they sometimes name, asserting they can pick out goods superior to what you yourself would have an opportunity of choosing. You will generally find them carrying a small parcel, their pockets stuffed with portable articles, and always a tolerable shabby great coat. An air of deep interest, approaching the appearance of care, seems imprinted on their countenances; arising from the constant solicitude they entertain of attracting the favour of every one they address, and the seriousness necessary to impress upon purchasers the goodness of their articles. Sometimes when they have offered one or two kinds of goods, and are at a loss what you may be in want of, they pretend to have jobbed away others against them, in this manner: "only look at that sample, my good Sir; turn it over; I never could sell it so low, but having given cotton goods, by which I got a good profit, in exchange, I can afford to let these go at 20 per cent, under cost price." Here a bill of the goods is produced (nick named a "salt water invoice,") or a memorandum book, equally genuine, to prove his words. Names of respectable persons who have been his customers, are also adduced to raise your confidence; and even the place of his own residence is mentioned, where a few years ago the
