Star.
London, England, 1828-04-08 00:00:00

GREENWICH FAIR.

"The morning rises black, the louring pan
Drives heavily his sable chariot on."—OrwAr.

The pleasing anticipation of Greenwich delights and
plebeian joys is often destroyed by that most dreadful
of events, rain. Speculators, who have provided provi-
sions and accommodation for the holiday folks, tremble'
at the appearance of a wet day. It brings with it dis.-
appointokni„ Icss, and lamentation.
Yest,rday the elements were unfavourable to the.
sports of Greenwich, and we have no opportunity to de-
tail the glowing seenes and merry adventures which fine
weather sedorn fails to b►ing forth. Drizzling rain and
shower, kept tile Greenwich visitors under cover during
the eoly part of the day ; but the sun, soon after twelve
o'clock. bestowed the beneficent tribute of his rays, and
the votaries of pleasure were in motion.
The costermongers drew up their equipages at the
Rockingham Arms, and resorted to the usual means of
procuring passengers. " Now, Say," said one of those
elegant drivers, " here's a prime seat, and only eight-
pence." "I am not going with you. I wait for the
Greenwich coach." " Oh I the coaches never go nothing
like our We-Incles." " Wary not ?" " Why you see
the coaches stop at houses, and we never stop. Come,
get in for sixpence.* 41 I told you I was waiting for the
conch." " Come, I vont be hard ; get up for a groat
—don't you see there's a nice young woman sitting on
she front seat. You may talk to her all the vay, and
that's worth sixpence.“—The road was soon thronged
with pedestrians and conveyances of every description,
from the coal waggon to the cab.
The shops, as usual, were furnished with ham and
beet, and all the ingredients required to satisfy the
keenest appetite. On our arrival at Deptford, the shops
were placarded with the intended ascent of Mr. Green
in his balloon. Crossing Deptford Bridge, the way to
Greene:eh was one busy, noisy scene of preparation.
The fair is held in the road leading to the Creek Bridge,
and seems to possess unusual attraction. The principal
feature is the immense booth named the Crown and
Anchor. The expense must have been great, as the
dimensions exceed the size of any booth we ever beheld
at a :air. It was lighted with no less than seventeen
thousand variegated lamps, numerous lustres, and
brilliant devices. The initials G. R. the 4th, with
Hell crowns and trophies, produced a blaze of light
equal, in the opinion of some, to the splendour of
Vauxhall. The part called the Ball room was pie-
Pared for 2.000 couples, and the business was regulated
by Masters of the Ceremonies, rep3rted to be equal to
tuose who preside at Almack's. The musical bands
were numerous, and the company dancedquadr dies and
national dances in the first style. To convey a concise
idea of this extensive enclosure, filled with pleasure and
good things, we have only to add the dimensions :
Length from end to end 700 feet; width 75 feet.
The Fives Court, for the exhibition of Gymnastics,
and the Fives Court Tavern, formed another prominent
object. The great Battle of Navarin, and the fall of the
Brunswick Theatre, were objects of deep interest. Those
events were presented in Diorama.
The magnificent Theatre belonging to Richardson
sears its ample front. His band of musicians kept the
people alive by a very effective performance of "Hurrah!
for the Bonnets of Blue r
Among the wonders were observed a pig-faced Lady
0%0. an American Giantess, seven feet high, the racing
Mare Pincushion, with seven legs, and a Child with two
Heads. The novelties attracted a vast number of persons,
and at three o'clock the Fair was crowded to excess.
Greenwich Park was thrown open to the public, and
the heights were soon crowned by lads and lasses. One-
tree Hill displayed an admiring crowd, whilst Flans.
stead Honse was closely invested. Upon the whole, the
Park did not possess the attraction which it derives from
fine weather. The ground was damp and slippery,..—
Few ventured to run down the Hill, and the interesting
scenes of " coley pole;" did not occur. In the course

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of the evening the houses along the road were filled by
merry company. After partaking of all the enjoyment
singing, dancing, and drinking could impart, the vota-
ries of gaiety reached ton n, but not without a few of
those contests which generAlly happen on the way home.

-Z.