This entry is of considerable historical interest, as being the first hiring of Josiah Spode, who, being born in 1733, would at that time be sixteen years of age, and was the founder of the family which subsequently rose to such eminence in the art. The “hiring” being for three years, and at wages ranging from 2_s._ 3_d._ to 3_s._ 3_d._ per week, while other men at the same time were being paid from 5_s._ 3_d._ to 7_s._ per week, would appear to have been a kind of apprenticeship, or, at all events, a “finishing touch” to the learning of the trade. From April till Martinmas, which is the great time for all hirings in the pottery trade, the payment was to be at 2_s._ 3_d._ per week, “or 2_s._ 6_d._ if he deserves it,” with the prospect of a rise of sixpence per week in successive years. He appears to have fully worked out his time, and to have been found deserving. Two other entries in the same book, showing successive hirings, after the expiration of the first term of three years, are as follows:-- 1752. £ _s._ _d._ Feby. 22. Hired Josiah Spoad for next Martlemas, per week 0 7 0 I am to give him earn. 0 5 0 Pd. in Part. 0 1 0 Pd. do. 0 4 0 1754. Feby. 25. Hired Siah Spode, per week. 0 7 6 Earnest. 1 11 6 Pd. in part. 0 16 0