FOOD.

The years 1795-6 were years of great scarcity, and the graphic daily accounts of the want of food, and of the various substitutes for bread—the abstinence of all classes, from the King, to the labourer, bring very vividly to our minds, a state of things, which has never since obtained in England—

"In consequence of the scarcity of Wheat, arising partly from such quantities of it being used for hair-powder, several regiments have, very patriotically, discontinued the use of hair-powder, which, in these instances, was generally nothing but flour."—(Times, Feb. 10, 1795.)

"The Parliamentary Board of Agriculture, in consideration of the probable scarcity of wheat, have agreed to propose a premium of One Thousand Pounds, to the person who will grow the largest breadth of Potatoes, on lands never applied to the culture of that plant before:—they have liberally excluded the Members of their own Board from becoming candidates for this valuable prize."—(Times, Feb. 14, 1795.)

"The general failure of Wheat, throughout Europe, last year, makes it proper to promote the culture of an increased quantity of Potatoes, and, as one means of doing it, it is recommended to Noblemen and Gentlemen, who have large Parks, to break up a part of them to be planted with Potatoes, those grounds generally lying dry, will be very proper for the purpose, and fit for immediate planting with that root. It is hoped that so benevolent, and patriotic, an object, will be a sufficient incitement, without a consideration of profit attached."—(Times, March 20, 1795.)

"It is hinted by a benevolent mind, who has, on account of meat being so dear, left off soup in his family, at present, that the making of soup destroys a great deal of meat, and it is recommended that the rich leave off making soups, as the meat is generally wasted, it will relieve a great many poor families in these dear times."—(Times, April 27, 1775.)

"Friday, a Court of Common-Council was held at Guildhall: when the Lord Mayor stated to the Court, the hardships the poor feel on account of the high price of provisions, on which, Mr. Syms moved, that a Committee of all the Aldermen, and one Commoner, out of each Ward, be appointed, to consider the best method to be adopted for reducing the price, which, after a few observations, was agreed to.

"Mr. Dixon moved, that, for one year, neither the Corporation, nor any Committee, be allowed public dinners. It was seconded by Mr. Kemble, and supported by three, or four, other Members: but some treated the motion as not seriously meant. Mr. Deputy Birch moved an amendment, by adding, that the savings by such means, be paid to the Committee now appointed, to be by them appropriated for reducing the price of provisions—on which a previous questioned was moved, and the question being put, there appeared for it 26; against it 39; Majority against, 13."—(Times, May 11, 1795.)

"Provisions continue to advance in price. Mutton, in the last week, rose 4d. per stone of 8 lbs., which now costs the enormous sum of 5s. in Smithfield Market, sinking the offal; ox beef is 4s. 4d., lamb 6s., veal 5s. 8d.

"If a bounty was to be given on mackarel brought to market, it would, in a great measure, tend to lower the price of butchers meat, which a ruinous plan of forestalling, and unfair buying and selling, has raised to an alarming price.

"A report from the committee appointed at the last Court of Common Council, to consider of the best means of reducing the present high price of provisions, was read, giving it as their opinion, that encouraging the bringing up fish to Billingsgate, would, in a great measure, reduce the price of meat, with which report the Court agreed, and £500 was granted for that purpose."—(Times, May 18, 1795.)

A pretty Bar-maid.

Advt.—"GUILDHALL, London, May 22, 1795.

"The Committee, appointed by the Court of Common Council, to use the best Means to increase the Quantity of Fish brought to the London Market, to reduce the price of Provisions, do hereby give notice, that they have resolved to give a Bounty of Two Pounds for every 1000 Mackarel, sold at Billingsgate, at the rate of 20s. per hundred of six score, with a sufficient proof of their freshness: Four Pounds for every 2000: Six Pounds for every 3000: Eight Pounds for every 4000, and Ten Pounds for every 5000 Mackarel, sold, as aforesaid. Also, they have resolved to give a Bounty of Five Pounds per Ton, or Five Shillings for every Hundred weight of Cod, and Haddock, sold at Billingsgate at the rate of 2d. per lb., with a sufficient proof of their freshness. The said Bounties to commence on Monday the 1st June next, and be paid by applying at the Chamberlain's Office, on producing a Certificate, of the number, goodness, and prices, of the said Fish.

RIX."

—(Times, May 25, 1795.)

