weeks, for the erection of new
churches, and for the support of the seceding clergy; and there can be no
question that, in a few weeks, the amount will considerably exceed
300,000 pounds. Among the contributors, are the Marchioness of
Breadalbane, 1,000 pounds; a Colonel in the Army, whose name we do not
remember, 6,000 pounds, in three yearly instalments of 2,000 pounds; Mr.
Henry Paul, a private gentleman, 2,000 pounds; Mr. Nisbet, bookseller,
London, 1,000 pounds; a Dissenter, 500 pounds; and there are various
other subscriptions of 2,000 and 1,000 pounds each. Mr. Fox Maule is to
build and endow a church at his own expense; Mr. A. Campbell, member for
Argyleshire, is to do the same. In Elgin, the pious and spirited
inhabitants have raised 1,000 pounds to build a church for the Rev.
Alexander Topp, a young and popular minister; and they will also
liberally contribute to his support. So that, in many instances,
churches will be built, and ministers be provided for, solely by private
munificence and local exertion, without requiring any aid from the
general fund. The General Assembly of the Establishment is now sitting
in Edinburgh, but its proceedings excite little interest. The General
Assembly of the Free Church, which the people recognise as the Church of
Scotland, is also sitting in Edinburgh, and its proceedings excite an
intensity of interest hitherto unparalleled in the ecclesiastical history
of Scotland."

About this time there arose an objectionable class of men, who tried to
ape the gentleman, but could not, and they went by the generic term of
"Gents." _Punch_ was death upon them, and I give one of the satirist's
onslaughts, as it reproduces the costumes and amusements of the day.
First let us see the "Gent" pictorially, and then, afterwards, read what
manner of animal he was.

[Picture: Punch, vol. IV., p. 142]

AN ACT

_For amending the Public Deportment of certain individuals called_
"_Gents_," _abiding in London and other places_.

WHEREAS it having been represented that there are, at present
existing in the Metropolis, as well as in the provincial districts,
certain individuals known and spoken of as "Gents," whose bearing and
manners are perfectly at variance with the characters, which, from a
monomania, they appear desirous of assuming:

AND WHEREAS, in consequence of cheap clothes, imitative disposit