TAKE YER OWED RATS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 717, 14 January 1876, Page 3

TAKE YER OWED RATS.

A feeds theatrical celebrity has a repute for economy and shrewdness, which every Yorkshireman gleefully appreciates. His house being infested with rats, a certain rat-catcher was sent for, who, having done his business, for which a hard bargain had as usual been driven, sought his cm plover. He had a hag over his shout-

dors containing tho result of his labor. The celebrity ebanoed to be in tire drawing-room, where, hearing his voice, tho sturdy rat-catcher sought him and his pay. ‘ You’ve left no tats behind,’ sternly asked tho employer, slowly taking out his purse. ‘ Noa, sir,’ answered the rat-catcher, for he did not consider the pay liberal or even fair, and was consequently, not too amicably inclined. ‘Ami‘what are you going to do with all those rats in your bag !’ ' Weel, aw mun raak’ a livin’, tha knows, eny boo, soa aw sells ’em,’ replied tire man moodily. ‘ Sell them,’ echoed tho other, quickly, tho light of a brilliant new idea irradiating his countenance. ‘ Sell my rats! What right have you to sell my pro perty, sir 1 I agreed to pay you to catch my rata, I did not say you were to have my rats when they were caught. Now look here my man. I’ll pay you at once ; but first, how much are you going to allow mo for my rats 1 The rat-catcher's patience was exhausted, he strode from the door towards Mr , and, in abrupt reply to that able manager’s anxious inquiry, he suddenly, with an angry oath, threw the bag upon the carpet’s velvet pile, and catching up the lower end of it, with one violent shake scattered the rats pell-mell one over the other at his employer’s feet, crying, in the midst of the squeaking, scratching and scrambling of the frightened animals which ensued, ‘Nah, then, tak’ the blowed owd rats and twist them raand the neck.’ A disrespectful son asked his father : “ Why is neighbor Smith’s liquor shop like a counterfeit dollar ?” “ 1 can’t tell, my son.” “Because you can’t pass it,” said the boy. “My name is Somerset,” writes a punster. “ I anria miserable bachelor. I cannot marry; for how could I prevail on a young lady possessed of the slightest notion of delicacy, to turn a Somerset ?” Goldsmiths’ Work. —The process of fine-art manufacture in this branch of trade is strikingly exemplified in a little work published by Mr. J. \V. Benson, of No. 25, Old Bond-street and of the City Steam Factory, 5S and 60 Ludgate-hill, London. It is enriched and embellished with designs, by Italian, French and English artistes, of brooches, bracelets ear-rings, and other articles, suitable for personal wear, or for wedding, birth-day, or other presents, with their prices. Mr Benson, who holds the appointment to H.E.H. tho Prince of Wales, has also published a very interesting pamphlet on the Pise and Progress of Watchmaking. These pamphlets are sent, post free, for two stamps each, and they cannot be too strongly recommended to those contemplaing a purchase, especially to resideuts in the country or abroad, who are thus enabled to select any article they may require, and have forwarded in perfect safety. Hollowav’s Pills. For the cure of debility, biliousness, liver and stomach'.complaints, this inappreciable medicine is so well known in every part of the world, and the euros performed by its use are so wonderful, that it now' stands pre-eminent above ail.othcr remedies, more particularly for the cure ofj bilious''and liver complaints, disorders of the stomach, dropsy, and debilitated constitution. -In these diseases the beneficial effects of the Pills are so permanent, that the whole system is renovated, the organs of digestion strengthened, and free respiration promoted. Science and Art. —A striking instance of the immense value a small piece of steel may acquire by the great power of skilled mechanical labor, is the balance spring of a watch. From its extreme fineness and delicacy four thousand weigh not more than one ounce, and exceed in value £IOOO. A most interesting little work, describing the rise and progress of watchmaking, has been published by J. W. Benson, of 25, Did Bondstreet, and the City Steam Factory. 58 and 60, Ludgate hill, London. The book, which is profusely illustrated, gives a full description of the various kinds of watches and clocks, with their prices. Mr Beu«on, who holds tho appointment to the Prince of Wales, has published a pamphlet on Artistic Gold Jewellery, illustrated with beautiful designs of Bracelets, Brooches, Far-rings, Lockets, &c., suitable for wedding, birthday, and other presents. Illustrated catalogues sent post free for two stamps each, and they cannot he too strongly recommended to those contemplating a purchase, especially to residents in tho country or abroad, who are thus enabled to select any article they may require and have it forwarded with perfect safety.