James Bisset

“ The Gods, well pleas'd, with all they saw on Earth,
Where works of genius daily had New Birth,
Breath'd forth a pray'r that soon a lasting Peace,
Might crown this Isle, and Commerce still increase;
Then to their lib'ral Host's, they back repair'd,
And with Old Vulcan friendly bumpers shar'd;
Thence re-ascended to the realms above,
And with their Rambles oft divert Old Jove,
↑ In Birmingham. ↑ In 1789, the Author had the honor, in conjunction with George Simcox, Esq. (now one of our worthy Magistrates) , and several Gentlemen in the neighbourhood of St. ”

“ For a list of Manufacturers, see plate O. ↑ From Watt and Company's Patent Copying Machine. ↑ The Coining Mill has been much improved since it was first erected, in 1788; it is adapted to work eight machines, and each is capable of striking from seventy to eighty-four pieces per minute, the size of a guinea; which is equal to between 30,000 and 40,000 per hour and at the same blow, which strikes the face and reverse, the edge of the piece is also struck either plain or with an inscription. ”

“ But yet no Act to regulate their fare;
Of course the Coachmen charge whate'er they please,
Tho' few are found extorting extra fees;
You'll find them steady fellows, and quite willing,
To drive you several streets' length for a shilling ”

“ He said, he was much pleased with everything but the Pavement, for the stones were all so Smooth there was no foot-hold. ↑ The annual Fairs are held the Thursday in Whitsuntide week and the two following days; the second on Michaelmas day, unless it falls on a Sunday, in which case it is held on the Monday and two following days. The latter is a very great Onion Fair; and in 1778, the toll was paid for 84 Waggon loads. ↑ Our Markets every week are well supplied: fruit of all kinds, and excellent vegetables, are brought from the adjacent counties. ”

“ C, I, Q. ↑ A very ingenious and curious process for slitting Iron Bars Into Rods for Nailors, &c. ↑ New invented Pump, &c. and a Canal Lock which raises up one vessel and lowers another without loss of water. ↑ Machines upon a new construction for weighing barges, boats and waggons, &c. and Patent Machines for Mashing Malt without manual labour. ↑ For a sketch of a rolling or Hatting mill, see Mr. Whitmore's card in Magnificent Directory, Plate V. ↑ For Anvil, Vice, Hammer and Scale Beam Makers, &c. see plate I. ↑ A massy Machine, male by Mr. ”

“ Sic transit gloria Mundi! ↑ For Toy Makers see plate M, Magnificent Directory. ↑ Children were often sent out when five years of age to various shops, and it was a melancholy circumstance to reflect, that the means for their education were thus neglected; but by the salutary establishment of the Sunday Schools, some thousands now have an opportunity of learning Both to read and write; while every attention is paid to their morals. ↑ For a list of eminent Sword Cutlers, &c. see plate K, in Magnificent Directory. ”