Haven, . . . Clark, Wellbanks and Romeo.
      Trick Horse - Rinaldo and Abdalla. Ponies - Nan and Pets.
      Number of men employed, 140; horses, 165; wagons, 47.
      Proprietor of Side Show - F. Burch; Concert, W. Henshaw; Candy Privilege, Col. Crosby.
      Chief Bill Posters - Kisworth and Arnold.
      The Circus and Menagerie will be exhibited in two distinct canvases.
      In the Menagerie are 21 cages; Elephants, Black Rhinoceros, Double Humped Camel, with young Camel, three weeks old, Eland, Zebra, Llama, Sacred Bull, Lions, Baby Lions, Puma, Tigers, Leopard, Striped and Spotted Hyena, White Polar Bear, Blisbock, and a large collection of Monkeys and Rare Birds.
      The concern organized in Danbury, Conn., with new canvases, wagons, cages, new wardrobe for street parade, and attractions superior to any former season.

Wooten and Haight's Mammoth New York Circus. Officers - Proprietors, Andrew Haight, P. Bowles Wootten; Manager, P. Bowles Wootten; General Business Agent, Andrew Haight; Advertising Agent, W. W. Durand.
      Riders - Mme. E. Stokes, Mlle. Andrews, Charles Fillis, James Hawkins.
      Clowns - James Reynolds, Billy Andrews and "Doc" Wallace.
      Gymnasts, Leapers, etc. - Mlle. Louise, tight-rope performer; Fred and Barney, acrobats; Frank Ashton, contortionist; Jerome Tuttle, James Ellisler, J. C. Long, W. H. H. Griffin, Tom Day, leapers.
      This show has a fine den of performing lions and several outside attractions. Everything connected with it will be new. A new band chariot has been built at a cost of $5,000, and will be occupied by F. S. Kopp's Metropolitan Silver Cornet Band of twelve pieces.
      The concern has been organized at Atlanta, Ga., at which place the first exhibition was to have been given about April 1st. It will travel by railroad.

Noyes' Crescent City Circus. Officers - Proprietor and Manager, Chas. W. Noyes; Treasurer, Robt. McAndliss; Contracting Agent, Fred. Quick; Master of Canvas, Lewis Jones; Master of Horse, A. M. Brown; Equestrian Director, Tom Poland; Leader of Band, Chas. Voight.
      Riders, Gymnasts, Tumblers and Leapers - Wooda Cook, William Nicols, Robt. Johnson, Willie Batchelor, Mrs. C. W. Noyes, Mrs. Robt. Johnson, Leslie Brothers, John, Louis and Fred; Gibbs Sprouls, John Hunterson, George Cook, Charles McCarty.
      Clowns - Charles Parker and Charles Seely.
      Trick Horses - Grey Eagle and Blind Apollo. Ponies - Idlewild and Quickstep.
      Men employed, 100; horses, 120; wagons 26 (28?).
      C. W. Noyes is proprietor of the side show, concert and candy privilege.
      Chief Bill Poster - Logan Quick.
      The company has been exhibiting in Texas all this winter and will continue there during the summer, possibly lying up there during the three hottest months.

Rosston, Springer and Henderson's Great Mastodon Caravan, Circus and Menagerie. Officers - Proprietors, Frank H. Rosston, Andrew J. Springer, A. Henderson, Adam Forepaugh; Manager, A. Henderson; General Director, A. J. Springer; General Business Agent, Frank Rivers; Lion King and lecturer on animals, George W. Hall; Superintendent of animals, Irving Forepaugh; Master of Canvas, Charles Bolas (Bolus?); Master of Horse, John Forepaugh; Equestrian Director, F. H. Rosston; Leader of Band, W. D. Storey.
      Riders - Mlle. Carlotta de Berg, Mlle Jeannette, . . . Mlle. Francis, Mlle. Gerturde, James E. Cooke, W. H. Franklin, James Camel, Signor E. Castello and sixteen children.
      Clown - W. H. Porter.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, etc. - Charles Burrows, Nicolo Carlo, juggler; Mos. Lorous, juggler and barrel performer; George Cutler, the "man of steel'" The Ali Ben Abdallah troupe of Bedouin Arabs, 14 in number.
      Number of men employed, 120; Horses, 160.
      Side Show Director - Ham Norman; Concert, Dan Sutton and Harry Miller; Candy Privilege, Billy Kirkwood and Al Roshe.
      Chief Bill Poster - Abner West.
      The band chariot, cages, dens, wagons, canvas, wardrobe, and all the fixtures are entirely new, as well as the beautiful mirrored car, painted in emerald and gold, containing the bills, &c. that precedes the company.
      In the Menagerie are 19 cages, a den of Abyssinian Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, and Performing Leopards in charge of George W. Hall, and performed by Mlle. Gertrude; the Asiatic Elephant, Ceylon, a small Aftican Elephant, Cleopatra, a white double humped Bactrian Camel, an Arabian Dromedary and four Egyptian Camels. The chariot of Alexandria and the cages and wagons of the menagerie are new and of very elaborate design. The entire show will be exhibited under one canvas capable of seating 6,000 persons. Organizing in Philadelphia, where first performance will be given early in April.

James Robinson's Great Circus, Champion Show and Menagerie. Officers - Proprietors, James Robinson, Frank Pastor; Superintendent, B. M. Stevens; General Business Agent, William Anderson.
      Company - James Robinson, Frank Pastor, Master Clarence, William Armstrong, Shappee and Whitney, Davenport Louis, Maurice, William Gorman, John Lawton, . . . Charles Rivers, William Monroe, Mlle. Jeanette Armstrong, Victor Le Land, . . . Victor Le Land will perform the Leotard three trapeze feat outside the canvas, after which Eloise Kenney Bell, female gymnast, will make an ascension from the ground to the top of the canvas, and the mammoth balloon "City of Paris" will ascend daily, under the direction of Paul Haidenne, a Paris Aeronaut.
      In the Menagerie are eight dens of animals and five Camels, the performing Elephant, Rolla, and baby Elephant, Prince. The company is one of the best. The world renowned proprietor . . . and Mr. Pastor is one of the best riders in America or Europe. The outside attraction is very strong, and the Zoological Department will make this still more attractive. Organizing at Covington, Ky. The inauguration will take place at St. Louis, Monday, April 10th.

Cole & Orton's Circus and Caravan. Officers - Proprietors, W. W. Cole, M. Orton; Manager W. W. Cole; Contracting Agent, W. M. Davis; Equestrian Director, Miles Orton.
      Riders - Miles Orton, Young Leon, Little Claudie, Mrs. Miles Orton, the Misses Jessie Orton, Adelaide and Immogene.
      Gymnasts, Leapers, &c. - Maretta Sisters - Imogene, Millie and Rosalie - Rollendo and the Lamont Brothers, . . . William Holland, George Curtis, Johnny Carroll, Ace Barker.
      Number of men employed, 65; horses, 110.
      In the menagerie are dens of performing lions, 6 Camels and a performing Elephant.
      Organizing in Quincy, Ill., where first performance will be given in April.

