XIX. 



Ufte S^if ©Ifteafre, 



/^^ AN FRANCISCO is a city of theatres. With but a 

 ^^^ sixth part of the population (in 1858) of Philadelphia, 

 N^^^ it can boast of almost as many places of amuse- 

 ment. From Maguire's Opera House down, through inter- 

 mediate grades to the lowest cafe chantant, are a series of enter- 

 tainments from which fastidious to lax can select a place of 

 evening resort. Occupying a middle rank among these are 

 the " Bit Theatres," so termed from the price of admission, a 

 " bit," or shilling. These are generally conducted by broken- 

 down professionals, and their assistants are amateurs ; their 

 patrons being a medley of those who cannot afford higher 

 priced places of diversion, or who go out of curiosity. 



In my walks about the city my attention had often been 

 drawn toward those abodes of the minor drama through the 

 mediums of glaring posters. These, after describing the 

 features of the coming entertainment, short dramas, acrobatic 

 feats, singing and dancing, conspicuously remarked that the 

 best liquors could be had for twelve and a half cents ; thus 

 putting the professions of the stage and bar on an equal 

 footing. 



In 1858 the part of the city, covering what once had been 

 the bay, had so extended that a view parallel with the front 



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