CHAP. X.] EXPENCES OF HOUSE-KEEPING. 337 



rel ; that is, about fourteen English pence a 

 gallon. Brew yourself, in the country, and it 

 is about seven English pence a gallon ; that is to 

 say, less than two pence a quart. No Borough- 

 mongers' tax on malt, hops, or beer ! Portugal 

 wine is about half the price that it is in Eng 

 land. French wine a sixth part of the English 

 price. Brandy and Rum about the same in 

 proportion ; and the common spirits of the 

 country are about three shillings and sixpence 

 (English) a gallon. Come on, then, if you love 

 toping; for here you may drink yourselves 

 blind at the price of sixpence./^ 



336. WEARING APPAREL comes chiefly from 

 England, and all the materials of dress are as 

 cheap as they are there ; for, though there is a 

 duty laid on the importation, the absence of 

 taxes, and the cheap food and drink, enable the 

 retailer to sell as low here as there. Shoes are 

 cheaper than in England ; for, though shoe 

 makers are well paid for their labour, there is 

 no Borough-villain to tax the leather. All the 

 India and French goods are at half the English 

 price. Here no ruffian can seize you by the 

 throat arid tear off your suspected handkerchief. 

 Here SJGNOR WAITHMAN, or any body in that 

 line, might have sold French gloves and shawls 

 without being tempted to quit the field of poli 

 tics as a compromise with the government ; and 



2 B2 



