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Points of Pictures: Havana

The fruit-stand in Havana shows the decorative make up of pine-apples, oranges and bananas, and also the style of portico, with massive and lofty stone pillars, that is one of the most familiar features of Havana architecture. Under the gigantic colonnades there is abundant shelter from the rain, and when the pillars are curtained and the sidewalk of stone dampened, the power of the torrid sun is gratefully modified. There are two ways in tropical towns of building for comfort--one to use flimsy material and trust to mere shade and the free circulation of air, and the other to erect walls of extraordinary thickness, warding off the heat with masses of stones and piling ponderous arches on giant pillars. The latter is the Havana way. Mr. M.H. Ballou, in his "Due South"--which is brightly appreciative of the beauties of Cuba--gives this picture of one of the most charming places in the world: "The Bishop's Garden, so called because some half century since it was the residence of the bishop of Havana, is about four miles from the city, on the line of the Marianao railroad. It must have been a delightful place when in its prime and properly cared for; even now, in its ruins, it is extremely interesting. There are a score, more or less, of broken, moss-grown statues, stone balustrades, and stone capitals lying among the luxuriant vegetation, indicating what was once here. Its alleys of palms, over two hundred years in age, the thrifty almond trees, and the gaudy-colored pinons, with their honeysuckle-like bloom, delight the eye. The flamboyant absolutely blazed in its gorgeous flowers, like ruddy flames, all over the grounds. The remarkable fan-palm spread out its branches like a peacock's tail, screening the vistas here and there. Through these grounds flows a small, swift stream, which has its rise in the mountains some miles inland, its bright and sparkling waters imparting an added beauty to the place. By simple irrigating means this stream is made to fertilize a considerable tract of land used as vegetable gardens, lying between Tulipan and Havana. The Bishop's Garden still contains large stone basins for swimming purposes, cascades, fountains, and miniature lakes, all rendered possible by means of this small, clear, deep river. The neglected place is sadly suggestive of decay, with its moss-covered paths, tangled undergrowth, and untrimmed foliage. Nothing, however, can mar the glory of the grand immemorial palms. "The town of Tulipan, in which is the Bishop's Garden, is formed of neat and pleasant residences of citizens desiring to escape the bustle and closeness of the city. The houses are half European or American in their architecture, modified to suit the climate. Here the American consul-general has a delightfully chosen home, surrounded by pleasant shade, and characterized by lofty, cool apartments, with bright, snowy marble floors, plenty of space, and perfect ventilation. Mr. Williams is a gentleman unusually well fitted for the responsible position he fills, having been a resident of Cuba for many years, and speaking the language like a native. In his intensely patriotic sentiments he is a typical American. It is not out of place for us to acknowledge here our indebtedness to him for much important information relating to the Island."