LORDS OF THE CREATION.
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besides, are exhibited by the Antiguan belles, as would surprise any one who is not well versed in all the changes of the arbitrary rule of fashion. From a glance at the ladies it is but right I should turn to the “ lords of the creation," and remark a few of their peculiarities. In a small community like Antigua, it is not to be supposed there are to be met such extreme contrast in dress and appearance as in the crowded streets of London— and yet some of the gentlemen emulate the “ fops " of Regent-street, while others, again, are so outré in appearance, that we involuntarily exclaim, “ From what habitable part of the globe could this creature have sprung ?" As is generally the case, the younger gentlemen are those who enlist under the banners of " foppery ;" and then there is such a display of exquisitely-fitting coats, brilliant satin waistcoats, and voluminous stocks, or reversed collars and cuffs, and throats à la Byron; such pointed boots and pumps, clerical-looking hats, and elegant canes ! with wasplike waists, flowing locks, and languishing manners, that had Adonis lived in these days and seen the Antiguan beaux, he would, most undoubtedly, have despised his own inartificial charms, and have cried with King Richard— " I'll be at charges for a looking-glass And entertain a score or two of tailors To study fashions to adorn my body."
The gentlemen of more advanced years very generally patronize the blue-coat-and-white-waistcoat school, and some of them follow the almost obsolete custom of powdering the hair ; but white is the prevailing morning-dress among all classes and all ages, a dress of all others best suited to this warm climate. As bright Hyperion takes from the Creole maidens the glowing tints for which England's daughters are so famed, so he thinks it but fair to play many pranks with the complexions of the gentlemen who own his much-loved and frequented island as their home. Some he renders so pale and wan, that they appear like gliding spectres ; others arc