FASHIONABLE AMUSEMENTS 75 



life in the mode most suitable to our own peculiar tem- 

 perament or disposition. The animal rationale — man — 

 being of the social or gregarious order, cities and towns, 

 since the foundation of Babel or Babylon by the son of 

 Cush, have continued the favourite resort of the great 

 bulk of the people, where arts and sciences flourish, and 

 the affairs of nations are generally transacted ; and 

 although I would not detract from the utility of these 

 vast hives of human industry, ingenuity, and knowledge, 

 yet must I maintain that the amusements of the gay 

 metropolis have a tendency to shorten, whereas those of 

 the country conduce to lengthen the span of man's 

 existence. 



And is there not yet another argument ? Oh ! ye 

 who have the power of residing in the country, and of 

 assisting those in a humbler position than yourselves, 

 what nobler employment can you find than visiting the 

 peasant's hut, and cheering, by the smiles of benevolence, 

 the humble abode of honest industry ? These poor 

 fellows, honoured now and then by an illustrious and 

 friendly visitor, who goes to them as a visitor, and not as 

 a moralist or relieving officer, feel an importance thus 

 conferred upon them which calls for new decorum on 

 their part, gives them a new character to maintain, 

 awakens a spirit of propriety and cleanliness, a little 

 personal and domestic vanity, which, within certain 

 limits, is the first step towards comfort, civilisation, and 

 morality. 



The laying out of grounds for the people, into which, 

 as a great reservoir, pour the wretched inhabitants of 

 those by-streets and alleys (with which, to the disgrace 

 of humanity, all large towns abound), to enjoy, for a few 

 hours, air and exercise, one day, at least, out of the 



