a travelling foot-trader. See Hawkers.

In Britain (and formerly in France) the pedlars are despised; but it is otherwise in certain countries. In Spanish America, the business is so profitable, that it is thought by no means dishonourable; and there are many gentlemen in Old Spain, who, when their circumstances are declining, send their sons to the Indies to retrieve their fortunes in this way. Almost all the commodities of Europe are distributed through the southern continent of America by means of these ped-

They come from Panama to Paita by sea; and in the road from the port last mentioned, they make Peura their first voyage to Lima. Some take the road through Caxamalca: others through Truxillo, along shore from Lima. They take their passage back to Panama by sea, and perhaps take with them a little cargo of brandy. At Panama they again stock themselves with European goods, returning by sea to Paita, where they are put on shore; there they hire mules and load them, the Indians going with them in order to lead them back. Their travelling expenses are next to nothing; for the Indians are brought under such subjection, that they find lodging for them, and provender for their mules, frequently thinking it an honour done them for their guests to accept of this for nothing, unless the stranger now and then, out of generosity or compassion, makes a small recompense.

In Poland, where there are few or no manufactures, almost all the merchandise is carried on by pedlars, who are said to be generally Scotsmen, and who, in the reign of King Charles II., are said to have amounted to no fewer than 53,000.