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._)
[Illustration: A pretty Bar-maid.]
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 | | Total Price, | | |
| Average Price | Allowance to | including the | Quartern | Peck Loaf |
| of Wheat is | the Baker. | Allowance | Loaf | |
| per Bushel. | | | | |
+---------------+---------------+---------------+-----------+-----------+
| 7/ | 1/6 | 8/6 | /9-3/4 | 3/3 |
| 7/3 | " | 8/9 | /10 | 3/4 |
| 7/6 | " | 9/ | /10-1/4 | 3/5 |
| 7/9 | " | 9/3 | /10-1/2 | 3/6 |
| 8/ | " | 9/6 | /10-3/4 | 3/7-1/4 |
| 8/3 | " | 9/9 | /11 | 3/8 |
| 8/6 | " | 10/ | /11-1/2 | 3/10 |
| 9/ | " | 10/6 | 1/ | 4/ |
+---------------+---------------+---------------+-----------+-----------+
FLOUR.
+---------------+---------------+--------------+-----------+-----------+
| When the | | | | |
| Average Price | Allowance to | Total Price. | Quartern | Peck Loaf |
| of Flour is | the Baker. | | Loaf | |
| per Sack. | | | | |
+---------------+---------------+--------------+-----------+-----------+
| 50/ | 10/ per sack | 60/ | /9 | 3/ |
| 51/8 | " | 61/8 | /9-1/4 | 3/1 |
| 53/4 | " | 63/4 | /9-1/2 | 3/2 |
| 55/ | " | 65/ | /9-3/4 | 3/3 |
| 56/8 | " | 66/8 | /10 | 3/4 |
| 58/4 | " | 68/4 | /10-1/4 | 3/5 |
| 60/ | " | 70/ | /10-1/2 | 3/6 |
| 61/8 | " | 71/8 | /10-3/4 | 3/7 |
+---------------+---------------+--------------+-----------+-----------+
--(_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 Sherry 25/
Red Port, vintage 1788 20/
Old Lisbon 20/
Calcavella 22/
Fine Hock 30/
Vin de Grave 26/
Madeira 36/
Claret 36/
Ditto, first growth 42/
Burgundy 60/
Red Champagne 70/
White " 70/
Hermitage 42/
Frontigniac 36/
"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._)