From an early hour a stranger will be impressed by the number of drunken men; and by afternoon drunkenness has spread to the women.

With some classes of society, it is as much a matter of duty to drink hard on New-year's Day as to go to church on Sunday.

Some have been saving their wages for perhaps a month to do the season honour.

Many carry a whisky-bottle in their pocket, which they will press with embarrassing effusion on a perfect stranger.

It is inexpedient to risk one's body in a cab, or not, at least, until after a prolonged study of the driver.