THIS is a Hat highly respectable in appearance, and well suited to
gentlemen in the _decline_ of life; but as that is a state to which few
will acknowledge while there is a capability of _hobbling without a
crutch_, something definite had better be stated by giving the precise
age;—take it then at _fifty_, which will put all doubts at rest. The
reason for fixing on the Baronet, as suitable to those in declining
years, is its grave, reflecting, methodical cast, such as would seem to
say of the _wearer_—“Here is one that possesses a serenity of mind, an
easy indifference of disposition, a tranquillity of thought, which would
quietly disentangle itself from the vain, shadowy, fleeting desires of
this life, and leave no regret behind.” There are many other
recommendatory properties in this Hat, but those already particularized
are the most valuable; yes, _valuable_,—for it is a well-known fact,
that mankind are often made up of contrivance, that is, they frequently
give to _appearance_ the shape of _reality_;—and however strange the
doctrine may at first appear, it is nevertheless true, that the custom
is often attended with very _beneficial results_, inasmuch as by
_endeavouring_ to maintain an _apparent_ consistency between _habit_ and
_action_, the _propriety_ of doing right becomes so strongly impressed
on the mind, that the villainy of a bad practice is seen in its _worst
deformity_, and conscience, the unerring monitor of the mind, rides
triumphant over all. These are recommendations of no ordinary nature,
and such that will no doubt cause much inquiry after the _Baronet_. As
to growth or countenance, there is an old saying, that “beggars should
not be choosers;” and the wearer, if he becomes so from _necessity_,
will feel the propriety of leaving choice out of the question.
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[Illustration: _Engraved for_ =Lloyd’s= _treatise on Hats._
_John Bull. The Cobourg. The Baron. Clericus. The New Dash. The Shallow.
The Cumberland. The Viz-a-viz. The Eccentric. The Wellington. A Noble
Lord. The Tandem.
The Marquis. The Tally-ho. The Bang-up. Baronet. The Paris Beau. The Bon
Ton.
A bit of Blood. The Jolliffe. The Dandy. The Regent. The Irresistible.
The Petersham.