Cumberland-gardens, on the opposite side, was, in former
times, in great vogue; here the cits used to rusticate on a summer's
evening, coming up the water in shoals to show their dexterity in
rowing, and daring the dangers of the watery element to _blow a cloud_
in the fresh air, and ruralise upon the 'margin of old father Thames.'
[Illustration: page069]
But where can the Westminster boys of the present day look for
amusements? there's no snug spot now for a dog-tight or a badger-bait.
Earl Grosvenor has converted all the green lanes into Macadamised roads,
and covered the turf with new brick tenements. No taking a pleasant
toodle with a friend now along the sequestered banks, or shooting a few
sparrows or fieldfares in the neighbourhood of the _five chimnies_{3}
not a space to be found free from the encroachments of modern
speculators, or big enough for a bowling alley or a cricket match.
Tothill-fields have altogether disappeared; and the wand of old Merlin
would appear to have waved over and dispersed the most trifling vestiges
and recollections of the past. A truce with your improvements!" said
Crony, combating my attempt to harmonise his feelings; "tell me what
increases the lover's boldness and the maiden's tenderness more than
the fresh and fragrant air, the green herbage, and the quiet privacy of
retired spots, where all nature yields a delightful inspiration to the
mind.
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