Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Music, Invention, Steam-power, Exhibitions

    Discusses the appearance, in the Crystal Palace, of 'a new American invention called the "Calliope", or "Steam Orchestra"', which is 'one of the most original ever heard in this world, since the discovery of the bagpipes and the hurdygurdy'. Punch supposes that the invention is a barrel organ with the added disadvantage that 'it won't tire and has no body to be kicked'. The report of the invention warns that since steam is expelled after each note, within minutes it produces the 'picturesque' effect of engulfing the Crystal Palace in clouds of vapour. Thinks the invention would be suitable for composers to 'puff' their music and suggests christening it the 'Steam Music Hatcher' (a reference to Mr Cantelo's steam egg hatcher, much discussed in Punch).