THE PROPER FOOD OF MAN. A little volume has just appeared, the purpose of which is to prove from history, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, that the original, natural, and best diet of man is derived from the vegetable kingdom. The writer was induced to make the attempt at the urgent importunity of his friends; he having, for himself, very carefully consulted the writings of Moses, traditionary records, comparative anatomy, physiology, chemistry, general history, and having also, from his own private experience, arrived at the firm conviction that the flesh of animals is not only unnecessary, but decidedly prejudicial to man's health and wellbeing. Convictions and experience will always justify the printing of a book upon any such generally-useful subject as diet, but it is far beyond any man's actual experience, whatever may be his convictions, that a meat diet is prejudicial to any other man's health than his own. That in this country a hundred times more of the flesh of beasts is carried into our kitchens than is at all necessary to our existence, we fully believe; and the bloated and gorged appearance of our coachmen and others in wealthy families, where meat is allowed to them ad libitum five times a-day, proves the abuse of it. With so much meat there is a need of so much drink, and thus drunkenness, equally with gluttony, is the daily rule of the life-below-stairs in very many excellent families, who are wholly unconscious of the degraded state of morals in their domestics. Our appetites are certainly at our command; and those amongst us who command them most, enjoy by far-there is no question-the greatest measure of true happiness that this life can give. But it will require other arguments than words to persuade men in general, that with fleshdevouring teeth in their heads, it is injurious to them to eat flesh. And if that time is ever to be otherwise than figuratively true when the lion is to eat straw like the ox, the lion must be provided with a totally different description of teeth to those which he now has; and a better arrangement might be made for us, if farinaceous food and fruit became of necessity our sole diet. The heart sickens often, indeed, at the thought of the daily sufferings of the millions of birds, beasts, and fishes that daily and violently die, that we through that day may live; and every day brings the same sad picture before us, of fishes gasping away their life on the shore, and of beasts gurgling away their life with their blood through their throats; and we could wish that Mr. Smith's fourth chapter was read in every Englishman's ear, and so read as to be ever remembered. Indeed, there is much of good in his little volume. We do not think, however, that all his statements are incontrovertible: on the contrary, we think he has reasoned at times incorrectly, and has drawn his arguments from facts which, in the main, tell against him; and it rather militates than otherwise against his theory, that the nations whose chief or almost only diet is farinaceous, are the most cruel and bloodthirsty. But without pushing the subject beyond its proper limits, Fruits and Farinacea the proper Food of Man. By John Smith. Churchill. London. 1849. Temperance and Total Abstinence. By Spencer Thomson, M.D. Churchill, London. 1850. it is undoubtedly true that much may be said of it, and many most unanswerable arguments be adduced in support of it. All who think differently would do well to give no utterance to their thoughts until they had read what Mr. Smith has said on the subject. Although his words, like the words of far better and abler men, will fall powerless on the ears of the many, there are so many still who are of the same mind generally with him, that he will make many converts to his opinions. Many will be induced to try, at least, to breakfast, dine, and sup, according to the very excellent bill of fare he has in the last pages of his book provided for them. As for any especial notice of the multifarious facts and calculations which the book contains, we have not space for it but we can cordially recommend the book itself. It will please many and persuade some; will inform not a few of what it will profit them to know, and whoever reads it will never be able, with truth, to say that he has thrown away his time upon it. "The Temperance and Total Abstinence Essay," of Dr. Thomson, was written in competition for a prize of one hundred guineas, given by Mr. Eaton for the best essay on the use of alcoholic liquors in health and disease. The writer who obtained the prize was Dr. W. B. Carpenter, but the adjudicators considered Dr. Thomson's essay so good, as to advise its publication, which advice the author has, we think, done well to follow. He has also done well in writing upon so excitable a subject so calmly and naturally; for the very name of alcohol so powerfully stimulates some men's imagination, they so rave about it, and say such fierce and bitter things against it, that our natural feelings are-against our better feelings-roused to defend it and, perhaps, in some measure, to throw a shield and a protecting arm over it. Seriously, however, no man of common sense and moral feelings