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[List of Notes and Queries volumes and pages]
Notes.
SOUTH SEA PLAYING CARDS.
It is pretty generally known that, during the South Sea mania, a pack of playing cards was published in illustration of the prevailing folly. Each card contained a caricature of one of the numerous bubble companies, with a pertinent verse underneath. These cards are now extremely rare. I never saw a complete set, nor do I know where one is to be found. Some time ago a friend kindly furnished me with a copy of all the verses (except one), and as I am not aware that they have been printed separately, I beg to forward a transcript for preservation in "N. & Q.;" not because I think they have any excellence to recommend them, but because it is desirable that so curious a record of a very extraordinary time should not be entirely lost.
Perhaps some of your correspondents can supply the missing verse:—
SPADES.
Ace. River Douglas.
"Since bubbles came in vogue, new arts are found
To cut thro' rocks, and level rising ground;