THE VIS-A-VIS.
A remarkablySTYLISH HAT, possessing great andpeculiaradvantages over most others, on which account its claims to patronage are of the highest order. The brim, before as well as behind, being brought down quite square, and almost in a perpendicular line with the crown itself, gives the wearer an opportunity of observing thingsen passant, by a sort of side-glance, without beingseenso to do; thus, it is well adapted for gentlemen who would fain indulge in the most exquisite admiration of the beauteousfair: but by reason of their extrememodesty, shrink from the trial: There is, also, another and a very important consideration, which cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed-it is a well-known truth, that there are certain situations in life where the falling into is not at all times to be avoided; the result of which is, to create in the imagination, a perpetual apprehension lest some villainous intruder should, in defiance of eloquence or inclination,compeltheacceptanceof his official or ratherofficiousattendance: to counteract so dirty a custom, as well as to nip the system in the verybud, this Hat is most admirably contrived-for by a simple elevation of the hinder part, the front may be brought so far over the face, as to form a complete shade for the countenance. Here then is the attainment of twogreatends-modesty encouraged, and impertinence restrained. Lastly, and not the least of its useful purposes is, that should the introduction of the Vis-a-Vis become general, those novel and graceful evolutions of the body, denominated thebend, theflutter, and thepoke, may be performed in a much smaller space than usual, and without the least danger to the eyes, which is greatly to be feared, when the distinguished votaries, in the eager performance of these newly-imported civilities, are brought too abruptlyface to face.
Although there is much of thedashin this Hat, it has, notwithstanding, a sort ofsombreappearance, which calls on the wearer for afigureandcountenanceto correspond; it is therefore, ifornamentallyconsidered, recommended to such only, whose complexion is of a darkish hue, visage long, not over bulky in person, andabovethe middle size; but, ifusefullyconsidered, all the nicer distinctions must yield to imperious necessity.