John Robinson's Great Combination Circus and Menagerie. Officers - Proprietor, John Robinson; Manager, John F. Robinson, Jr.; Assistant Manager, J. D. Robinson; Agent, Fred Bailey; Treasurer, G. N. Robinson; Press Agent, Samuel Joseph; Master of Canvas, Wm. Winfield; Master of Horse, Alex. Reed; Leader of Band, Prof. J. F. McCann, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
      Riders - Robt. Stickney, Jr., John Lowlow, Wm. Conrad, Archie Campbell, Hiram Marks and Frank Robinson.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, etc. - Wm. Conrad, George Slowman, Eddie Trainor, . . . Harry Lampkins, Nat Homer, D. S. Edwards, Geo. Roberts and brother.
      Menage Horses - Stonewal, Grey Eagle and Ellsworth. Ponies - Lucy, Charley and Queen. Trick Mules - Jack Rag and Little Georgie Hemmingway.
      Number of men employed, 100; horses, 100.
      Proprietors of Side Show - Samuel and Robt. Stickney; Concert and Candy Privilege, John F. Robinson, Jr.
      Will use two canvases, one for Menagerie and one for Circus. The sixty-eight cream horses used in procession are all white-maned and tailed, with new harness costing $150 per set. The Band Chariot is entirely new, costing $3,500, and will contain Prof. McCann's Brooklyn Band of sixteen pieces, equipped in the finest uniform that could be purchased in New York, drawn by twelve cream horses. The drivers will all be in English livery, black, gilt trimmings. The wardrobe, banners and carpets are among the finest in American, costing in the neighborhood of ten thousand dollars. The Elephant, with saddle to carry six musicians, will be in the centre of the procession. Four Camels, richly caparisoned, will follow, led by four Arabs. Forty knights and ladies, all draped in appropriate costume, lead the pageant. The tableau car, drawn by eight horses, will, it is said, hold the largest Bengal Tiger in the country on the front, and on each ??? a Brazilian Tiger, Leopard, Lion and Grizzly Bear, . . . A pony chariot, filled with children, drawn by eight Shetland ponies. The twenty-five cages will be led by the ticket wagon of Mr. G. N. Robinson . . . Travel . . . by railroad, taking in all the west, including California . . .

Kincade's Circus. Officers - Proprietor, Ed. Kincade & Bro.; Manager, J. Jackson; General Business Agent, J. McKee; . . . Treasurer, M. Thoms; Press Agent, J. Jones; Master of Canvas, J. Wiley; Master of Horse, J. Rorick; Equestrian Director, E. Kincade; Leader of Band, Christ. Miller.
      Clowns - Edward and James Kincade.
      Gymnasts, etc. - Frederick Kincade, George Kincade, Charles H. Warner and others.
      Trick horse Frederick, pony Jenny Lind, and trick mule Julia.
      Number of men employed, 60; horses, 75; wagons, 15.
      Proprietor of Side Show - J. Wilkins; Concert, J. Shields.
      Chief Bill Poster - D. N. Nagle.
      This concern takes the road on or about the 8th of May. Its route will be through the western states. Organizing in Mansfield, Ohio; first performance will be given in Independence, O., . . .

Sheldenburger's European Menagerie and Grecian Circus. Officers - Proprietor, John O'Brien; Manager, James De Mott; General Business and Contracting Agent, W. H. Gardner; Master of Canvas, George Britton; Equestrian Director, H. Codona.
      Riders - H. Codona, James De Mott, James Ward, Little Mary Brown, Madame Brown, Mlle Josephine, Madame Codona.
      Clown - James Ward.
      Gymnasts, etc. - Barrelli Brothers, Chas. Snow, Lamoureaux and Clinton; H. Codona, James De Mott, James Ward.
      Trick Horses - Fire Fly, Washington and Beauty. Ponies - Beeswax, Wicked Will and Tom Thumb.
      Number of men employed, 110; horses, 160; wagons, 20.
      Proprietor of Side Show, Concert and Candy Privilege, J. De Mott.
      Chief Bill Poster - Richard Ball.
      This concern has been fitted out in the finest style for the present season, with magnificent cages, wagons, uniforms, banners, etc., and a first class circus company.
      In the Menagerie are eighteen cages. The great feature of this department is the largest Rhinoceros ever exhibit in this country - ten horses are required to transport this mammoth beast. The other animals comprise all those generally found in a menagerie, including Elephant, Camels, Royal Bengal Tiger, African Eland, Lions, Tigers, Hyenas, etc.
      The procession will be very fine, with new Golden Chariot, all the cages handsomely decorated, the drivers in full uniform, etc. The canvas will be a new three centre, 200 feet long and 110 wide. Organizing at Frankford, Pa. Will start from Philadelphia on April 17th.

Handenburger and Co's Circus. Officers - Proprietor, John O'Brien; Manager, G. V. Hunter; General Business Agent, Charles Whitney; Contracting Agent, M. Miller; Treasurer, Garrett V. Hunter; Press Agent, John Handenburger; Master of Canvas, W. B. Scattergood; Master of Horse, Charles Evans; Equestrian Director, Charles Kenyon; Leader of Band, John Overshine.
      Riders - Harry Codona and wife, Miss Eliza Kenyon and W. Handenburger.
      Clowns - Harry Wood and John Slocum.
      Gymnasts, etc. - Levanties, H. Mack and Snell Brothers.
      Trick Horse - White Star. Ponies - Iron Sides and Little Pete. Trick Mules - Genata and Queen Ann.
      Number of men employed, 115; horses, 130; wagons, 46.
      Proprietor of Side Show - W. Raymond; of Candy Privilege, Harry Glenn.
      Chief Bill Poster - H. Waterford.
      Menagerie of 21 cages, with 2 Elephants, 3 Dromedaries and a full menagerie collection. A four centre pole canvas will be used. Mlle. Bliss will make outside ascension. Organizing in Frankford, Pa. . . .

O'Brien's Caraven, Monster Menagerie and National Kingdom. Officers - Proprietor, John O'Brien; Manager, W. H. Sears; General Business Agent, C. H. Castle; Contracting Agent, Geo. McDonald; Treasurer, S. T. Williams; Master of Canvas, Thos. Rivers; Masters of Hors, Eph Nichols, Phil. Hartwell; Leader of Band, Professor Carl Kauffmann of Philadelphia Military Band, and occupying the $10,000 French Chariot Creation; Grand Lecturer and Purveyor, Frank Whittaker.
      Gymnasts, Acrobats, Etc. - Wilson Brothers, Lewis, Luke and George, D'Atalie, Man with Iron Jaw, Femal Sampson, Geo. Wambold and his trained dogs; also, Great Contortionists; M'lle Louise Bliss, Aerial Ascension.
      Ponies - 12, monkey Riders, and 3 mules.
      Number of men employed 120; horses, 160; wagons 15.
      Proprietors of Side Show, Concert and Candy Privilege - Batchelor & Doris.
      In the Menagerie are 30 cages, under 6 centre pole canvas, with a live 5 ton Rhinoceros, "Dr. Livingston;" 3 Elephants, Mogul, Princess and Dollie; Major Harry Conley, Elephant Man; Professor Geo. Conklin, Master of Animals and Performing Den. The Band and Cage Drivers will be all in uniform in procession, with two flags on each cage, and plumes and flags on each horse. Organizing in Frankford, Pa., where first performances will be given April 17th.

