andum attached to each name, showing
the best hours for calling, and the nature of the articles that will
probably be given. They assist each other by information as to the
charitably disposed, and should any householder display any degree of
liberality toward them, he is sure to be overrun by a host of seedy and
hungry Bummers.

A few years ago, the City Hall Park, which was then shaded by noble old
trees, and the Battery, were the favorite resorts of this class in fair
weather. They would sit on the benches of the park, and doze, or, when
very sleepy, would lie at full length upon them, until aroused by a blow
from a policeman's club upon the soles of their shoes. They were not
allowed to sleep in the park, and when caught in the act were compelled
to join the throng of promenaders in Broadway, and "move on." At the
Battery they were rarely disturbed. That locality was then a mere
receptacle for trash, and the Bummer was at home there. The dirt heaps
were softer than the stones, and the breeze that came in from the bay was
highly favorable to slumber. Now, all has been changed. The massive
edifice of the New Post-office covers the old resort of the Bummer, and
the Battery has been made so spruce and trim that it needs not the gruff
voice of the gray-coated guardian of the place to make the Bummer feel
that it is lost to him forever.

During the day, the Bummer roams about the city, resting where he can,
and occasionally dropping into a bar-room to fill himself with five-cent
whiskey. He is not averse to receiving a treat, and it should be
mentioned to his credit that he is always ready to treat his friends to
his favorite drink when he is in funds. When hungry, he "asks" for food.
He is fond of visiting the second-rate theatres at the expense of
somebody else, and hangs around them, hoping some one will give him a
check before the performance is over. In mild weather, he will sleep
almost anywhere, in or around a market house, or in an empty wagon. The
hay-barges in North River afford comfortable beds, and many Bummers
occupy them. In wet or cold weather, the Bummer patronizes the cheap
lodging-houses, or the cellars, and as a last resort applies for shelter
at the station house. He is diffident about asking assistance at the
last place, however, for he has a vague idea that the police would be
only too glad to get him safely lodged on the Island. One of his
favorite amusements is attendance upon the p