gives the following graphic account of the London Clubs. "One of the most important modern changes in society is the present system of Clubs. The facilities of living have been wonderfully increased by them in many ways, whilst the expense has been greatly diminished. For a few pounds a year, advantages are to be enjoyed which no fortunes except the most ample can procure. I can best illustrate this by a particular instance. The only club I belong to is the 'Athenæum,' which consists of twelve hundred members. . . For six guineas a year every member has the command of an excellent library, with maps; the daily papers, English and Foreign; the principal periodicals, and every material for writing, with attendance for whatever is wanted. The building is a sort of palace, and is kept with the same exactness and comfort as a private dwelling. Every member is a master, without any of the trouble of a master. He can come when he pleases, and stay away as long as he pleases, without anything going wrong. He has the command of regular servants, without having to pay or manage them. He can have whatever meat or refreshment he wants, at all hours, and served up with the cleanliness and comfort of his own house. He orders just what he pleases, having no interest to think of but his own: in short, it is impossible to suppose a greater degree of liberty in living. Clubs, as far as my observation goes, are favourable to economy of time. There is a fixed place to go to; everything is served with comparative expedition; and it is not customary or general to remain long at table. They are favourable to temperance. It seems that when people can freely please themselves, and when they have an opportunity of living simply, excess is seldom committed. From the account I have of the expenses at the 'Athenæum' in the year 1832, it appears 'that 17,323 dinners cost on the average 2s. 9d., 3s., and 4s. 6d. each; that the average quantity of wine for each person was a small fraction more than half a pint.' meanness. Since the above essay was written, clubs have increased greatly. An anecdote is recorded of a member, who went upon the most approved Archimedean screw principle, and who managed to economise even to He would order his lunch ten minutes before the hour for that meal to elapse, and make a dinner of it. He would desire the waiter to bring him a cup of tea hot and strong; this beverage being a fraction cheaper if served in that manner than from the teapot. No sooner had the cup been brought than the "artful dodger" complained of the strength, ordered some hot water and a clean cup, and by dividing half procured two good cups of tea at half price. A great public benefit has been introduced into the principal clubs of London-the power of inviting a friend or two to dinner in the stranger's room: and there are many, who, having benefitted considerably by this system, not only in giving, but receiving such a courtesy, appreciate those establishments where the doors are not barred against non-members at a house dinner, or singly with a member. The usual plan is for a number of members to put down their names for a house dinner, and those of the invited guests, leaving it, of course, optional for any member to join the party. A president and vice-president are elected, and the repast is all that can be desired; it combines English and French cookery, the choicest wines, and the best waiting. The "Oriental Club," in Hanover Square, is famed for its Eastern condiments. The "Reform" is known to the world at large as being the club where Soyer presided for so long a period. It was the talented Alexis who reformed the antiquated excrescences and abuses of the kitchen. Could any patriot burn with more devoted and intense zeal for the public good than did Soyer? Are not good diurnal dinners better than sessional long speeches? Is not universal fare better than universal suffrage? We appeal to all England for their verdict. The members are more numerous than select, as all political clubs must be. Three clubs are especially devoted to our gallant preservers by sea and land,—the "United Service," the 'Army and Navy," in Pall Mall, and the "Junior United." 66 The "Beefsteak Club" had a great reputation. The room, built for the purpose in the English Opera House, the kitchen only separated by a glass screen; the original gridiron of the society; the quaint mottoes on the walls, "When 'tis done, 'twere well it were done quickly;""Now good digestion wait on appetite, and health on both;" the cook with his snow-white long at table. They are favourable to temperance. It seems that when people can freely please themselves, and when they have an opportunity of living simply, excess is seldom committed. From the account I have of the expenses at the 'Athenæum' in the year 1832, it appears that 17,323 dinners cost on the average 2s. 9d., 38., and 4s. 6d. each; that the average quantity of wine for each person was a small fraction more than half a pint.'" meanness. Since the above essay was written, clubs have increased greatly. An anecdote is recorded of a member, who went upon the most approved Archimedean screw principle, and who managed to economise even to He would order his lunch ten minutes before the hour for that meal to elapse, and make a dinner of it. He would desire the waiter to bring him a cup of tea hot and strong; this beverage being a fraction cheaper if served in that manner than from the teapot. No sooner had the cup been brought than the "artful dodger" complained of the strength, ordered some hot water and a clean cup, and by dividing half procured two good cups of tea at half price. A great public benefit has been introduced into the principal clubs of London-the power of inviting a friend or two to dinner in the stranger's room: and there are many, who, having benefitted considerably by this system, not only in giving, but receiving such a courtesy, appreciate those establishments where the doors are not barred against non-members at a house dinner, or singly with a member. The usual plan is for a number of members to put down their names for a house dinner, and those of the invited guests, leaving it, of course, optional for any member to join the party. A president and vice-president are elected, and the repast is all that can be desired; it combines English and French cookery, the choicest wines, and the best waiting. The "Oriental Club," in Hanover Square, is famed for its Eastern condiments. The "Reform" is known to the world at large as being the club where Soyer presided for so long a period. It was the talented Alexis who reformed the antiquated excrescences and abuses of the kitchen. Could any patriot burn with more devoted and intense zeal for the public good than did Soyer? Are not good diurnal dinners better than sessional long speeches? Is not universal fare better than universal suffrage? We appeal to all England for their verdict. The members are more numerous than select, as all political clubs must be. Three clubs are especially devoted to our gallant preservers by sea and land,-the "United Service," the Army and Navy," in Pall Mall, and the "Junior United." 66 The "Beefsteak Club" had a great reputation. The room, built for the purpose in the English Opera House, the kitchen only separated by a glass screen; the original gridiron of the society; the quaint mottoes on the walls, "When 'tis done, 'twere well it were done quickly;" "Now good digestion wait on appetite, and health on both;" the cook with his snow-white |