Great Commonwealth Circus. Officers - Proprietor, George M. Kelley, Peter Conklin, William La Rue, John Conklin; Manager, John Conklin; General Business Agent, John Keegan; Contracting Agent, T. F. Murray; Treasurer, D. B. Aldrich; Press Agent, H. A. B. Williams; Master of Canvas, Lewis Washburne; Master of Horse, R. N. Rice; Equestrian Director, William La Rue; Leader of Band, Professor William Kalitz.
      Riders - Charles F. Reed, Somersault Rider; W. La Rue, Hurdle Rider; George Brown, Master Leon La Rue, Infant Bareback Rider; M'lle Amelia, Mrs. Charles F. Reed.
      Clowns - Pete Conklin and W. W. Durand.
      Gynmasts, etc. - Brown and Sanford, John H. Kelley, G. W. Curry, John Conklin (Cannon Ball Performer); J. Smead, G. M. Kelley, Albert Stroup, Brothers La Rue, Walters, Durand, Chas. F. Reed, Double Somersault.
      Trick Horses - La Rue's Black Hawk and Nin Fahib. Trick Mules - Pete and Reddy.
      Number of men employed, 72; horses, 28; wagons, 4, to be used for moving stuff from boats to the lot and back.
      Proprietor of Side Show - Samuel Givens; Concert, Charles and Daniel Hertzog; Candy Privilege, John Hertzog and Fred. Tage.
      Chief Bill Poster - Joseph Morton.
      Will travel by boat, with new canvas, seats, wardrobe and everything complete. Band will make mounted processions each day, equipped in the uniform of the Prussian Cavalry. In the Side Show will be Major Burdett and Sister, the Lilliputian People; a Circassian Lady; a Collection of Birds and Monkeys; also Prof. Baker, the Juggler Magician, and Punch and Judy man; Prof. Baker also does his celebrated impalement feat, assisted by his wife. Organizing in Philadelphia, Pa.

Older's Museum, Circus and Menagerie. Officers - Proprietor, P. A. Older; Manager, L. Tilden; General Business Agent, J. M. Chandler; Contracting Agent, E. A. Alexander; Treasurer, W. R. McLane; Press Agent, Chas. A. Turner; Master of Canvas, Wm. Arnold; Master of Horse, J. Thompson; Equestrian Director, Jacob Showles; Leader of Band, A. D. Good; Receiver of Tickets and General Business Manager, Chas. Spicer.
      Riders - George Holland, Mlle. Leslie, Senorita Vicenta.
      Clowns - Jerry Hopper, George Madden, Willie Showles and J. Showles.
      Gymnasts, etc. - Mad. Sanyeah, Nelcourt Brothers, Holland Family, Chas. Spence, James Gallagher, Eddie Holland, Lewis, Henri and others.
      Trick Horses - Mad. Showles, with her trained horse, American Eagle. Ponies - Six Ponies. Trick Mules - January, Barney and Tip.
      Number of men employed, 100; horses, 135; wagons, 40.
      Proprietor of Side Show - Geo. Castillo; Concert, Chandler & Phillips; Candy Privilege, Madden & Dwyer.
      Chief Bill Poster - J. N. Young.
      This concern has a Museum of Curiosities, among the most prominent of which is the Stone Giant, or petrified man; also a fine representation of the Gorilla tribe. They run a three centre-pole canvas.
      In the Menagerie are fifteen cages, with Elephant, Horned Horse, Sea Cow, White Bactrian Camel, three Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Hyena, Black Bear, Black Wolf, two Kangaroos, Black Madagascar Goat, Civit Cats, Cashmere Goat, Ant Eaters, Badgers, Apes, Monkeys and all the tropical birds.
      They will give a very fine street procession, consisting of a first class band wagon, with fifteen first class musicians; then follows elephant, ponies, oriental display of horses, men, cages and grotesques. Organizing at Independence, Iowa, where first performance will be given about the 20th of April.

J. E. Warner & Co.'s Great Pacific Menagerie and Circus. Officers - Proprietors, Joel E. Warner & Co.; Manager, J. E. Warner; General Business Agent, Oliver P. Myers; Contracting Agent, Henry D. Warner; Treasurer, Joseph Porter; Master of Horse, Charles P. Jones; Equestrian Director, Ben Maginly; Leader of Band, Edgar Menter.
      Riders - Charles Fish, bareback rider; Fred. Barclay, hurdle; Mlle. Marie Elise, premier equestrienne.
      Clowns - Ben Maginly and Geo. W. Murray.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, etc. - Belmont Bros., Harry Wilcox, Ed. J. Smith, C. F. Brown, N. Rogers, Masters Charles and Antonio, Harry Gurr, Hercules Libby and Teddy O'Brien; Mlle. Bastian, female gymnast.
      Trick Horse - Tredegar.
      Number of men employed, 110; horses, 140; wagons, 22.
      Proprietors of Concert and Candy Privilege - J. E. Warner & Co.
      Chief Bill Poster - W. H. McArthur.
      Concert People - Connor Bros., Miss Kate Partington, Harry Gurr, Prof. Ryan, Mlle. Rosalie.
      In the Menagerie are 16 cages of Lions, Tigers, Cougars, Panthers, Sea Lion, Eland, Wallapus, Zebras, Horned Horse, Ostriches, Camels, largest Elephant in the world -"Empress," large collection of birds. Sup't of Menagerie and Lion Performer, Prof. A. J. Forepaugh; Elephant Performer, Stephen B. Leonard.
      Elephant "Empress" is 11 feet 4 inches high and weighs 12,480 pounds. Color of cages, white, green and gold; "Azure Car of the Orient," containing Prof. Menter's Silver Cornet Band; one large three centre pole canvas. Organizing at Philadelphia, where first performance will be given April 10th.

John Stowe and Son's Southern Circus. Officers - Proprietor, John Stowe; Manager, William Stowe; General Business Agent, John Dingess; Contracting Agent, J. O. Davis; Treasurer, Jack Baker; Press Agent, C. A. Wilson; Master of Canvas, Sam Dicky; Master of Horse, Mart Jennings; Equestrian Director, Albert Aymar; Leader of Band, Prof. Joe Gorton.
      Riders - Miss Lovellie, Watson, H. Smith and Son, Joe Tinkham, Abe Vanzandt and A. F. Aymar.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, etc. - Vanzandt Bros., Arabian Bros., Munson Bros., Prince D'Jalma, Babcock, Gaffney, Vanzandt, Joe Tinkham, I. K. Munson, James Reignolds, A. F. Aymar, Joe Tinkham and others.
      Trick Horses - Sanko and Grant. Ponies - Fire Fly. Trick Mules - General and Andie, two of the best in the country.
      Number of men employed, 75; horses, 18; wagons, band chariot and ticket.
      Proprietor of Side Show - James Kamp; Concert, Joe Gorton; Candy Privilege, J. O. Brown.
      Chief Bill Poster - C. A. Taylor.
      The circus has new canvas, splendid new band chariot, fine new ticket wagon, new band suits for band in procession, bought of Shannon, Miller and Crain - cost $1,800, and new wardrobe, all complete.
      In the Menagerie are 2 cages of Lions, Tigers and Hyena. Organizing in Vincennes, Ind. where first performance will be given April 8th.

