ABSTRACT
Henry Irving and Ellen Terry were seasoned touring campaigners, but as is so often the case with travellers the winter they had chosen to tour America proved gruelling even for them. When they journeyed to Boston the fields had been brown and stubbled and a mild winter forecast by the weather prophets. The company was nervous of their reception in Boston because there had been difficulties with the scenery. After the Philadelphia engagement, Irving realised the impossibility of transporting so many tons of scenery over hundreds and thousands of miles. Audiences were enthusiastic but the weather became less kind. Overnight the blizzards struck, and suddenly Boston was transformed into a city of sleighs and sleigh bells. On the way back to his hotel Irving found the streets merry with stylish sleighs and gay driving parties. The Boston winter had begun cheerfully out of doors.
