The proceedings however are generally so managed, that the ostlers, the jockeys, the grooms, and the dealers, come best off, from a superiority of knowledge and presumed judgment--they have a method of patching up deep matches to _diddle the dupes_, and to introduce _throws over, doubles, double doubles_, to ease the heavy pockets of their burdens.

The system of puffing is also as much in use here as among the Lottery-office Keepers, the Quack Doctors, or the Auctioneers; and the __Knowing ones, by an understanding amongst each other, sell their cattle almost for what they please, if it so happens they are not immediately in want of the _ready_,{1} which, by the way, is an article too frequently in request--and here honest poverty is often obliged to sell at any rate, while the rich black-leg takes care only to sell to a good advantage, making a point at the same time not only to make the most of his cattle, but also of his friend or acquaintance." "Liberal and patriotic-minded men!" said Bob; "it is a noble Society, and well worthy of cultivation." "It is fashionable Society, at least," continued Tom, "and deserving of observation, for it is fraught with instruction." "I think so, indeed," was the reply; "but I really begin to suspect that I shall scarcely have confidence to venture out alone, for there does not appear to be any part of your wonderful Metropolis but what is infested with some kind of shark or other." "It is but too true, and it is therefore the more necessary to make yourself acquainted with them; it is rather a long lesson, but really deserving of being learnt.

You 1 The ready--Money.
~166~~perceive what sort of company you are now in, as far as may be judged from their appearances; but they are not to be trusted, for I doubt not but you would form erroneous conclusions from such premises.
The company that assembles here is generally composed of a great variety of characters--the Idler, the Swindler, the Dandy, the Exquisite, the full-pursed young Peer, the needy Sharper, the gaudy Pauper, and the aspiring School-boy, anxious to be thought a dealer and a judge of the article before him--looking at a horse with an air of importance and assumed intelligence, bidding with a trembling voice and palpitating heart, lest it should be knock'd down to him.

Do you see that dashing fellow nearly opposite to us, in the green frock-coat, top-boots, and spurs ?--do you mark how he nourishes his whip, and how familiar he seems to be with the knowing old covey in brown ?" "Yes; I suppose he is a dealer." "You are right, he is a dealer, but it is in man's flesh, not horse flesh: he is a _Bum trap_{1} in search of some friend 1 Bum trap--A term pretty generally in use to denominate a Bailiff or his follower--they are also called Body- snatchers.

The ways and means made use of by these gentry to make their captions are innumerable: they visit all places, assume all characters, and try all stratagems, to secure their friends, in order that they may have an opportunity of obliging them, which they have a happy facility in doing, provided the party can _bleed free_.* Among others, the following are curious facts: A Gentleman, who laboured under some peculiar difficulties, found it desirable for the sake of his health to retire into the country, where he secluded himself pretty closely from the vigilant anxieties of his friends, who were in search of him and had made several fruitless attempts to obtain an interview.