THE EARLY POTTERIES OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 53 



mouth. Beneath the handle a small hole was, however, 

 usually made, through which, if not carefully and closely 

 covered, the ale would spill, and thus cause the discomfiture 

 of the drinker and the loss of his wager. 



In my own collection I have the good fortune to possess 

 several interesting examples of puzzle jugs, some of which 

 are of remarkably good form and construction, and of 

 different dates. One of them bears the motto 



" From mother earth i took my birth, 

 Then form d a Jug by Man, 

 And now stand here, fill d with good eheer, 

 Taste of me if you can." 



The accompanying engraving of a puzzle jug of Delft ware, 

 in Mr. Mayer's magnificent museum, will show by its motto 



the kind of wagers which were laid over these curious pots. 

 The verse runs thus 



" Here, gentlemen, come try y r skill, 

 I'll hold a wager, if you will, 

 That you Dont Drink this liq r all 

 Without you spill or lett some Fall." 



Another one, which bears the name of A. NORRIS, has a 

 somewhat similar verse 



