emoval of the partition walls. As all these
rooms were not of the same height, the ceiling presents a curious
patchwork appearance. A long counter occupies one end of the hall, at
which refreshments and liquors are served. There is a stage at the other
side, on which low farces are performed, and a tall Punch and Judy box
occupies a conspicuous position. Benches and chairs are scattered about,
and a raised platform is provided for the "orchestra," which consists of
a piano, violin, and a bass viol. The centre of the room is a clear
space, and is used for dancing. If you do not dance you must leave,
unless you atone for your deficiency by a liberal expenditure of money.
The amusements are coarse and low. The songs are broad, and are full of
blasphemous outbursts, which are received with shouts of delight.

[Picture: HARRY HILL'S DANCE HOUSE.]

You will see all sorts of people at Harry Hill's. The women are, of
course, women of the town; but they are either just entering upon their
career, or still in its most prosperous phase. They are all handsomely
dressed, and some of them are very pretty. Some of them have come from
the better classes of society, and have an elegance and refinement of
manner and conversation which win them many admirers in the crowd. They
drink deep and constantly during the evening. Indeed, one is surprised
to see how much liquor they imbibe. The majority come here early in the
evening alone, but few go away without company for the night. You do not
see the same face here very long. The women cannot escape the inevitable
doom of the lost sisterhood. They go down the ladder; and Harry Hill
keeps his place clear of them after the first flush of their beauty and
success is past. You will then find them in the Five Points and Water
street hells.

As for the men, they represent all kinds of people and professions. You
may see here men high in public life, side by side with the Five Points
ruffian. Judges, lawyers, policemen off duty and in plain clothes,
officers of the army and navy, merchants, bankers, editors, soldiers,
sailors, clerks, and even boys, mingle here in friendly confusion. As
the profits of the establishment are derived from the bar, drinking is,
of course, encouraged, and the majority of the men are more or less drunk
all the time. They spend their money freely in such a condition. Harry
Hill watches the course of affairs closely during the eveni