5. A Crocodile, alive, taken on the banks of the Nile in Egypt, a creature never seen before alive in England.[531]
This is a verbatim account of these sights published at the time; the prices of admission are not mentioned, but they were deemed worthy of notice as remarkable exhibitions at the period. In the present day the whole of them would scarcely make more than a twopenny show; and, at that low rate, without a captivating showman, they would scarcely attract. London streets are now literally “strewed with rarities,” and “uncommon things,” at which our forefathers stared with wonder, are most common.
A Particular Article.
“A Reader,” at [p. 1584], should have had “Lyneham, Wilts,” as the place of his residence, attached to his remarks on an account of “Clack Fall Fair,” at [p. 1371], which was supplied by “an old correspondent,” with whose name and address the editor is acquainted, and whose subjoined communication claims regard. He writes in explanation, and adds some very pleasant particulars.
Clack Fall Fair.
To the Editor of the Every-Day Book.
Dear Sir,—I cannot allow your pages to close without replying to the “Corrections and Illustrations,” [p. 1584], made by “A Reader” respecting “Clack and its vicinity.”
First. I observe that Bradenstoke priory is usually called the “Abbey,” in the neighbourhood,—not the “Priory.” There is a tree growing upon the tower, and a legend respecting it. I was once taken up to see it blossom, having slept in the room under it with my schoolfellow, John Bridges, whose mother, at that time a widow, kept the farm, and a most excellent woman she was.