It appears from the "Columbian Centinel," July 14, 1790, that the wealthy of that day had a fondness for foreign articles. Complaint is very prolifick in all countries. In the United States we complain, that, _Tho' rich at home, to foreign lands we stray, And trade for trinkets our best wealth away._ * * * * * The following advertisement from the "Massachusetts Centinel" recalls the time when cows were pastured on Boston Common. STRAYED, on Saturday last, from Boston Common, and belonging to JONATHAN AMORY, a young red COW, with some white on the back and belly, forehead white, small horns, with the tips off. Whoever will bring her to the owner will be rewarded. _Boston, May 24, 1788._ * * * * * People were expected to have long memories in old times, judging from the following notification in the "Boston Gazette" of 1760:-- WHEREAS on the 17th of January 1740-1, twenty-seven yards and an half of yard-wide sheeting linnen, and some smaller articles, was sold at Mr. _James Gordon's_ shop in _Boston_, and deliver'd to one capt. _Stevens_, as appears by said _Gordon's_ book; and thro' some mistake in keeping his books, said articles are charg'd to another of the same name. If therefore the said capt. _Stevens_, that really had said goods, or any of his family, or others, can give any light into the matter, it is desired they would acquaint the printers hereof, and they shall be generously recompenced for their trouble. * * * * * The "small pox" was very troublesome in Colonial times, as this announcement from the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 2, 1761, shows:-- Samuel Parkman hereby informs his Customers and others, That immediately on the breaking out of the Small-Pox in the back Part of his House in Union Street, he removed his Shop Goods to a Store on a Wharf that they may be safe from any Infection, and himself to the House of Mr. Joshua Winter Stationer--The Person who had the Distemper is perfectly recovered, and departed the House some Days ago, and the House thoroughly cleansed. * * * * * The following notice from the "Massachusetts Gazette" reminds us of the time of open fire-places and blazing, cheerful wood-fires: THE SELECTMEN would inform the Town, that they have _approbated_ a number of _Chimney-Sweepers_, who are furnished with badges agreeable to the By-Laws, and have stipulated to execute their business _faithfully_, at the following rates, viz.--For lower-room chimnies, _fourteen pence two fifths_, or _one pistareen_; and for _all_ chamber chimnies, _one shilling_ each--that all concerned may govern themselves accordingly. _Boston, Sept. 21, 1786._ * * * * *