The same kind of rigid economy is observed in their amusements. A family of distinction will occupy a box “_au second_, or _au bagnoir_[88],” to save a few _livres_; and I knew a young lady of considerable fortune, who expressed an anxious wish to see the first appearance of _Vestris_, and who, when a place was offered her, refused it, _malgré_ the general passion for _spectacles_, and the celebrity of this, when she found that the price of the ticket was nine francs (or seven and sixpence english). I have entered into this explanation, to account for the apparently splendid establishments of persons of moderate fortunes, which might otherwise seem to contradict the opinion which I am about to give, and which I have already hinted. I repeat, then, that an english family settling here[89], with english ideas and english habits, would spend very little less than they would do in London, with a similar establishment. To enable you to judge for yourself on this subject, I shall mention the prices of the most essential articles of expense; some of which are lower, while others are infinitely higher. Meat is much cheaper, being only eleven or twelve sols per pound (or five or six pence english). Bread bears, at present, nearly the same price in the two countries. The keep of horses costs infinitely less at Paris, than in London. Poultry is cheaper; and wine of the best kind may be bought for something more than we pay for good port. On the other hand, house rent is equally dear, if not dearer. Furniture is exorbitant; and dress of all kinds, both for men and women (only excepting shoes and gloves) is, beyond comparison, dearer in price, and more expensive in its kind. The price of amusements, in the first places, is nearly the same at the large theatres of Paris, as at those of London; and _spectacles_, being infinitely more frequented at the former than in the latter city, much more is spent, in this article, in the one than in the other capital. Groceries are dearer, and fuel at least double. Putting these articles, the one against the other, perhaps with economy eleven hundred pounds in Paris might purchase as many conveniences as twelve in London. But I think even this difference is liberally allowed. Having given this rough calculation of family expenses, I shall proceed to speak more particularly of those of a foreigner, or temporary resident. On this point I can be more positive, having experience for my guide. A job carriage and pair of horses cost from twenty to twenty two louis per month, according to the manner in which you are served. A pair of horses, without the hire of a carriage, may be had for fifteen or sixteen louis per month. In both cases the coachman is paid by the jobman; but the former expects a trifle, as a mark of your approbation. A “_laquais de place_” asks four, but will take three, livres (or half a crown English) per day.