And they were wonderfully cheap, sold in the streets by the wheelbarrow men at 'Twelve Pence a Peck.' There was keen competition in them, and rival fishmongers advertised the superior excellence of their oysters. One will serve as a sample of the whole. '_Thomas West_ Fishmonger in Honey Lane Market near Blossom's Inn, gives notice, That all Persons who have occasion for the Choicest of Oysters called Colchester Oysters, may be supplied for this Season with the largest pick't Fat and Green for 3_s._ a Barrel; Those somewhat smaller at 2_s._ 6_d._ of the same sort; Fat and Green, of a lesser size for 2_s._ the Barrel: The large pickt, white, fat Oysters for 2_s._ 6_d._ The smaller white fat Oysters 1_s._ 8_d._ At all these Prizes I will sell the right Colchester Oysters, which, without considering their goodness beyond other sorts, are cheaper than the Town Wheel barrow Oysters: And that all Persons in City or Country, that send for them, may no ways be deceived of having the right sort, the prizes are all branded on the side of the Cask. Note, they are all branded at the Pits, where they are pickt, so that if there be any Cheat, it must be by the Oyster Man, which hath been too often practised to my Loss and their shameful Gain. My Oysters Comes in on Monday's, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays by Water Carriage. No Trader in the City or Suburbs having them come in so often, by reason of which, they will hold good the farthest Journey, to please the nicest Eater. Those that are not bought at my own Shop, will, by reason of the Extraordinary Charge be 2_d._ in a Barrel advanc'd; and all that are desirous to have them from my Shop, the same day that they come in of, they shall be delivered, if desired, as far as St. James for 2_d._ Temple Bar 1_d._ And all other places proportionable, and when all is said, I hope tryal will be your Satisfaction.' [Illustration: 'Twelve Pence a Peck, Oysters!'] Pickled oysters were also imported from Jersey, and sold at 1_s._ 8_d._ per hundred. Swift writes Stella[263] how 'Lord Masham made me go home with him to night to eat boiled oysters. Take Oysters, wash them clean, that is, wash their shells clean; then put your oysters in an earthen pot, with their hollow sides down, then put this pot covered, into a great Kettle with water, and so let them boil. Your oysters are boiled in their own liquor, and (do) not mix water.' [Footnote 263: _Journal_, March 6, 1712.] Poultry, with the exception of game, was the same as now; the only importation from foreign parts, seemingly, being ortolans, which were brought over in September of each year. The English ortolan, too, was keenly relished by epicures. 'You have a coarse stomach, and to such a one, a Surloin of Beef were better than a dish of Wheat ears.'[264] [Footnote 264: _The Virtuoso._]