The conformation of the Greek hippodrome was not unlike that of the
great course formed in the Crystal Palace grounds, the sides being
parallel, and one end semicircular. The site for the hippodrome of old
was also chosen, as a rule, on the side of a hill. The circuit of the
Olympic hippodrome was about 2,500 feet, or a little less than half
a mile; that of the course on the first and second terraces of the
Crystal Palace is 3,760 feet, or half as long again. The width of the
Greek hippodrome was about 400 feet; that of the Crystal Palace also
400 feet. The Circus Maximus of Rome was three stadia, or about 1,800
feet, in length; and about 600 feet across.
If we picture to ourselves the whole frontage of the Crystal Palace,
1,584 feet in length, tier upon tier affording accommodation to
thousands of spectators, and overlooking a combination of natural and
artificial scenery such as is hardly to be matched in England, we may
justly claim that the Coliseum of Rome in all its glory did not afford
a spectacle so picturesque, and with the additional advantage that the
performances at the Crystal Palace will be entirely free from debasing
elements.
The equestrian performances, entertainments of Oriental jugglery and
acrobats, feats of lion-taming, by John Cooper, and other exhibitions,
are divided between the great centre transept (A on plan) and the
great waterproof tent (B on plan) erected at the north end, occupying
21,600 square feet, and capable of holding 4,000 persons. An ingenious
plan has been devised by which the centre transept can be at will
transformed into an enormous circus, or revert to its normal use as a
promenade, a theatre, or colossal concert-hall. A ring of 44 feet outer
and 30 feet inner dimensions, has been formed by constructing a sunken
circle about 12 inches below the level of the original floor, which is
rendered capable of removal to just such an extent as will disclose the
ring, the boarding being replaced to form the ordinary promenade, at
such times as the circus performances are not going on. The elephants
and other animals will be brought from their stables in the basement
and park to the centre transept along an inclined plane of about 250
feet in length, and of ample width to allow both human and quadrupedal
performers to pass or repass.
Magnitude of Mr. Myers’ Establishment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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