The World in Miniature (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827. Excerpt: ... BILL-STICKER. The main prosperity of a civilized country, according to the wisest authorities, is derived from finding employment for every class of the people. "Idleness," saith the adage, "is the root of all evil." When a populous country is busily engaged in the various occupations of industry, the great machine of government goes on smoothly; on the contrary, when employment is wanting, vices and discontent prevail, and it is then that a state may be said to be in danger. The many wants of society, which are consequent upon a rapidly improving state of civilization, so far from being a legitimate subject for complaint, whatever certain gloomy speculators may insist upon, in their favourite reveries, are blessings to the community. Amongst other employments of late have provided for numerous families, that might else have sought relief as parish paupers, that of the Bill-sticker has increased in the ratio of the general demand for all things, which custom has rendered necessary, either for comfort, or amusement. The sums annually expended upon the placarding system, has been a great source of wealth to many thousands of industrious persons, in every part of this busy empire. The Bill-sticker is paid a certain sum per thousand, or per hundred, according to the sire of the placards delivered to him by his employer. His stock in trade consists of a tin vessel, fastened before him by a belt, to contain paste, his brush, and a long light instrument somewhat of the form of T; which he uses for sticking the placards on the wall. Thus equipped, he perambulates the streets and avenues of the town, and finding a vacant spot upon a paling or a wall, which is become a service of some difficulty, there he stops and fastens one of his placards. What would the trader...