"Among the numerous causes which may be assigned for the present high prices of provisions, especially of poultry, the uniting of many small farms into one great one, is not the least. It is a well known fact, that, where three farms have been leased, or let, to one tenant, which three farms, antecedently, had each a separate tenant, no more poultry is produced by the union, than each separately reared, when divided, so that two-thirds are, of course, lost to the public. This mode of throwing many small farms into one large farm, by having one, instead of a number of tenants, however it may profit the landlord, is of very great injury to the public, inasmuch as it gives a kind of Aristocracy to the farmers, that enables them, in a great measure, to set what price they please upon provisions, destroying that competition, which is always the consequence, where the venders are numerous. Thus it is that a great part of Oxfordshire has been bought up by a noble Duke, who, by monopolizing so much land, and destroying a number of small farms, has done a very essential injury to the public."—(Times, June 22, 1795.)

"We are sorry to learn that Wheat rose yesterday nine shillings per quarter. It is, however, with great satisfaction, we announce, that several ships, laden with corn, are arrived in the Downs from Dantzic, and part of their produce is expected to arrive in time for to-morrow's market."—(Times, July 7, 1795.)

"The Privy Council, whose constant attention has been directed, for many months past, to provide the kingdom with a regular supply of corn, propose to recommend to the country at large, the use of Household Bread. It is further to be recommended, that families should not have puddings, or pies, nor any such like articles made of flour.

"The Magistrates of the General Quarter Sessions for Middlesex, seem to be acting upon this principle in the resolution passed at their last Court-day, which we trust will be followed by every other public body in the kingdom. The disuse of pastry seems to be a very important consideration.

"The Directors of the East India Co. have set a laudable example of attention to the distresses of the times, in abridging the customary expense of their dinners, on Court-days."—(Times, July 10, 1795.)

Advt.—"At a General Quarter Session of the Peace, for the County of Middlesex, the Magistrates assembled, taking into consideration the present High Prices of Provisions, with the consequent inconveniences resulting therefrom, and, feeling the propriety of a general retrenchment in the manner of furnishing the Table, at this particular time, have come to the following Resolution, viz., That during the remainder of the present Session, and during the next Session, in September, no Puddings, or Pies, nor any the like articles made of Flour, be served to their table, nor any other provisions, whatsoever, than fish, beef, mutton, or veal, with vegetables, and household bread.

"By the Court.

Selby."

—(Times, July 9, 1795.)

"Yesterday, the Directors of the Bank of England sent £500 to the Lord Mayor, requesting he would apply that sum towards the relief of the industrious poor, in the article of BREAD. The Sun Fire Office sent £100, to the same worthy Magistrate, for the like purpose. The different Wards in the City have subscribed, very liberally, towards the relief of the poor in their present distress. Public subscriptions are about to be opened for the same benevolent purpose. Pastry, and puddings, have been abolished in a number of private houses. The Directors of the Bank yesterday came to a resolution to have no more public dinners, while the price of provisions continued so high. This laudable resolution will, we trust, be followed by all the corporate bodies in the kingdom."—(Times, July 11, 1795.)

"The Drapers Company voted the 200 guineas, for reducing the price of Bread, after the Court had been on a Survey, and, (to use a technical term) returned to dine upon a view. The following Epigram was put under the Master's plate:—

"In times so hard, how happy 'twere
If thousands, like to you,
Could glut their craving appetites
By dining on—a view.
But from your views such works of love
Such general good accrues,
That happier 'twere if each day brought
New dinners and new views."

—(Times, July 11, 1795.)

Advt.—"MIDDLESEX.

"At the General Quarter Session of the Peace of our Lord the King, holden in and for the County of Middlesex ... a Letter from his Grace the Duke of Portland, one of her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, was read, inclosing a copy of the following engagement, entered into by several of the Lords of his Majesty's most Hon. Privy Council, in the following words:

"In consideration of the present high Price of Wheat, and, in order to diminish the Consumption thereof, in our respective Families, so as to leave a larger Supply of this necessary Article of Food, for the People in general, until the Corn of the ensuing Harvest shall come into Consumption, and relieve them of their present difficulties: We, whose Names are hereto subscribed, being desirous of introducing into common use a wholesome Bread, at a lower price than must be paid for the sort of Bread now ordinarily used, do engage that we will not, ourselves, consume, nor suffer to be consumed, in any of our Families, until the First Day of October next, at any place where the sort of Bread undermentioned can be procured, any sort of Wheaten Bread finer than that which, in an Act of Parliament passed in the 13th year of his present Majesty's Reign, is called by the name of Standard Wheaten Bread: which is directed by the said Act to be made of the Flour of Wheat, which Flour, without any Mixture, or Division, shall be the whole Produce of the Grain, the Bran or Hull thereof only excepted, and which shall weigh three-fourths parts of the weight of the Wheat whereof it shall be made. We further engage to diminish, as much as possible, the use of Flour in other articles of Food consumed in our respective Families. And we earnestly recommend to all our Fellow Subjects, to adopt these Measures, and strictly adhere to the same.

