ITALIAN SCENERY, MANNERS, AND CUSTOMS. 7
P t A T E l y .
THE FISHMONGER.
T h e sale of fish at Naples is a considerable branch of trade; by whicli many of the lower
class of people, who have no other habitation tor themselves and their family than their fishing
boats, wholly subsist. The species of fish brought to market are in greater number than
those oiFcred for sale in England, where indeed little variety is to be seen. Foreigners are
with reason surprised at this seeming scarcity, particularly so, as the British seas abound
with the same species of fish as are seen in the markets abroad ; but habit or prejudice makes
the English look with suspicion or disgust upon many of them. Neapolitans on their amval
in this country, and landing at Plymouth, have found the same fish as at Naples; and on
the rocks the same shell-fish; and having heartily feasted on them, have been pitied by the
spectators, as hungry beings who would devour any thing. These are, however, equally as
good as those in the bay of Naples; which are found to be a rich and constant source of
trade, and arc there in nuich request e\-en -with the English, who never suspect they have
any thing like them at home.
'J'he plate represents a man, who sells fish, making an agreement with a woman for the price.
His gesticulations indicate the tbrce of liis argument, which is to prove that his merchandize
is worth more than he demands for it; though he seldom fails to sell his fish for one third of
the price he first set upon it. They talk very loud, as if they were quarrelling; but the Neapolitans
are remarkable for their gesticulation, loud talking, and emphatic dialect.
The dress of the man is extremely whimsical; being a broAvn jacket, ornamented with
pieces of another colour, and Howei-s made of bits of cloth, cut to the shape of the flower
intended to be represented, which is generally ideal.
The women wear a short dress of velvet edged with gold or silver lace; an apron of cloth
edged in the same manner; and a shawl of scarlet cloth bordered with green. Their hair is
only gathered round or at the top of the head, and fastened with a riband.
The present King of Naples not only amuses himself in fishing, but in selling the production
of his fishery. His jMajesty spreads his nets in that part of the bay, whicli is near mount
Posiiipo, at the distance of three or four miles from Naples. The market for sale is held on
shore, and no credit is given, 'i'he buyers agree with the King himself tor the price, Avho
asks pretty high, for the purpose of being indulged with the abuse, which is dealt out to him
as libcraily as to any other fishernum. The aimals of history cannot produce a king more
popular than Tordinand IV, nor has the French revolution any where found fcAver partisans,
than in the kingdom of the two Sicilies. Eorcc only overpowered liis subjects.
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