A very CONTEMPLATIVE, SEDATE, PIOUS-LOOKING HAT, much worn by
Police-Officers, Quack-Doctors, and Clergymen; this, it may be said, is
a strange assemblage of _characters_ to bring under _one head_, and some
may hold the _association_ to be a reflection on the _latter_, when in
truth the very _opposite_ is intended; in proof of which it is only
necessary to observe that, where the attainment of an object depends on
_outward show_, such contrivances will be resorted to as are best
calculated to secure the object in view; and the very _assumption_ of
the habit here spoken of by the “traps” and “quacks” of the day, is
evidence of the habit itself being in the _highest possible estimation_.
If taken in an _ornamental_ point of view, it would be no easy task to
decide on its merits; but if _usefully_ considered, the conclusion is
plain and easy. It is an admitted fact, that an idea of dignity cannot
embody itself with _little things_, hence the custom of wearing _large
wigs_, for such doubtless these Hats were originally intended, and for
this reason, the hinder part being drawn up with loops in two places, no
peruke, however large its dimensions, can receive the least injury; in
short, it may be worn under this Hat with as little discomfiture to the
_intricate friz_ as though it were absolutely on the very block itself:
here then is produced what may be termed a happy union of wisdom and
piety, inasmuch as it is allowed, when speaking of high legal
characters, that the _wisdom_ is in the _wig_, and by the same rule
(when Clericus is worn by a Divine) the _piety_ must be in the _Hat_.
The style of putting on will greatly depend on the size of the _peruke_,
without which it should never be worn, particularly if the hair be _lank
and black_.