"Resolved, that this Court, deeply impressed by the wisdom of this measure, adopt the Regulations stated in the above Engagement, and resolve strictly to adhere to them, earnestly recommending them to the serious consideration, and practice, of all Masters of Families, and other Inhabitants of this County, &c., &c.

Selby."

—(Times, July 14, 1795.)

"The want of bread is often more imaginary, than real. There are many excellent substitutes for this article, which would in themselves be preferred by many people, if it were a matter of choice, only, between themselves. Unfortunately, the call for bread will always be in proportion to the scarcity of it, from the natural disposition of some to make grievances, and complaints, and of others to provoke tumult, and riot.

"To make good bread. Take a pottle of fine oatmeal, and lay it in water, to steep, all night: next morning, it will appear (if too much water is not put to it) like hasty pudding. This break into several parts of a peck and a half of barley-meal, to which add warm water, and yeast, and knead it into dough, as all wheat meal is commonly done: then mould it into loaves, and bake them. Thus, a barley loaf may be made hollow, white, and sweet, so as scarcely to be known from coarse wheaten bread. When skimmed milk can be had, it will make the bread better still."—(Times, July 15, 1795.)

"COMMON COUNCIL.

"Yesterday, a Court of Common Council was held at Guildhall, at which the Lord Mayor, 6 Aldermen, and about 150 Commoners, were present.

"The Lord Mayor informed the Court, that he had not yet received any answer to the application made by desire of that Court to his Majesty's Ministers, requesting them to prohibit the use of Hair Powder, and Flour, in the Army. It was, however, generally understood in the Court, that Government was acting in compliance with the wishes of the Court.

"The Court then proceeded to take into consideration the Resolutions of his Majesty's Hon. Privy Council, recommending the use of standard wheaten Bread (see the Advertisement in the Times of Tuesday last 14th inst.). The Court resolved to adopt, and to exert themselves to give force to, the Resolution of the Privy Council, and earnestly recommend the same to their fellow citizens. A Deputation was appointed to wait on the Privy Council, relative to some regulations not clearly understood, respecting the Millers forwarding the sort of Flour necessary for the purpose to market. It was also the opinion of the Court, that the said Deputation should recommend to the Privy Council, to take into consideration the propriety of an indemnity to the Bakers, in fixing a price to the said Household Bread.

"Mr. Kemble then made his promised motion for the Court to resolve 'That no dinners be allowed, at the expence of the City, to the different Committees for managing the concerns of the Corporation, for the period of one year.' It was seconded by Mr. Herring, when a debate took place, which lasted more than two hours. The debate was at length terminated by Mr. Box proposing to adopt the words 'till the 1st of October next,' the time fixed on, in the Regulations of the Privy Council, as at that period it was to be hoped the present scarcity would be removed. And, if it was not, the Court could extend the prohibition. The motion, so amended, was then put, and carried, by a Majority of SEVENTEEN only!!"—(Times, July 16, 1795.)

"We offer the following hints for the government of individuals in affluent circumstances, with a view of reducing the high price of provisions:—

"To have fish at table as often as possible.

"To sit down with a determined resolution to eat only of one kind of butcher's meat; and, where circumstances will admit, to have only one dish of meat at table.

"To forbid the use of pastry in your own house, and to decline the use of it at any other table.

"To be particularly economical in the use of bread, and to cut, yourself, what you use at your own table; making your servants sensible that you give such directions from a regard to the comforts of the poor, and not from any penurious views. It appears, indeed, to be of the utmost consequence to make servants in great, and even small families, sensible how much they may, under present circumstances, contribute to the relief, and comfort, of the poor, which every British heart must wish to do.

"Bakers ought to be prevented from selling bread of the same day's baking, as, on a fair calculation, four stale loaves are equal to five new ones."—(Times, July 16, 1795.)

