Street cries of the world

Here is a useful article, and well worth the notice of the orderly and cleanly. Who would let a nice cap, hat or bonnet lie in the dust and be spoiled, when for the value of a shilling, they might procure a neat box to keep them in. This man has them of so many different sizes, that you cannot fail to suit your fancy and convenience.

These kind of boxes are made of very slight wood, thin as shavings, and covered with thick paper; of course they will not bear rough usuage, or travelling, but in the house are very useful, and from their lightness easily removed from one place to another, which is not the case the heavy mahogany drawers or chests.

There are likewise trunks, made of stouter wood, with lids, locks and keys; these are firm enough to bear a journey, and not half so dear as leather or hair trunks. I once heard of a little girl, who bought one of these small trunks purposely to conceal from her school-fellows the nice cakes her friends sent her, with very different intentions. She put the key in her pocket, and imagined all was secure: but a little mouse, still more cunning than she, gnawed a hole in the corner of the box, and feasted himself on the treasures for two or three days; at the end of which time, when the greedy child expected to enjoy the feast alone, she had the mortification to find, crumbs, were all that remained of the sweet cake she so valued. None of my readers will regret her disappointment I am sure.

It is curious to consider the various uses to which wood may be applied: – who would suppose, (were they not previously informed,) that shavings bore any affinity to the strong and bulky sides of a ship – yet the thin chipped wood of the first, is but a part of the latter: thus, what in a slight article likea band-box, would float with the gentlest breeze even in a pond, will, in another shape and state, resist the strong waves of the ocean, and the rough gales of the most tremendous storms.

Most of the timber used in ship-building, comes from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, though we have much good oak in our own country.

The art of ship-building is attributed to the Egyptians; the first ship or galley, having been brought from Egypt to Greece by Danaus, 1458, B.C. Twenty-four gun ships were the largest in our navy until the reign of Henry VII. which king gave orders for building one of 1000 tons burthen. It was named the Great Harry, in compliment to the sovereign.

A first rate man of war requires 60,000 cubic feet of timber, and uses 180,000 lb. of rough hemp in the cordage and sails for it. It would take 14 acres of ground to grow sufficient timber for the making of such a ship. The quantity consisting of 3,000 loads of timber, or 1,500 well grown trees.

What a prodigious undertaking therefore, is the building of a ship; how much ingenuity is required, and how many hands employed, ere the whole be completed. The Boxman has led us on, to a much grander object than his simple ware; but we have learned something in our progress.

No country in the known world, can boast of such a fleet as England. The Dock-yards afford great entertainment to the traveller; but foreigners are not admitted to inspect the process of ship-building, as they were formerly; many destructive fires having happened in consequence of treachery.

Plymouth, in Devonshire; Portsmouth, in Hampshire; and Chatham, in Kent, are the principal docks, and in which many hundreds are employed.

The West-India and London Docks, are a late undertaking, and occupy an amazing space in the Eastern part of London.

At Blackwall, lower down the river Thames, is a dock for the East-India Company’s ships; the tide not allowing them to come higher up.

Small sloops however, may be seen as high as London bridge; and every body knows the fishing-smacks are constantly at Billingsgate, which is above the Tower.

Boat-building is carried on from Deptford and Greenwich, in Kent, to Lambeth, above Westminster-bridge. Those who have not an opportunity of seeing ship-building, may be much gratified by inspecting the boat-builder.

How many conveniences we enjoy, without being conscious of their cause, and often, from a want of proper curiosity, for although a prying and busy disposition must ever be censured, a desire of information, on subjects we are not acquainted with, is not only natural, but laudable. I like to see children curious as to the nature of things, from which they derive comfort or assistance.

Dust has certainly nothing very interesting in its appearance, and when we consider it as the refuse of our houses, we may be forgiven the not suspecting its utility: yet you find, on a little reflection, we have something to learn even from dust, and many a living is gained by collecting it.

