A Tennessean Abroad; Or, Letters from Europe, Africa, and Asia (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1854. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... LETTER SIXTY-TWO. Berlin. Appearance of Berlin--Unter den Linden--Monuments--Royal Palace--Palace of the Prince of Prussia--Museum--Picture Gallery--Egyptian Museum--Theatre--Brandenburg Gate--Count Raczynski Gallery--Thiergarten--Bellevue--Consultation with an eminent Surgeon--Pecuniary Difficulties, etc. Six hours' ride on the railroad from Dresden, through a level and barren country, brought us to the capital of Prussia, which is situated in the midst of a dreary plain of sand, destitute of either beauty or fertility. It is surprising that Frederic the Great selected such a site, but still more surprising that it should have grown up, notwithstanding, into the nourishing metropolis of a great empire. Its walls measure twelve miles in circumference, and its population exceeds four hundred thousand. Most of the objects calculated to interest the stranger are situated in the street named Unter den Linden, from a double avenue of lime trees, which form a delightful promenade in the centre, while on each side of it runs a carriage road. It is the Broadway of the city, and the view along it is terminated by the magnificent Brandenburg gate. Just in front of our hotel (Hotel du Nord) is one of the finest bronze equestrian statues in Europe, recently erected by the present King in honor of Frederic the Great. It stands on a bronze pedestal, ornamented with basreliefs, and presents a pleasing effect to the eye. Just beyond this statue, in the Lustgarten, is a large and beautiful fountain, and in front of the Picture Gallery is an enormous basin twenty-two and a half feet in diameter, and cut out of a bowlder found near the city. At this point one may stand, and simply by turning on the heel view all that is interesting within the walls of Berlin. The Royal Palace firs...