amongst the members, in what was probably the very room Dickens
had in mind when describing the meetings of Mr. Pickwick and his
friends. It was bought by J. Buckham for 13s. 6d. This copy was
annotated by the owner with notes, historical and explanatory, and
is now a cherished possession of the nation in the safe custody of
the Library of the British Museum, where it is known as the "George
and Vulture" copy.




CHAPTER XII

THE "BLUE BOAR, "LEADENHALL MARKET," GARRAWAY'S,"
AND THE "WHITE HORSE CELLAR"



The "Blue Boar," Leadenhall Market, was an inn of considerable
Pickwickian importance. It was the elder Weller's favourite house
of call, and it will be remembered that Sam was sent for by his
father on one occasion to meet him there at six o'clock. Having
obtained Mr. Pickwick's permission to absent himself from the
"George and Vulture," Sam sauntered down as far as the Mansion
House, and then by easy stages wended his way towards Leadenhall
Market, through a variety of by-streets and courts, purchasing
a Valentine on his way.

Looking round him he beheld a signboard on which the painter's art
had delineated something remotely resembling a cerulean elephant