"At a period when every species of grain has become both scarce, and dear, it is the duty of every individual to inform the public of any possible diminution in the consumption. It is with this view that we feel much satisfaction in announcing to all who keep horses for draught, that a saving of twenty-five per cent. in Oats, has been introduced into the stables of Thrale's Brewhouse, in the Borough, since the month of September last, which we are happy to learn has been adopted by several other principal manufacturers. Their plan is simply to roll all their oats between two iron cilinders, which they have attached to their steam engine. By this process, an increase is found of two bushels a sack. After being well rolled (which is usually done twice, or thrice, a week) the Oats are mixed with chaff of the best quality, and divided in the usual manner. This mode of rolling, is deemed equal to mastication. It is found, from experience, equally beneficial to old horses, whose teeth may be impaired, as well as young horses, who often return home very hungry, and are apt to swallow their oats without chewing them, by which means they are frequently observed to pass through them undigested."—(Times, July 16, 1795.)

"It is now almost the prevailing custom in every family of distinction, to have the loaf brought on the table, and each person to help himself. This example must have a considerable influence in reducing the consumption of this, as well as other, necessaries of life.

"The custom of wearing Hair-Powder is growing into very general disuse: and we shall not be surprised if we soon see it almost altogether abolished, during the present scarcity of grain.

"The recommendation of the Privy Council, to adopt the use of Household Bread, will be of little avail, unless their request is converted into an order, that no bread, above that standard, shall hereafter be baked: and every idea of expediency, and common policy, demands that some measure of this tendency should immediately be enforced."—(Times, July 17, 1795.)

"There is no economy more laudable at this moment, than that of lessening the consumption of bread, in private families. This has been practised with such success, by Mr. Parish, on Ludgate Hill, that he now consumes but four Brown loaves per week, in lieu of twelve, or thirteen, White ones, as formerly. This is a most notable example, and, we trust, will be imitated by many, though perhaps with somewhat less rigour. Mr. P.'s substitute for bread, are, principally, potatoes, and rice."—(Times, July 18, 1795.)

"In Sussex, the Gentry have adopted the most rational mode of diminishing the price of Corn. Instead of supplying the poor with bread, at a low price, which can only tend to increase the consumption, they give pickled pork, &c., to an equal amount, which, with the use of cabbage, beans, &c., may banish, without much suffering, the loaf, at least, from their dinner tables."—(Times, July 20, 1795.)

"After the humane example of the City, in leaving off their annual feasts, we are happy to find it is intended to be universally adopted by the surrounding parishes, and opulent families; particularly by some of the principal inhabitants of Whitechapel, who, at one of their Greenwich meetings, on Monday, wisely determined to eat venison, and white-bait, no longer than the season will produce them."—(Times, July 22, 1795.)

Some of the following set of moral rules might be followed with advantage at the present day:—

"THE WAY TO PEACE AND PLENTY.

Rules for the rich.

1. Abolish gravy soups, and second courses.

2. Buy no starch when wheat is dear.

3. Destroy all useless dogs.

4. Give no dog, or other animal, the smallest bit of bread or meat.

5. Save all your skim-milk carefully, and give it all to the poor, or sell it at a cheap rate.

6. Make broth, rice pudding, &c., for the poor, and teach them to make such things.

7. Go to church yourselves, and take care your servants go constantly.

8. Look into the management of your own families, and visit your poor neighbours.

9. Prefer those poor who keep steadily to their work, and go constantly to church, and give nothing to those who are idle, and riotous, or keep useless dogs.

10. Buy no weighing meat, or gravy beef: if the rich would buy only the prime pieces, the poor could get the others cheap.

Rules for the Poor.

1. Keep steadily to your work, and never change masters, if you can help it.

2. Go to no gin-shop, or alehouse: but lay out all your earnings in food, and cloaths, for yourself, and your family: and try to lay up a little for rent, and rainy days.

3. Avoid bad company.

4. Keep no dogs: for they rob your children, and your neighbours.

5. Go constantly to church, and carry your wives, and children, with you, and God will bless you.

6. Be civil to your superiors, and they will be kind to you.

7. Learn to make broth, milk pottage, rice-pudding, &c. One pound of meat, in broth, will go further than two pounds boiled, or roasted.

8. Be quiet, and contented, and never steal, or swear, or you will never thrive."—(Times, July 23, 1795.)

"Yesterday, the Stationers' Company had their annual dinner, at Stationers' Hall. Having determined, in consequence of the great scarcity of flour, to abolish the use of pies, they contented themselves with several haunches of venison, and a number of venison pasties, which consumed flour enough for 50 fruit pies. And in order to adopt the above resolution of no pies, the Court of Assistants had, previously, a snug dinner, consisting of all the delicacies of the season. Of public dinners, those of the Stationers Company rival every other. We have not yet heard of the Company having contributed anything to the relief of the poor."—(Times, Aug. 14, 1795.)