In all parishes there are persons who contract with the parish officers, to purchase the dust from the inhabitants of London; and these people keep carts and men to collect it, as you see in the picture on the other side. The public roads are kept in good order chiefly through these means; and many a rough uneven highway, that one month may be impassable, may, in the course of two, become a level, regular road, over which our horses and vehicles may pass, without injury to them or their owners.

For certain, idleness did not make this useful discovery. Many years back, before travelling was so well arranged as it is now; a distance of twenty miles was esteemed a long journey, and sometimes a dangerous one, from the badness of the roads, and the want of sign posts, &c. All these defects are remedied however, and a journey of one hundred miles, seems nothing to the English traveller.

This Man’s Ware is extremely well finished, and, as he observes, most of the articles he sells, are useful to the house-keeper. Bowls are fit for various uses, and not being liable to break, is greatly in their favour. A wooden spoon is likewise a great necessary, and mixes some fluids better than iron or pewter; and our puddings are undoubtedly the better for its help.

Wooden Ware is not so generally used at the present period, as it was formerly; China and Earthern Ware, have in a great measure superceded it; still there are many wooden utensils with which we cannot dispense, notwithstanding our improvement. – Some centuries back no other ware was to be seen, even at the table of a king, all then eat off platters, and no doubt enjoyed their viands quite as much, as the nobility of the present day do their delicacies served up on silver and China. – Pewter succeeded wood, but for my own part, I should prefer the latter to the former, notwithstanding its bright and polished surface.

This man does not confine his rambles to London, he may often be heard in the adjoining counties: distance does not deter him from seeking custom; such perseverance is praise-worthy, and I trust he will reap the reward he merits.

It would take a volume to describe the various uses to which wood is applied, from the simple platter, to the principal parts of a house. – Oak and deal are mostly used for the latter. Our household furniture too, exhibits many proofs of its utility.

Formerly, the walnut-tree composed the chief of our chairs and tables, and when polished, made no despicable appearance; but since the introduction of mahogany, all other kinds of wood have ceded to it. The West Indies supplies us with this article, which, from its natural durability, is both convenient and serviceable.

Rose-wood and satin-wood, form our most expensive and ornamental parts of furniture; ingenuity has brought this branch of trade to high perfection.

Tunbridge, in Kent, is celebrated for its wooden-ware, which is generally displayed in boxes, and articles for the ladies use. The cherry-tree is a light and handsome grained wood, and is made into various useful and elegant articles. This tree originally came from Pontus; the elder-tree from Persia. The invention of wood cuts, took place in the year 1460, and is still much used, being less expensive than copper plate cuts.

Many of the pipes which convey water to our houses are of wood, though of late, a preference has been given to iron ones. Musical instruments likewise work up a great deal, but these are principally made of mahogany. – The various patterns designed for calico and linen furniture, are first cut in wood, and then stamped upon the article which is to be printed.

Printing in colours, was invented in the year 1626. Wooden types were first used in 1470.

Every one understands what this man says, and very few, will disagree with him, when he praises the flavour of his buns. They are really a nice kind of cake, and from their lightness are far more wholesome than most things of the kind. They may be seen in the pastry cook’s all the year round; but it is on one day in particular, they are so much sought after; this day is called Good Friday; I conceive it is almost needless to explain what happened on this day, to make it so memorable; every child who reads the new Testament, will find the sacred event fully explained, and feel a veneration for Good-Friday, they never could have done without being acquainted with the obligations we owe the day. – The cross marks on the buns, tend to the same signification.

It is almost incredible what a vast quantity is sold on the annual occasion. – At one house alone, near Chelsea, from two to three hundred pounds has been taken in the course of the day. The pastry cooks likewise sell a great many, nor does the street bun-man, lack custom; his early cry brings forth many a half-penny, and he generally displays a white napkin, or piece of flannel that would not disgrace the best shops in London.

Do not be tempted to eat too many of them, light as they are, sweet things are cloying, if eaten in large quantities.

