th alarm and indignation the proposed
desecration of the Sunday, by opening the Crystal Palace and its
grounds, at Sydenham, to the people of London; and cannot but express
their conviction that it would lead to the infliction of serious loss on
the profession of which they are members.

"Your Petitioners humbly call the attention of your Honourable House to
the fact that they derive a very considerable revenue from the following
sources, all of which are threatened to be diminished by the increase of
parks, pleasure gardens, and conservatories for the working classes.

"First, From fevers and other diseases generated by heated and
impure atmosphere; from which even one day's escape in seven may
tend to relieve the present dwellers in the dark courts and alleys
of London.

"Secondly, From adulterated gin and British brandy, which are
consumed in vast quantities by a large portion of the aforesaid
dwellers in dark places, who seek in these stimulants some little
excitement during their brief repose from the daily labour of life.

"Lastly, From broken heads, bruises, black eyes, &c., all of which
require a considerable amount of medical treatment, 'both in the
hospitals and out,' on Monday mornings.

"Your Petitioners forbear to enter into the religious portion of the
argument, as they do not exactly remember the text in the New Testament
which forbids the walking in corn-fields, or gardens, or conservatories
on the Sunday; but your Petitioners are of opinion that your Honourable
House ought to preserve these privileges as heretofore for Earls,
Bishops, and wealthy members of your Honourable House, who can afford to
keep gardens and conservatories at their private expense.

"Your Petitioners therefore pray your Honourable House to protect
'_their native industry_'--by keeping the doors of the Crystal Palace
and its gardens closed against the working classes of London."

* * * * *

THE CABMAN AND HIS PINT OF STOUT.--A FABLE.

A Cabman, being inclined to drink, stepped into a public-house, and
asked for a pint of stout, which he swallowed at a draught, and in
payment for the liquor laid down a fourpenny piece. The landlord, who
chanced to be serving in the bar, being a wag, called after his
customer, as the latter was going, "Hi there, you!" to which the other,
turning his head, replied, "Halloa!"--"Come, I say!" pursued mine host,
"this he