"One among the serious consequences of the dearness of provisions, is, that the price of board in schools, is considerably raised. There are few schools of repute, that have not raised their terms, at least five guineas a year."—(Times, Oct. 8, 1795.)

"The price of butter, in all parts of the country, has been, lately, most shamefully advanced, without any cause to justify the measure. The season has, hitherto, been favourable to grazing, and the war cannot extend its influence to our dairies. On the same principle, the late advance in the price of Milk, in the Metropolis, should be enquired into. London is supplied with Milk by about 30 cow-keepers, who may at pleasure either deprive the city of this necessary article, or extort what price they may think proper for it. Milk should be made subject to the regulations respecting bread, beer, &c., as, indeed, should every similar commodity."—(Times, Feb. 15, 1796.)

"In consequence of the public refraining to buy fresh butter, the price fell from 14-1/2d. to 9d. and 10d. per pound, in Sheffield Market, last week. And so it would be in London, if every family would consent to buy Cambridge butter, for a few days, or to allow only half the quantity of fresh to be taken in, which is usually consumed."—(Times, Mar. 2, 1796.)

"The Beef Trade, though it declined a market day, or two, in the heat of the weather, is nearly up again to its enormous Spring prices: a good bullock being now worth 4s. 6d. per stone. Veal, Mutton, and Lamb, are getting down, but Pork still fetches 10s. a score. Lean stock, of every kind, is excessively dear, and difficult to be obtained, on any terms, that of the sheep kind, in particular."—(Times, Sep. 5, 1796.)

"The great importance of the Distilleries, in the article of fatted hogs, may be judged of, in some degree, by the number turned out of the distilleries, in Surrey alone, which are estimated at 11,700 a year, valued at £46,215, besides the great number fed in the starch yards. It is said, that all the distilleries in the Kingdom, when in full work, send to market, weekly, near 30,000 hogs: during the last year, they were at a total stand, and the price of bacon has been enormous."—(Times, Oct. 26, 1796.)

Some of the great ones of the land set a good example of economy to their poorer brethren—the King among the number.

"The Margrave of Anspach sets a princely example of economy to his betters: his table is furnished by contract, and the daily expence exceeds not half-a-guinea per head. Of course, the purveyor takes the needful care of broken victuals: whilst Sir Harry, and the Duke's servant, fare equally alike in that larder, where Miss Kitty or Mrs. Cook have nought to give, but bread and cheese, and kisses."—(Times, June 22, 1795.)

"His Majesty has given orders for the bread used in his household, to be made of meal, and rye, mixed. No other sort is permitted to be baked, and the Royal Family eat bread of the same quality as their servants do. It is extremely sweet, and palatable.

"One half flour, and half potatoes, also make a very excellent bread."—(Times, July 22, 1795.)

"The writer of this paragraph has seen the bread that is eaten at His Majesty's table. It consists of two sorts only, the one composed of wheaten flour, and rye, mixed; the other is half wheaten flour, half potatoe flour. If ever example deserved imitation, it is surely this."—(Times, July 30, 1795.)

The Court of Aldermen had the power of apportioning the price of bread according to the price of wheat—thus affording the baker a fair profit, and protecting the consumer.

"Yesterday, a Court of Aldermen was held at Guildhall, which came to a resolution to raise the price of bread to a Shilling the Quartern Loaf."—(Times, July 8, 1795.)

"The price of Flour having risen 4s. per sack, the Court of Common Council ordered the assize of bread to one shilling and a halfpenny per quartern loaf."—(Times, July 23, 1795.)

"Tuesday, a Court of Aldermen was held at Guildhall. The Court ordered the price of bread to remain at 1s. 3d. the quartern loaf.

"The Court having considered the petition of the Retail Dealers in Salt, for an advance, were pleased to order the price of salt to be fixed as follows, viz., 8s. per bushel, 4s. per half ditto, 2s. per peck, 1s. per half ditto, 6d. per quarter ditto, 3d. per half-quarter peck, 2d. per pound, 1d. per half ditto."—(Times, March 10, 1796.)

"Assize of Bread.

