214 



PUBLIC DIVERSIONS. 



are in this manner impeded in the prosecution of their studies, 

 Jelhes and drinks of every description are provided ; and al- 

 though there is a great concourse of persons, more especially 

 at an early hour in the morning, and in the afternoon, an un- 

 interrupted harmony prevails. 



The Literary Memoirs of Madrid* contain the provisions 

 made by Don Mariano Colon, superintendant-general of po-. 

 lice of that court, with a view to the introdu6lion of a greater 

 decorum in the coffee-houses. The principal ena6tments are 

 as follows : " First, that in all the coffee-houses in which a 

 certain share of decency, and a corresponding neatness, should 

 not be observed, painted cloths should be hung up, the walls 

 white-washed, and the doors and tables coloured. Secondly, 

 that a clean dish should be served to each individual, notwith- 

 standing three or four persons should unite together, for this 

 reason, that, in pouring the liquor from the cup to the saucer, 

 it was spilled on the table, so as, by the slightest inattention, 

 to stain the clothes and mantles of the company. Thirdly, 

 that the waiters should, on their presenting themselves, be 

 clean, without either a net or a bonnet on the head, and, if 

 possible, combed, &c. &c." What would some of our rea- 

 ders say if we were to insinuate the like ? And what would be 

 the language of the critics who are desirous that the Mercury 

 should alone be the vehicle of adulation, and the propagator 

 of private sentiments ? Let them say what they may, we will 

 not lose our time in confuting them. Once for all, our reply 

 is, that we do not write solely for the limits of this capital, nor 

 for the year 1791. So long as our periodical work shall be 



* Vol. X. pages 404 and 405. 



continued, 



