"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.