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London Labour and the London Poor, volume 1

  
[title page]
  
[dedication]
  
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
  
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
  
PREFACE.
  
[half-title]

collapse section1. 
LONDON LABOUR AND THE LONDON POOR. — THE STREET-FOLK.
  
OF WANDERING TRIBES IN GENERAL.
  
OF THE WANDERING TRIBES OF THIS COUNTRY.
  
OF THE LONDON STREET-FOLK.
  
OF THE NUMBER OF COSTERMONGERS AND OTHER STREET-FOLK.
  
OF THE VARIETIES OF STREET-FOLK IN GENERAL, AND COSTERMONGERS IN PARTICULAR.
  
OF COSTERMONGERING MECHANICS.
  
ANCIENT CALLING OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE OBSOLETE CRIES OF THE COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE COSTERMONGERS "ECONOMICALLY" CONSIDERED.
  
THE LONDON STREET MARKETS ON A SATURDAY NIGHT.
  
THE SUNDAY MORNING MARKETS.
  
HABITS AND AMUSEMENTS OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
GAMBLING OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
"VIC. GALLERY."
  
THE POLITICS OF COSTERMONGERS. — POLICEMEN.
  
MARRIAGE AND CONCUBINAGE OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
RELIGION OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE UNEDUCATED STATE OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
LANGUAGE OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE NICKNAMES OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE EDUCATION OF COSTERMONGERS' CHILDREN.
  
THE LITERATURE OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE HONESTY OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE CONVEYANCES OF THE COSTER- MONGERS AND OTHER STREET-SELLERS.
  
OF THE "SMITHFIELD RACES."
  
OF THE DONKEYS OF THE COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE COSTERMONGERS' CAPITAL.
  
OF THE "SLANG" WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
  
OF HALF PROFITS.
  
OF THE BOYS OF THE COSTERMONGERS, AND THEIR BUNTS.
  
OF THE JUVENILE TRADING OF THE COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE EDUCATION OF THE "COSTER- LADS."
  
THE LIFE OF A COSTER-LAD.
  
OF THE "PENNY GAFF."
  
OF THE COSTER-GIRLS.
  
THE LIFE OF A COSTER GIRL.
  
OF COSTERMONGERS AND THIEVES.
  
OF THE MORE PROVIDENT COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE HOMES OF THE COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE DRESS OF THE COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE DIET AND DRINK OF COSTER- MONGERS.
  
OF THE CRIES, ROUNDS, AND DAYS OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE COSTERMONGERS ON THEIR COUNTRY ROUNDS.
  
OF THE EARNINGS OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE CAPITAL AND INCOME OF THE COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE PROVIDENCE AND IMPROVIDENCE OF COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE COSTERMONGERS IN BAD WEATHER AND DURING THE CHOLERA.
  
OF THE COSTERMONGERS' RAFFLES.
  
OF THE MARKETS AND TRADE RIGHTS OF THE COSTERMONGERS, AND OF THE LAWS AFFECTING THEM.
  
OF THE REMOVALS OF COSTERMONGERS FROM THE STREETS.
  
OF THE TRICKS OF COSTERMONGERS.
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OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF FISH.
  
OF THE KIND AND QUANTITIES OF FISH SOLD BY THE LONDON COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF THE COSTERMONGERS' FISH SEASON.
  
BILLINGSGATE.
  
OF THE FORESTALLING OF MARKETS AND THE BILLINGSGATE BUMMAREES.
  
OF "WET" FISH-SELLERS IN THE STREETS.
  
OF SPRAT-SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF SHELL-FISH SELLERS IN THE STREETS.
  
OF SHRIMP SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF OYSTER SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF PERIWINKLE SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF "DRY" FISH SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
GROSS VALUE OF THE SEVERAL KINDS OF FISH ANNUALLY SOLD IN THE STREETS OF LONDONS.
collapse section3. 
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.
  
OF THE KINDS AND QUANTITY OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES SOLD IN THE STREETS.
  
