صفحة 415 من 2651

In March 1764, there was a parliamentary inquiry into the causes

of the high price of provisions at that time. It was then, among

other proof to the same purpose, given in evidence by a Virginia

merchant, that in March 1763, he had victualled his ships for

twentyfour or twenty-five shillings the hundred weight of beef,

which he considered as the ordinary price; whereas, in that dear

year, he had paid twenty-seven shillings for the same weight and

sort. This high price in 1764 is, however, four shillings and

eight-pence cheaper than the ordinary price paid by Prince Henry;

and it is the best beef only, it must be observed, which is fit

to be salted for those distant voyages.

The price paid by Prince Henry amounts to 3d. ⅘ths per pound

weight of the whole carcase, coarse and choice pieces taken

together; and at that rate the choice pieces could not have been

sold by retail for less than 4½d. or 5d. the pound.