Twelfth day, is another day remarkable for sweet cakes, and is usually one of pleasure and enjoyment to young folks; the custom of drawing “King and Queen,” as it is called, is a modern custom, with which every body is well acquainted, (at least in England,) but I doubt if the same knowledge extends to the real signification of Twelfth-day, or, in other words, the Epipihany, which means, “the manifestation of appearance of our Saviour to the gentiles;” a reference to the New Testament will elucidate this circumstance, as well as that of Good Friday, before alluded to; and I trust all my youthful readers, not yet acquainted with the particulars, will feel sufficient interest and curiosity to attain an immediate knowledge of them.

Banbury, in Oxfordshire, is famous for its cakes. Shrewsbury, in Shropshire, also is noted for a thin sweet cake, boxes of which offered to the passing traveller, who seldom quits this pleasant city, without some of its sweets.

Bath is celebrated for its buns; Worcester for spiced gingerbread; the Isle of Wight for a light cake called a crackrell; Scotland for a sweet cake, from its richness denominated short-bread.

London is the mart for all, and though not remarkable for any of its own, the lovers of sweets may purchase either of the above at any good shop, and that without the trouble of visiting the different counties to which they may owe their origin.

Sweet Lavender, you really may call it my friend, for few scents exceed it in this point, and the cry is esteemed one of the prettiest in the whole stock of London Cries. It is particularly agreeable when strewed in our drawers among our clothes, because not so powerful as when fresh; and Lavender is naturally of so dry and clean a nature, that we may lie it on the finest article without fear of injury.

Little girls and boys however, can have no use for indulgences of this sort, but they may be sensible of fragrance, as well as their elders: we therefore recommend them to purchase a penny’s worth of this poor lad, who depends upon its sale for his daily bread – Nor is he the only one thus seeking a living; for we frequently see old men and women, nay, and very young children, whose pale thin faces, plainly shew they are hungry and destitute.

I would sooner lay out a penny, with either of these, than buy a bottle of the best distilled Lavender water in the kingdom.

It may not be unworthy to remark, that the practice of distilling, was first introduced here in the year 1150.

Distillation signifies the process of extracting the juice of a thing, (and consequently its strength and virtues,) from the grosses or inferior parts.

Indeed Mistress, you are right, the Citizens of London are much indebted to you for your pretty and fragrant beau-pots.

Business will not always allow of their enjoying fresh air, and beholding the beauties of the country; your bounties of Flora therefore are a treat, and when the China jars, or even earthern mugs are filled with them, the mantle-shelf not only looks gay, but the fragrance delights the sense, and reminds us of nature, though in the heart of a crowded city.

On a fine Summer’s morning, I know not of a more grateful sight, than Covent Garden displays to the eye of the early riser; flowers in all their bloom, and of every description, arranged in order for sale; their odour scenting all around. The lazy sleeper can have no idea of the pleasure this scene conveys.

Chick-weed and groundsel possess not these fragrant qualities, but perhaps they are more useful than flowers, affording food for our pretty canaries and goldfinches; indeed, all birds like this kind of feeding, but do not be tempted to gather them in the fields, unless assured you select the right articles. A little boy once poisoned his favourite Linnet, by mistaking a noxious weed for groundsel. Who could bear to reflect on such an act, that possessed a feeling and tender heart.

Birds are not the only creatures who live upon seed. – The bread we eat, and on which depends one third of the nation, comes from the timely sown seed of the diligent husbandman.

Without corn, all other comforts would appear trivial.

What and rye came originally from Tartary and Siberia, where they are yet indigenous; – by which word is meant, natives of, or natural to a country.

From whence barley and oats came, is not correctly known.

Rice came from Ethiopia, buck-wheat from Asia.

Happily for us, all grow in abundance throughout England, generally speaking, that is, by suitable care and labour; and surely we cannot regret those exertions, which are productive of so great a blessing.

HUSBANDRY or Agriculture, is the science which explains the means of making the earth produce, in plenty and perfection, those vegetables which are necessary to the subsistence of man, and of the animals reared by him for food or labour.

