In the museum, the ladder by which he rose to fortune, Mr. Barnum a few months later perpetrated another humbug which arrested public attention. He purchased in Cincinnati, O., a well-formed, small-sized horse, with no mane and not a particle of hair on his tail, while his body and legs were covered with thick, fine hair or wool, which curled tight to his skin. The animal had been foaled in Ohio and was a remarkable freak of nature. The astute showman immediately advertised the beast as “The Woolly Horse.” The news had just come that Colonel John C. Fremont, who was supposed to have been lost in the snows of the Rocky Mountains, was in safety. Mr. Barnum grasped the opportunity and asserted that his horse had been captured by the explorer’s party. The curiosity was a great attraction for many months, and no definite exposure of the imposition was ever made. It added immeasurably to the reputation and pecuniary success of the establishment. * * * * * The circus press agent is a welcome visitor to the country newspaper office. In his gratitude over the influx of tickets and advertising, the editor generally devotes space to a eulogy of the social and professional merits of the visitor. Here are some truthfully reproduced specimens, taken at random from a collection: “The bustling press agent of the vast concourse is the most popular man with the circus.” “The press agent is built for a gentleman from the ground up, and he acts it with the ease and dignity of a Chesterfield.” “The management is fortunate in having for its press representative ----, who is a gentleman in every way, and who understands his business thoroughly.” “The press agent is one of the most genial gentlemen in the profession, and he is much liked by the newspapers wherever he goes, not only because he is liberal with the pasteboards, but because he is a hale fellow well met.” “---- leaves nothing undone on his part to make the grand show popular.” “---- is a mighty clever gentleman. He called at our office to-day and made himself agreeable.” “The press agent of the circus is undoubtedly an element of strength in that big institution. He is a mighty pleasant gentleman and knows exactly how to make himself popular with the newspaper men.” “He is the right man in the right place.” “The show has four aces in ----, the press representative, who is such a thorough gentleman that his kindness to the press boys issues his own patent to nobility.” “The press agent treated us nicely yesterday. Several little attentions he gave us made us feel more than kind to him.” “The circus is lucky in having him for press agent. He is a refined and courteous gentleman to whom much is due for the success and popularity of this great show.” “The press of this section will always welcome the coming of this genial gentleman.”