"The regulation of the Assize of Bread being generally misunderstood, the following tables, extracted from the Act of Parliament of the 31st Geo. II. will at once shew, by what authority, the Magistrates regulate the Price of Bread, with the allowance to Bakers of 1s. 6d. per bushel for wheat, and 10s. per sack for flour: a reference to which tables, will enable every person to ascertain the price of the quartern, and peck, loaf, as well as the Magistrates themselves: and will prove that the letter of the law, and not the will of the Magistrates, regulates that necessary article. At the same time, the public will be convinced, that the average price of flour is more in favour of the consumer, than that of wheat. For example—the average price of wheat, this day, is 9s. per bushel. The allowance to the baker, is 1s. 6d. The quartern loaf would then be 1s.—whereas, the average price of flour being 63s. and 4d., the Magistrates are enabled to make the Assize of Bread 11d. instead of 1s.

WHEAT.
When the Average Price of Wheat is per Bushel.Allowance to the Baker.Total Price, including the AllowanceQuartern LoafPeck Loaf
7/1/68/6/9¾3/3
7/3"8/9/103/4
7/6"9//10¼3/5
7/9"9/3/10½3/6
8/"9/6/10¾3/7¼
8/3"9/9/113/8
8/6"10//11½3/10
9/"10/61/4/
FLOUR.
When the Average Price of Flour is per Sack.Allowance to the Baker.Total Price.Quartern LoafPeck Loaf
50/10/ per sack60//93/
51/8"61/8/9¼3/1
53/4"63/4/9½3/2
55/"65//9¾3/3
56/8"66/8/103/4
58/4"68/4/10¼3/5
60/"70//10½3/6
61/8"71/8/10¾3/7

—(Times, July 1, 1796.)

The Aldermen also had the power of visiting the bakers' shops within their Wards, of fining dishonest bakers, and distributing their bread, gratis, to the poor,—a summary, and most effectual, way of dealing with the rogues.

"Wednesday, a cheap Baker in Bishopsgate-Ward was fined, by the Lord Mayor, 5s. per ounce, on 16 ounces short weight, in seven quartern, and nine penny loaves, taken by the inquest of that Ward from out of his shop."—(Times, March 29, 1793.)

"Saturday Mr. Justice Russell, and the Peace Officers of Greenwich, went to all the bakers, and weighed their bread, to find out if the poor, and other inhabitants, had their due weight: when many loaves, found deficient in weight, were immediately given away at the doors of the bakers to those poor persons who were not under any relief from the parish."—(Times, Jan. 12, 1795.)

"Monday, in consequence of an information, Mr. Justice Addington, attended by several officers, went to a Baker's shop, in Holborn, where they found 70 loaves, short of the standard weight, 181 ounces. The Magistrate fixed the penalty of 5s. per ounce, which amounted to £45, 5s., but which was mitigated to £40. The Magistrate, and officers, then went to a Baker's in Little Turnstile, and found 54 loaves short of the standard, 142 ounces, amounting at 5s. an ounce to £36, but which was mitigated to £30. The loaves were distributed to the poor in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden."—(Times, July 8, 1795.)

"A Baker was convicted, yesterday, at the Public Office, Whitechapel, of making Bread, to the amount of 307 ounces, deficient in weight, and fined in the penalty of £64, 7s."—(Times, Aug. 27, 1796.)

"A Baker was, yesterday, convicted in the penalty of £106, 5s. on 420 ounces of bread, deficient in weight."—(Times, Aug. 30, 1796.)

"On Thursday a great deal of bread was brought before Alderman Cadell, by the Inquest of one of the City Wards, being under the regular standard of weight. The Alderman ordered the loaves to be all weighed before him, and desired the Bakers who were present, to attend to the weights.

"The Bakers expressed their sorrow for it, and said it was an accident occasioned by the carelessness of their Journeymen, in suffering it to be an hour too long in the oven. They not bringing the men forward, to substantiate the defence, the Alderman told them he should fine them the full penalty, of five shillings an ounce, for all deficient; which came to above twenty pounds, besides the forfeiture of the bread. Mr. Kirby, the Keeper of Newgate, being present, solicited part of it, for his prisoners. Some of the Inquest likewise solicited the bread, for the poor of their ward: but the Alderman told them that half of the penalty came to them, which would compensate for the bread."—(Times, Nov. 30, 1799.)

"Forestalling" and "Regrating" were heinous sins.—They consisted in buying any thing on its way to market, before it had been exposed for public sale—and in purchasing at any market at one price, and selling it again at a higher.

