Atmosphere Rat-baiting
turnspit quakers alley
james wentworth day, follower of sport of rat baiting, described experience , atmosphere @ 1 of last old rat pits in london during times.
rather dirty, small place, in middle of cambridge circus, london. went down rotten wooden stair , entered large, underground cellar, created combining cellars of 2 houses. cellar full of smoke, stench of rats, dogs, , dirty human beings well. stale smell of flat beer overpowering. gas lights illuminated centre of cellar, ring enclosed wood barriers similar small roman circus arena, , wooden bleachers, arranged 1 on other, rose stepwise above ceiling. pit dog fights, cockfights, , rat killing. hundred rats put in it; large wagers went , forth on dog kill rats within minute. dogs worked in exemplary fashion, grip, toss, , on rat. skilful dogs, 2 dead rats flew through air @ same time...
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