North American Circus. Officers - Proprietor, Alexander Robinson; Manager, Edward Pastor; General Business Agent, Dion Shappell; Contracting Agent; C. M. Sage; Treasurer, Clarence Burton; Press Agent, Frank Yates; Master of Canvas, John Howard; Master of Horse, George Reiley; Equestrian Director, John H. Glenroy; Leader of Band, Julius Man?z.
      Riders - Madam Maria Robinson, with dancing horse; Mrs. Annie Robinson, principal rider; Master Alex. Robinson, scenic rider; John H. Glenroy, bare-back rider.
      Clowns - Boyd Robinson and Hiram Day.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, etc. - Burton Brothers, Thomas Byett, Edward Shaw, Austin Brothers, Thomas Clark, Edward Carroll, Barney Smith, James Reed, George White, Harry Sloane, . . . and Wm. Whitbeck.
      Ponies - Six trick ponies. Trick Mules - Short and Long.
      Number of men employed, 100; horses, 100; wagons, 25, all new.
      Proprietor of Side Show - Mr. Clark; Concert, Mrs. A. Robinson; Candy Privilege, Charles Whitney.
      Chief Bill Poster - Dan Foley.
      This show starts from Utica, N.Y., on the 1st of May, headed by the Great Golden Dragon Chariot, drawn by 40 horses, all dapple grey, and driven by Madame Agnes.

E. Stowe's Northwestern Circus. Officers - Proprietor and Manager, E. Stowe; . . . Treasurer, Eli Cupp; Press Agent, Frank Stowe; Master of Canvas, Hank McGriffin; . . . Leader of Band, Frank Stowe; Leader of Orchestra, Ed. Welling. . . .
      The procession will comprise 22 wagons without carriages. There is a large and fine band wagon, entirely new; to which 20 horses will be attached, finely equipped with head pieces, collar and back pieces; also plumes. This is one of the finest band teams in America. The canvas is 100 feet round top, with 25 foot centre piece, new seats, jacks and uprights. The stock is very fine, ten spotted horses for entree, two while and two spotted pad horses, one spotted hurdle horse, besides Mrs. Charles Warner's beautiful trained horse, De Jara. Great pains have been taken in equipping this show, making it a winter's business, resulting in one of the finest equipped circuses now traveling. One feature in the show is a one-legged hurdle rider, who does a splendid act; better than is commonly done in circuses. The circus will start on the road, making its first stand in Wanston April 15th, thence north, through Michigan to Saginaw, thence through Canada to the States.

The Great Stone and Murray's Circus. Officers - Proprietors, D. W. Stone, J. H. Murray; Manager, John H. MUrray; General Business Agent, Jas. Wilder; Contracting Agent, Wm. Irving; Treasurer, M. Coyle; Master of Canvas, C. L. Ricker; Masters of Horse, G. H. Paul, A. Laley; Leader of Band, O. P. Perry.
      Riders - M'lle Emile, Henrietta, M'lle Rosinco, Harry Welby Cooke, John Henry Cooke, Geo. Adams, Wm. Ducrow, Master Georgei.
      Clowns - Tom Barry, Den Stone, C. Munroe.
      Gymnasts, Tumblers, etc. - Snow Brothers, 4 in number, Signor Columbus, Eugene Leach, John Batchellor, Louis Lamont, Dan Snow, Wm. Ducrow, Master Georgei, Geo. Adams.
      Trick Horses - Spot, Beauty, Black Eagle. Trick Mules - Shellbark, Pete, Sally.
      Number of men employed, 90; horses, 100; wagons, 24.
      Proprietor of Candy Privilege - Cal. Stone.
      Chief Bill Poster - Hart.
      This circus, which is noted for its excellent order and superiority of performances, introduces this season new faces and acts, which cannot be excelled by any other company. This company is organizing in Brooklyn; first performance will be given at Newark, on the 10th of April, and will travel the eastern states.

Note: listed, but unreadable on the microfilm copy: Lake's Hippo-Olympian, Adam Forepaugh's show.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, April 15, 1871, p. 15. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Howe's Great London Circus and Sanger's English Menagerie. Officers - Manager, Egbert Howes; Treasurer, Captain Thomas Christopher; Leader of British Cornet Band, M. Emidy; General Agent, Green Berry; Press Agent, "Uncle" John Tryon; Master of Canvas, C. Richardson; Master of Horse, W. Lewis; Costumer, C. Roberts; Master of Ring, J. H. Charmon; Keeper of Chariots, George White; Keeper of Carriages and Vans, Edward Gray.
      Riders - Miss Lizzie Keys, M'lle Marie, M'lle Alice, James Jee, L. Joseph, Master Henry.
      Clowns - David Seal, jester; William Jee, gymnastic and tumbling clown; Signor Almonti, Italian trick clown.
      Ponies - 16 performing.
      Number of men employed, 260; horses, 150.
      Chief Bill Poster - Daniel Buckley, assisted by Wallace, Thompson and Robins.
      The procession will be a prominent feature and will consist of the following attractions: Four heralds in full armor, mounted, carrying bannered trumpets; the car of Euterpe, upon the top of which will be seated Emidy's British Band, drawn by 10 Flemish horses. This car is some 20 feet in length and elaborately ornamented with rich carved and gilded work and fine paintings, the whole surmounted with an azure Turkish canopy. The Chariot of Commerce, 25 feet in length and 35 feet in height, with practicable top to raise or lower by machinery, profusely ornamented and gilded. In the rear, upon pedestals, are carved statues representing Britannia and the Genius of Columbia. From the centre of the top rises a large golden globe, upon which is seated a lady in full steel armor, representing Britannia, supported by emblematic representatives of America in carved statuary. The Egyptian Dragon Chariot, modeled after the fashion of the ancient triumphal cars of the pagan conquerors, and drawn by eight spotted donkeys; a caravan of eight wild animal cages; a cavalcade of 20 horses, mounted by Roman warriors in full armor; Moors, Turks and Arabs, attended by a band of Amazons in full armor richly set with jewels; a Cindrella Fairy Chariot, drawn by Lilliputian piebald ponies; A chinese Palanquin, constructed of wicker work, and drawn by six tamed zebras in harness; a cavalcade of 20 armed knights; the War Chariot of India, or Car of Juggernaut, 35 feet in length and 35 feet in height, upon the top of which is a life size idol elephant, upon whose back is seated a Royal Hoodah, shielded by a canopy of silk. It will be drawn, it is said, by ten of the largest horses the world can produce.
      In the menagerie will be found many rare animals, among which may be mentioned a brindled Gnu, or horned horse of Africa, and eland, ten laughing hyenas, performed by Mantano, an African cannibal; Moloch and his performing Bengal tigers, and Francisco and performing zebras, and a white or Polar bear. Six large ships were required to transport the menagerie and the paraphernalia of the circus. Everything has arrived in safety and the first performance will be given at Mott Haven, N.Y., April 13th; and then it will exhibit in Harlem, 14th; Yorkville, 15th, and in the Rink, at the corner of Third avenue and Sixty-third street, in New York city, for one week, commencing April 17th. During the performances in the latter place the canvas will be pitched inside of the rink.

