[2] PRUSIA, in the earliest impressions. I have been assured that only twenty-five were worked off with this literal imperfection, as _Hogarth_ grew tired of adding the mark ~ with a pen over one S, to supply the want of the other. He therefore ordered the inscription to be corrected before any greater number of impressions were taken. Though this circumstance was mentioned by Mr. _Thane_, to whose experience in such matters some attention is due, it is difficult to suppose that _Hogarth_ was fatigued with correcting his own mistake in so small a number of the first Impressions. I may venture to add, that I have seen, at least, five and twenty marked in the manner already described: and it is scarce possible, considering the multitudes of these plates dispersed in the world, that I should have met with all that were so distinguished. [3] The real or nick name of this man, who was by trade a cobler, is said to have been _Jockey James_. [4] This figure is repeated in the last print but one of _Industry_. and _Idleness_, and was designed for Mother _Douglas_ of the Piazza. [5] _Proofs_ were anciently a few impressions taken off in the course of an engraver's process. He _proved_ a plate in different states, that he might ascertain how far his labours had been successful, and when they were complete. The excellence of such early impressions, worked with care, and under the artist's eye, occasioning them to be greedily sought after, and liberally paid for, it has been customary among our modern printsellers to take off a number of them, amounting, perhaps, to hundreds, from every plate of considerable value; and yet their want of rareness has by no means abated their price. On retouching a plate, it has been also usual, among the same conscientious fraternity, to cover the inscription, which was immediately added after the first proofs were obtained, with slips of paper, that a number of secondary proofs might also be created. This device is notorious, and too often practised, without discovery, on the unskilful purchaser. A new print, in short, is of the same use to a crafty dealer, as a fresh girl to a politic bawd. In both instances _le fausse pucelage_ is disposed of many times over. * * * * * 1751. 1. _Beer-street_;[1] two of them, with variations, (the former price 1 _s._ the latter 1 _s._ 6 _d._), and _Gin Lane_. The following verses under these two prints are by the Rev. Mr. _James Townley_, Master of _Merchant Taylors School_: BEER-STREET. Beer, happy product of our isle, Can sinewy strength impart, And, wearied with fatigue and toil, Can chear each manly heart. Labour and Art, upheld by thee, Successfully advance; We quaff thy balmy juice with glee, And water leave to _France_. Genius of Health, thy grateful taste Rivals the cup of _Jove_, And warms each _English_ generous breast With Liberty and Love.