Once again, we have found proof of the dreadful crime and ever-present danger of orange peels in the streets. In reading this poem, aptly name “A-peel to the Careless,” we see the true problem of these items brought to life in vivid detail.

“Fun”: London, August 1, 1874

The painful prose of this piece paints the picture of a normal day gone terribly wrong because of the actions of “lads” who, taking advantage of the cheap cost of oranges and their idle time, cause the grave injury of three upstanding members of society. We learn that, when orange peels are haphazardly strew in such a way, “surgeons must work, and patients must slip” and, in addition “women must weep.”

The many accidents and deaths caused by orange peels seem somewhat inevitable if behaviours such as this are to continue. Despite the hopelessness and distress this poem conjures in the soul, it can be hoped that an end is in sight to this epidemic if enough awareness is raised about the consequences of careless actions!