BAKERS.—"_Down again to 5d.!!_" placarded on the window, expresses a
draught of an ounce against the purchaser. If a microscopic "¾" is added
in pencil, the loss will be greater.
GROCERS.—"_The famous Four Shilling Tea!!_" stuck in a pyramid of that
article, means that a quarter of an ounce falls off in every pound.
Another quarter may be added for every note of admiration.
GENERAL DEALERS.—"_Look!_" in red letters, over the price of anything
per pound, intimates that you should do so, and very narrowly, when the
aforesaid pound is weighed.
CHEESEMONGERS.—"_One trial will prove the fact!_" is an unmistakeable
evidence of short weight. At the same time, it can scarcely be called a
deception; as, if the affair is ever brought to the trial, one is
usually found to be sufficient to prove anything.
_Note_—That an armed warrior at Astley's, or Mr. Paul Bedford, as the
_Dragon_, at the Adelphi, cannot be taken up for using false scales; but
that all Members of Parliament may be called to account for false
measures.
* * * * *
A new application of the Wenham Lake Ice has been discovered. By placing
a small portion on the cruet-stand, "chilly vinegar" can be produced to
any amount. The success of the "Sherry Cobblers" has induced the more
refined West End Clubs to establish "Madeira Shoemakers" for their
patrician _habitués_. The Wenham Lake Ice is preserved in blankets.
This, at first sight, appears remarkable until we recollect the power of
a "wet blanket" to throw a chill over everything.
[Illustration:
LIBRA—Striking the Balance.
]