The only fishing fair in this country is the one held at Great Yarmouth.
In addition to these there are fairs for butter at Ipswich; in Norfolk, for Scotch runts; at Bettford, for sheep; and a host of others in the leading towns of England.
The place visited by Mr. Wrench and his two companions was, as we have already signified, a hiring fair.
Those who offer themselves as grooms place a piece of sponge in their hat-bands; the shepherds, a tuft of wool; the carters, an inch of whipcord; and the boys of all work, a bunch of blue and green ribbons.
When a farmer wishes to engage a man he finds out a strong-limbed, clear-eyed young fellow. When this has been done they haggle.
Both fight hard for their money and their money’s worth, and will often separate after half an hour’s argument to look out for softer men.
If a bargain is struck the farmer gives the man a shilling.
This is called the festin shilling, or God’s penny; after receiving which the man is the pursuer’s slave, and should he not appear at the time appointed is liable to be sent to gaol.
It is, however, by no means a rare practice for a man or boy to engage himself at a fair on Thursday for 6s. per week, we will say; at a neighbouring fair on the Friday for 8s. a week, and at another on the Saturday for 10s. a week; closing with three offers and only holding to the best.
Farm servants are as hungry after money as the workmen in many of our manufacturing towns, and they are not the innocent creatures which novelists and dramatists would lead you to suppose.