OF THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SEASON OF THE COSTERMONGERS.
  
OF COVENT GARDEN MARKET.
  
OF "GREEN" FRUIT SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF THE ORANGE AND NUT MARKET.
  
OF ORANGE AND LEMON SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF NUT SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF ROASTED CHESTNUTS AND APPLES.
  
OF "DRY" FRUIT SELLING IN THE STREETS
  
Of THE STREET-SALE OF VEGETABLES.
  
OF THE "ARISTOCRATIC" VEGETABLE-SALE.
  
OF ONION SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF POT-HERBS AND CELERY.
  
GROSS VALUE OF THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES SOLD ANNUALLY IN THE LONDON STREETS.
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OF THE STATIONARY STREET-SELLERS OF FISH, FRUIT, AND VEGETABLES.
  
OF THE NUMBER OF STREET STALLS.
  
OF THE CHARACTER OF THE STREET-STALLS.
  
OF FRUIT-STALL KEEPERS.
  
OF A PUBLIC MEETING OF STREET-SELLERS.
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OF THE STREET-IRISH.
  
OF THE CAUSES WHICH HAVE MADE THE IRISH TURN CONTERMONGERS.
  
HOW THE STREET-IRISH DISPLANTED THE STREET-JEWS IN THE ORANGE TRADE.
  
OF THE RELIGION OF THE STREET-IRISH.
  
OF THE EDUCATION, LITERATURE, AMUSEMENTS, AND POLITICS OF THE STREET- IRISH.
  
THE HOMES OF THE STREET-IRISH.
  
IRISH LODGING-HOUSES FOR IMMIGRANTS.
  
OF THE DIET, DRINK, AND EXPENSE OF LIVING OF THE STREET-IRISH.
  
OF THE RESOURCES OF THE STREET-IRISH AS REGARDS "STOCK-MONEY," SICKNESS, BURIALS, &c.
  
OF THE HISTORY OF SOME IRISH STREET- SELLERS.
  
OF THE IRISH "REFUSE"-SELLERS.
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OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF GAME, POULTRY (LIVE AND DEAD), RABBITS, BUTTER, CHEESE, AND EGGS.
  
OF THE QUANTITY OF GAME, RABBITS, AND POULTRY, SOLD IN THE STREETS.
  
OF THE STREET-PURCHASERS OF GAME AND POULTRY.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A GAME HAWKER.
  
STATEMENT OF TWO POULTRY HAWKERS.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF LIVE POULTRY.
  
OF RABBIT SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF BUTTER, CHEESE, AND EGGS.
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OF THE SELLERS OF TREES, SHRUBS, FLOWERS (CUT AND IN POTS), ROOTS, SEEDS, AND BRANCHES.
  
OF THE QUANTITY OF SHRUBS, "ROOTS," FLOWERS, ETC., SOLD IN THE STREETS, AND OF THE BUYERS.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF TREES AND SHRUBS.
  
THE LONDON FLOWER GIRLS.
  
OF TWO ORPHAN FLOWER GIRLS.
  
OF THE LIFE OF A FLOWER GIRL.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF LAVENDER.
  
CUT FLOWERS.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF FLOWERS IN POTS, ROOTS, ETC.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF SEEDS.
  
OF CHRISTMASING — LAUREL, IVY, HOLLY, AND MISTLETOE.
  
OF THE SALE OF MAY, PALM, ETC.
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STREET-SELLERS OF GREEN STUFF.
  
OF WATERCRESS-SELLING, IN FARRINGDON- MARKET.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF WATER-CRESS.
  
WATERCRESS GIRL.
  
OF GROUNDSEL AND CHICKWEED SELLERS.
  
OF TURF CUTTING AND SELLING.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE AND CUSTOMERS OF A TURF-CUTTER.
  
OF PLANTAIN-SELLERS.
collapse section9. 
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF EATABLES AND DRINKABLES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF PEA-SOUP AND Hot Eels.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A HOT-EEL AND PEA-SOUP MAN.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF PICKLED WHELKS.
  