This cry conveys no very agreeable idea to the bearer, we must own, and some may be induced to turn away in disgust; yet perhaps they do not exactly know, what constitutes cats and dogs meat. Not any nice thing you will say, no certainly not; but there are some unpleasant truths to learn, as well as agreeable ones; and this good man earns an honest living, although not to delicate a one as his neighbour. – We cannot live without sustenance, nor can the canine race.

Our food is good oxen, sheep, calves, &c. but these are very dear, and all are not able to procure them; and if our cats and dogs ate of such articles, I don’t know how we should manage to feed them and ourselves too: I fear one half of them would be starved; and it is extremely cruel to keep dumb animals without giving them sufficient nourishment; yet surely it is a crime to give them such victuals as many of our own species would consider a luxury. – Human nature is the first order of creation, and should be first served.

The flesh of dead horses and cows well suits the palate of Master Carlo, and Miss Puss, and they shall have it in plenty while we can get it for them; but our cold meat and potatoes must be carefully preserved for our fellow-creatures, who have a still stronger claim on us, and if we have a penny to spare, the dogs meat man will soon satisfy the kitchen guest.

My readers will feel surprized in learning, that such food as this man vends, is the common food of the Tartars, who esteem it a dainty, nay, even the more civilized Russians, in times of warfare, or scarcity, are glad to partake of it.

Necessity often compels us to do these things, which, from description only, we have deemed almost impossible to perform or undergo; the pressing calls of hunger, would very soon overcome the daintiest appetite; and although we may naturally feel disgusted at the idea of sharing such viands in our happy kingdom, we ought not to condemn those, who, from the hardships of fate, have been induced to do so. Plenty, makes epicures; Poverty unmakes them.

Hundreds of our fellow men have subsisted on no better food than our domestic companions, the dog and cat enjoy, rather than surrender themselves prisoners to the enemy of in time of war; and in like manner, their enemies have in their turn, experienced the same want and privations, which, but a little time before, they were inflicting on their opponents: such are the hardships and such the vicissitudes experienced by those who follow the military profession.

This man seems to have a good opinion of the article he sells; we will allow, however, that if the Scate be really what he says, it is a very nice fish, either fresh or salted. But we cannot agree with him about crimping it, as a rare dish for a Lord; for the practice is inhuman; and whoever suffers a living creature to be cut and wounded, in order to make it firm when dead, and this for the gratification of their own appetite, deserve never to taste fish again. I am happy to say, there are many who would not allow such cruelty to be practised for their table.

The Salmon is another fine fish, it is called a river fish, that is, it inhabits fresh water from February or March, and leaves it in the Autumn for the sea.

The salmon is remarkable for the agility with which it leaps over every obstacle in its way to salt water. Its appearance is extremely beautiful, especially when exposed to the Sun.

Ireland and Scotland have them in large quantities. They are excellent when dried, but pickled salmon is more generally liked. Newcastle, in Northumberland, is famous for this last method of curing them, and supplies London with the best.

Trout, carpe, mullet, pike, &c. &c. are fresh-water fish, with which gentlemens ponds are stocked, and consequently are not so common at market, as the before-mentioned fish. – Turbot is reckoned the most dainty of all fish.

These Peppermint Drops are rather of tempting appearance, so white and clear; and those who have tasted them, must know they are sweet likewise, and make the stomach feel very comfortable on a cold frosty day; still, I should recommend a good race, or long walk to warm you thoroughly, in preference to such remedies: besides it is not desirable to give encouragement to idleness, and I must think this lad’s employment little better. He might certainly follow some more useful trade, than this childish one, and leave Peppermint Drops for the shop-keeper. – The plant or herb from which Peppermint is distilled, bears a small lead and flower, not unlike thyme. The juice,or distillation, is mixed with clarified sugar, and formed in moulds to the shape you see. – Peppermint is good as a medicine, but young folks do not like it in this way, for it wants the sugar.

After perusing the foregoing pages, my readers will find, there is something more than mere sound in the “CRIES OF LONDON,” and that few things are so trivial, but some intelligence may be gleaned from them, to improve the understanding.

FINIS.