226 The Book of Cats. 



that he knew a carrier who would spend los. in 

 hquor at one sitting. The profit the carriers make 

 upon the meat is at present only a penny per 

 pound. In the summer time the profit per pound 

 is reduced to a halfpenny, owing to the meat being 

 dearer, on account of its scarcity." 



The following are, as well as I can remember, 

 the words of an old song, to the tune of " Cherry 

 Ripe," that were sung in some play : — 



" Cats'-meat, Cats'-meat — meat, I cry, 

 On a skewer — come and buy ; 

 From Hyde Park Comer to Wapping Wall, 

 All the year I Cats'-meat bawl ; 

 Cats'-meat, Cats'-meat — meat, I cry, 

 On a skewer — come and buy." 



