Genre:

Reportage, Drollery

Subjects:

Exhibitions, Light, Amusement, Military Technology, Steamships

    Describes his experiences of a 'five shilling-day' at the International Exhibition. Likens the view down the great nave of the exhibition building to a 'Brobdingnag kaleidoscope out of order'. Describes the trophies made from guns, groceries, and toys, noting that the toy trophy contains 'dolls that wink or squeak under certain mechanical influence, known only to the proprietors'. Dwells on the 'military engineering department' whose exhibits include Armstrong guns, samples of gun-metal, and ammunition carts, and a 'model of an iron-cased steam-ram ship', which is highly manoeuvrable and powerful.