THERE was not just a hint of anti-Semitism about an item in the Worcester Journal for this week 250 years ago, but a clear expression of antagonism towards Jews.

The edition of 1753 explained: "Gaming has got to so extravagant a height at all public places, and so many gaming houses in a manner established, that many of our gentry are forced to sell their estates to support this folly and also to find a fresh supply of finance to engage further with the titled gamesters.

"The Jews will therefore have opportunities enough of purchasing lands and estates in all counties where Lord have Mercy on their poor Christian tenants!"

n The same Journal edition of 250 years ago also carried an amazing article about what appears to have a remarkable performing dog with almost human abilities.

"Great numbers of persons of quality are resorting to the Golden Cross in this city to see the amusing Learned English Dog an entertaining animal which reads, writes and casts accounts in a surprising manner.

Extraordinary

"The owner thinks himself obliged, in point of justice, to inform the ladies and gentlemen of this city that everything exhibited by this extraordinary creature is entirely different from that of the High German's Dog which lately performed here.

"He asserts that his English dog is far more wonderful and marvellous in its performance. Humbly submitting to candid arbitration, the owner is confident that the virtuous and curious will approve and admire and greatly prefer the performances of this English animal."

The Journal of 1753 added its own observation: "We hear that the Learned English Dog has given such general satisfaction to those gentlemen and ladies who have seen him that they have declared that his performances greatly surpassed their expectation and are too extraordinary for anyone to form any tolerable idea of."