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THE BACHELOR’S VADE-MECUM.

To obviate the difficulties and remove the perplexing doubts of cautious men, myself and a party of friends, who have a large acquaintance in London and its vicinity, propose publishing a work in monthly parts, which we mean to entitle “The Bachelor’s Vade-mecum, or a sure guide to a good match.”  It will contain a list of all genuine and undoubted heiresses in the metropolis, and within ten miles around it, and of those ladies whose fortune depends on contingencies:  as our correspondence and information increase, we shall hope to extend the circle of our inquiries, and we solicit those communications and assistances which the extent and utility of our plan require and deserve.  Notices will be given of all who drop off by death and marriage, and of those whose value may be unexpectedly increased by a legacy, or a sister or brother’s decease.  Particular attention will be paid to rich widows.—­The first part of this truly useful work is nearly ready for the press; and we flatter ourselves that its arrangement and execution will excite universal applause.  The particulars concerning each lady will be distributed under four heads; the first will be devoted to her fortune and expectations; the second to a description of her person; the third to non-essentials; and under the fourth will be found hints as to the readiest means of approach, cautions against offending peculiar tastes or prejudices, and much interesting and valuable information.—­A more clear idea, however, of our scheme will be conveyed by subjoining a few specimens taken at random from our first number, which will contain about seventy-five articles.

No. 14.

Fortune.—­10,000_l_. certain, left by a grandfather; two brothers have the same, one of whom is likely to die before he is of age, which would produce 5,000_l_. more.  The father in business, supposed to live up to his income.  A rich, single aunt, but not on terms, on account of No. 14’s love of waltzing.  A prudent husband might easily effect a reconciliation.

Person.—­Fair, with red hair, and freckled, nose depressed, brow contracted, figure good, two false teeth.

Non-essentials.—­Bad-tempered, economical almost to parsimony.  Sings a great deal, but has no voice.  Dances well; a Roman Catholic.

Miscellaneous Information.—­Fond of winning at cards.  A particular dislike to large whiskers; disapproves of hunting; makes her own gowns, and likes to have them admired.

No. 26.

Fortune.—­16,000_l_. from her father, who is dead, and 10,000_l_. more certain on the death of her mother, who is at present ill.  It is hoped that her complaint is dropsy, but more information on this point shall be given in our next Number.

Person.—­Fair, with fine blue eyes, good teeth, beautiful light hair.  Tall and well made.  Hands and feet bad.