The Preface

victuals, drink, and fuel that are daily consumed in it, the waste and superfluities that must be produced from them; the multitudes of horses and other cattle that are always daubing the streets, the carts, coaches, and heavier carriages that are perpetually wearing and breaking the pavement of them, and above all the countless swarms of people that are continually harassing and trampling through every part of them: If, I say, we consider all these, we shall find that every moment must produce new filth; and considering how far distant the great streets are from the riverside, no matter what cost and care is bestowed to remove the nastiness almost as fast as it is made, it is impossible for London to be cleaner until it is less flourishing. Now I would ask if a good citizen, in consideration of what has been said, might not assert that dirty streets are a necessary evil inseparable from the prosperity of London, without being the least hindrance to the cleaning of shoes or the sweeping of streets, and consequently without any detriment either to the Blackguard A term for the lower class of street laborers, such as shoe-shiners or link-boys. or the Scavengers Laborers or officials appointed to clean the streets and remove refuse..

But if, without any? regard to the interest or happiness of the city, the question was put, What? place I thought most pleasant to walk in? Nobody can doubt but that, rather than the stinking streets of London, I would value a fragrant garden or a shady? grove in the country. In the same manner?, if laying aside all worldly greatness and vain? glory, I should be asked where I thought it? most probable that men might enjoy true