OF THE CUSTOMERS, ETC., OF PICKLED WHELK-SELLERS.
  
OF THE STREET SELLERS, AND OF THE PREPARATION OF FRIED FISH.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A FRIED FISH- SELLER, AND OF THE CLASS OF CUSTOMERS.
  
OF THE PREPARATION AND QUANTITY OF SHEEP'S TROTTERS, AND OF THE STREET- SELLERS.
  
STATEMENTS OF SHEEP'S TROTTER WOMEN.
  
OF THE STREET TRADE IN BAKED POTATOES.
  
OF "TROTTING," OR "HAWKING" BUTCHERS.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A HAWKING BUTCHER.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF HAM-SAND- WICHES.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A HAM SANDWICH- SELLER.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF BREAD.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF HOT GREEN PEAS.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A HOT GREEN PEA SELLER.
  
OF CATS' AND DOGS'-MEAT DEALERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SALE OF DRINKABLES.
  
OF COFFEE-STALL KEEPERS.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF GINGER-BEER, SHERBET, LEMONADE, &c.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE AND CUSTOMERS OF A GINGER-BEER SELLER.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF HOT ELDER WINE.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF PEPPERMINT-WATER.
  
OF MILK SELLING IN ST. JAMES'S PARK.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF MILK.
  
OF THE STREET-SALE OF CURDS AND WHEY.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF RICE-MILK.
  
OF WATER-CARRIERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF PASTRY AND CONFECTIONARY.
  
OF STREET PIEMEN.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF BOILED PUDDINGS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF PLUM "DUFF" OR DOUGH.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CAKES, TARTS, &c.
  
OF OTHER CAKE-SELLERS IN THE STREETS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF GINGERBREAD- NUTS, &c.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF HOT-CROSS BUNS, AND OF CHELSEA BUNS.
  
OF MUFFIN AND CRUMPET-SELLING IN THE STREETS.
  
OF THE STREET SALE OF SWEET-STUFF.
  
OF THE CUSTOMERS OF THE SWEET-STUFF STREET-SELLERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF COUGH DROPS AND OF MEDICAL CONFECTIONARY.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF ICES AND OF ICE CREAMS.
collapse section10. 
OF THE CAPITAL AND INCOME OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF EATABLES AND DRINKABLES.
  
CAPITAL, OR STOCK IN TRADE, OF THE STREET- SELLERS OF EATABLES AND DRINKABLES.
  
INCOME, OR "TAKINGS," OF STREET-SELLERS OF EATABLES AND DRINKABLES.
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OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF STATIONERY, LITERATURE, AND THE FINE ARTS.
  
OF THE FORMER AND PRESENT STREET- PATTERERS.
  
OF THE HABITS, OPINIONS, MORALS, AND RELIGION OF PATTERERS GENERALLY.
  
OF THE PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS OF STREET-LITERATURE.
  
OF LONG SONG-SELLERS.
  
OF RUNNING PATTERERS.
  
EXPERIENCE OF A RUNNING PATTERER.
  
OF THE RECENT EXPERIENCE OF A RUNNING PATTERER.
  
OF THE CHAUNTERS.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A CHAUNTER.
  
OF THE DEATH AND FIRE HUNTERS.
  
OF THE SELLERS OF SECOND EDITIONS.
  
OF THE STANDING PATTERERS.
  
EXPERIENCE OF A STANDING PATTERER.
  
OF POLITICAL LITANIES, DIALOGUES, ETC.
  
OF " COCKS," ETC.
  
OF " STRAWING."
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OF THE SHAM INDECENT STREET-TRADE.
  
Letter
  
[section]
  
OF RELIGIOUS TRACT SELLERS.
  
OF A BENEFIT SOCIETY OF PATTERERS.
  
OF THE ABODES, TRICKS, MARRIAGE, CHARACTER, AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DIFFERENT GRADES OF PATTERERS.
  
OF THE LOW LODGING-HOUSES OF LONDON.
  