Lee's Circus is organizing in Alvarado, Cal., and will inaugurate its tenting season in that town on or about April 25th. It will have a new band wagon, new baggage wagons, and a new tent. The following is a list of the company: Proprietor, Dr. Charles Pratt; George Constable, clown; George Talbert, principal rider; Leaman and Young America, gymnasts; Miss Polly Lee, rider and tight-rope performer; Miss Rose Lee, pony rider; Harry and Leverta Lee, riders, tumblers and general performers.

Adam Forepaugh's Circus and Menagerie exhibited to large audiences during the whole of last week in Washington, on a United States Government reservation lot on Sixth street, just south of the canal. The animal dens, twenty-six in number, together with the tents and trappings, were shipped from Philadelphia by rail, while the two elephants, Romeo and little Annie, the four dromedaries and the camel, traveled overland, arriving in Washington on Sunday, the 2d inst., having been on the road since the preceding Tuesday. The animals, of which there is an extensive and rare collection, are exhibited in a mammoth tent, separate form that in which the equestrian entertainment is held, one ticket admitting to both exhibitions. The street procession was quite attractive, although there was no special feature. The chariot containing Tony Frank's Military Band was drawn by fourteen very beautiful horses, and the wagons, being freshly painted, looked as bright as a new dollar. In the circus department there is Williams, the English jester; Mathews and Hunt, acrobats and trapeze performers; Mr. and Mrs. Lowande, Miss Cordelia and Mlle. Virginia, equestrian performers; Messrs. Diefenbach, Morgan, Robinson, Melville and others. The side show attractions consist of the wild Australian children, and armless colored man, who gives quite an interesting performance; feats of strength and endurance by William Sparks, and a cage of monkeys and birds. On Saturday, 8th inst., after the evening performance, a special train conveyed the show to Baltimore, to which place the luggage vans will be shipped from Philadelphia. Forepaugh's Equestrian and Zoological Aggregation was to open upon Belair lot, Baltimore, Md. on the 10th inst. for one week.

Rosston, Springer, Henderson & Co.'s Mastodon Menagerie and Circus opened at the corner of Third and Morris streets, Philadelphia, on April 3d. A correspondent, "Kit," thus writes about it: "Though it rained in the evening the large canvas was filled to overflowing. The whole concern being new, it presented a handsome appearance, while the ring performances have rarely been excelled in this vicinity. Mr. Rosston, the equestrian director, has produced an entree which has never been surpassed in this country, and, for the information of showmen, I append a short description, its title, by the way, being 'Feramorz in the Vale of Cashmere.' It is taken brom Moore's poem, 'Lalla Rookh,' where the king, disguised as the minstrel Feramorz, wins the love of Lalla Rookh and marries her as the ruler of Cashmere. The subject is a beautiful one and the entree also. The band leader, Mr. Story, formerly with J. M. French's Circus, blows a terrific call, when a line of Arabs - real, genuine Bedouin Arabs - enter the circus, gorgeously arrayed in silks and satins, each one bearing an illuminated banner, rich in colors and spangles; following them, and led by two dusky sons of the desert, comes the elephant "Lalla Rookh," covered with a handsome velvet dress, bearing her name spangled upon each side, while the border is of heavy gold bullion; then another line of Arabs file into the circle, with banners flying, in whose rear a number of richly dressed camels appear, led by sons of Mahomet. Immediately behind these comes the princess, Lalla Rookh, in a robe of crimson silk, attended by swarthy Arabs and dark-eyed houris. The whole cavalcade halts in a circle for a moment; the bugle rings out loud and clear, and twelve gaily caparisoned horses prance into the ring, mounted by riders gorgeously clad as the "Fire Worshippers," thus completely fulfilling Moore's poetic idea. Then the cavalcade slowly departs, and the horsemen complete the entree as is usually done in shows. Altogether, it is one of the finest entrees I have ever seen, and Mr. Rosston deserves great credit for the handsome and original manner in which it is performed. Mr. James E. Cooke, Mad. Carlotta de Berg, William Franklin, Chas. Burrows, Mons. Goroux, George Cutler, and Billy Porter and Charley Munroe, as clowns, make up a first class show - not to mention the great original Bedouin Arab Troup of twelve members, who take immensely here. I paid the show a visit in Wilmington, Del., on the 7th, and found the canvas filled to overflowing. They exhibit at Marietta, Pa., on the 14th, the same day that the commonwealth Circus exhibits there.

The Great Commonwealth Circus has been doing an excellent business . . . On the opening day, George Brown sprained an ankle very severely while leaping, and it was feared that he would be laid up for the summer, but he has been improving so fast that he appeared on the trapeze at Reading - his native place - on the 7th. The route of this show is directly west through Harrisburg. . . .

Batcheller & Doris, proprietors of John O'Brien's menagerie privileges, have secured as an additional attraction for their side show, the Madagascar Albino Family. . . .

John Mulligan, professionally known as O'Keefe, a trapeze performer, died in Rome, N.Y., at the residence of his parents on April 5th. He had traveled with a number of circus companies and was a proficient performer. His death will be regretted by a large circle of friends.

John Robinson' Combination Circus and Menagerie opened its season at the Rink, Cincinnati, on Monday, April 3d, and continued all the week, giving two performances daily to immense business. Our correspondent writes, saying: "They have monopolized the show business for this week, Blind tom at Mozart Hall having done literally nothing; and Stuart Robson at Wood's not bery much better. The circus receipts have averaged nearly $2,000 per diem, at 50 and 25 cents admissions. It might as well be mentioned, for the benefit of circus folk, that the Rink makes a very spacious inclosure, both for the ring and the menagerie, and that it is now about the only accessible bit of turf in town, as the popular lot on the corner of Baymiller and Eighth streets has been turned into a lumber yard. John Robinson has given up his circus to his boys this year, John F. Robinson, J. D. Robinson, Gil N. Robinson, and Robert Stickney (who married Miss Kate Robinson last winter) having the control. The company leave here for St. Louis and from thence take the direct route to California. They have that splendid rider and somersaultist, Robert Stickney, and also John Wilson, the four horse rider, both of whose feats excite much admiration. The performance is opened by a performing elephant, followed by the grand entree, and then by vaulting from the spring board by the artists mentioned in the last issue of the Clipper, during which Stickney throws a double somersault and a single one over ten horses. George Slowman does a clever magic barrel act, and afterwards balances a man on a pole, and, in addition, globe balancing and juggling on horseback. Little Minnie Marks, a child of perhaps 12, rides beautifully for one so young, and a colored boy, Lewis, does a clever bareback ride, his antics being very ludicrous. Wm. Conrad exhibits a troupe of trained monkeys and a good riding dog, and a brace of trick mules are very good. The clowns, Same Stickney, Jr., John Lowlow and Archie Campbell, are up to the average, and the show all through is a fine one. Ed. Morley, ventriloquist, joins them when they leave here. They start out this year with an entirely new outfit, and two large canvases. The wagons are superbly made up, but as they were described in the last Clipper, it is not necessary to say anything more."

