1. Give a comparative sketch of the principal English theatres, with the
dates of their erection, and the names of the most eminent
candle-snuffers at each. What were the stage-boxes? What were the
offices of prompter--ballet-master--and scene-shifter? In what part of
the theatre was the one-shilling gallery? Distinguish accurately between
operas and puppet-shows.
2. Where was Downing-street? Who was prime-minister when Cribb defeated
Molineux--and where did the battle take place? Explain the terms
milling--fibbing--cross buttock--neck and crop--bang up--and--prime.
3. Give the dates of all the parliaments from their first institution to
the period of the hard frost on the Thames. In what month of what year
was Mr. Abbot elected Speaker? Why was he called “_the little man in the
wig_?” When the Speaker was out of the chair, where was the mace put?
4. Enumerate the principal houses of call in and about London, marking
those of the Taylors, Bricklayers, and Shoemakers, and stating from
what Brewery each house was supplied with Brown Stout. Who was the
tutelary Saint of the Shoemakers? At what time was his feast celebrated?
Who was Saint Swithin? Do you remember any remarkable English proverb
respecting him?
5. Give a ground plan of Gilead-house. Mention the leading topics of the
Guide to Health, with some account of the Anti-Impetigines--Daffy’s
Elixir--Blaine’s Distemper Powders--Ching’s Worm Lozenges--and Hooper’s
Female Pills.
6. Give characters of Wat Tyler, Jack Cade, and sir Francis Burdett. Did
the latter return from the Tower by water or land? On what occasion did
Mr. Lethbridge’s “hair stand on _ind_”? Correct the solecism, and give
the reason of your alteration.
7. Enumerate the roads on which double toll was taken on the Sundays.
Did this custom extend to Christmas-day and Good Friday? Who was
toll-taker at Tyburn, when Mrs. Brownrigg was executed?
8. Distinguish accurately between Sculls and Oars--Boat,
and Punt--Jack-ass, and Donkey--Gauger, Exciseman, and
Supervisor--Pantaloons, Trowsers, Gaiters, and Over-alls.--At what place
of education were any of these forbidden? Which? and Why?
9. Express the following words in the Lancashire, Derbyshire, London,
and Exmoor dialects--Bacon--Poker--You--I--Doctor--and Turnpike-gate.
10. Mention the principal Coach Inns in London, with a correct list of
the Coaches which set out from the Bolt-in-Tun. Where were the chief
stands of Hackney Coaches?--and what was the No. of that in which the
Princess Charlotte drove to Connaught-house? To what stand do you
suppose this removed after it set her down?
11. Give a succinct account, with dates, of the following
persons--Belcher--Mr. Waithman--Major Cartwright--Martin Van
Butchell--and Edmund Henry Barker.
12. Draw a Map of the Thames with the surrounding country,
marking particularly Wapping, Blackwall, Richmond, and the
Isle of Dogs. Distinguish between Newcastle-on-Tyne, and
Newcastle-under-Line--Gloucester and Double Gloucester--and the two
Richmonds. What celebrated teacher flourished at one of them?--and who
were his most eminent disciples?
13. What were the various sorts of paper in use amongst the English? To
what purpose was _whited-brown_ chiefly applied? What was size?
Distinguish between this and college Sizings, and state the ordinary
expense of papering a room.
14. “For every one knows little _Matt’s_ an M.P.” Frag. Com. Inc. ap.
Morn. Chron. vol. 59, p. 1624.
What reasons can you assign for the general knowledge of this fact?
Detail at length, the ceremony of chairing a Member. What were the
Hustings? Who paid for them? Explain the abbreviations--Matt.
M.P.--Tom--Dick--F.R.S.--L.L.D.--and A.S.S.
15. What was the distinguishing title of the Mayors of London? Did any
other city share the honour? Give a list of the Mayors of London from
Sir Richard Whittington to Sir William Curtis, with an account of the
Cat of the first, and the Weight of the last. What is meant by Lord
Mayor’s day? Describe the _Apothecaries_’ Barge, and give some account
of Marrow-bones and Cleavers.
16. When was Spyring and Marsden’s Lemon Acid invented? Distinguish
between this and Essential Salt of Lemons. Enumerate the principal
Patentees, especially those of Liquid Blacking.