Horse-drawn traffic left manure on streets. Children often collected it to sell as fertilizer. During collection, coins, buttons, jewelry, or small toys were sometimes discovered. This transformed a dirty chore into a mini treasure hunt. It encouraged observation, patience, and improvisation. Some children made entire “games” out of collection, comparing finds and stories. Adults occasionally watched to ensure safety. It was an odd combination of labor, play, and chance-based reward.
Manure collection taught observation, resourcefulness, and reward recognition.
It illustrates how street hazards became playful opportunities for Victorian children.
Did you know some children had secret “treasure zones” where horse manure often revealed small valuables?
[British Library, britishlibrary.uk]