128 ON THE STATE OF IRELAND. [BOOK II. 



The Commissioners made inquiries respecting 

 the clothing of the labouring classes. 



A man without any family is able to provide himself 

 with clothes, but one who has a wife and children is obliged 

 to go without. 



The following is the cost of a man's clothing, as stated 

 to the Commissioners : 



s. d. 



A hat 030 



A coat of the coarsest cloth . 16 11 

 Three waistcoats . . . 050 

 Two pairs of trowsers . . 0148 

 Three pairs of shoes . . 0180 

 Six pairs of stockings . . 060 

 Six shirts 12 



Cost for three years . 3 15 7 



The witnesses say that, since the peace, the custom of 

 wearing shoes and stockings has diminished. 



The cost of a woman's clothing is as follows : 



5. d. 



One cloak . . . . 096 

 One gown . . . . 060 

 One petticoat. . . . 028 

 Three shifts . . . . 039 

 Six caps . . . . 030 

 Three aprons . . . . 030 

 Two handkerchiefs . 030 



Cost for three years . 1 10 11. 

 The cost of shoes for the women is not included, as 



