258 



THE BATH ROAD 



But perhaps the most amusing advertisements are 

 the " Run away from his Home " and the " Stolen " 

 varieties, also adorned with illustrations. It speaks 

 very little for the morality of that age when we say 

 that the ordinary newspaper printer also kept these 

 blocks in stock. 



And, indeed, they seem to have frequently been 

 required. Here is one example out of many in the 

 newspapers of that age : — 



" Stolen 



Out of the Stable of Robert Colgate, 



The 24th inftant August, 178(i 



A BLACK HORSE, rifing 

 -^ five years old, thirteen 

 Hands and a Half High, Star 

 in his forehead, fmall Ears, 

 Mane ftands up rough, being 

 lately rubbed off, long Tail, 

 hangs his Tongue out often on 

 the Road, good Carriage ; alfo 

 a good Saddle, marked Barnard, 

 with Spring Stumps. 

 " Whoever gives Information, fo that the Said Horse may be 

 had again, fhall receive Two Guineas Rewaed." 



It would scarcely be possible to identify the stolen 

 horse from the accompanying cut. He has no long 

 tail, as described in the advertisement, and his tongue 

 doesnt hanoj out. Moreover, he is burdened with a 

 quite imaginary thief, who has a property devil 

 whipping him on. The " awful example " hanging 

 from the gibbet appears to be made of bolsters, and to 

 have had, not a drop too much, but scarcely enough. 



