54. 



BRITISH WOOL TRADE. 



the trade in woollens was properly set a-foot in Enj^- 

 land, during the long and happy reign of Elizabeth, the 

 interest of money was pretty much the same in both 

 countries ; but the Dutch were engaged in a hazardous 

 and bloody war, and in establishing their Common- 

 wealth, and East India trade ; and, therefore, had not 

 much time to think of improving any manufacture. 

 Owing to these circumstances, we came into possession 

 of all the principal marts for woollens, both in Asia and 

 Europe, and retained them till the beginning of the war 

 with France and Spain ; we then prohibited trade with 

 both these countries. 



About the year 1720, our exportations to Sweden, of 

 cloth, stuffs, and other woollen manufactures, amounted 

 to £50,000. The Swedes, however, though situated in 

 a severe climate, tried experiments with English sheep, 

 and with so great success, that, in 17G3, they could 

 boast of wool little inferior to that of England. They 

 then erected manufactories, and we were compelled to 

 relinquish a market, which we had long held to our 

 profit and advantage. 



(36.) Regulations from \7iO to 1742.— In the 12th 

 year of King George II. it was enacted by a statute 

 (cap. 21), *'That whereas the taking off the duties 

 upon woollen or bay yarn imported from Ireland, may 

 be a means to prevent the exportation of wool, and of 

 woollen manufactures, from Ireland to foreign parts, 

 and may also be of use to the manufacturers of Great 

 Britain, that from the first of May, 1740, the same 

 shall be no longer payable; excepting only the duties 

 upon worsted yarn of two or more threads twisted or 

 thrown, or on crewel imported from Ireland. At thin 



