Buckingham, Thomas.—Comedian and Comic-singer, died September 2, 1847, aged 52.
Buffers.—Dogs. Buff-napper, a dog stealer.
Broom.—To brush, to run away.
Browns.—Half-pence and pence—“Got any browns, Jem, for a drop o’ Max? No, Bill, not never a von left; s’elp me criky.”
Buffs—Buffaloes—and Buffaloism.—A society held at the Harp Tavern in Great Russell Street, opposite Drury Lane Theatre, and was first established in August, 1822, by an eccentric young man of the name of Joseph Lisle, an artist, in conjunction with Mr. W. Sinnett, a comedian, to perpetuate, according to their ideas upon the subject, of that hitherto neglected ballad of “We’ll chase the Buffalo!” The society is composed of numerous Performers, and other “comical wights” resident in the metropolis. The ceremony of making a Buffalo is very simple, yet extremely ludicrous, and productive of great laughter. At first the person intended to become a Buffalo, is seated on a chair in the middle of the room, with a bandage placed over his eyes. The initiated Buffaloes are waiting outside of the door: the orator being decorated with a wig, &c., for the occasion. On a given signal, they all enter the room, with what they term the Kangaroo Leap, and jump round the chair of the “Degraded wretch,”—as the victim is termed. This is succeeded by a solemn march, and the following chaunt; the Buffaloes carrying brooms, shovels, mops, and a large kettle by way of a kettledrum:—
Bloody-head and raw-bones!
Bloody-head and raw-bones!
Be not perplexed,
This is the text.
Bloody-head and raw-bones!
The CHARGE is then given to the “victim” by the Primo Buffo, accompanied by the most extravagant and ridiculous gestures:—
“DEGRADED WRETCH!—Miserable Ashantee!!—Unfortunate individual!!!—At least you were so, not a quarter of an hour since. You are now entitled to divers privileges: you may masticate, denticate, chump, grind, swallow, and devour, in all turnip fields, meadows, and pastures; and moreover, you have the especial privilege of grazing in Hyde Park;—Think of that my Buffalo! You may also drink at all the lakes, rivers, canals, and ponds; not forgetting the Fleet and lower ditches. You are entitled to partake of all public dinners,—upon your paying for the same—such are a few of the advantages you will enjoy! but you must promise to gore and toss all enemies to Buffaloism! You must likewise promise to patronise the Horns, at Kennington; and occasionally visit Horn-sey Wood, where you may do what you like best—rusticate, cogitate, or illustrate, and prove yourself an Horn-ament by respecting the natives of the island of Goree-he!”
The bandage is then removed from the eyes—and the chorus of “Chase the Buffalo,” is repeated. The victim is then led into the passage, and the signs, &c., are given to him, after which he is ushered into the room with the full chorus of:—
See! the conquering hero comes,
Sound the trumpet, beat the drums,
Sports prepare, the laurels bring,
Songs of triumph to him sing.