File:Dog Tax gatherers in search of puppies. (BM 1932,0226.18).jpg

English: Six groups arranged in two rows, the words etched above the head of the speaker. [1] Two tax-gatherers stand together (left), one pointing to a man walking in profile to the right, fashionably dressed except that he does not wear a sparrow-tail coat. One says, pointing, "Stand aside Neighbour - there's a Puppy, I'm sure". The other answers: "Dont be too rash - He has got never a Tail!" [2] A tax-collector walks off to the left holding a dog under his arm and followed by its irate and elderly owner, who raises her crutched stick to smite, saying: "Return my Property you Villain, or I'll knock you down". He says: "By virtue of my office, in cases of nonpayment, I have a right to retain this Animal as Private Property. I fancy I can dispose of him for about fifteen shillings." [3] A kneeling tax-collector, holding a bludgeon and an official paper, pulls out a terrified man from under the petticoats of a distressed lady, seated in a chair (right). He says: "I am sure Madam you have got a Puppy concealed somewhere - I saw him enter the premises - O you are there are you ? Creep out Sir if you please." [4] A tax-gatherer, spectacles on nose, and open book in hand, stoops towards a spitting cat standing on the knee of its mistress, a lean old maid with a small parrot perched on the back of her chair. She says: "I hope Sir the Tax. don't extend to my Poor Tabby." He answers: "Bless me how near sighted I am - I declare I thought it was a Lapdog". [5] A stout man, knife in hand, drags by the cravat a man fashionably dressed in dark clothes; he says to his colleague (right): "I am sure I am right now I caught him in Fops Alley at the Opera House." The other, who holds across his shoulder a number of dead dogs, answers: "Take care what you are about John or you will get us both into some confounded Scrape - That is a Parson." [6] A yokel in a smock eggs on a bulldog who springs at a collector (right). He says: "At Him again Towser - we'll teach you to come a Dog Tax gathering." The terrified collector says: "What the deuce are you about you have made me spill all my Japan Ink." 8 May 1796
Hand-coloured etching