meet the evil. As they net thousands a night, a few hundreds
or even thousands can be well spared to smother a few actions and
prosecutions, which are very rarely instituted against them, and never
but by ruined men, who are easily quieted by a small consideration,
which, from recent judgments, will not be withheld; therefore we shall
see recorded but very few convictions if any at all. At the head of
these infamous establishments is one yclept "Fishmollgers' Hall,"(49)
which sacks more plunder than all the others put together, though they
consist of about a dozen. This place has been fitted up at an expense of
L40,000, and is the most splendid house, interiorly and exteriorly, in
all the neighbourhood. It is established as a bait for the fortunes of
the great, many of whom have already been severe sufferers. Invitations
to dinner are sent to noblemen and gentlemen, at which they are treated
with every delicacy, and the most intoxicating wines.

(49) Otherwise called Crock-odile Hall.

'After such "liberal" entertainment, a visit to the French Hazard table,
in the adjoining room, is a matter of course, when the consequences are
easily divined. A man thus allured to the den may determine not to lose
more than the few pounds he has about him; but in the intoxication
of the moment, and the delirium of play, it frequently happens that,
notwithstanding the best resolves, he borrows money on his cheques,
which are known to be good, and are readily cashed to very considerable
amounts. In this manner L10,000, L20,000, L30,000, or more, have been
often swept away!

They left King Street about three years ago, when, in conjunction with
T ---- (a man who a few years ago took the benefit of the act, and
subsequently took one or two "hells" in Pall Mall, but has amassed full
L150,000 of plunder) and A ----, who has L70,000 of plunder, they opened
a club-house in Piccadilly, with a French Hazard bank of L10,000, when
in a short time they divided between the four--after all their heavy
expenses were covered--upwards of L200,000. In proportion to the extent
of the bank and the stakes, so do they collect the plunder.'

PROGRESS IN THE GAMING TRADE.

In the minor gaming houses the players assembled in parties of from 40
to 50 persons, who probably brought on an average, each night, from one
to twenty shillings to play with. As the money was lost, the losers fell
off, if they could not borrow or beg more; and this went on sometimes