148 THE PLEASURES OF CHILDHOOD. 



having the privilege of introducing a friend, with free 

 access for three months. The Libraiy consists of a 

 highly valuable collection of books, both ancient and 

 modern, and a constant supply of the London, pro- 

 vincial, and local newspapers. 



The building is in the Egyptian style of architec- 

 ture; much judgment has been displayed by the 

 architect in combming the massive parts, appropriate 

 to this style, with the greatest effect. Monsieur 

 Denon observed, when a design of the building was 

 shown to him, that it was the best attempt to appro- 

 priate Egyptian architecture to domestic purposes 

 that had ever come under his notice. The building 

 was erected in 1823, at the cost of £1500. 



For parts of the above disci iption we are indebted 

 to " Carrington's Guide," " Rowe's Panorama of 

 Plymouth," " Brindley's Directory," and " Fisher's 

 Devonshire and Cornwall Illustrated." 



THE PLEASURES OF CHILDHOOD. 



What are the pleasures of childhood ? For pity's sake, interested 

 reader, if you have an inkling thereof, make it known to the 

 editor; who, perhaps, may have sufficient charity to publish the 

 matter for the benefit of all whom it may concern. I must 

 candidly confess that I have never seen any thing like pleasure 

 in childhood — except in print, especially in the writings of those 

 mendacious, half-witted varlets, the poets. 



No doubt they would persuade us that the pleasures commence 

 shortly after we make our entrance into the world, — to wit, the 

 pleasures of smell, taste, sight, hearing, and feeling. What an 

 exquisite odour of gin and aniseed salutes a new born infant on 

 the lap of its nurse — how comfortable must it feel when half a 

 teacup full of brandy, rhubarb, and other drugs, is thrust down 

 its throat, "just to comfort its dear little stomach — it wants 

 something to keep up the natural heat, poor little soul." What 

 a favorable picture of humanity it first opens its eyes upon — the 

 half boiled, blood-shot eyes of an old woman, who is doing her 

 utmost, by means of every species of swathing and bandaging, to 

 render it as uncomfortable as is consistent with appropriate 