Lake's Hippo-Olympiad, under the management of R. E. J. Miles, is to break ground for the season in Dayton, O., about the 17th of April. Mr. Miles intends to make balloon ascensions in connection with the show.

James Robinson's Circus, Champion Show and Menagerie, is to exhibit in Covington, Ky., on Saturday, 15th inst.

Messrs. Zebold and Richardson have a small menagerie, with which they will accompany the Lake show, embracing a performing lion and bear, Peruvian peacock, etc.

Frank Uffner of Van Amburgh's Golden Menagerie has been in Philadlephia the past week, securing curiosities and forwarding his show stock to Indiana.

Ham Norman arrived in Philadelphia on the 6th with two car loads of stock and curiosities, intending to join Rosston, Springer & Co.'s shows. He anticipated the arrival of the Pullman Brothers, but as they did not appear, he immediately put on another show to fill their position. He has the wild Texan, Major Bennett, the Prussian Wizard, and other living curiosities.

Wooten and Haight's New York Circus and Menagerie is announced to perform in Lynchburg, Va. on April 10th.

Stone and Murray's Circus is billed to perform in Bridgeport, Conn., April 24th.

P. T. Barnum's Combination, Museum, Menagerie, Hippodrome and Caravan opened the season on Fulton avenue, near Hoyt street, Brooklyn, on Monday, April 10th, where it remains during the week. The opening day being the occasion appointed for the celebration of peace by the Germans, the streets were crowded to over-flowing by thousands, and Barnum's procession was admired by all who saw it. At its head was the "car of the Muses," containing the band. This car is about twelve feet long and eight feet wide, richly painted in green and gold; the sides inlaid with oval mirrors and ornamented with carved lions' and tigers' heads. At each of the four corners, and at an elevation of about ten feet above the ground, sits a knight in armor bearing a silken banner, while in the centre, under a beautiful canopy, the band discourses "dulcet strains of harmony." The ring horses follow this car, which, by the way, is drawn by ten camels brightly clothed. Following the horses comes Tom Thumb's miniature carriage drawn by Shetland ponies, which are driven by juveniles. Thirty cages follow, highly ornamented in all colors - no two being alike; some in red and gold, blue and gold, green and gold, yellow and gold, white and gold, and many of them are all gold, except the illustrated panels, and the mottoes which are painted on the sides. Upon the top of one of the cages is a large rosebud, which unfolds leaf by leaf, until it is in full bloom, when Cupid appears in its centre, armed with bow and shafts, and then closes only to bloom again. Upon another there is an automaton horizontal bar performer, whose antics create much amusement. Many of the cages have rich and beautiful banners floating from their tops, while the band and all the drivers are in full uniform, and the horses plumed. The show is not finished yet; some of the cages in the procession being unpainted, but will be completed this week, while others are still upon the ocean. But the grand sight of the day was the immense car of Neptune, which followed by the elephants closed the procession. The splendid car is fully twenty-eight or thirty feet high, the top seat being surmounted by a golden canopy lined with purple silk; the sides contain mirrors ten feet long and five feet wide; the corners and top richly ornamented with animals, dragons, birds, etc., carved in wood and richly gilded. The whole procession, though far from complete, was decidedly one of the finest things of the kind ever seen in this country.

The statement that Chis B. Brestle went with Messrs. Batcheller & Doris, of O'Brien's menagerie, is an error. He does not go with them.

Francois Siegrist & Sons, who go with Van Amburg's Circus and Menagerie, are in Philadelphia the present week, performing at Fox's theatre.

Sidney Thompson, the celebrated Canadian "spotted horseman," and side-show solicitor, whose "rep" and "legit" are well known in the show profession, has been secured by Mr. Raymond for the coming season, while Smith Gunny goes with Frank Uffner, and Spaff Hyman with James De Mott.

J. E. Warner's Great Pacific Menagerie and Mammoth Circus commences its tenting season in Jenkintown, Pa., April 10th.

John Robinson's Circus and Menagerie is billed to exhibit in Indianapolis, Ind. April 10th and 11th.

Stone and Murray's Circus is billed to exhibit in Brady's Ring, Jersey city, April 17th, 18th and 19th.

J. M. French, of Oriental Circus and Egyptian Caravan renown, is in this city this week, superintend the shipment of his fine lot of animals from the Central Park, where they have been wintering, to Quincy, Illinois, to join the Cole and Orton show.

Van Amburg & Co's Menagerie and Circus, Hyatt Frost, manager, is billed to perform in Keokuk, Iowa, April 17th.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, June 24, 1871, p. 95. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Concerning the Great Atlantic and Pacific Circus, a correspondent sends the following interesting epistle, dated Chico, Cal., June 4th: "Since my last writing we have passed over some very rough conty, a number of our stands having been among the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On May 28(?) we performed at San Juan, a mountain town. The chief occupation of the inhabitants is mining . . . A great many Chinamen are employed in the mines, and two days before we performed in San Juan there were four of them buried by and embankment falling upon them. The portion that fell in was the site of the ring used by Castello's party when they were here. We came very near being precipitated down this great excavation ourselves. The ledge that is left is the only available place where a canvas can be put up, and as it is very limited in extent we had to place our dressing room within 14 feet of the precipice. When the performance was nearly over, a storm, which had been threatening for some time, Burst on us suddenly, the first blow coming with a shriek and a force that snapped the side guys like thread, pushing in the side canvas against the seats, which went over, tumbling white men, Indians and Chinese into a promiscuous heap. The main guys held for a few seconds, but the second gust carried everything with it, breaking the centre pole off about four feet from the top. It struck and Indian on the head, giving him a severe scalp would, but he showed his contempt for such trifles by assisting us in packing up the canvas. It was very fortunate that most of the horses had been removed or I might have had to chronicle a tragedy, as it was difficult to manage the two or three that were left. And as we were so near the brink of the yawning chasm, with all the lights extinguished, I consider that we were very fortunate in escaping as we did, with no one hurt, when a false step would have precipitated us below, a distance of 300 feet. We had arranged for a start immediately after the show, the drive being 32 miles, to another mining town called Downieville, but in consequence of the heavy rains which set in after our blown-down, we were unable to get off until daylight, at which time we started for Downieville, . . .

P. T. Barnum's Circus, Menagerie and Museum, which performed in Boston, Mass., during the past week, was so largely attended that it was found necessary to add a morning performance at ten o'clock, making three performances daily. We are authoritatively informed that the attendance at the first day's exhibition was never less than 5,000, while at the other performances people were turned from the doors, daily and nightly. The largest tent used for the circus performance now seats 9,??? persons. The daily expenses are $2,500. The show will exhibit only in New England, going east as far as Bangor, Me.

