Forest of Rossendale. 1 1 9 



It would have satisfied curiosity had the nature of Mr. Heap's 

 loss been stated. 



The next item is curious : — 

 1718. 



Instructions for taking up Idle persons, . . . . . . £o a t 



Recusants, or suspected persons — strangers probably — who could 

 not render a good account of themselves. 



1721. 

 Itm. for maintaining the Watch in this County, . . . . ;fo 7 8 



Itm. paid to two Souldrs their wife and three children, . . 007 



We are forcibly reminded by this entry that the days of clover 

 for the poor soldier had passed away. The rebellion was completely 

 stamped out ; his services were no longer required — he must there- 

 fore go to the wall. But this was surely economising to a degree. 

 A miserable pittance among so many ; barely enough to prevent 

 their famishing before getting beyond the confines of the Forest. 



1722. 



For Watch to prevent Infected Ships Landing, .. .. ^04 1 8 



During the years 1720 — 2, France was visited by a horrible 

 pestilence or plague of the most infectious and deadly character. 

 In the commercial city of Marseilles alone, about sixty thousand 

 persons died of this scourge. The above entry has reference to the 

 precautions which were taken hy the authorities of Lancashire to 

 prevent its reaching these shores. 



1723. 

 For Instructions of Land Tax. for Papists' Sess and Warrant, ;f n 2 o 



1724. 

 Pd. to poor travellers, .. .. .. .. .. .. 066 



It. to two disbanded Soldiers, . . . . . . . . . . 010 



1727. 

 Spent at proclaiming George II., .. .. .. .. 102 



1729. 

 Spent in relieving Laurence Lord, of Baccop, . . . . 010 