OF THE FILTH, DISHONESTY, AND IMMORALITY OF LOW LODGING-HOUSES.
  
OF THE CHILDREN IN LOW LODGING- HOUSES.
  
OF THE LOW LODGING-HOUSES THROUGH- OUT THE COUNTRY.
  
OF THE STREET STATIONERS, AND THE STREET CARD-SELLERS.
  
OF THE SELLER OF THE PENNY SHORT-HAND CARDS.
  
OF THE SELLERS OF RACE CARDS AND LISTS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF GELATINE, OF ENGRAVED, AND OF PLAYING CARDS, &c.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF STATIONERY.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A STREET- STATIONER.
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OF A "REDUCED" GENTLEWOMAN, AND A "REDUCED" TRADESMAN, AS STREET-SELLERS OF STATIONERY.
  
Letter
  
[section]
  
OF THE STREET-SALE OF MEMORANDUM- BOOKS AND ALMANACKS.
  
OF THE STREET-SALE OF POCKET-BOOKS AND DIARIES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF SONGS.
  
OF THE STREET "PINNERS-UP," OR WALL SONG-SELLERS.
  
OF ANCIENT AND MODERN STREET BALLAD MINSTRELSY.
  
OF STREET "BALLADS ON A SUBJECT."
  
OF THE STREET POETS AND AUTHORS.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A STREET AUTHOR, OR POET.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF BROAD-SHEETS.
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OF THE "GALLOWS" LITERATURE OF THE STREETS.
  
Letter
  
[section]
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CONUNDRUMS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF COMIC EXHIBITIONS, MAGICAL DELUSIONS, &c.
  
OF THE STREET SELLERS OF PLAY-BILLS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF PERIODICALS, PAMPHLETS, TRACTS, BOOKS, ETC.
  
OF THE STREET-SALE OF BACK NUMBERS.
  
OF THE SALE OF WASTE NEWSPAPERS AT BILLINGSGATE.
  
OF THE SALE OF PERIODICALS ON THE STEAM- BOATS AND STEAM-BOAT PIERS.
  
OF THE SALE OF NEWSPAPERS, BOOKS, &c., AT THE RAILWAY STATIONS.
  
OF THE STREET BOOKSELLERS.
  
OF THE CHARACTER OF BOOKS OF THE STREET-SALE.
  
OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A STREET BOOK- SELLER.
  
OF STREET BOOK-AUCTIONEERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SALE OF SONG-BOOKS, AND OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF ACCOUNT-BOOKS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF GUIDE-BOOKS, &c.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF FINE ARTS.
  
OF STREET ART.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF ENGRAVINGS, ETC., IN UMBRELLAS, ETC.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF PICTURES IN FRAMES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF MANUSCRIPT AND OTHER MUSIC.
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OF THE CAPITAL AND INCOME OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF STATIONERY, LITERATURE, AND THE FINE ARTS.
  
CAPITAL OR VALUE OF THE STOCK-IN-TRADE OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF STATIONERY, LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS.
  
INCOME, OR AVERAGE ANNUAL "TAKINGS," OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF STATIONERY, LITERATURE, AND THE FINE ARTS.
  
AN EPITOME OF THE PATTERING CLASS.
  
OF THE "SCREEVERS," OR WRITERS OF BEGGING-LETTERS AND PETITIONS.
  
OF THE PROBABLE MEANS OF REFORMATION.
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OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES IN METAL.
  
OF THE CHEAP JOHNS, OR STREET HAN- SELLERS.
  
THE CRIPPLED STREET-SELLER OF NUTMEG-GRATERS.
  
OF THE SWAG-SHOPS OF THE METROPOLIS.
  
OF THE LIFE OF A CHEAP-JOHN.
  
THE STREET-SELLERS OF CUTLERY.
  
OF THE BLIND STREET-SELLERS OF TAILORS NEEDLES, ETC.
  
THE PUBLIC-HOUSE HAWKERS OF METAL SPOONS, ETC.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF JEWELLERY.
  