"In consequence of the serious enquiry making into the infamous practices of the salesmen, in Smithfield market, and the conviction of a leading man among them, for regrating, mutton, and lamb, fell 1-1/2d. per pound, in Friday, and yesterday's, market. If the Magistrates would but exert themselves, to put in force the laws against monopolizers, and forestallers, provisions would soon be at a moderate price, as we are convinced there is no real scarcity: and are of opinion that the farmers and graziers, who are now holding back their corn, and cattle, will experience the fate of those, who, in the hard weather, refused to sell their potatoes under 2-1/2d. per lb., and now cannot get 1/2d. per lb., but have the well deserved prospect of being obliged to give them to the hogs, for want of a consumption."—(Times, May 26, 1795.)

"HIGH PRICE OF MEAT. This alarming circumstance is not owing to any real scarcity of oxen, sheep, or hogs, but, partly, to a combination among the carcass-butchers in the wholesale markets, and the salesmen in Smithfield, who fix the prices, and who regulate what quantity of cattle shall come to town: and, partly, to a very shameful practice among the retail butchers, especially where a contract is made to supply a family at so much per pound for the year. When the butcher has made his contract at 5d., 5-1/2d., or 6d., he can make a very great profit, although, as is now the case, he can purchase a carcass at 7-1/2d. in the wholesale markets: and the mode by which he does this, is in defrauding his customers of the due weight, to which the person, who attends to see the meat weighed, too often connives at, for a Christmas present, or an Easter gift. The weight, no doubt is in the scale, at the time of weighing: but when the meat is put by, in order to be sent home, a considerable part is purloined: and it is a well known fact, that, in these large lots, the same leg of beef(?) has been weighed to, perhaps, ten or twelve families, in the same day, and not sent to any of them. The leg is considered as the most convenient for this theft, because it is so large, and is, when weighed with the lot, hung on the end of the beam of the scales, from whence it is taken down, and thrown, not where it ought, with the meat, but to another part of the shop. If this was not the case, how is it possible that a butcher can make a livelihood, when he buys 2d. per pound dearer than he sells? The fact speaks for itself. The mode which all families should adopt, is to weigh their meat when it is sent home."—(Times, July 3, 1795.)

"A few days ago, 11 acres of growing wheat, belonging to the Duke of Hamilton, in Scotland, were sold at £20 per acre. This species of forestalling, we fear, is now too generally attempted, which is evidently most injurious to the community, viz., 'to buy corn growing in the fields.' This practice, surely, has a direct, and apparent, tendency to enhance the present price of corn: also, that of 'selling corn in the sheaf.' We think it expedient, however, to notify, that both these practices are deemed highly criminal by the 'common law of England,' and for which the offenders may be indicted, and punished, as they deserve, with great severity, viz., by fines, pillory, and imprisonment. See Inst. 197: also Hawk c. 30."—(Times, Aug. 19, 1795.)

"The contrivances to keep up the price of wheat, having been discovered, and defeated, we hope the attention of the worthy Chief Magistrate will now be directed towards some plan for the relief of the Metropolis, against the extortion of the Graziers, and Salesmen, in Smithfield Market. The prices of the latter, on Monday, were higher than almost ever remembered, and mutton is now sold at 7-1/2d. per lb. What real cause there is for such extravagant prices, after such a mild winter, is a matter we are at a loss to account for."—(Times, April 13, 1796.)

"An action for regrating, in Smithfield Market, is now pending in the Court of Common Pleas: against one of the five brothers, who have so long supported themselves, and their families, by jobbing in Cattle at that Market. A Carcass Butcher, in Whitechapel, is also in dread of a similar action, the penalties on which will be very heavy, as it is for purchasing near 70 oxen, on a Friday, driving them to his farm, near Clapton, and bringing them to Smithfield, for sale, on the following Monday."—(Times, Nov. 29, 1796.)

Before this time of Scarcity, however, the good folks did not deny themselves luxuries of the table, nor, seemingly, care what they paid for them.

"The first green peas which have been produced this season, were sold, on Monday, in Covent Garden market, at twelve shillings per pottle."—(Times, April 17, 1793.)

"As a proof of the forwardness of the season, green peas have already made their appearance in Covent Garden market, where they are retailed to the curious in vegetables at the moderate price of two guineas a quart."—(Times, March 1, 1794.)

"The Fishmongers Company are such jolly soles, as to have annually nine quarts of peas at a guinea a quart."—(Times, May 16, 1794.)

