28 May

Sunday 28th. At two oC. Mr Urwin called on me, and

our conversation turning on the origin of Playing Cards, and

their Oriental invention, Mr U. asked me to accompany him

to Sir Charles Forbes‘s, Fitzroy Sq. where I might see a pack of

Chinese cards. I acc consented, & we immediately set off.

I was introduced to Sir Charles’s son, a Gentleman-Commoner

of Magdalen Coll. & the cards were shewn me. They are much

smaller in size than European cards, & the number is denoted

by red or black spots, or both united. The Court cards consist of

painted figures, sitting or on horseback etc. It proved a very wet

day, but I walked down to Fulham, in spite of the weather, & found

my Uncle much better than when I last saw him.

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