UNKNOWN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 982, 29 June 1883, Page 4

UNKNOWN

““ 'THe'St Petersburg Times , of 1411 ■February, publishes,a curious accour l of an exhibition that is being held i i the Museum of that city, the particula r ■ attraction of which is “the wild mai of the wood,” pronounced to be thp, wonder of the world. This half-savage peasant boy, of 14 years of age, is a native of Koskama, and, despite thje mass of hair covering his whole body, including also the face, is besides being in possession of all his senses, coiisidered to be even intelligent. The features of the “ wild man,” according to thn critic of the St Petersburg Timrs, are almost bear-like in appearance. He is about starting on a tour round the world, which engagement is to last ' several years. On exhibition also the same building, we learn, there is a-' . Madame Kattarina Ritz, the “ moutp actress.” This lady was born without hands or feet, and yet does all kinds of needlework, using the scissors an 1 needle with her mouth in an astonisl - Ingly adroit manner. And to form i trio of human curiosities, there is Belgian painter Jean de Henau, who came into the world without hands, ‘and elicits especial interest owing to his quick draughtsmanship. The stagp. of the museum is given up to the seances held by these distorted in-' dividuals, and in a striking contrast to. this part of the exhibition the other portions of the building are filled with art treasures of great value, whereas ip l one of thejupper rooms dissolving views , attract the juvenile section of the vis| to be congratulated.