Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Amusement, Class, Societies, Progress

    The writer laments the passing of those traditional 'humble amusements' to which the 'great bulk of the English middle class of society have a strong inclination'. In this context, the writer welcomes 'the institutions for mechanics', noting that while some have endeavoured to make them appear 'contemptible', they 'must evidently tend to the advancement of knowledge by the expansion of those faculties which God gave to be exercised'. The writer also applauds the increasing interest in gymnastics, and pleads for the adoption of the rules by which the Olympic games were conducted.