3-028-735 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sketches from Ireland: the Pig Fair at Trim, County Meath, 1870. 'Trim pig fair is held...at the foot of the mound whereon the county of Meath has raised its "grateful contribution to the illustrious Duke of Wellington,"..."Will ye take it?" demands Mike; "will ye take it now? give me yer hand," which having obtained possession of, he forthwith begins to thump away at with his own, repeating his thump and question at the same time...Mike at length turns on his heel, exclaiming in a tone of intense disgust, "Och! may I niver breathe agin if I giv yer another ha'penny." But, unfortunately, he cannot resist turning round and casting a wistful look upon the coveted pig which invariably has the effect of bringing him back again. By this time the bystanders, all more or less excited, will begin to interfere: "Ye'll never git a ha'penny more, and I'll have to drive yer pig home again." "Divide the pound wid him, and sell yer pig! " "Let him have the pig! " "Why don't yer sell him the pig?" "Take his money and give him the pig!"...Finally,...a bargain is struck, hands are clasped, the money is paid and duly spat on, certain hieroglyphics are scored on the pig's back in red chalk, and the transaction is brought to a satisfactory conclusion'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.