"Lemons have attained a price never before arrived at in London, namely, ninepence each; buying them wholesale, the price is at the rate of from 6d. to 8d. each. About 400,000 were imported during the week from St. Ubes, and as a large supply is daily expected, the prices must of course fall."—(Times, Jany. 2, 1797.)

"The arrival of the Lisbon fleet, will make Lemons once more plenty. They were sold, a week ago, at the enormous price of 1s. a piece."—(Times, July 16, 1799.)

It may be interesting to some to learn when Sea Kale first came into use.

Advt.—"SEA-KALE, a new Culinary Vegetable——Mr. Curtis respectfully informs the Nobility and Gentry, that the small quantity of Sea-Kale fit for the table, which he has to dispose of this season, will by his appointment, be sold by Messrs. Dickson and Anderson, Seedsmen, Covent Garden Market, to whom he will continue to send it daily, fresh cut, for the short period it may last. Printed directions for dressing it, are tied up with each bundle."—(Times, April 30, 1795.)

In the subjoined advertisement we learn the prices, and qualities, of various Wines, and the list gives us all the information required to find out the different sorts of wine then drank.

"At Priddy's Foreign Warehouse, and Vaults, No. 14 Poland St., a large quantity of the following Wines, &c., which being, himself, the Importer of, can warrant genuine, at the following prices, viz., at per Dozen:—

Ten years old Sherry25/
Red Port, vintage 178820/
Old Lisbon20/
Calcavella22/
Fine Hock30/
Vin de Grave26/
Madeira36/
Claret36/
Ditto, first growth42/
Burgundy60/
Red Champagne 70/
White "70/
Hermitage42/
Frontigniac36/

"Rich Aliatico, and Montepulciano, Florence Wines, real Cogniac Brandy, Jamaica Rum, Rotterdam Geneva, and Orange Shrub, on the very lowest terms."—(Times, April 16, 1793.)

Coals, though, of course, not an article of Food, were undoubtedly of use in cooking it: and may therefore be mentioned here. Our Grandfathers paid very dearly for them: but it must be remembered there was no land carriage, and a continued contrary wind, or a "hot press," would leave the London Market bare. The magnificent basins of Inland Coals were scarcely known, and only those like the Moira Collieries, near to a Canal, could be worked. They were sold to the consumer at per Chaldron of 2800 lbs., and the prices below quoted represent them ex-ship. Add to this the cost of delivery and profit 12s., and take the Sovereign as being worth 30s., and it will much account for the small stoves then in vogue.

"The price of Coals in the Pool, yesterday, were:—Best 43s. Inferior sorts from 36s. to 38s. Delivered to housekeepers 49s. to 44s. The price rose considerably yesterday from a report that several colliers had been captured."—(Times, Feby. 12, 1793.)

"COAL EXCHANGE.

"On Monday the price was 70s. per Chaldron all sorts.

On Wednesday, the price was 60s. and some sorts lower.

On Yesterday, the price was 50s. to 45s. per Chaldron.

We are happy at giving such an agreeable account to our readers."—(Times, March 7, 1794.)

"The prices of Coals still continue very high, notwithstanding above 100 ships have, this week, arrived at market, which are nearly all sold from 38s. to 44s. per Chaldron: so that the best sorts cannot be fairly delivered under 50s. per Chaldron. The number of ships taken out of the trade, into the transport, and other services, is the cause of the present high price, as the demand is greater than the supply."—(Times, Oct. 4, 1794.)

"Many complaints have been made of the high price of coals, and it is supposed to arise from a combination, but we are well assured no such cause exists. The long frost having stopped the navigation of the Thames, what coals remained in the lighters, and barges, were nearly exhausted at the wharfs, and naturally, every man possessed of a commodity, looks to extraordinary profits on unusual events, which has, we understand, occasioned six, and seven, guineas to be given for a chaldron of coals, within a few days past, but, had the frost continued, coals would have been considerably cheaper, than at present, as the ice admitted the coals being worked over it. There are, at present, near 50 sail of colliers in the river, not unladen, which contain about 10,000 chaldrons, for an immediate supply, (but not ten times that quantity, as erroneously stated in most of the papers) and, before they can be consumed, we may expect a fresh fleet at Market."—(Times, Jany. 30, 1795.)

"Yesterday, there was only one ship of coals, at Market, which sold at three guineas and a half per chaldron. About 30 sail more were at sea, and forced into the Humber."—(Times, Feby. 24, 1795.)

"Coals were on Friday (12th April) sold in the Pool at five guineas per Chaldron. There was only one ship-load at market."—(Times, April 15, 1799.)