Quote 55
They can very seldom pick up a livelihood by stealing […], although I confess they learn the rudiments much earlier, during which time they can however be properly looked upon only as probationers […] as I have been informed by a principal gentleman in the country of Cavan (7)
The narrator draws a distinct boundary between "a gentleman" and the rapscallions who learn to steal from birth.
Quote 56
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food (10)
The "knowing American" has been read as a Native American with knowledge of exotic foods. Why does Swift include this reference?
Quote 57
I do therefore humbly offer it to public consideration that of the hundred and twenty thousand already computed, twenty thousand may be reserved for breed, […] which is more than we allow to sheep, black cattle, and swine, and my reason is that these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not much regarded by our savages (11)
Is the expression "our savages" meant as an endearment? Let's hope not.