For those interested in the busker's life, can Irecommend the current thread entitled "Lish Young Buy a Broom". This presents a wonderful(if slightly rose-tinted) 19th century view of the buskers life. Of particular interest to the modern busker are the costume details included inthe longer versions, which are very relevant to modern discussions: dirty jeans/woolly hat/black dog on string v Full-on costume and makeup job.