6o 
YORKSHIRE POTTERIES, ETC. 
The well known Puzzle jugs or Teasing pitchers were made in 
considerable variety at Leeds, some of them being of very elaborate 
design whilst others were much plainer. They were used regularly 
in public houses for the amusement of the customers and to the 
advantage of the publican, as being very tricky articles to drink 
out of, much ale would be spilled, and this would have to be paid 
for, as well as that which was drunk. 
These jugs often had amusing inscriptions on them, such as 
“ Within this jug there is good liquor 
T’is fit for Parson or for Vicar ; 
But how to drink and not to spill 
Will try the utmost of your skill.” 
A very fine blue printed puzzle jug in our Collection has on it 
A + Trifle 
Shews + Respect 
E + S 
1799 
This, like many of the early pieces of Leeds which have been 
turned, bears a small deeply cut circle in the bottom, done by the 
action of the lathe. By some authorities this mark is thought to 
be very characteristic of Leeds ware. 
Fig. 47. The Agricultural Jug. York Museum Collection. 
