One of the earliest accounts of the market supplies in Boston is that
written by a French refugee in 1687,--almost two hundred years ago. He
says,--
"An ox costs from twelve to fifteen crowns; a Cow, eight to ten;
Horses, from ten to fifty Crowns, and in Plenty. There are even wild
ones in the Woods, which are yours if you can catch them. Foals are
sometimes caught. Beef costs Two pence the Pound; Mutton, Two pence;
Pork, from two to three pence, according to the Season; Flour,
Fourteen shillings the one hundred and twelve Pound, all bolted; Fish
is very cheap, and Vegetables also; Cabbage, Turnips, Onions, and
Carrots abound here. Moreover, there are quantities of Nuts,
Chestnuts, and Hazelnuts wild. These nuts are small, but of wonderful
flavor. I have been told that there are other Sorts, which we shall
see in the Season. I am assured that the Woods are full of
Strawberries in the Season. I have seen Quantities of wild Grapevine,
and eaten Grapes of very good Flavor, kept by one of my friends. There
is no Doubt that the Vine will do well; there is some little planted
in the country which has grown. The Rivers are full of Fish, and we
have so great a Quantity of Sea and River Fish that no Account is made
of them."
It is pretty certain that these things have been so ever since.