468 ON THE PRICE OF FOREIGN PRODUCE. 



Spanish in the same place. In 1689, tobacco in London, 

 certainly colonial, is at 2s. 6d. ; as also in 1691. In 1692 it is 

 bought at Henley-on-Thames at various prices, 9^ pounds at 

 zs., one pound at 2s. 4d., three pounds at 2s. 6d. In December 

 and May the best Virginia is at 2s., while best tobacco is at 

 is. 85^., considerable quantities being purchased. In 1702 

 fifty-six pounds of tobacco are bought, the origin not designated, 

 at is. 6d., but certainly colonial. 



Now before 1685 the duty or custom on Spanish was 6d. a 

 pound ; on plantation, a penny. In 1685 the former was raised 

 to is.) the latter to 4^., according to Mr. Dowel. It would 

 seem, therefore, that in later times the fashion of using 

 Spanish had passed away, for had it still remained popular, 

 the duty of a shilling could hardly have stopped its con- 

 sumption. Besides, we know that the importation of colonial 

 tobacco was increasing so rapidly, that the protection and 

 support of this produce from the plantations materially modi- 

 fied or influenced the financial projects of the government, and 

 that the policy which was carried out caused considerable 

 discontent. 



The average of eleven entries of Spanish tobacco, omitting 

 that of 1670, and treating the high-priced kinds, though 

 unnamed, as Spanish, is 9^. 3 \d. An average of ten entries of 

 tobacco, which is plainly colonial, is is. 2\d., the earliest entry 

 of this character being in 1670. 



To evade the great and exorbitant duty levied by James 

 the planting of tobacco was introduced into England. It was 

 at once prohibited, first by proclamation, then by Act of 

 parliament. We are told that the English produce was very 

 inferior. It is certain that the Act was evaded, and that 

 during the Civil War, and probably long afterwards, tobacco 

 was planted in England. The quantity consumed, if one can 

 judge from the pipes which are frequently found, was small. 

 According to Mr. Dowel, the revenue from tobacco in 1623 

 was 8.380 ; in 1635, 10,000. If the duty was enforced on 

 all consumption, and the tax of James continued, the quantity 



