HERE is some condensed history from the New York World:— The city was lighted only “in the dark of the moon,” by flickering whale-oil lanterns placed one hundred and fourteen feet apart. Wood was the common fuel. Along Broadway the houses were built of brick; elsewhere they were made of wood, and painted. The average merchant lived over his store. Business began at 9 A. M.; and closed at 9 P. M. Streets were swept by the householders every Saturday morning. Brick sidewalks were general. Dancing schools were numerous; the cotillion and minuet were the favorite dances. Pumps supplied all the drinking water. Fires were put out by volunteer “bucket brigades.” There were no bath-rooms, and there was only one public bath, on Chambers Street. Rooms were uncarpeted, and lighted with candles. Popular amusements were bull-baiting and lotteries. Hogs and cows roamed through the public streets. Men wore mustaches, but not beards. Smoking was regarded as an Indian habit, and was not common. Sherry was the favorite wine. Whisky was drunk in Baltimore, but not in New York. Milk was brought from New Jersey, and peddled from door to door by women. There were but two theaters, and they were poorly supported. The favorite walk of the young people was to the Battery and back or across to the ferry to Hoboken. There was not a light to guide vessels from Sandy Hook to the Battery. Philadelphia was thirteen hours distant by stage, Buffalo four days, and Montreal three days. Mail was carried by postboys on horseback. One mail a day passed between New York and Washington. Books were rare. The Bible and “Pilgrim’s Progress” were in every home. Workmen wore leather breeches, coarse shirts, and flannel jackets.