L. B. Lent's New York Circus performed in East Saginaw, Mich., June 15th, and Saginaw City, 16th.

Stone and Murray's Circus performed in Lowell, Mass., June 13th; Nashua, N.H., 14th; Manchester, 15th; Lawrence, Mass., 16th; Haverhill, 17th, and is billed ahead as follows: Amesbury Mills, Mass. June 19th; Portsmouth, N. H. 20th; Great Falls 21st; Saco, Me. 22d; Portland 23d; Lewiston 24th; Rockland 29th and Camden 30th.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, July 22, 1871, p. 127. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Howe's London Circus exhibited in Lockport, N.Y., July 12th, to an excellent business. A correspondent who wrote on July 16th says: "Their street parade was shabby. The show, however, was too English to suit our people, much complaint being made . . . On the evening of the 11th their Globe Tableau car broke through a bridge four miles from this city, throwing the driver upon the tongue, injuring him quite seriously, but he is now recovering and will soon be out. The car was brought to this city and was repaired here, it taking four days to fix it. The front wheels, axle, etc., were broke, but the body part was injured only slightly."

P. T. Barnum's Museum, Circus and Menagerie . . . It had been Mr. Barnum's intention to go as far East as Bangor, Me., but his expenses being $2,500 per day, it was found that there was many small towns where the show would be obliged to stop that do not contain inhabitants enough at fifty cents each admission to cover his expenses. Also finding that several bridges are impassable for some of his larger chariots, he has determined to commence his return trip at Waterville.

Dan Rice's Circus is billed to perform in Rochester, N.Y. July 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th; Canandiagua 21st; Clifton Springs 22d; Geneva 24th; Auburn 25th; Syracuse 26th, 27th and 28th; Oswego 29th, and Fulton 31st.

John Robinson's Circus and Menagerie performed in Burlington, Iowa July 13th.

Stoen and Murray's Circus performed July 13th and 14th in Calais, Me., and went thence to Princeton, Springfield and Old Town.

John Robinson's Circus is billed to perform in Ottumwa, Iowa . . . thence towards Des Moines.

Van Amburg & Co's Menagerie and Circus, Hyatt Frost, manager, is billed to perform in Mexico, Iowa July 19th; Paris 20th; Macon City 22d; Keosauqua 25th, and Fairfield 27th.

Hemming and Cooper's Circus and Menagerie performed in Carbondale, O. July 10th; Metropolis, Ill. 15th, and is billed to be in Paducah, Ky. 17th, thence through the southern part of Kentucky.

Wootton & Haight's Empire City Circus and menagerie exhibited in St. John, N.B. July 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th, and is billed to perform in Shediac 20th, and Halifax, N.S. one week, commencing July 31st. George Wambold, with a troupe of eight performing dogs, had recently joined this show. Business is reported very good and we are informed that this circus will travel in the south, visiting all the principal cities, this fall and winter.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, August 19, 1871, p. 159. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

[P. T. Barnum's Museum, Menagerie and Circus] . . . The following letter, dated Winthrop, Me., July 30th, from a correspondent . . . "Since entering the state, except at Brunswick, where it rained hard all day, they have been compelled to show three times daily to accommodate the vast crowds that flocked from every direction. While exhibiting at Gardiner and Augusta persons came all the was from Bangor. When they reached Waterville, a scene occurred which has never been equaled in this or any other country. The village was crowded with people who had come from the surrounding country, many of them traveling a distance of seventy-five miles, and all the morning crowds were pouring in from all points of the compass in carriages, wagons, ox carts and on foot. Near the circus tents in an adjoining field were several large tents pitched, which had served to shelter the people the previous night, who had come long distances and encamped there. The authorities of the village had taken the precaution to stop the sale of all spirits and liquors during that day, and had caused barrels of water and plenty of ice to be placed at the street corners, for the free use of all. Carts were provided at the expense of the village to constantly replenish the barrels. The early morning performance was commenced and it was found that they could not accommodate a ??? part of their patrons, and ere its close, an excursion train of twenty-seven cars, crowded in every part, came in from Bangor, closely followed by another of seventeen cars from Belfast. Seeing this vast accession to the already large numbers of visitors, the manager was somewhat puzzled how to accommodate them. Finally it was decided to give a continuous exhibition, giving an act in the circus department every few moments. This style of performance was kept up without cessation until nine o'clock in the evening, when a heavy shower of rain falling, afforded the manager an excuse to close the exhibitions. The men and horses were completely exhausted, and their next drive being forty-eight miles, to Lewiston, where they were to exhibit three times, they shipped all the ring horses by railroad, to give them an opportunity for much needed rest. On driving out of Augusta, on July 29th, they narrowly escaped an accident similar to the one which happened in New Jersey. One of the passenger wagons, with twelve passengers and having four horses attached, had driven down a steep hill, when suddenly they came upon a locomotive crossing the road immediately in from of them. The driver, with great presence of mind, suddenly pulled the horses to the right, making an abrupt turn, which overturned the wagon, breaking the arm of Mr. Summerfield, one of the business men, bruising several others, and injuring somewhat severely, Josephe, the French giant, who was compelled to remain behind the show for a couple of days." We believe it is the first time on record that any circus has been compelled to give a continuous exhibition throughout the day and into the night to accommodate its patrons. . . .

Stone and Murray's Circus exhibited at Walpole, N.H. August 8th, Keene 9th, Brattleboro, Vt. 10th, Greenfield, Mass. 11th, Shelburn Falls 12th, and is billed to perform at North Adams 14th, Hoosick Falls, N.Y. 15th, and Bennington, Vt. 16th.

Forepaugh's Menagerie is to exhibit at Piqua, O. August 15h, Troy 16th, Springfield 17th, Urbana 18th, Marysville 19th and Delaware 20th.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, September 2, 1871, p. 175. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

James Robinson and Co.'s Circus gave exhibitions in Washington on August 21st, 22d, 23d and 24th, to very large audiences, . . . The first afternoon performance was not witnessed by a crowded audience (in consequence of the state of the weather), but at night the canvas was densely packed. It was found necessary to put down extra seats, and even then many were obliged to stand. The General of the Army and family was present, special seats having been reserved and festooned very handsomely with the national colors. The principal feature of the entertainments was the bare-back riding of Mr. Robinson and Clarence. Both father and son have improved (if that were possible) since I last saw them at the Hippotheatron, in New York. Mr. Robinson rides more gracefully and fearlessly than ever, and, to show his ability as a horseman, he now does an act on a swift footed grey, and then, without leaving the circle, repeats the same astonishing feats on a different horse. Little Clarence is no longer an infant, but a nice plump-looking little boy. He now does a bareback act on a pony in a manner to plainly show that he is certainly a chip of the old block. Frank Pastor's pad riding comes next. Shappee and Whitney are excellent gymnasts, and the Davenport brothers are remarkably clever in tumbling and acrobatic feats, and Burke, the clown, is very comical. The company travel by rail, and so do not pretend to give a gorgeous street procession, but have an outside feature in the shape of a balloon ascension, which is conducted on the hot air plan. The Cardiff giant, i.e., one of them, and a magician (not Prof. Anderson, although the bills say so) constitute the sideshow attractions. So wrote our correspondent on August 25th.

