sequent
generations have continued to observe the custom, though differently from
the primitive but hearty style of their fathers.

For weeks before the New Year dawns, nearly every house in the city is in
a state of confusion. The whole establishment is thoroughly overhauled
and cleaned, and neither mistress nor maid has any rest from her labors.
The men folks are nuisances at such times, and gradually keep themselves
out of the way, lest they should interfere with the cleaning. Persons
who contemplate refurnishing their houses, generally wait until near the
close of the year before doing so, in order that everything may be new on
the great day. Those who cannot refurnish, endeavor to make their
establishments look as fresh and new as possible. A general baking,
brewing, stewing, broiling, and frying is begun, and the pantries are
loaded with good things to eat and to drink.

All the family must have new outfits for the occasion, and tailors and
modistes find this a profitable season. To be seen in a dress that has
ever been worn before, is considered the height of vulgarity.

The table is set in magnificent style. Elegant china and glassware, and
splendid plate, adorn it. It is loaded down with dainties of every
description. Wines, lemonades, coffee, brandy, whiskey and punch are in
abundance. Punch is seen in all its glory on this day, and each
householder strives to have the best of this article. There are regular
punch-makers in the city, who reap a harvest at this time. Their
services are engaged long before-hand, and they are kept busy all the
morning going from house to house, to make this beverage, which is
nowhere so palatable as in this city.

Hairdressers, or "_artistes_ in hair," as they call themselves, are also
in demand at New Year, for each lady then wishes to have her _coiffure_
as magnificent as possible. This is a day of hard work to these
_artistes_, and in order to meet all their engagements, they begin their
rounds at midnight. They are punctual to the moment, and from that time
until noon on New Year's Day are busily engaged. Of course those whose
heads are dressed at such unseasonable hours cannot think of lying down
to sleep, as their "head-gear" would be ruined by such a procedure. They
are compelled to rest sitting bolt upright, or with their heads resting
on a table or the back of a chair.

All New York is stirring by eight o'clock in the morning. By nine the
streets are