The Comic Almanack, Volume 2: An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humerous Poetry, Quips, and Oddities — David Hume — John Shaqi
The Comic Almanack, Volume 2: An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humerous Poetry, Quips, and Oddities
David Hume · en
PROSPECTUS OF
THE AERIAL BUILDING COMPANY.
A few gentlemen having taken the air for the purposes of building, have
formed themselves into a Company, and are anxious to let in a limited
number of the public. A surveyor, employed to survey the air, has
reported that he sees nothing to obstruct the views of the Company. It
is one of the peculiar advantages of this Association that there need be
no outlay for land; and the great hope of success in this speculation
arises from the fact that there is no ground for it. The Company will
apply to Parliament for an Air-Enclosure Bill, on the same principle as
the proposed measure for shutting up Hampstead Heath; but, in the
meantime, the treasurer will receive deposits on shares, and take
premiums for air allotments. The intention of the Company is to form an
Aerial City; and an architect has drawn plans, including sites for the
various contemplated buildings, the whole of which buildings may be seen
(on paper) at the Society's office, so that the sites may be at once
secured and paid for.
The Company, not desiring to express any opinion as to the various
contrivances for navigating the air proposed within the last few years,
will leave it to the public to decide which principle it will be best to
adopt, the Company declining to have anything to do with any principle
whatever.
The Company, it must be understood, will convey the air under hand and
seal; but the purchaser will have to convey the building. It is a
desirable point in this speculation that there will be no tax for paving
or lighting, there being no charge made by the Trustees of the Milky
Way, nor is there any star-rate payable.
It is suggested that much may be done by parties willing to speculate in
the air, when they are once comfortably settled there. Though it is true
that the experiment of procuring sunbeams from cucumbers was never
successfully carried out, the Aerial Building Company would hint the
possibility of reversing this project, by getting cucumbers from
sunbeams.
Further particulars may be had at the office in Air Street, where any
questions may be asked; but, to save trouble, no answers will be given
to any but _bonâ fide_ shareholders.—There are vacancies for a few
clerks, who, on taking shares to the amount of £500, will receive 30s. a
week for their services while the Company lasts, in addition to the
usual dividend.
THE WEATHER.
Hail now commences its reign. If the Surrey Zoological Gardens should
open, expect a flow of showers, particularly if the announcements should
name a day for a show of flowers.
FARMING OPERATIONS.