OF THE PEDLAR-JEWELLERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CARD-COUNTERS, MEDALS, ETC.
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OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF RINGS AND SOVEREIGNS FOR WAGERS.
  
Letter
  
[section]
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CHILDREN'S GILT WATCHES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF TINWARE.
  
OF THE LIFE OF A TIN-WARE SELLER.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF DOG-COLLARS.
  
OF THE LIFE OF A STREET-SELLER OF DOG- COLLARS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF TOOLS.
  
OF THE BEGGAR STREET-SELLERS.
  
OF THE "HOUSE OF LORDS," A STREET-SELLER'S DEFUNOT CLUB.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CROCKERY AND GLASS-WARES.
  
OF THE "SWAG," CROCKERY, AND GLASS SHOPS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF SPAR AND CHINA ORNAMENTS, AND OF STORE FRUIT.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF TEXTILE FABRICS.
  
OF THE HABERDASHERY SWAG-SHOPS.
  
OF HAWKERS, PEDLARS, AND PETTY CHAPMEN.
  
OF THE PACKMEN, OR HAWKERS OF SOFT WARES.
  
STATEMENT OF A PACKMAN.
  
OF THE TALLY PACKMAN.
  
OF THE "DUFFERS" OR HAWKERS OF PRETENDED SMUGGLED GOODS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF "SMALL-WARE," OR TAPE, COTTON, ETC.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF LACE.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF JAPANNED TABLE- COVERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF BRACES, BELTS, HOSE, TROWSER-STRAPS, AND WAISTCOATS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF BOOT AND STAY- LACES, &c.
  
OF A BLIND FEMALE SELLER OF "SMALL-WARES."
  
THE BLIND STREET-SELLER OF BOOT-LACES.
  
OF THE LIFE OF A BLIND BOOT-LACE SELLER.
  
OF THE LOW LODGING-HOUSES.
  
STATEMENT OF A YOUNG PICKPOCKET.
  
STATEMENT OF A PROSTITUTE.
  
STATEMENT OF A BEGGAR.
  
MEETING OF THIEVES.
  
OF THE COUNTRY LODGING-HOUSES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CHEMICAL ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF BLACKING, BLACK LEAD, ETC.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF FRENCH POLISH.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF GREASE-REMOVING COMPOSITIONS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CORN-SALVE.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF GLASS AND CHINA CEMENT, AND OF RAZOR PASTE.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLER OF CRACKERS AND DETONATING BALLS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF LUCIFER-MATCHES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CIGAR LIGHTS, OR FUZEES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF GUTTA-PERCHA HEADS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF FLY-PAPERS AND BEETLE-WAFERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF WALKING-STICKS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF WHIPS, ETC.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF PIPES, AND OF SNUFF AND TOBACCO BOXES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF CIGARS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF SPONGE.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF WASH-LEATHERS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF SPECTACLES AND EYE-GLASSES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF DOLLS.
  
OF THE "SWAG-BARROWMEN," AND "LOT- SELLERS."
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF ROULETTE BOXES.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF POISON FOR RATS.
  
OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF RHUBARB AND SPICE.
  
OF THE HAWKING OF TEA.
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OF THE WOMEN STREET-SELLERS.
  
OF A SINGLE WOMAN, AS A STREET-SELLER.
  
OF A MECHANIC'S WIFE, AS A STREET-SELLER.
  
OF AN IRISHWOMAN, AS A STREET-SELLER.
  
OF A WIDOW, A STREET-SELLER.
  
OF THE CHILDREN STREET-SELLERS OF LONDON.
  
OF CHILDREN SENT OUT AS STREET-SELLERS BY THEIR PARENTS.
  
OF A "NEGLECTED" CHILD, A STREET-SELLER.
  
OF A HIRED COSTER BOY.
  
OF AN ORPHAN BOY, A STREET-SELLER.
  
OF THE LIFE OF AN ORPHAN GIRL, A STREET- SELLER.
  
OF TWO RUNAWAY STREET-BOYS.
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OF THE CAPITAL AND INCOME OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.
  
