are served to miners, teamsters, traders, gamblers, and politicians, who sit down together, the washed and the unwashed, without regard to quality or caste. On the same bench may be seated a clergyman, a Sydney convict, an Oxford graduate, a New York blackleg, and the professional drunkard of the town.
Sometimes for bunks canvas was stretched over wooden frames; a hay pillow and a pair of blankets comprised the bed. Fifty or a hundred of these berths were sometimes constructed in one room; each was numbered, and on signifying his wish to retire, the traveller, on payment of a dollar to the hotel-keeper, might hunt out his place, and without undressing, deposit his bag of gold-dust and revolver under his pillow, and go to sleep—if the fleas would let him. Outside the door stands a barrel of water, and on as many kegs three or four tin basins with a chunk of washing-soap convenient, where morning ablutions may be made. Against the house hangs a piece of looking-glass, and a well-worn brush and comb are conveniently fastened to a chain or strmg. After a wash and a gin cocktail, the boarder is ready for his breakfast, which is despatched with marvellous rapidity. At meal times, if business is brisk, the bell or gong does not fail to create a stampede toward the dining-room door; a rush is made for seats, and the disappointed retire and wait for the next sitting. In the evening all congregate in the bar-room, light their pipes, lift up their obscene voices in boisterous jokes, and strut about ready to give "particular hell" to any who dare question the rights of liberty -loving American citizens to do as they please.
Stores also had their bars, where, beside the sale of calico, canvas, clothing, hardware, canned fruits and meats, sugar, flour, bacon, and tobacco, the dice were thrown, quarters flipped, or a game of cards played for the drinks. For this purpose a table and chairs were provided, where cans might be opened and oysters eaten.
