ETCHED BY J. T. SMITH “A silver haired man of the name of Lilly.”] 1742.--The proprietor of the Mulberry Garden, Clerkenwell, indulged in the following remarks upon five places of similar amusement:-- “_Ruckhoult_ has found one day and night’s alfresco in the week to be inconvenient.[95] “_Ranelagh House_, supported by a giant, whose legs will scarcely support him.[96] “_Mary le Bon Gardens_ down on their marrow-bones. “_New Wells_ at low water.[97] “_At Cuper’s_ the fire almost out.”[98] (See the _Daily Post_, July 28.) 1743.--The holders of Marybone Garden tickets let them out at reduced prices for the evening. Ranelagh tickets were also advertised to be had at Old Slaughter’s Coffee-house at 1s. 3d. each, admitting two persons. Vauxhall tickets were likewise to be had at the same place at 1s. each, admitting two persons. (See the _Daily Advertiser_ for April 23.) 1744.--Miss Scott was a singer, Mr. Knerler played the violin, and Mr. Ferrand an instrument called the Pariton.[99] 1746.--Robberies were now so frequent and the thieves so desperate, that the proprietor of the gardens was obliged to have a guard of soldiers to protect the company to and from London. The best plan of the gardens has been given in Plate I. of Rocque’s Plan of London, published in 1746. 1747.--Miss Falkner, singer;[100] Henry Rose, first violin; and Mr. Philpot, organist.--Admittance to the garden, 6d.; to the concert, 2s. 1748.--Miss Falkner, singer. No persons to be admitted to the balls unless in full dress. 1749.--It appears by the advertisements that dress-balls and concerts were the only amusements of this year. 1750.--Miss Falkner, Mr. Lowe, and Master Phillips, were the singers. 1751.--John Trusler was sole proprietor of the Gardens.[101] Singers, Miss Falkner, Master Phillips, and Master Arne. On the 30th of August there was a ball; and as the road had been repaired, coaches drove up to the door--a ten-and-sixpenny ticket admitted two persons. The doors opened at nine o’clock. 1752.--Miss Falkner and Mr. Wilder singers. 1753.--The _Public Advertiser_ of May 25, June 20, September 10 and 24, states that the gardens were much more extensive by taking in the bowling-green, and considerably improved by several additional walks; that lights had been erected in the coach-way from Oxford Road, and also on the footpath from Cavendish Square to the entrance to the gardens; and that the fireworks were splendid beyond conception. A large sun was exhibited at the top of a picture, a cascade, and shower of fire, and grand _air-balloons_ (perhaps these were the first air-balloons in England) were also most magnificently displayed; and likewise that _red_ fire was introduced. This is the earliest instance of _Red_ fire I have been able to meet with. Mrs. Chambers and Master Moore were singers. 1756.--Two rooms were opened for dinner-parties. Trusler, the proprietor of the gardens, was a cook.