But in every age since that of Charles II, Englishwomen have been better
educated than their mothers. For much of this progress we are indebted to
Addison. Since the Spectator set the example, a great part of our lighter
literature, unlike that of the preceding age, has been addressed to the
sexes in common: whatever language could shock the ear of woman, whatever
sentiment could sully her purity of thought, has been gradually expunged
from the far greater and better portion of our works of imagination and
taste; and it is this growing refinement and delicacy of expression,
throughout the last century, which prove, as much as any thing, the
increasing number of female readers, and the increasing homage which has
been paid to the better feelings of their sex.

* * * * *


Mr. Lee, the high-constable of Westminster, in the _Police Report_, says,
"I have known the time when I have seen the regular thieves watching
Drummonds' house, looking out for persons coming out: and the widening of
the pavement of the streets has, I think, done a great deal of good. With
respect to pick-pocketing, there is not a chance of their doing now as
they used to do. If a man attempts to pick a pocket, it is ten to one if
he is not seen, which was not the case formerly."

* * * * *


CRIME IN PARIS.


Vidocq, in his Memoires, relates, that in 1817, with twelve agents or