LATHS. 



for 1698 and 1699 at 2os. and i8j. ^d. respectively, but I 

 have little doubt that my surmise is correct. During the 

 last twenty years there are only a few entries, and these are 

 almost all from the chalk district. 



I conclude therefore that, taking the average of the whole 

 period, lime could be generally obtained, by purchasers in 

 a fairly favourable position, at 4^. *]d. a quarter, and 14^. iod. 

 a load, or, adopting the correction of the last decade by the 

 interpretation of the London prices, at i$s. id. the load ; that 

 there was a considerable advantage in dealing by the larger 

 measure, and that therefore such a purchase was made, when 

 the consumption was considerable enough to suggest it, or 

 the opportunity was convenient. Lime was not only em- 

 ployed in building, but in repairing ceilings and plastering 

 walls, and in whitewashing. In 1630 lime is Ss. the hundred 

 in London, in 1677, 9^. ^d. and 8j., in 1686, qs. and in 1687, Ss. 



LATHS. This housebuilding material is still purchased, 

 though more rarely towards the end of the period. Till 

 within five years of the Restoration entries are found almost 

 regularly. After this time they are infrequent, though they 

 are occasionally purchased in considerable quantity. 



Laths are commonly sold by the hundred, but in Cambridge 

 and elsewhere by the bunch or bundle. Sometimes the bunch 

 or bundle and the hundred are plainly identical ; occasionally, 

 owing to the price, the identity, especially at Cambridge, is 

 suspicious. But all kinds of wood available for lath-rending 

 are dear at Cambridge. Sometimes, again, the bunch or bundle 

 must have been a small quantity, or a very inferior produce, 

 and sold at such a price as could not be included without 

 confusion in the averages. Such for example are a few entries 

 from Worksop in 1595 and 1599. By the assises, laths legally 

 were five feet long, two inches broad, and half an inch 

 thick. 



Laths arc described as hart and sap, the former used for 

 out-door plastering, the other strong enough for inner walls 

 and ceilings. Both were generally made of oak. I have only 



