Page:Tom Brown's School Days (6th ed).djvu/19



OST young readers (and many old ones) read a book for the fun it contains, taking no notice of the time when written. A boy will naturally exclaim, after reading the following pages, "What a fine time I'd have if I went to that school!" There is a difference, however, for many things have changed during seventy years or so. If you remember, Tom started before daybreak from the Peacock Inn at Islington on the top of a stage-coach; now you go by railway train. At that time the school was less than half its present size and held only a quarter the number of boys. The pound of candles served to each boy, some of which Martin used to sell for birds' eggs, is no more. Electric lights now guide the many feet along the devious study passages and winding turret stairs. East used to set Tom toasting sausages before the great fireplace, but it could not be done now over steam radiators. The fireplaces are still there, but stoutly covered over with wire and iron bars. The fags, among their present duties, are not made to go down to the kitchen to get hot water for their lords and masters. In short, modern conveniences have replaced the primitive ways of bygone days.

In 1842 lucifer matches had just been invented. Tea and coffee were expensive. It was the custom of that day for boys (old and young) to be served with a pewter mug of beer at their meals, and boys of the "Sixth Form" frequented taverns without restraint. Old traditional customs, in an ancient institution like Rugby, are