CHAP. XXVI. 



SILVER. 299 



than that of leaf gold, but considering the greater 

 weight of each leaf of the same size, perhaps the 

 consumption of one metal in this particular way 

 may be nearly equal to the other. There is an- 

 other application of silver by an inferior, but nu- 

 merous class of artisans, denominated washing with 

 silver, but it has been found difficult to obtain any 

 clue to this branch of the trade by which even a 

 conjecture could be formed of its extent. 



Taking the opinion of experienced dealers, and 

 considering the observations here stated, we should 

 not be disposed to estimate the quantity of silver 

 annually used in the several ways noticed in the 

 preceding paragraph at less than five hundred 

 thousand ounces. 



Our estimate then of the annual quantity of 

 silver applied in the British kingdoms to other 

 purposes than that of coin appears thus : 



Ounces. 



That paying the duty . 1,275,316 



That used in watch cases . 506,740 



That used in plating . 900,000 



That for other minor purposes 500,000 



3,282,046 

 At five shillings per ounce . 820,521 



If to this be added the quantity of gold as before 

 detailed at one million six hundred and thirty-six 

 thousand seven hundred pounds, we may consider 

 the two metals as demanding two million four 



