Advt. "FOREIGN BIRDS.—Just arrived at No. 1 Coventry St., opposite the Haymarket, among which is, that renowned Bird the Ostrich, described in ancient and modern History, to be the largest in the world, it measures 9 feet high, and can admit of two young Ladies or Gentlemen to ride on its back at a time. This Bird exceeds, also, in strength, swiftness, and running, all the feathered tribe in the Creation; it has the best plumage ever seen on an Ostrich, in this country, for many years. There is also a very extraordinary Bird, whose feathers resemble hair, and which has very much the appearance of a beast, weighing near 200 lbs. weight. The Great Horned Owl, described as the inhabitant of Babylon: the Royal crowned Crane of Africa, and other curious and uncommon Birds: also a very singular Animal resembling a Spider, called the Bush Devil; it makes use of its Tail as other Animals do their paws. Admittance 1s. each, Children and Servants 6d."—(Times, Jan. 5, 1795.)
We get a very vivid description of how illuminations after a great victory, were managed and received—in those which took place after Lord Howe's "Glorious first of June."
Earl Howe's Victory.
"Several mobs paraded about the streets, at one, and two o'clock, yesterday morning, breaking the windows of those who had already shown their good wishes to the general cause, by illuminating their windows, but had retired to rest. Other houses again, belonging to the Quakers, were damaged because no lights were put forth. Such acts are contrary to the way of thinking of this very respectable class of Citizens. In this outrageous manner did several mobs proceed during the early part of yesterday morning, to the very great inconvenience of domestic comfort, and infringement on public tranquillity."—(Times, June 13, 1794.)
"The Lord Mayor requests the Inhabitants of the City to discontinue the Illuminations which have taken place since the News received of the very glorious Victory obtained by the British Fleet, under the command of Lord Howe. The Lord Mayor hopes, that the Public will be satisfied with the general Joy which has been so conspicuously expressed, and thinks that a further display of it will tend to disturb the peace and good order of the Metropolis."—(Times, June 14, 1794.)
"Illuminations.—The very idea of the horrors attending the cry of 'Put out your lights,' made a poor Loyal German, in Bedfordbury, watch his little farthing rush-lights, on Wednesday last, till a late hour. At length he ventured really to put out his lights: prudently pasting up at his door the following notice in capitals: 'Two o'clock—gone to bed. If I am to light again, pray be so obliging as to ring the bell.'"—(Times, June 19, 1794.)
"Mr. Wilkes bears the loss of his fine windows with that pleasant humour so peculiar to him, and absolutely refuses to prosecute any of the mob—'They are only,' said he, 'some of my pupils now set up for themselves.'"—(Times, June 21, 1794.)
Mr. Editor.
"A Gentleman of a village near town, in his zeal for illuminating on the late joyful Victory by Lord Howe, placed so many candles in his windows, and that in so negligent a manner, that by two in the morning, three or four of his sashes were burnt. A Constant Reader will be favoured by your making room for the following on the occasion:—
"Village Illuminations.