Ancient Advertisements

Latin inscriptions, advertisements of tradesmen, form an class, says Macmülan's Magazine. Hcre is one near Rome: "If you want inscriptions made, or have any need of marble work, yoivll get it here." Another enterprising man at Bologna announces: "A bath in town style and every convenience." A similar notice meets us only eight miles f rom Rome, where, of course, most of the customers would be able to know whether they really had "town style" or not. A curious example comes from Lyons, which may be paraphrased thus: "Here Mercury promises profit, Apollo safety, and Septumanus bed and breakfast. He who bas been here before will be treated all the better a second time. Stranger, settle on your lodging beforehand." A more independent tone is taken by another innkecpér, who doesn't hesitate to declare that his house is not intended for people of moderate means. "If 3Tou live in good style, here's the house för you; if in poor fashion, I'll put up with you, but I shall be ashamed of having you." Perhiips tliere are a good many modern hotels eonducted on this principie, but the proprietors are not, as a rule, quite so frank in expressing their sentiments.