METAL.
  
CROCKERY AND GLASS.
  
TEXTILE.
  
CHEMICALS.
  
MISCELLANEOUS.
  
INCOME OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES. METAL.
  
TEXTILE.
  
CHEMICAL.
  
MISCELLANEOUS.

  
ERRATA.
  
INDEX.
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OF THE STREET-SELLERS OF ROULETTE BOXES.

In my account of the street-trade in "China
ornaments" I had occasion to mention a use to
which a roulette box, or portable roulette table,
was put. I need only repeat in this place that
the box (usually of mahogany) contains a board,
with numbered partitions, which is set spinning,
by means of a central knob, on a pivot; the lid
is then placed on the box, a pea is slipped
through a hole in the lid, and on the number of
the partition in which the pea is found deposited,
when the motion has ceased, depends the result. The
table, or board, is thus adapted for the determination
of that mode of raising money, popular among coster-
mongers and other street-folk, who in their very
charities crave some excitement; I mean a "raffle;"
or it may be used for play, by one or more persons,
the highest number "spun" determining the
winner. These street-sold tables may still be
put to another use: In the smaller sort, "going no
higher than fourteen" one division is blank. Thus
any one may play against another, or several others
spinning in turns, the "blank" being a chance in
the "banker's" favour. Some of the tables, how-
ever, are numbered as high as 36, or as a seller of
them described it, "single and double zero, bang;
a French game."

This curious street-trade has been carried on for
seven years, but with frequent interruptions, by
one man, who, until within these few weeks, was
the sole trader in the article. There are now but
two selling roulette-boxes at all regularly. The
long-established salesman wears mustachios, and
has a good deal the look of a foreigner. During
his seven years' experience he has sold, he calcu-
lates, 12,000 roulette-boxes, at a profit of from
175l. to 200l. The prices (retail) are from 1s. to
2l., at which high amount my informant once
disposed of "a roulette" in the street. He has
sold, however, more at 1s. than at all other rates
together. The "shilling roulette" is about three
inches in diameter; the others proportionately
larger. These wares are German made, bought at
a swag-shop, and retailed at a profit of from 15 to
33 per cent. They are carried in a basket, one
being held for public examination in the vendor's
hand.

"My best customers," said the experienced
man in the business, "are stock-brokers, travel-
lers, and parsons; people that have spare time on
their hands. O, I mean by `travellers,' gentle-
men going on a railway who pass the time away
at roulette. Now and then a regular `leg,' when
he's travelling to Chester, York, or Doncaster, to
the races, may draw other passengers into play,
and make a trifle, or not a trifle, by it; or he will
play with other legs; but it's generally for
amusement, I've reason to believe. Friends tra-
velling together play for a trifle to pass away
time, or who shall pay for breakfasts for two, or
such like. I supplied one gaming-house with a
large roulette-table made of a substance that if you
throw it into water — and there's always a pail of
`tepid' ready — would dissolve very quickly. When
it's not used it's hung against the wall and is so
made that it looks to be an oil-painting framed.
It cost them 10l. I suppose I have the `knock'
of almost every gaming-house in London. There's
plenty of them still. The police can drive such
as me about in the streets or out of the streets to

450

illustration [Description: 915EAF. Page 450.]
starve, but lords, and gentlemen, and some par-
sons, I know, go to the gaming-houses, and when
one's broke into by the officers — it's really funny
— John Smith, and Thomas Jones, and William
Brown are pulled up, but as no gaming imple-
ments are found, there's nothing against them.
Some of these houses are never noticed for a long
time. The `Great Nick' hasn't been, nor the `Little
Nick.' I don't know why they're called `Nicks,'
those two; but so they are. Perhaps after Old
Nick. At the Great Nick I dare say there's often
1000l. depending. But the Little Nick is what
we call only `brown papermen,' low gamblers —
playing for pence, and 1s. being a great go. I
wonder the police allow that."

previous sectionOF THE STREET-SELLERS OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES. London Labour and the London Poor, volume 1
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