242 A FLOWER CHRISTENING. 



or Battersea, places noted for the cutting of simples 

 and cabbages, as well as the curing of simpletons. 



Sam's name was announced by the landlord in 

 due form, and he was ordered to be ushered up stairs* 

 He entered the room, made his reverence to the 

 chairman, and presented his seedlings. They were 

 most minutely inspected and critically examined; 

 and whether it was the smile of pleasure and appro- 

 bation that appeared on their countenances, accom- 

 panied with sly winks, becks, and leers, or that 

 roguish, malicious, mischievous smile, which is often 

 visible when simple men become the dupes of their 

 own weakness and credulity, and the sport of others, 

 I am at a loss to determine : all declared themselves 

 struck with astonishment, and professed an eager 

 desire to become subscribers and purchasers of these 

 new flowers ; no language, according to their account, 

 could sufficiently describe their beauties, and no price 

 could overrate their value. Sam was left to fix his 

 own price, and fancied his purse to be already filled, 

 like the cornucopia of old, and his reputation as a 