Wooten and Haight's Empire City Circus will ship from St. John, N.B., to Boston, Mass., where they will perform September 9th, and after the evening's exhibiton they will ship for Savannah, Ga., where they will perform on the 14th.

The Commonwealth Circus is billed to exhibit one week at Quebec, Canada, commencing August 28th.

Van Amburgh & Co.'s Circus and Menagerie, Hyatt Frost, manager, is billed ahead as follows: Lawrenceburgh, Ind. September 1st; Harrison 2d; Brookville 4th; Laurel City 5th; Connersville, at the Agricultural Fair, 6th and 7th; Oxford, O. 8th; Mr. Pleasant 9th; Cumminsville 11th; Loveland 12th; and Morrow 13th. Business is reported good and the weather is very dry and hot.

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New York Clipper, September 16, 1871, p. 191. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Barnum's Museum, Menagerie and Circus exhibited at Syracuse, N.Y., on the afternoon and evening of Sept. 6th and 7th to an immense crowd on every occasion. No similar entertainment every created such a furore here, the receipts for the two days being something over $15,000 [$13,000?]. At the close of the afternoon performance on the 7th the manager of the circus, Mr. W. C. Coup, was called into the ring and presented with a handsome gold hunting cane watch, chain and seal by the members of the company. The following inscription was on the case: "Presented to W. C. Coup, Esq., by the members of the Barnum show, as a token of esteem and respect for him as a gentleman and manager, Sept. 7th, 1871." . . .

Mme. Pauline Hindly, the equestrienne connected with Barnum's Museum, Circus and Menagerie, who was injured by an accident recounted in our past issue, died at Rome, N.Y., September 6th, at 8.30 o'clock A.M. She left a husband and two children. Her remains were brought to New York for interment.

"Old" John Robinson's Circus and Menagerie exhibited at Clarksville, Tenn. Sept. 2d. A correspondent speaks in high terms of Robert Stickney's riding, also that of the colored boy Lewis. They were billed ahead as follows: Memphis, Tenn., 6th, 7th and 8th; Brownsville 9th; Columbia 11th; Pulaski 12th; Linnwood 13th; Franklin 14th; Nashville 15th; and Murfreesborough 16th. . . . billed to exhibit at Edgefield, Tenn. Sept. 13th.

G. G. Grady's Circus exhibited in Petroleum Centre Sept. 7th, . . . Oil City 9th.

L. B. Lent's New York Circus performed four days on the Buckeye Base ball grounds, Cincinnati, commencing Sept. 4th. Our correspondent says: "Like all the circuses this season, they have drawn immense crowds, the jam at night being positively uncomfortable."

The Levantine Bros., gymnasts, at present traveling with Hardenburgh's Circus . . .

James Robinson's Circus exhibited at Harrisburg, Pa. Sept. 5th, Columbia, 6th; Lancaster, 7th; . . . Wilmington, Del. 9th, and is billed to perform at York, Pa, the 11th.

Handenburgh & Co's Circus and Menagerie is billed to perform in Harrisburg, Pa. Sept. 18th.

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New York Clipper, October 7, 1871, p. 215. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

Barnum's Museum, Circus and Menagerie . . . At Buffalo Dan Castello was presented with an elegant gold watch and chain said to be worth $400 by the attaches of the show. The following inscription was engraved upon the inside of the case: "Presented to Dan Castello, Esq., by the members of the Barnum show, as a mark of their esteem for him as a gentleman and manager. . . ." Immediately thereafter Mr. Barnum presented William F. Sommerfield [Summerfield], assistant manager, with a soli gold medal appropriately inscribed.

Lent's New York Circus is billed to perform in Syracuse, N.Y. Oct. 10th.

James Robinson and Co's Circus is billed to perform at Indianapolis, Ind. Oct. 7th.

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Circuses, New York Clipper, December 2, 1871, p. 279. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.

While Wootten and Haight's Empire City Circus and Menagerie were preparing to leave Amite, Miss. on Nov. 16th, for New Orleans, La., a party of some twenty-five men on horseback attacked them just as they were getting the camels on board the train and fired two shots, one of which hit one of the camels in the side and the other struck a passenger car containing the ladies and children of the company among others. The circus people left the train and succeeded in capturing two of the men, took them to New Orleans and turned them over to the police, who locked them up. This show performed at Durant, Miss. Nov. 23d; Winona 24th; Grenada, 25th; and is billed ahead as follows: Coffeeville, 27th; Water Valley, 28th; Oxford, 29th; Holly Springs, 30th; Jackson, Tenn., Dec. 1st; Bolivar, 2d; Corinth, Miss., 4th; . . . Courtland, 6th; Huntsville, 7th; Scottsboro, 8th; Chattanooga, Tenn, 9th; Knoxville, 11th, and Dalton, Ga. 12th. Business is reported excellent.

P. T. Barnum, we are informed, will start upon the road for the tenting season of 1872 a show double the size of the one under his management the past season. Jame Melville has already been secured, and many attractive features are now being negotiated with. The officers will be as follows: W. C. Coup, manager; Mr. Tilden, assistant manager, and W. C. Crum, general agent.

W. W. Cole is re-fitting, re-painting, and enlarging the concomitants of his circus and caravan at Detroit, Mich., preparatory to the campaign of 1872.

The animals belonging to Hemmings and Cooper have been placed in their winter quarters at Hillsboro, Ohio. This show met with more success this season than ever before.

Old Dan. Gardner has gone to Hillsboro, Ohio, to remain during the winter.

James De Mott has secured two very large African snakes, one of them probably being the largest in the United States. It measures twenty three inches around the body and weighs one hundred and forty-two pounds, but it died on Thursday, Nov. 23d.

John O'Brien has just completed a practicing building near his residence at Frankford, Penn. It is one hundred feet square, and is built of brick, with an iron roof. The interior contains a forty-two foot ring, horizontal bar, single and double trapeze, tight and slack ropes, an other fixtures required in practicing.

Guss Rosston is the gentleman whom the Commonwealth Circus Co. have sent to Cuba to investigate the prospects for a show season this winter . . .

The Perry Family have taken up their residence for the winter at Frankford, near Philadelphia, and are practicing at John O'Brien's new building. Madame Brown - formerly Madame Tournaire - and Little Mary Brown are also there.

Charley Fish's horse, which he purchased last spring of L. B. Lent, paying twelve hundred dollars for him, died in New York recently. It is the horse that Caroline Rollande formerly rode, and was an excellent animal. The loss to Mr. Fish is a serious one.

George W. Murray, the jester, has been lying very ill at the residence of his mother in Philadelphia, . . . At one time it was feared that he would not live an hour, but he came through in safety, and the fact that he is now convalescent will be good news to his many friends.

The Victorelli Brothers, John and William, are busily engaged practicing a new and original acrobatic-musical act, in which six different instruments are to be used.

Andy Haight & Co.'s New York City Circus (traveling by railroad) is well billed to exhibit on the railroad lot at Huntsville, Alabama, Dec. 7th . . .


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