ON FAMINES. 133 



spirits could with equal facility be made of sugar ; sugar 

 again might be made from other cheaper materials than 

 grain, and by this substitution alone, a large quantity of 

 grain would be available for food. 



(519.) In the year 1845 scarcity existed throughout all 

 Europe from a deficiency in the potatoe crop ; and this 

 year an even more alarming failure threatens these realms ; 

 so much so, that public prayers have been ordered in all 

 the English churches and Jewish synagogues for its 

 abatement. 



(520.) In the present year, 1846, from one-half to two- 

 thirds of our potatoes are destroyed, our grain is short, 

 perhaps from the same cause our vegetables are injured, 

 our cattle and sheep are scarce. The present year may 

 be considered one of great scarcity, and to Ireland even 

 one of absolute famine, for there scarce one potatoe exists. 

 In Devonshire the crop of potatoes is so bad, that in some 

 places three men only raised 160 Ib. in a day. In this 

 county potatoes are now selling at \l. Is. a bag, whilst the 

 usual price is 2s. 6d. In Wiltshire, I am informed, that 

 land which yielded 500 bushels last year, yielded only 50 

 this ; and in Yorkshire the crop is sadly deficient. In 

 Scotland, I am told, that good potatoes are worth 10Z. a 

 ton ; and in London, where the usual price is 5/. or 61. a 

 ton, the present value is 10/. or 12Z. 



(521.) In estimating the present famine, we must not 

 be unmindful that we are at peace with all the world, our 

 commerce unshackled to procure food from distant climates. 

 This equalization of food has prevented want ; but, doubt- 

 less, had it been otherwise, this would have been one of the 

 most dreadful famines in particular localities that the world 

 ever saw. 



