On the subject of these two plates, and the four following ones, was published a stupid pamphlet, intituled, "A Dissertation on Mr. _Hogarth's_ Six Prints lately published, viz. _Gin-Lane, Beer-street,_ and _The Four Stages of Cruelty_, Containing, I. A genuine narrative of the horrible deeds perpetrated by that fiery dragon, _Gin_; the wretched and deplorable condition of its votaries and admirers; the dreadful havock and devaluation it has made amongst the human species; its pernicious effects on the soldiers, sailors, and mechanicks of this kingdom; and its poisonous and pestilent qualities in destroying the health, and corrupting the morals of the people. II. Useful observations on wanton and inhuman cruelty, severely satirizing the practice of the common people in sporting with the lives of animals. Being a proper key for the right apprehension of the author's meaning in those designs. Humbly inscribed to the Right Honourable _Francis Cockayne_, Esq; Lord Mayor of the City of _London_, and the worshipful Court of Aldermen, who have so worthily distinguished themselves in the measures they have taken to suppress the excessive use of spirituous liquors. _London_: Printed for _B. Dickinson_ on _Ludgate-Hill_. 1751. Price one shilling;" and eleven pence three farthings too dear, being compiled out of _Reynolds's_ "God's Revenge against Murder," &c. [1] _General Advertiser, February_ 13, 1750-51. On _Friday_ next will be published, price one shilling each. Two large Prints designed and etched by Mr. _Hogarth_, called _Beer-street_ and _Gin-lane_. A number will be printed in a better manner for the Curious at 1 _s._ 6 _d_. each. And on _Thursday_ following will be published, Four Prints on the subject of Cruelty. Price and size the same. _N. B._ As the subjects of these Prints are calculated to reform some reigning vices peculiar to the lower class of people, in hopes to render them of more extensive use, the author has published them in the cheapest manner possible. To be had at the _Golden Head_ in _Leicester Fields_, where may be had all his other works. [2] I am sorry to perceive that this observation remains in the octavo edition of the "Anecdotes of Painting," vol. IV. p. 147. [3] The opinion which _Hogarth_ entertained of the writings of Dr. _Hill_ may be discovered in his _Beer-Street_, where _Hill's_ critique upon the Royal Society is put into a basket directed to the Trunk-Maker, in _St. Paul's Church-Yard_. [4] This emaciated figure, who appears drunk and asleep at the corner of this print, was painted from nature.