Towns > Dundee > 1822 - Dundee delineated; or, A history and description of that town, its institutions, manufactures and commerce

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Streets. — The streets were in a wretched state. Two
narrow lanes formed all the communication from the town
to the shore and shipping ; and they were coarsely paved
with round sea stone. The pavements were worse ; and
stairs jutted out in the common path. Open cellar stairs
adjoining formed men-traps for catching the heedless and
unwary.
Lamps. — Not a lamp was to be seen. Not even the
shadow of light. All was dark as Erebus, save when the
moon lent her friendly aid. There was then no fire engine
in town ; and houses burnt at their own leisure.
Raiment. — The raiment of the ladies were costly.—-
Fashions did not change, or vary much. High-priced
scuffs could not be easily renewed. The grandmother's
marriage brocade served the grand-daughter for her wedd-
ing garment. A linsy winsy clad the middling people. —
The lower order of the sex were barefooted ; except on a
Sunday, when in imitation of their betters (for white stock-
ings were rare) they put their limbs into mourning. A full
suit of broad cloth was the general wear of gentlemen, and
every youngster assumed a round curled wig at his marriage
or majority ; like barristers, it was thought necessary, to
convey the semblance of wisdom to the wearer. Wig and
bonnet makers were then tolerable trades.' The first is now
sickly, and the last is lost, and in it is a corporate novelty-
there we view a corporation without one active constituent.
Bankrupts. — A bankrupt was then hardly known on
this side the Tay, if we except a few lairds whose estates
were brought to the hammer with less than a reversion. —
There were in truth no adventurers. There was little
money, and less credit, for poor people could not afford to
trust. With all our riches and improvements, fhe Jews
have not yet ventured to make a settlement amongst us. —
whether we are yet too poor or too sharp, is a problem that
my modesty or talents will not at present permit me to
solve.
Money Banks. — There was no money bank north of the
Forth. Old women and children kept their pozes in their
Mst neuks and pirly pigs. Dealers got cash and notes the'
best way they could from Edinburgh,,