Detail from James Dickson's trade bill, 1826.
Dicksons of Edinburgh was a well-established firm of nurserymen when Christian Dalrymple of Newhailes settled this bill in 1826.
By the 18th century, the main towns had numerous shops. Many tradesmen were general grocers who sold a wide range of foodstuffs and household goods.
There were also specialist shops such as fleshers, poultrymen and fishmongers, as well as nurserymen selling seeds, plants and gardening equipment.
Tradesman's bills were on display in 'Lifting the lid', our exhibition on Scotland's food history, which ran at the National Library from 12 June to 8 November 2015.