"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.