Sixty Years Gleanings from Lifes Harvest
As I was returning through the Strand, I saw inscribed on the fan-light over an entry the words ‘BILLIARDS-PUBLIC-ROOM.’ I had never seen the game, and feeling a desire to know something about it, without further thought, walked through the passage and entered the room. Here I found two men contending at this beautiful game, who appeared excellent players; and several lookers-on were offering and taking bets as the game varied. My object being merely to observe, I took no part in the betting, although I might have done so, as it was not very high business; being principally half-crowns and shillings.