Sketches by Boz

Chapter 22

GIN-SHOPS

It is a remarkable circumstance, that different trades appear to

partake of the disease to which elephants and dogs are especially

liable, and to run stark, staring, raving mad, periodically. The

great distinction between the animals and the trades, is, that the

former run mad with a certain degree of propriety--they are very

regular in their irregularities. We know the period at which the

emergency will arise, and provide against it accordingly. If an

elephant run mad, we are all ready for him--kill or cure--pills or

bullets, calomel in conserve of roses, or lead in a musket-barrel.

If a dog happen to look unpleasantly warm in the summer months, and

to trot about the shady side of the streets with a quarter of a

yard of tongue hanging out of his mouth, a thick leathe