However, it was 'of so bewitching a nature,' says our old writer,
'by reason of the several multiplications and advantages which it
seemingly offered to the unwary punter, that a great many like it
so well that they would play at small game rather than give out;
and rather than not play at all would punt at six-penny,
three-penny, nay, a twopenny bank,--so much did the hope of
winning the quinze-et-le-va and the trente-et-le-va intoxicate
them.'

Of course there were frauds practised at Basset by the talliere,
or banker, in addition to his prescriptive advantages. The cards
might be dealt so as not to allow the punter any winning
throughout the pack; and it was in the power of the dealer to let
the punter have as many winnings as he thought convenient, and no
more!

It is said that Basset was invented by a noble Venetian, who was
punished with exile for the contrivance. The game was prohibited
by Louis XIV., in 1691, and soon after fell into oblivion in
France, although flourishing in England. It was also called
Barbacole and Hocca.

FARO, OR PHARAOH.

Although both Basset and Faro were forbidden in France, on severe
penalties, yet these games still continued in great vogue in
England during the 18th century, especially Faro; for the alleged
reasons that it was easy to learn, that it appeared to be very
fair, and, lastly, that it was a very quiet game. It was,
however, the most dangerous game for the destruction of families