The Statesman.
London, England, 1812-05-02 00:00:00

THE YEARS 177'2 AND ISI2.

The following amusing catalogue of the improve-
ments which have taken place among the inhabitants
of Aberdeen within the last forty years, appeared in
the' Aberdeen Chronicle, and will be found to convey
a pretty just picture of the improving manners of the
community at large :
In 1772, we had eight or ten churches.—Now, we
have more than twenty—an infallible sign of im-
provement.
In 177'2, we had about four or five schools.—Now,
we have about 40 of different kinds, and our youth
improve accordingly, particularly in dancing.
In 1772, the postage to Edinburgh was three-pence.
—Now, it is nine-pence--a poor Highlander is said
to have grudged the former, protesting he could go
cheaper himself.
In 1772, we had one banking office in tosin.—
Nod, (or soon) we shall have five—rare times !
plenty of discounts ! notes in abundance !
In 1772, a man could have sold and conveyed a
subject on a stamp of half-a-crown, and half-a-gui-
nea to an agent.—Now, the same stamp is from 20s.
to 5001. the agent's not a great deal less, Government
having stamped .them with an annual license, for
' what good reason, more than other professions, is not
so apparent.
In 1672, when a man went to London on business,
Ihe first made his will.—Now, he scarcely takes leave,
or bids farewell.

In 1772, salmon fishings were of little value, and
the fish sold at ld. and 2d. per lb.—Now, they are
the most valuable property of any, thousands are en-
riched by them, and not a pound to be had here at
any season under two shillings—au ordinary dish for
a company costs eighteen or twenty shillings.
In 1772, a side of lamb at this season would have
brought eighteen-pence or half-a-crown.—l saw one
sold the other day at one guinea—a hungry fellow
would hale thought himself ill-dined on it.
In 1772, good beef brought a penny or twopence
a pound.—Now eight-pence or nine-pence.
In 1772, no genteel person would have seen
whiskey on their table ; the price was a shilling and
fourteen-pence• per piut.—N ow, it is universally used,
thought safer tl.an rum, and brings seven shillings
per piat (Iwo English quarts, wine measure); every
body is ::artial to it, but the Cabinet Council.
In 1772; we had oue confectioner's shop.—Now,
we have aheve a :cozen—uo lady can exist without
jellies and ice-cream.
In 1772 wehad two or three apothecaries.—Now,
we have twenty—every body uses medicine and soda
water.

In 1772, the trade of a dentist was unknown.—
Now, we must have our teeth cleaned, our tongues
scraped, and cur gums scarifiel, twice a year ac • .ast.
In 1772, we ail spoke good broad Scott.a.--:iow,
we all try the English, with what success Heaven
knows.

In 1772, nobody went from home but on business,
and health co..:(1 be equally well treated here as any-
where else.7—Now, we must all have change of air,
and set off in squads to Pitcaithly and Peterhead—it
is not possible to breathe.anywhere else. •
In 1772, every old woman cut her own corns.—
Now, Dr. Herman L) oat must do it.
In 1772, Suspenders or 'Gallowses' were not known
or heard of, every fat citizen spent half his time
hauling and keeping up his ittexpressibtes.—Now,
all yanks and degrees use them; breeches were then
know by that name only ; now it would be shocking
to pronounce such a word, particularly before ladies
—it is all small clothes.
In 1772., the Cutty Stool was all over the eotintry
an indispensable piece of furniture. Now, it •is
revery where banisked—alasl sad and mischievous
are the consequences.
In 1772, few Citizens thought of a country 11911%.,
• they found one in toisn to be quite suquient.—Now,
we must all have them bat then the nel4s of thi
thing is entirely changed. • •

On Tl;oilAaY. at Hammersmith, Mr. James Johnson. of How-
ard-street, Strand, wine-merchant, to !dies Mien Wiboo, of
Hammenad th.
At Bansteaul, in Surrey, on Wednesday kart, by
the Res. J. E.
Francis, the Her. WUJitun Henry Walker, to Harriet Harrison,
dal:oer of Lawrence Brickwood, Esq.

On the ad of April, .life.Di U.
.life. B. o.6lmes, of Ka'words Comm..,
milt igilicklettet the Infest desgiter of Cernteent Larkin,.
is School; way o, Tieekey teerldlit at holj*
Jamei Leas, Req. Mrs. Stuckey, relict the late Se-
initi Stuckey, Et/. lathe ?be yet of keralge. _