would ever advocate the daily use of alcoholic liquors as an article of food, irrespectively of circumstances and constitutions. Nothing brutalizes men like ardent spirits,-nothing sooner or more lastingly demoralizes and degrades them,-nothing more certainly ruins them in the end both in body and in mind; and yet how universal is the love of it,-how eager the desire for it,-at what a cost is it purchased! For the brandy, rum, gin, whiskey, which we bought last year, we paid above twenty-five millions of pounds sterling! and we drank, one man with another, throughout the United Kingdoms five gallons and a half a-piece! This is whetting our whistle rather expensively, but this is quite irrespective of our luxuries in this way; for we drink away a very large amount of our means in wine, and our yearly bills for beer of all kinds are, moreover, to be added to the above. This, when summed up, amounts to a tolerably large sum, even to more than twenty-five millions a year! Dr. Thomson shows the effects of alcohol on the organs, and nerves, and mind of man; their effects on themselves, and, what is most mournful still, on their children. He has also shown, in the clear manner in which alone a sensible physician can, how beneficial are alcoholic liquors in certain cases, when the mind or the body from great and overmuch exertion is exhausted. So much good sense is shown throughout this little book, the remarks are so judicious, the language so temperate, the moral so good, and the reasoning so sound, that we cannot but speak well of it and advise a careful perusal of it. AMUSEMENTS OF THE PEOPLE. BY ALFRED CROWQUILL. Westminster Bridge, and its Illumination.-The first Day-Fête at Vauxhall.— Roubiliac and Sir Edward Walpole.-Mister Handel.-Hogarth's Paintings.— Canaletti's Paintings.—Mr. Jonathan Tyers's Death.—Caterers for the Public.The new Vauxhall Proprietor Mr. Barret. Ridotto al Fresco. - Hackney Coachmen.-The Link Boys.-The Young Gent.-The False Nose.-Mr. Wilkes, -A Duel in Vauxhall.-The Macaronies on the last Night.-Constabulary Force. -Riots.-The Swell Mob of 1776.-Commoners at Vauxhall.-Francis Hayman, Esq., a Decorator of Vauxhall.-The Baron de Linsing.-The disuse of Swords at public places. MR. LOCKMAN'S thanksgiving, in our last chapter, for the safe conduct of the thousands who flocked to the enchantments of the Royal Gardens,—and who, in order to reach them, were forced to peril their lives, and face the "boisterous waves of the Thames,"-gives us a very curious idea of the ill-used river, which has become, in reality, the highway for all classes, a complete race-course for steamers of all degrees, although it is now spanned by some of the handsomest bridges in the world for the convenience of all, and the avoidance of the ancient dangerous ferries. He had soon, however, to rejoice over the construction of the noble bridge of Westminster, which he says was "justly the admiration of foreigners, and formed one of the noblest pieces of art in this island, and indeed in the world, of the kind; the view of which bridge, especially when illuminated, adds to the delight of the curious in their return from Vauxhall." This bridge was the second one of stone over the Thames at London; it was built by Charles Labelye, a native of Switzerland; and was opened for foot passengers, horses, &c., November 18th, 1750. Great opposition was made by the citizens of London to a second bridge over the Thames, at or near London. The bridge cost 218,000., and the approaches 170,690., making in all 389,500Z. All the lavish praise bestowed by the author upon the nobility of the bridge, and the great admiration it created, was only given vent to by the consideration of its making the way more pleasant to the frequenters of his beloved Vauxhall. "To crown," says he, "the reputation of this much-frequented recess, the late Prince, and the Princess of Wales, the great patrons of all things excellent, gave the highest sanction to them by sending (last season) their commands (the only honour of this sort) to the master of the Spring Gardens, for him to open (for once) in the morning. This might have been very well when Vauxhall was in the early primitiveness of nature; when the freshness, as it were, of youth was upon it. But now, alas! it cannot bear the broad glare of day to blaze upon its beauties. Art, with its paint-brush, has stalked over the ground and daubed out the fair marks of nature, and the stains of the overnight may not be looked upon in the freshness of the morning. For, like an old beauty, she closes her doors against intruders until the kindly night returns to hide her decay with paint and the borrowed lights. Jonathan Tyers was unceasing in his endeavours to make his gardens popular and worthy of the patronage of the public. Hogarth, who was his personal friend, executed some beautiful pictures for the rooms which it was soon found necessary to build in a climate like ours, so little indulgent to anything al fresco. Roubiliac's first work in England was a statue of Handel, made for Vauxhall Gardens. In one of his walks from thence he picked up a pocket-book containing a considerable number of notes and other papers, apparently of great