阅读理解 

     During the 19th century, farmers in and around Southeast began to invest in a new and unique

business venture (冒险活动). This area would later become known as the origin of the American circus(马戏). In 1793, Englishman John Bill Rickets introduced Americans to the circus at his place in

Philadelphia where trick riding was featured along with clown(小丑) acts in the same show.    

     In the 1830s, farmers in Southeast began showing menageries(野生动物), collections of interesting

animals from far away lands. They soon combined the menagerie show with the acrobatic(杂技的)

entertainment of trick riding and these early circus bosses began taking their show on the road. By the

1850s American circuses were a big business and they began to travel abroad, bringing back to

American even more unique items and animals.    

     Hachaliah Bailey, from nearby Somers, Westchester County, brought the first elephant "Old Bet" to

the United States in 1796. Bailey exhibited "Old Bet", until her death in 1816. Somers is home to the

Elephant Hotel, built by Hachaliah Bailey in 1820-1825. The building served as a meeting place for

menagerie owners.    

     Many showmen and circus people came from Southeast. Nathan and Seth B. Howes began their

show business careers at early ages, in Southeast.    

     In 1811, Nathan formed a small circus company made up largely of his friends and family, including

11yearold Seth. Seth B. Howes would later become one of the foremost circus businessmen in the area.

From 1850 to 1853, Seth B. Howes managed a circus project for P. T. Barnum. He later toured Europe, performing before heads of state. Seth B. Howes retired in 1870.

1. When did the American circus come into being?

A. In the 17th century.

B. In the 18th century.

C. In the 19th century.

D. In the 20th century.

2. Which of the following shows the right order of events that happened to the American circus?

a. Farmers in Southeast began showing menageries.

b. The first elephant "Old Bet" was brought to the United States.

c. American circuses were a big business and began to travel abroad.

d. Nathan formed a small circus company.

e. Seth B. Howes retired in 1870.

A. b, d, a, c, e  

B.  c, a, b, d, e

C. d, c, a, b, e  

D. a, c, b, d, e

3. According to the passage, Somers was________.

A. the person who built the Elephant Hotel

B. a place for menagerie owners to meet

C. a farmer who raised animals

D. an American who introduced an elephant

4. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?

A. The American Circus in Southeast

B. The Origin of Circus

C. Menageries in the United States

D. Ways of Fun in Southeast