being 5_d._, together 2_s._ 5_d._, being 1_s._ 5_d._ less than the bill. Yet the hostler was so abusive, because I did not give him more than the odd 5_d._ change, that he actually threatened me that he would mark me if I came there again. I therefore did, what I wish every one would do in the like case, punish him on the spot for his insolence. I appeared to relent that I had not given him more, and desired him to give me the half-pence again that I might see for silver for him, which after he had done, I rode off, leaving him to repent he had not kept what I first gave him. It may be alleged that these servants have little or no wages, and therefore ought to receive liberally. Be that as it may, it is very hard that I am to pay wages to another man's servants. I pay the master his bill, in which he makes a charge sufficient to cover his servants' wages, and then he leaves me to pay his servants besides. If Innkeepers have nothing to pay for servants, their charges ought to be reasonable in proportion. But I would meet another objection that is likely to be made, which is, that what is given to servants at inns is not to be considered as wages, but as their perquisites. There are two answers to this, the one, that the very notion of perquisites, signifies something gotten over and above their usual wages, whereas it is notorious, that most Innkeepers allow their servants no wages: the other, that perquisites signify a gift, now a gift is free, and may be much, or little, as suits the inclination of the giver, but, according to the modern custom at inns, he is not permitted to use his discretion, but there must be a settled sum given to each servant, fixed as to the lowest quantum, though as much above that mark as he pleases, and, if he gives less than custom warrants, they have the impudence to tell him of it. Besides, why should Innkeepers, be exempted from paying their servants wages, any more than any other tradesman. If I go into a shop, to buy a few yards of any thing, I am not charged so much for the trouble of the shopman who cut it off. Tradesmen are contented to pay their servants out of the profit of their bills, without saddling it upon their customers: and I am fully persuaded, were travellers of all descriptions to withhold for a certain time their usual gifts to servants at inns, it would ultimately tend to the benefit of those servants themselves, as well as the comfort of travellers, for when the servants find their finances so low, they would insist upon, and would not hire themselves without stipulated wages, after which, travellers might again resume their former generosity, and what they then gave, would be looked upon in the light it ought, as a gift, and not a debt.