consequence to the owner. He accordingly put forth an advertisement, which was immediately answered by their owner, Sir Edward Walpole, who, in gratitude to the sculptor, and admiration of his art, became his first great patron. Hogarth's paintings and Roubiliac's statue are noticed in the Gazeteer of 1751, (art. Foxhall). "This (Foxhall) is the place where are those called Spring Gardens, laid out in so grand a taste, that they are frequented, in the three summer months, by most of the nobility and gentry then in and near London; and are often honoured with some of the royal family, who are here entertained with the sweet song of numbers of nightingales, in concert with the best band of music in England. Here are fine pavilions, shady groves, and most delightful walks, illuminated by above a thousand lamps, so disposed that they all take fire together, almost as quick as lightning, and dart such a sudden blaze as is perfectly surprising. "Here are, among others, two statues of Apollo the god and Mister Handel the master of musick; and in the centre of the area, where the walks terminate, is erected the temple of the musicians, which is encompassed all round with handsome seats, decorated with pleasant paintings, on subjects most happily adapted to the season, place, and company." The "pleasant paintings" here referred to, with many others afterwards executed, are, I believe, all, or nearly all, in the possession of Mr. Frederick Gye, the son of one of the late proprietors, who rescued them from destruction, which they were apparently doomed to, having been placed at the back of the present supperboxes, covered with dirt, and so obscure that they were hardly noticed by the visitors, who little thought of the treasures that they carelessly thrust their elbows against. The excellent judgment of Mr. Gye, whose knowledge of the art is very extensive, preserved them from entire demolition, and with much care and good taste restored and preserved the valuable paintings of that muchesteemed master. We find also that a painter, no less celebrated, gave the aid of his pencil to pourtray the beauties of this admired place of amusement, as is shown by an advertisement dated May 7th, 1752. "To the curious: This Evening will be published in the avenues of Vauxhall Gardens, Price Is. each, VIEWS OF VAUXHALL GARDENS, elegantly designed on the spot, by the celebrated CANALETTI, Who just to Nature, bids her prospect rise 1. Of the Grand Walk, at the entrance, with the Orchestra, &c. 4. Of the Grand Cross Walk, where the Painted Ruins are discovered. N. B. A view of the inside of the Rotunda, drawn by Signor Canaletti, is almost finished; sold by Sayer, at the Golden Buck, opposite Fetter Lane, Fleet Street; H. Overton, at the White Horse, without Newgate; and G. Woodfall, Charing Cross; where may be had, price 6d.: A Sketch of the Royal Gardens, Vauxhall.' In a letter to a noble Lord. • Verdant vistas, melting sounds, Magic echoes, fairy rounds, Sure this spot dropt from the skies.' N. B. This pamphlet, though entitled a Sketch, contains a full and accurate description of Vauxhall, and is a very necessary companion to the four views of Signor Canaletti above mentioned." The success of Mr. Tyers's speculation continued from year to year with very little deviation, and deservedly so, for he was a man of great ingenuity and patience, and was continually adding to the attractions of this favourite place of "amusement for the people," regardless of the labour or expense. His mind never seemed to travel out of the paradise which he had created for himself, the turmoil of the city so near him was unheard amidst his groves, and his pride was to attract the Prince, as well as the wealthy merchant, from the court and the "Golden Exchange," and to astonish them with his fairy kingdom buried amidst its woods upon the banks of the silver Thames. This world was to him Vauxhall, which he firmly and fondly believed had the like importance in the eyes of others, consequently receiving, with a condescending and complacent pride, all praise bestowed upon it by his friends and the public as a proper tribute to the man who raised such an elysium. So great and absorbing was the delight which he took in it, that preserving his faculties to the last, he caused himself to be carried into the Gardens, a few hours before his death, to take his farewell look at them. He listened with a smile to the sweet notes of the birds, as they carolled above him, and felt gratefully the soft air as it sighed through the whispering leaves to cool his fevered brow, and died only regretting that he must leave the beloved spot that he had cherished so long, and with so much honest pride. He expired July 1767. The originality of manner in which Mr. Tyers arranged for the proper refreshment of his many patrons was, no doubt, the first hint of such a clever idea. He gave his caterers an interest in the success of their efforts. We find his advertisement in the Daily Post, 3582, Friday, March 12, 1731. "Money will be lent without interest to set up three persons that can give a good account of their sober conversation; and are qualified to manage the following employments, viz., one of them to keep a |