The bludgeon hammer-headed whip, or a
vulgar twig, succeeds the clouded and amber-headed cane; and instead
of the snuff-box being rare, and an article of parade, to exhibit a
beauty's miniature bestowed in love, or that of a crowned head, given
for military or diplomatic services, all ranks take snuff out of cheap
and vulgar boxes, mostly of inferior French manufacture, with, not
unfrequently, indecent representations on them; or you have wooden
concerns with stage coaches, fighting-cocks, a pugilistic combat, or an
ill-drawn neck and neck race upon them. The frill of the nobleman and
gentleman's linen once bore jewels of high price, or a conceit, like a
noted beauty's eye, set in brilliants less sparkling than what formed
the centre. Now, a fox, a stag, or a dog, worthily occupies the place of
that enchanting resemblance. In equitation, we had Sir Sydney Meadows,
a pattern and a prototype for gentlemen horsemen. The Melton hunt now is
more in vogue, and the sons of our nobility ride like their own grooms
and postboys--ay, and dress like them too. Autrefois, a man of fashion
might be perceived ere he was seen, from a reunion ~217~~of rich and
costly perfumes. Now, snuff and tobacco, the quid, the pinch, and the
cigar, announce his good taste. The cambric pocket-handkerchief was the
only one known in the olden times.
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