b o o k parations. A large femi-circular table was coverec} with all
«— ,— i kinds o f proviiion, piled in different fhapes, and in the greateft
profufion ; Large ilices o f bread and caviare, dried flur-
geon, carp, and other fifh, were ranged to a great height in
the form of pent-houfes and pyramids, and garnifhed with
craw-fiih, onions, and pickles. In different parts of the garden
were rows o f caiks full of fpirituous liquors, and ftill
larger veffels o f wine, beer, and quafs. Among the decorations
Iobferved the reprefentation o f an immenfe whale,
in pafteboard, covered with cloth and gold and filver brocade,
and 'filled in the infide with bread, dried fiifq and other
provifions.
A ll forts o f games and diverfions were exhibited'for the
amufement of the populace. At the extremity o f the grounds
was a large fquare o f ice well fwept for the fcaters; near
which were two machines like the fwinging vehicles at Bartholomew
Fair. One of thefe machines coniifted' o f two
crofs-beams fixed horizontally to apole in the center by means
o f a pivot: from the ends of the beams hung four fledges, in
which the people feated themfelves, and were'turned round
with great velocity : the other had four wooden horfes fuf-
pendedfrom the beams, and the riders were whirled round in
the like manner as their rivals in the fledges. Beyond thefe
were two ice-hills, fimilar to thofe which I have defcribed on
a former occafion % and for the fame diverfion. Two poles,
above twenty feet in height, were alfo eredted with colours
flying 5 and at the top of each was placed a piece o f money,
as a prize for thofe who could fwarm up and feize it. The
poles, being rubbed with oil, foon froze in this fevere climate
: many and tedious were the attempts o f the various
* See V o l. I . p . 484,
compecompetitors
in this flippery afcent to fame. The fcene CHAP-
was lively and gay ;. for above 40,00 0 perfons o f both fexes. . '.
were aflembled on the occafion.
Having thus far fatisfied our curiofity, we found bur way,
not without great difficulty, .through the croud to a pavilion
in the garden, where the mailer o f the feafl and feveral o f the
nobility were aflembled, and were regaled with a cold collation,
and various forts o f wine.
It had been preconcerted, that,’ upon the firing o f a rocket;
the people were to drink- a-glafs o f fpirituous liquor ; and, -
upon, the difcharge o f a fecond, to begin the repatt. But-
the impatience o f the populace anticipated the neceffity o f the :
fecond fignal, and the whole multitude was-foon and at once ’
in motion. The whale was-thechief objebt o f contention : •
within the fpace o f a few minutes be was entirely diveiled-
of his; gaudy trappings,- which beeame the-fpoils. of his fuc-
cefsful invaders. They had no fooner flead off his drapery,.
and fecured the- fragments -of rich«brocade, than they rent *
him into a thoufancl - pieces,- in - order to feize the- provi- •
lions-• with which’ his infide was- ftored.- The remaining- -
vn . I ■ , O
people, whb, were too numerous to be-all engaged in contend- ■
ihg about the whale, were employed in uncovering-the pent--
houfes, and- pulling down the pyramids ; - in conveying- w ith .
one hand provender to their mouths,- and with the other to-
their pockets-. Others crouded round the caiks and hogsheads,
and with great wooden ladles lapped inc-effantly -wine,.
heer, and fpirit-s.
The confufion and riot, which foon fucceeded, is -better^
conceived than defcribed; and we thought it expedient to ,
retire. The evening was-clofed with a luperb illumination'-,
o-f the gardens, .and. magnificent fire-works. .
4 Biit :