We
must have walked not far from fifteen miles in the course of the day.
March 25th.--Yesterday, at one o'clock, I called by appointment on Mr.
Bennoch, and lunched with him and his partners and clerks. This lunch
seems to be a legitimate continuation of the old London custom of the
master living at the same table with his apprentices. The meal was a
dinner for the latter class. The table was set in an upper room of the
establishment; and the dinner was a large joint of roast mutton, to which
ten people sat down, including a German silk-merchant as a guest besides
myself. Mr. Bennoch was at the head of the table, and one of his
partners at the foot. For the apprentices there was porter to drink, and
for the partners and guests some sparkling Moselle, and we had a
sufficient dinner with agreeable conversation. Bennoch said that
G. G------ used to be very fond of these lunches while in England.
After lunch, Mr. Bennoch took me round the establishment, which is quite
extensive, occupying, I think, two or three adjacent houses, and
requiring more. He showed me innumerable packages of ribbons, and other
silk manufactures, and all sorts of silks, from the raw thread to the
finest fabrics. He then offered to show me some of the curiosities of
old London, and took me first to Barber-Surgeons' Hall, in Monkwell
Street. It was at this place that the first anatomical studies were
instituted in England. At the time of its foundation, the Barbers and
Surgeons were one company; but the latter, I believe, are now the
exclusive possessors of the Hall.
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