THE CLERICUS.
A verycontemplative, sedate, pious-looking Hat, much worn by Police-Officers, Quack-Doctors, and Clergymen; this, it may be said, is a strange assemblage ofcharactersto bring underone head, and some may hold theassociationto be a reflection on thelatter, when in truth the veryoppositeis intended; in proof of which it is only necessary to observe that, where the attainment of an object depends onoutward show, such contrivances will be resorted to as are best calculated to secure the object in view; and the veryassumptionof the habit here spoken of by the "traps" and "quacks" of the day, is evidence of the habit itself being in thehighest possible estimation. If taken in anornamentalpoint of view, it would be no easy task to decide on its merits; but ifusefullyconsidered, the conclusion is plain and easy. It is an admitted fact, that an idea of dignity cannot embody itself withlittle things, hence the custom of wearinglarge wigs, for such doubtless these Hats were originally intended, and for this reason, the hinder part being drawn up with loops in two places, no peruke, however large its dimensions, can receive the least injury; in short, it may be worn under this Hat with as little discomfiture to theintricate frizas though it were absolutely on the very block itself: here then is produced what may be termed a happy union of wisdom and piety, inasmuch as it is allowed, when speaking of high legal characters, that thewisdomis in thewig, and by the same rule (when Clericus is worn by a Divine) thepietymust be in theHat. The style of putting on will greatly depend on the size of theperuke, without which it should never be worn, particularly if the hair belank and black.